Grand Teton Itinerary | The Best 3-Day National Park Vacation

From the verdant fields of Jackson Hole to the jagged tips ​​of the Rockies Mountain Range, there’s no denying the extraordinary beauty of this region. While Yellowstone National Park may be the more famous of the two parks, planning a Grand Teton itinerary is an absolute must. 

Whether hiking Cascade Canyon or simply admiring the serene views over Jackson Lake, you can enjoy it all in three days. Your Grand Teton trip will be jampacked with stunning vistas, tucked-away eateries, and scenic drives.

This itinerary is also filled with other helpful tips, like the best time to visit, how long to visit, and where to stay. Simply put, you won’t need to worry about a thing during your vacation.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

How to Get to Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton is one of the easiest national parks to get to for many reasons. 

Firstly, it’s the only national park to have a commercial airport within its boundaries, the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). You can rent a car from the airport. However, you can also use the START Bus, which offers shuttle services between Jackson and Grand Teton.

There are also three main entrances you can use. If you’re traveling from Salt Lake City, you’ll head towards the Granite Canyon Entrance, roughly a 288-mile trip. 

If you’re visiting from Denver or central Wyoming, Moose Entrance is your best bet. This is also the closest entrance to Jackson, where you’ll most likely be staying or going for supplies if camping. 

Lastly, if you’re taking on a Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip itinerary, the Moran Entrance is closest to Yellowstone. If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, it’s a 31-mile drive along John D. Rockefeller, Jr Memorial Parkway.

>>>Rent A Car Here<<<

What Is the Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park?

Cutting to the chase, June to October is undoubtedly the best time to visit Grand Teton. This is for many reasons, but it mainly has to do with the fact all the scenic drives and hikes are fully open.

While June to October is a busy season, you’re guaranteed to have lovely weather, with highs between 66°F and 77°F and lows averaging around 37°F. If you are visiting during this period, it’s best to book accommodation as far in advance as possible, as they fill up quickly.

While Grand Teton is still one of the best national parks to visit in winter, some roads do close due to dangerous weather conditions. So, if you are planning a snow-filled escape, make sure you are up-to-date with any road closures.

Read More: Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park: Season by Season

Map Of Grand Teton Itinerary

I’ve embedded a Google map below with this itinerary! You can download and save it for offline use, but I recommend printing it out, too, so you’re covered if you find yourself without service on the trail.

How Many Days in Grand Teton Is Enough?

Is one day in Grand Teton enough? In all honesty, it’s not. Grand Teton is a region blessed with stunning hikes, quaint nearby towns, and a dazzling array of vistas, meaning you’ll want enough time to enjoy it all without being rushed. 

From the Snake River Overlook to the majestic views along the lengthy Cascade Canyon Trail, there’s just too much to cram into one day. This is why three days is the perfect amount of time to enjoy it all.

You can truly absorb the eclectic atmosphere of the Teton Mountain Range and have some time to spare.

Best Places to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park

This is one of the few national parks that offers accommodation within the park. That said, it is fairly pricey, so Jackson is the next best destination for affordable Grand Teton accommodation.

Budget | The Virginian Lodge 

For a hotel that covers all the bases for comfort, atmosphere, and hospitality, book a stay at The Virginian Lodge. You won’t need to worry about a single meal with four on-site restaurants for you to pick from.

The rooms use natural tones to create a homely environment, while a year-round heated pool will help soothe your muscles after a long day. It’s just five miles from Jackson Hole Mountain Ski Resort and 14 miles from Grand Teton. Their glass igloos are also great for stargazing. In other words, you can’t go wrong at The Virginian Lodge. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | Elk Country Inn

The Elk Country Inn is another Jackson accommodation that proves why this sleepy town is the perfect base for your travels. The old stone facade and timber interior create the perfect balance, and it is classy yet homely. 

They offer a basic breakfast, but its true calling card has to be the indoor heated pool and hot tub. You can soak in the warming waters, and once you’re sufficiently relaxed, head outside to the large barbeque facilities. 

Elk Country Inn is also just 14 miles from the park entrance, so you’re never far from your next adventure. >>>Check Availability

Luxury | Jackson Lake Lodge

Now, if you’re hoping to stay in the heart of the Teton Range, the Jackson Lake Lodge is the top choice. From the deep timber furnishing to the plush white linen, it’s safe to say you’ll be in heaven, and that’s not even mentioning the stunning views offered from each room.

There are three on-site restaurants, each offering a divine spread of cuisines. The heated pool is also a bonus, but the hotel’s calling card has to be its location. You’re smack in the middle of the park, making it easy to reach popular landmarks like Oxbow Bend and Lake Solitude. >>>Check Availability

Best Camping in Grand Teton National Park  

Grand Teton is one of the easiest national parks to camp in, with all the campsites being easily accessible from Teton Park Road. There are seven options to pick from, but it’s worth noting you’ll need to reserve a spot before arriving.

Take your pick from the following campgrounds:

• Gros Centre Campground 
• Jenny Lake Campground -> We stayed here<-
• Signal Mountain Campground 
• Colter Bay Campground 
• Colter Bay Tent Village 
• Lizard Creek Campground 
• Headwaters Campground. 

The prices also vary depending on when you visit and the amenities offered at your campground of choice. >>>Check Availability

Read More: Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park | Lodging & Hotels

The Ultimate 3-Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

It’s time to dive into the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park in three days. This itinerary has been organized to ensure there’s not a lot of up-and-down driving. Rather, you enjoy a seamless day, hopping from one activity to the next.

Day One of Your Grand Teton Itinerary

Day one is all about embracing the natural beauty of Grand Teton. You’ll embark on some stunning hikes before visiting the quaint town of Jackson Hole, where you’ll be able to end the perfect first day in style.

Enjoy the Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing

• Elevation Gain: 6.6 feet
• Mileage: 0.5 miles (out-and-back)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

There’s no better way to start your trip than a sunrise photo shoot at Schwabacher Landing, just 12.4 miles from the park’s Moose Entrance. It’ll take you no longer than five minutes to get to the viewpoint. 

It does get busy at sunrise, so aim to arrive around an hour early to ensure you get a nice spot. From the landing, you’ll have idyllic views of Snake River with the Teton Range in the distance. Pair this with the vivid canvas of color as the sun rises behind you, and you’re in for a real treat.

Walk Around Jenny Lake

• Elevation Gain: 456 feet
• Mileage: 7.2 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

After that stunning start to your day, why not take on one of the most iconic hikes in Grand Teton? Starting at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, this loop trail wraps around the still body of water, offering magical views from every possible angle. 

You can expect to spend two and a half hours wandering around the lake, basking in its unwavering beauty. If you take on the trail clockwise, you’ll smash the toughest part of the hike right off the bat.

The towering Mount Woodring to the west is sure to have your camera working overtime with its whispy white peaks. Then, there’s the pristine, reflective waters of Jenny Lake and Leigh Lake, which reflect the Teton Range like a mirror. It’s safe to say you won’t forget this trek anytime soon.

Ferry and Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

• Elevation Gain: 420 feet
• Mileage: 1.8 miles (out-and-back)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Before you even begin this trail, you’ll need to make your way to the Jenny Lake Boat Dock. From here, you’ll join a boat shuttle, which will take you on a scenic ferry ride across the West Shore Boat Dock. 

From the dock, it’s an hour-long trek through a pine forest up to Inspiration Point. Roughly half a mile into the walk, you’ll reach the Hidden Falls viewing area. From here, you’ll have magical views of the cascade waterfall. 

It’s then a further 0.4 miles of uphill trekking to Inspiration Point. At this point, you’ll be able to enjoy the views of Jenny Lake with Shadow Mountain in the distance. 

Hang Out and Eat and Shop at Jackson Hole

Whether you’re staying in Jackson or not, visiting this quirky town is an absolute must. As you make your way toward the town, consider stopping at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. It’s well worth the short stop.

Despite that brief detour, the real fun awaits within the town. Enjoy some tasty treats at Persephone Bakery before enjoying a shopping spree. You can visit jewelry stores like Horizon Fine Art or pop past some clothing houses such as the Beaver Creek Hat and Leather Company.

You’ll probably work up an appetite from all that shopping, so it’s only right you visit a top restaurant in the area. The Snake River Brewing Co. and Restaurant is one great option, while the North Grille at Jackson Hole Golf Club is a slightly more upperclass dining experience.

Day Two of Your Grand Teton Itinerary

While day one is all about hiking, day two offers a much easier way of exploring and visiting Grand Teton National Park. The day is packed with sweeping scenic drives and the occasional hike here and there. 

Admire the Mormon Row Sunrise

• Elevation Gain: 3.3 feet
• Mileage: 0.19 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Another day, another perfect sunrise opportunity, this time at Mormon Row. Resting in Grovont (accessible via Lower Gross Ventre Road), this historic landmark takes on a whole new look come sunrise. 

As the sun’s rays hit the mountain peaks to the west, the worn-out Moulton Barn, with its faded cladding, becomes a site to behold. With expansive fields in all directions, the views of the building with the mountain range in the background can be enjoyed by everyone in every direction.

Hike the Taggart and Bradley Lakes Loop

• Elevation Gain: 761 feet
• Mileage: 6 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The next activity that all Grand Teton vacations need is this two-and-a-half-hour hiking around Bradley Lake and Taggart Lake. Traveling anticlockwise, this hiking trail covers most of the uphill trekking in the first 1.8 miles.

You’ll visit Bradley Lake first, with majestic views of Teewinot Mountain in the distance. You’ll then enjoy a gentle downhill stroll to Taggart Lake, where the lush forest surroundings reflect perfectly against the glass-like lake. It’s a lovely hike and one that’s not too difficult, so it matches just about any skill level.

Drive the Moose-Wilson Road

With dramatic scenery in every direction, it only makes sense to take a scenic drive while in the park. This is where the stunning 15-mile stretch of road between the towns of Moose and Wilson comes into play.

Aside from the stunning scenery, it’s also really probable you’ll see some wildlife, from moose and elks to black and grizzly bears. You’ll pass through evergreen marshland and verdant forests, each offering a unique glimpse into Grand Teton.

Take on the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

To end your day on a high, enjoy the winding 3-mile drive to the Jenny Lake Overlook. It’s a relatively short drive along the completely paved road, but one that’ll immerse you in the park’s beauty.

If you time the drive right, you’ll get to Jenny Lake just before dusk, giving you just about enough time to set up and admire the colorful dance of a Grand Teton sunset.

Day Three of Your Grand Teton Itinerary

Starting the day like every other, the sunrises in Grand Teton are as memorable as they come. And to wrap up an already unforgettable itinerary, day three includes some of the most eclectic hikes in the entire park.

See the Sunrise at Blacktail Ponds Overlook

Start day three with one of the best overlooks that’ll quickly make Grand Teton one of your favorite national parks. The overlook is roughly 9 miles from the Moose Entrance, just off US-89. 

With the overlook situated well above the valley floor, it offers perfect views of the Blacktail Ponds, Snake River, and the Teton Range. You’ll be in awe as Grand Teton Peak and Mount Moran are cast in a golden hue. If there are a few clouds in the sky, those tend to turn a brilliant range of pinks and purples. 

It’s also one of the less visited viewpoints in the park, so it won’t be too busy come sunrise.

Delta Lake Hike

• Elevation Gain: 2,297 feet
• Mileage: 7.4 miles (out-and-back)
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

This wouldn’t be a Grand Teton 3-day itinerary without taking on the challenging Delta Lake hike. This is a continuous uphill onslaught, which is sure to have your thighs burning by the time you reach the top.

But the sore legs are well worth the effort once you reach the top. The trail consists of several switchbacks, and you gradually make your way up Grand Teton. The trail is unmaintained, so it’s best to download the trail guide linked above to ensure you don’t get lost. 

Once you do reach the top, a turquoise lake awaits with the iconic Grand Teton Peak creating an otherwordly backdrop. You can rest and have a picnic in this idyllic setting before heading back down.

Hang Out at String Lake

• Elevation Gain: 253 feet
• Mileage: 3.7 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

This one-hour and 20-minute hike around String Lake is yet another trek with sprawling mountain views that few can compare to. The first half of the walk offers picturesque views of Rockchuck Peak and Mount Moran, as it’s a fairly flat portion of the path. 

As you make your way anticlockwise around String Lake, you’ll pass the canoe launching deck, which also offers lovely vistas of the lake. You’ll also crossover the bridge between String and Leigh Lake, where you’ll feel as if you’re wedged between the two bodies of water.

The second portion of the trail has a fairly steep uphill section starting around the 1.7-mile mark. Atop this vantage point, you’ll be able to take in the sights of String Lake with the lovely forested region of Grand Teton to the east.

Sunset at Signal Mountain Overlook

From Teton Park Road, enjoy the incredibly scenic drive along the Signal Mountain Summit Road. It’s five miles of pristine winding roads and the ideal way to end your 3 days in Grand Teton.

Once you reach the top, unforgettable views of Jackson Lake await. With the sun setting in the distance, the lake becomes a tapestry of oranges as the moody mountains transform into a range of deep purples and blues.

FAQs to Help Plan Your Grand Teton Vacation

Take a quick look at all these short answers to the most common questions people ask when planning their Grand Tetons itinerary. 

Do You Need a Reservation for Your Grand Teton National Park Vacation?

You’ll need to pay an entrance fee in order to enter the park. While you don’t need to reserve your park entrance, it does make things easier if you order it ahead of time. 

Entrance fees range from $20 to $3, depending on your vehicle. That said, you can save a lot of money if you get the America the Beautiful Pass, especially if you’re planning a national parks road trip.

Do You Need Bear Spray at Grand Teton?

Carrying bear spray with you is an absolute must. This is a park known for its grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, and bison. With such a diverse range of wildlife, it’s essential you have bear spray to protect not only yourself during encounters but also the animals in many regards.

Is It Better to Stay in Teton Village or Jackson?

Each town has its perks, but if you want the full package, Jackson should be your top choice. It has a larger pool of affordable accommodation, a diverse range of dining, and easy access to Grand Teton.  

Tours Of Grand Teton National Park

What to Pack For Hiking Grand Teton National Park

1. Sunscreen: Super important and it is part of the ten essentials!  >Buy Sunscreen
2. Chapstick: This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned! >Check Out This Chapstick
3. Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before). >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
4. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. >Buy Hiking Socks
5. Water Reservoir: Water reservoirs help prevent dehydration while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have a plastic taste. >Here Is My Water Reservoir
6. Water: Stay nice and hydrated. It was soooooo hot when hiking here. Bring water to every hike.
7. Sunglasses: It can get sunny in the summer, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. >Check Out These Sunglasses
8. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars. >>>Check Out These Snacks
9. Camera: The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
11. Day Pack to carry all your things: To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack. Osprey is known to have some of the best backpacks in the market. >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
12. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
13. Leggings or Hiking Pants: I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with! >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
14. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts: Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable. >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
15. Sports Bra: For women. >Check This One Here
16. Jacket: I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency. It did get cold while hiking so I am glad I had this. >Buy My Favorite Jacket
17. Rain Jacket: The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking. You can get hypothermia, so always carry a poncho or a rain jacket when you hike Wyoming. There was a time that it started pouring on us while hiking Delta Lake. >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
18. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
19. Knife: I always carry a knife in my backpack just in case. >Check Out My Knife Here
20. Bear Spray: There are so many bears here! Stay safe and hike with some spray. Everyone should carry one. >Check It Out Here
21. National Park Pass:  I highly recommend getting a year-long America The Beautiful Pass so you can get into both parks with ease. >Get It Here
22. Map And Trail Guide: Start planning your trip with this. >Buy One Here

Final Thoughts on the Ultimate Grand Tetons Vacation 

So there you have it, a complete 3-day Grand Teton itinerary. You won’t need to worry about a thing with this in-depth guide at the helm. 

Be sure to snap plenty of memorable photos of your Grand Teton experience, and consider hopping over to Yellowstone National Park afterward. With Grand Teton and Yellowstone offering some of the best hikes in US national parks, you’re bound to have a fantastic experience.

Just remember some of the parks aren’t accessible in winter, so it’s essential you plan your trip accordingly. 

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