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Planning on spending 2 days in Grand Teton National Park? Keep reading for an epic itinerary!

Located in Jackson, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is easily one of the most scenic national parks in the United States. I’ve been to Grand Teton National Park over a half dozen times and this itinerary is designed to help you maximize your time and see the best of what the park has to offer.

Be aware, this itinerary is very hiking focused. However, there are other activities you can do in the park and around Jackson if you’re not a big hiker (although I highly recommend doing at least one of the easier hikes in this guide to get a taste for the Teton backcountry!).

It is important to recognize that present-day Grand Teton National Park is the ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Flathead, Gros Ventre, Nez Perce, along with other Indigenous groups.

Getting to Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located right outside of the town of Jackson, Wyoming. Getting to and from Jackson can be a trek depending on where you’re coming from. While this itinerary shares 2 full days in Grand Teton National Park, you’re going to want to plan additional time on your trip to get to and from the park.

Flying to Jackson

Jackson is home to the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), which might be one of the most picturesque airports in the country. Direct flights into JAC are limited to major cities, including Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), New York (LGA and EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), and San Francisco (SFO).

Driving to Jackson

Jackson is a popular road trip destination, but it can be challenging to get to thanks in part to how geographically isolated it is. It’s a reasonable one-day drive from cities like Denver (7 ½-8 hours), Salt Lake City (4 ½), and Boise (6 hours). 

Hot Tip: If you’re driving to Grand Teton National Park from the east (including from Denver), I recommend driving into the park through Dubois via U.S. 287-N. You’ll enter the park before getting to Jackson (if that’s where you choose to stay). It’s also a much more scenic drive in my opinion!

If you’re looking to create a longer national parks road trip, you can also add stops in Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park in Montana.

Fees to Visit Grand Teton National Park

Visiting Grand Teton National Park requires an entrance pass. A standard pass is $35/vehicle and $30/motorcycle. You can also use an America the Beautiful pass to enter Grand Teton National Park, which is $80/year and provides access to over 2,000 federal fee sites nationwide.

When to Visit Grand Teton National Park

The best time of year to visit Grand Teton National Park for the purposes of this itinerary is between late June-September. This is when trails are clear from snow, the weather is pleasant, and wildlife is out and about. The biggest downside to visiting during these peak summer months is that the park is going to be very crowded and you’ll likely run into traffic trying to get in and out of Jackson.

Fall is another great time to visit Grand Teton National Park. Temperatures are cooler and there are typically fewer crowds than during the summer (although it can still be pretty busy). If you time your trip right, you can also catch fall colors in the park from the changing aspens and narrowleaf cottonwoods. Be aware, fall in Grand Teton National Park can be fleeting, with snow arriving as early as October.

Winters in Wyoming are brutal. There’s no other way to put it. Unless you’re going to Jackson Hole for some skiing, or you’re a wildlife photographer, I personally wouldn’t consider planning a trip to the Tetons during the winter. Many roads in Grand Teton National Park are closed during this time of year, so you’re going to be limited with what you can do.

Spring can be a good time to visit Grand Teton National Park before things start to get crowded. However, snow can linger in the mountains well into June, so the trails you want to hike may not be accessible.

Recreating Responsibly in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park sees millions of visitors every year. With so many people visiting the park, it’s extremely important that everyone does their part to recreate responsibly and minimize their impact on the natural environment.

The seven Leave No Trace principles are a set of guidelines to help people make responsible choices that minimize their impacts outdoors. Always remember to practice Leave No Trace in Grand Teton National Park to keep the area beautiful for future generations! 

Here’s a breakdown of the seven principles:

1. Plan ahead and prepare. 

Even though trails within Grand Teton National Park are well-maintained and fairly heavily trafficked, it’s still important to be prepared. Research any trail you choose to hike ahead of time, check the weather before heading out, carry a map and the other 10 essentials, and make sure you have the proper gear for the conditions. I included a packing list for hiking in Grand Teton National Park at the end of this article.

Be aware, dogs are NOT allowed on any trails in Grand Teton National Park!

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 

Stick to developed trails when hiking in Grand Teton National Park. Never hike through wildflower fields or meadows. Camping is prohibited outside of developed campgrounds within the park. I saw 2 people get ticketed for illegally camping at a trailhead on a recent trip, so it’s not worth the risk!

3. Properly dispose of waste. 

Remember to pack out all of your trash, including food scraps. Use the bathroom at the trailhead before heading out on a hike. If you need to go number 2 while out on the trail, dig a cathole to bury your waste at least 200 ft. from trails and water sources. Always pack out your toilet paper, otherwise wildlife will likely get into it before it has time to decompose.

4. Leave what you find. 

It is illegal to take natural or cultural items from Grand Teton National Park. This includes picking wildflowers, collecting rocks or pinecones, or taking archaeological resources like arrowheads.

5. Minimize campfire impacts. 

You should only have campfires in developed fire rings in Grand Teton National Park (if you’re camping at a campground you will have one available). Always check for fire restrictions before starting a campfire. Make sure that campfires are completely extinguished before you leave, which means the ashes are cool to the touch.

6. Respect wildlife. 

Grand Teton National Park is known for its wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, pronghorn, and more. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. This means staying at least 100 yards away from predators and 25 yards from other wildlife. Never feed wildlife. This causes animals to become dependent on humans and leads to negative human-wildlife interactions.

7. Be considerate of other visitors. 

Always pack your patience when visiting a national park. Uphill hikers have the right of way on singletrack trails. While it’s encouraged to make noise while hiking in grizzly country, please don’t blast music on the trail. It ruins the experience for others!

The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to  enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.

Where to Stay When Visiting Grand Teton National Park

Hotels

Jackson has plenty of hotels to choose from and you can typically find last-minute rooms available even during peak tourist season. If you’re looking for an upscale, luxury hotel you have plenty of options to choose from around Jackson.

If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, your options are pretty much non-existent during the summer. Basic rooms that are <$150/night during the off-season skyrocket to $400-500+/night from June-September. The cheapest lodging I was able to find while doing research for this article is a single bunk in a shared room at the Cache House, which will still run you $200-250/night during the summer (with that said, it looks like a very nice hostel!).

Lodging in Grand Teton National Park

If you want to stay inside of Grand Teton National Park, you have a few different lodging options. The Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village, Headwater Lodge & Cabins, and Signal Mountain Lodge are all open seasonally during the summer months. You can choose between a traditional room or a cabin depending on the location.

Camping

If you want to save money during your trip to Grand Teton National Park, then opt to go camping. There are 6 campgrounds in and around the park, which all require reservations in advance (you can try to get a last-minute site, but it’s going to be extremely difficult). Most sites are released 6 months in advance. If you want to be close to the activities in this itinerary, then stay at the Jenny Lake Campground, Colter Bay Campground (RV sites available), or Signal Mountain Campground.

There is also free dispersed camping available in the Bridger-Teton National Forest right outside of the park. Dispersed camping is restricted to designated sites and specific areas, and sites fill up quickly during the summer. You can find more information and a map of the camping areas HERE.

It’s important to research road conditions ahead of time and have a few areas in mind before heading out to find a site. If you’re planning to dispersed camp you need to be prepared to be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace.

Itinerary: 2 Days in Grand Teton National Park

Day 1 in Grand Teton National Park

Sunrise Over the Tetons

Kick off your trip bright and early with a sunrise excursion. I personally prefer going out of my way to watch the sunrise vs. the sunset when visiting Grand Teton National Park. The Tetons face east throughout the main areas of the park, which means you get beautiful soft pink alpenglow illuminating the mountains at sunrise. Trust me, it’s worth the early morning wake up call!

There really isn’t a bad place to watch the sunrise in Grand Teton National Park, so you have some options on where to go based on where you’re staying. If you’re staying in Jackson, I recommend going to Mormon Row for sunrise. Mormon Row is home to the iconic Moulton Barns, as well as other buildings that were used by Mormon settlers at the turn of the 19th century.

While Mormon Row is one of my favorite places to watch the sunrise over the Tetons, there are countless other places you can go. Other popular sunrise spots in Grand Teton National Park include Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and Blacktail Ponds Overlook.

Morning Hike

After taking in the sunrise, head over to Jenny Lake for a morning hike. You have a few trail options depending on how far you want to hike. You can either hike to the backside of Jenny Lake via the Jenny Lake Loop trail, or take a boat shuttle across the lake to shave off 2 miles of hiking (each way).

Once you’re on the other side of the lake you can easily hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. There are signs to help guide you where to go. If you want to hike further you can continue on beyond Inspiration Point up Cascade Canyon, or continue along the Jenny Lake Loop on the west side of the lake. 

Afternoon Scenic Drive

After working up an appetite on your hike, head over to Dornan’s Pizza and Pasta Company for a bite to eat. The menu includes a variety of salads, pizzas, and pastas, so you can easily find something for everyone. This is also a good opportunity to stop at the Grand Teton National Park Visitor’s Center and learn more about the park’s natural and anthropological history.

Afterwards, hop in your car and head out for a scenic drive. Keep an eye out for horses along Teton Park Road as you make your way to the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive. This short 3-mile long one-way drive will take you along the east shore of Jenny Lake providing gorgeous views of the mountains you hiked through earlier.

Dinner & Sunset

End your first day in Grand Teton National Park with dinner at the Mural Room at the Jackson Lake Lodge. The Mural Room is open seasonally and offers a fine dining experience inside of the national park with a casual dress code. The menu features local game and fish.

Reservations are required if you want to dine in the Mural Room. Try to time your reservation for an hour-90 minutes before sunset, so you can enjoy the views of Jackson Lake and Mount Moran. The best tables are two-tops right next to the windows, which makes the Mural Room a perfect date night destination.

Day 2 in Grand Teton National Park

Morning Hike

Begin your second day in Grand Teton National Park with a hike. Many trails in Grand Teton National Park can get crowded, so I highly recommend getting an early start. Depending on where you’re staying you can make a quick pit stop at a scenic pull-out for sunrise, but aim to get to the trailhead before 8am for the best chance at finding parking. 

My top hiking recommendation in Grand Teton National Park is Delta Lake from the Lupine Meadows trailhead. However, be aware the hike to Delta Lake is strenuous with over 2,300 ft. of elevation gain to the lake. It should not be underestimated. 

The beginning of the hike switchbacks up the hillside along the Valley Trail and Garnet Canyon Trail. Once you veer off from the main trail you have to climb up 2 boulder fields to get to the lake. This portion of the trail is not maintained and there are plenty of opportunities for slips and twisted ankles. If you’re an experienced hiker it’s definitely worth the effort to see the milky blue-green waters of Delta Lake with one of the best views of the Grand Teton behind it.

Alternative Hikes

If you’re not up for a challenging hike, a good alternative is the Taggart Lake & Bradley Lake Loop. This is an easier trail that is great for beginner hikers that still offers stunning views. This is a 6-mile loop with just over 750 ft. of elevation gain, so it’s still considered moderate, but the trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.

Since the Bradley & Taggart Lake Loop is a shorter hike, it won’t take you as long as the hike to Delta Lake would. If you want more time on the trail you can also hike the String Lake Trail. This 3.7 mile loop has minimal elevation gain (~250 ft. total) and is a great option for hikers of all ages.

Afternoon Excursion

I wanted to leave room in this itinerary for you to do an activity of your choice. While hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Grand Teton National Park, there are plenty of other outdoor activities you can do. Here are some suggestions for how to spend your afternoon on day 2 of your trip to Grand Teton National Park:

• Go on a horseback riding tour in Bridger-Teton National Forest.
• Go fly-fishing.
• Float the Snake River while looking for wildlife.
• Hang out on the beach at Colter Bay.
• Head into Jackson for some shopping.

Dinner in Jackson

Once you’re done with your afternoon excursion, drive into Jackson for dinner. There are a ton of restaurants to choose from in Jackson depending on what you’re in the mood for. I like dining at Yeah Buddy Pizza because it’s inexpensive and has a second-floor balcony that provides a great view of downtown Jackson. I also recommend Miazga’s for Polish and Italian comfort food or trio for a more upscale dining experience.

If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink before dinner, you can’t miss the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Regardless of where you choose to eat, make sure you save room for dessert at Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream.

What to Pack to Go Hiking in Grand Teton National Park

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Backpack: 

Carrying a backpack is essential when hiking in Grand Teton National Park, but the right pack is going to be a matter of personal preference. I typically carry a 24L pack, which I find to be the perfect size backpack for long day hikes.

Recommendation: Osprey Sirrus 24L pack 

Bear Spray:

Grand Teton National Park is grizzly country, so carrying bear spray on the trail is highly recommended. Be sure to read up on how to use your bear spray properly and consider practicing before hitting the trail.

Recommendation: Counter Assault Bear Spray

Water Bladder: 

Water is one of the most important things to bring with you on a hike in order to stay hydrated. While you don’t have to carry a water bladder, I prefer it over a water bottle for easy access while moving on the trail.

Recommendation: Osprey 3L water bladder

Snacks: 

It’s important to carry snacks on your hike to keep yourself fueled up. Ideally you want to carry more snacks than you think you’ll need in case your hike goes longer than expected. Protein bars, trail mix, pb&j sandwiches, dried fruit, and jerky are all great hiking snack options.

Extra Layers:

The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s always a good idea to carry extra layers on your hike. I typically carry a lightweight windbreaker and puffy jacket. Both items pack down into themselves so they don’t take up a lot of space in my pack. A rain jacket is also a good idea, especially during the summer when afternoon thunderstorms are fairly common.

Recommendations: Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell 

 Patagonia Nano Puff

Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket 

Hiking Poles: 

While hiking poles aren’t 100% necessary they can be helpful on long, steep hikes. There are a lot of benefits to using hiking poles, including taking pressure off of your knees and providing extra momentum when hiking uphill.

Recommendation: Trekology Hiking Poles 

Headlamp:

Carrying illumination is one of the 10 essentials. Whether you’re getting a pre-dawn start, or your hike takes longer than expected, carrying a headlamp is essential to help you navigate the trail in the dark.

Recommendation: Black Diamond Cosmo 350 Headlamp 

First-Aid Kit 

A first-aid kit is another one of the 10 essentials. You never know what might happen on a hike and carrying one can come in handy in a variety of situations, from cuts, to sprains, to headaches.

Recommendation: Adventure Medical Kit 

Map & Compass: 

While all of the trail suggestions in this itinerary are heavily trafficked and maintained (except for the final push up to Delta Lake), you should always carry a map & compass in the event you get lost. If you’re going to rely on a downloaded map on your phone, also make sure to carry a portable battery charger in case your phone dies.

Emergency Bivvy:

Carrying shelter, like an emergency bivvy, can help save your life in the event you have to spend an unexpected night in the backcountry. While you hopefully won’t need it, it’s a lightweight piece of gear, so it doesn’t hurt to carry one.

Recommendation: SOL Emergency Bivvy

Emergency GPS:

Cell service is extremely limited in Grand Teton National Park, and basically non-existent in the backcountry. Carrying an emergency GPS that provides satellite communications allows you to get in touch with officials ASAP in the event of an emergency.

Recommendation: Garmin inReach mini 2

Sunscreen: 

The park sits at over 6,000 ft. in elevation and many trails take you much higher than that. Having sun protection, including sunscreen, is essential when hiking in Grand Teton National Park.

Recommendation: Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Sunscreen

Extra Socks:

One of the most underrated pieces of gear to carry while hiking is an extra pair of socks. If your feet get wet or overly sweaty, having an extra pair of socks can help keep your feet dry and healthy.

Recommendation: Smartwool low-cut hiking socks 

Camera:

If you want to memorialize your hikes in Grand Teton National Park, make sure to pack your camera. While a phone camera will get the job done, I find it’s always nice to have higher quality photos as well.

Recommendation: Sony Alpha a7iii 

Other National Park Itineraries You May Enjoy:

• 3 Days in Glacier National Park
• 3 Days in North Cascades National Park
• 3 Days in Zion National Park
• 3 Days in Death Valley National Park
• 24 Hours in Yosemite National Park

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