How to Visit Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole in One Day (Itinerary)

Grand Teton National Park is about an hour south of Yellowstone and just North of Jackson Hole. Most people go to Yellowstone and disregard Grand Teton altogether. That is a big mistake. Grand Teton and Jackson Hole were absolutely incredible. If you’re running short on time, this guide is perfect for you. You’ll see exactly how we were able to take in the beauty of Grand Teton and the rustic community of Jackson Hole in one day.

We’ll explore everything you need to know to make the most of your visit. From where to stay, places you need to see, the best hiking trails and tips for an unforgettable experience.

Where to stay

Unlike Yellowstone, there aren’t near as many places to stay inside the park, so you’re most likely going to have to stay in a nearby town outside the park. Unless you book early and choose to spend a little more for the lavish experience to stay at the lodges inside the park.

We visited the Grand Tetons on the same trip as Yellowstone. We stayed in an Airbnb in Idaho Falls after we toured all of Yellowstone.

Idaho Falls is an option if you’re looking to stay somewhere to save some money, as long as you’re ok with the long drive into the park.

The main place people stay when visiting the Grand Tetons and a place I wish we had spent more time at is Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole in One Day

Things to do in Jackson Hole in one day

Located just outside the park, Jackson Hole serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the Grand Tetons. Here, you’ll find an array of accommodations from nice hotels, cabins, resorts, airbnbs and more.
Explore the vibrant downtown area, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
- When we were in Jackson Hole we saw a free Jon Pardi concert in the town square. It was awesome to be around all the locals, drinking beer, wearing cowboy hats and boots etc and just vibing with the music and the locals.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the famous Jackson Hole Rodeo, a thrilling spectacle of cowboy culture and tradition.
- Definitely recommend staying overnight, it’s a small town but there is a lot to do and it’s just a great experience. Especially if you’re someone from the suburbs or a larger city, life out in Jackson Hole is so different it’s like a new country almost.
Go horseback riding!
- Something that is on a lot of people’s bucket list. Check out the link here to book!
They have zip line courses in the summer on the large ski hill directly overlooking the town, and if you’re going in the winter to go skiing there, prepare to be amazed, but also prepare to wait cause it’s a HUGE spot for people to visit to go on a ski trip.
If you’re into snowmobiling, rent a snowmobile for the day with a professional guide to take you around Jackson Hole and in the Grand Tetons.

Check out my other article for a more in depth look on things to do in Jackson Hole with kids

Lodges within the Park:

For an immersive experience amidst nature, consider staying at one of the lodges nestled within the boundaries of the Grand Tetons.
Signal Mountain Lodge offers rustic cabins and rooms with stunning views of Jackson Lake, along with convenient access to hiking trails and water activities. While we didn’t stay at this particular lodge we did stop in here for a bite to eat at the “Deadman’s Bar.”
You can also stay at Jenny Lake Lodge where they provide a more luxurious retreat, with historic cabins and gourmet dining options. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway and if you wish to stay in a place that is much more central to the inside of the park so the driving distances wouldn’t be near as long. Of course you are going to pay a pretty penny for those lodges but it’s definitely a more exclusive experience.

Grand Tetons – Must-See Destinations

Jenny Lake:
- One of the most iconic destinations in the park is Jenny Lake.
- Get here EARLY! The parking lot fills up very quickly and many people parked on the road quite a distance away. We were lucky enough to catch a car pulling out of the lot as we were pulling in, but we had circled the lot for about 5-10 minutes before finding a spot.
- Take a scenic boat ride across the lake to access hiking trails leading to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This is another thing I wish we had done but simply did not have the time for. Access the boat as soon as you start walking on the main trail.
- Tour the accessible and paved Discovery Trail that loops around the whole lake. The entire loop trail Is about 7 miles. We ended up hiking the entire thing. Saw some amazing waterfalls and rapids, as well as some Moose walking through an open field. Note that this trail is pretty narrow with a lot of wet jutted rocks and branches so definitely have some good hiking shoes for this trail. If you’re worried about bears, don’t be. This trail is so populated that you will not come across any bears on this hike.
- Head up to Signal Mountain from here to grab a bite at the Deadman’s Bar. Drive up to Jackson’s Overlook to get a gorgeous overlook view of the Tetons and the surrounding towns.
- Looking for some shorter hikes to do at Jenny Lake? Check out my article on that here
- If you are planning to make this stop in the evening that may be a good option as well. It will most likely be cooler, crowds will have died down and you can catch the sunset across the lake.
Schwabacher Landing:
- Many photographers go to Schwabacher Landing for its stunning reflections of the Grand Tetons in the calm waters of the Snake River. Make a stop here for a short photo op
Oxbow Bend:
- Known for its sweeping views of the Snake River and the Teton Range, Oxbow Bend is a prime location for wildlife photography and birdwatching.
- Keep your eyes peeled for elk, bison, and grizzly bears that frequent the area, particularly during the dawn and dusk hours.
Cascade Canyon:
- Hiking enthusiasts will love Cascade Canyon, accessible via a boat shuttle across Jenny Lake or by hiking from the Jenny Lake Trailhead. You will pull into the same parking lot as Jenny Lake
- Hike through pine forests, past cascading waterfalls, and beneath towering cliffs as you make your way deeper into the canyon, with opportunities for wildlife sightings along the way.

There are many pull offs here as well for pictures and random trails that you can hike as well. The entire park is just really gorgeous especially in the middle of the day with the Sun reflecting off the Tetons. Take advantage of these pull offs and snap as many pictures as you can.

If you’re short on tie and not sure where to go, Jenny Lake should be your stop. Take in the lake and go for a hike. You can make it as long or short as you want, but Jenny Lake is a world-famous destination that is iconic of Grand Teton National Park.

Top Hikes to do in the Grand Tetons

Phelps Lake Hike:
- Distance: Approximately 7.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Pristine alpine lake, diverse wildlife, beautiful scenery
- Description: The Phelps Lake Hike begins at the Death Canyon Trailhead and winds its way through a picturesque forest, gradually descending towards the shores of Phelps Lake. Along the way, hikers are treated to glimpses of the Tetons towering in the distance and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as deer, moose, and eagles.
- Upon reaching the lake, take a moment to soak in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters and pristine surroundings. For the adventurous, consider extending your hike by exploring the nearby Phelps Lake Overlook or continuing on to the mouth of Death Canyon for even more stunning views.
Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point:
- Distance: Approximately 5 miles round trip (including boat ride)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Scenic boat ride, majestic waterfall, panoramic vistas
- Description: The journey to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point begins with a scenic boat ride across Jenny Lake, providing unparalleled views of the Tetons reflected in the pristine waters below.
  - Upon disembarking at the West Shore boat dock, follow the well-marked trail as it gently ascends through pine forests and rocky terrain. After a short hike, you’ll arrive at Hidden Falls, a magnificent waterfall cascading down a series of granite cliffs, offering a refreshing mist and a perfect photo opportunity.
  - From Hidden Falls, continue on to Inspiration Point, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Jenny Lake and the surrounding mountains. Take a moment to catch your breath and marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds you before retracing your steps back to the boat dock.
Jenny Lake Loop
- As mentioned earlier we have the famous Jenny Lake Loop that goes around about a quarter of the entire lake. Along the way you are walking along the lake, able to go off trails to see Moose Ponds and other overviews, eventually ending at some beautiful waterfalls and rapids.
- Distance: Approximately 7 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Spectacular lake views, hidden waterfalls, scenic vistas
- Description: The full loop can be completed in a few hours, ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation make it a popular destination for a full day’s adventure.

Trail Tips

Bring Plenty of Water: While the trail is relatively flat, the high altitude and sun exposure can lead to dehydration. Be sure to carry an ample supply of water to stay hydrated throughout your hike. If you’re like me who loves to hike but doesn’t have the best endurance then you will be sweating and wanting some water.
Wear Sturdy Footwear: The trail may be rocky and uneven in some sections, so wearing sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction is recommended for comfort and safety.
Pack Essentials: Don’t forget to pack essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and snacks such as nuts, PB&J’s, granola bars berries etc. Be prepared for changing weather conditions by bringing layers and rain gear. you will need bear spray for some of these hikes. Not the Jenny Lake one.
Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and refrain from feeding or approaching animals. Remember that you are a guest in their natural habitat and should observe them from a respectful distance.

Food

Signal Mountain Deadman’s Bar
- This is the place we stopped at for lunch. It’s your typical pub and bar food but it was delicious. We sat at the bar, there is outdoor seating with a nice view of the lake and mountains but unfortunately that seating was already full and so we sat at the bar. We had great service, great food and it was nice to recharge after the long hikes of the morning.
Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room:
- For a more upscale dining experience, Jenny Lake Lodge offers a fine dining restaurant known for its gourmet cuisine and elegant atmosphere. The menu showcases seasonal and regional ingredients, with options for multi-course dinners and wine pairings. Reservations are recommended for dinner service.
Colter Bay Village Restaurants:
- Colter Bay Village features several dining options, including the Colter Bay Restaurant and the Ranch House Restaurant. Both establishments offer casual dining experiences with a variety of menu options, from burgers and pizza to grilled specialties and hearty comfort food. Grab a table on the outdoor patio to enjoy views of the surrounding forest and mountains.

Conclusion + Tours

Grand Tetons National Park is beautiful and not to be overlooked.

If you are short on time like we were, I hope this guide can help you visit Grand Teton and Jackson Hole in the same day.

Want to take a tour? Take the Grand Teton Half-Day Tour Experienced guides lead the way, transportation included and they hit all the hot spots! No need to worry about parking, walking or hiking long-distances as well.

Looking for a more adventurous way to tour the park? How about a scenic rafting trip through Snake River? Click here for the link to the tour!