I've always visited Jackson Hole and the Tetons during it's high season as we skied Jackson Hole, recognized worldwide as a premiere ski area. Seeing the Tetons and Jackson Hole in the summer months was a first for me.
But one thing didn't change between high and shoulder seasons - visiting any area of the Tetons is BEACOUP EXPENSIVE.
I'm on the fourth rewrite of this article, trying to squeeze every possible penny of savings out of the itinerary that I can for you because the Tetons are so expensive.
Money $aving Tip: If you haven't visited Yellowstone but want to, now's the time to invest in the Annual Parks Pass. Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are neighbors (3 hours apart) and the Annual Pass would cover your admittance to both parks. Admittance per car is $35 so you'd nearly pay for the annual cost of the pass if planning to see both parks during your trip rather than make 2 separate trips to each park.
Be sure to take advantage of park free days where no admission is required if at all possible!
The 2025 fee free days were:
-
November 11 – Veterans Day
-
January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
-
April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
-
June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
-
August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
-
September 27 – National Public Lands Day
2026 fee free days have not been posted yet.
Standard vehicle entrance fees range from $20–$35 per park.
Park Entrances
Map credit: We're In The Rockies
MOOSE ENTRANCE
This is the most popular and busiest park entrance. It's also the most convenient entrance which is why it sees large crowds waiting to enter the park. It provides access to some of the park’s top attractions, including Jenny Lake, Cascade Canyon, and Signal Mountain. It is also closest to the park’s historic districts and Taggart Lake, one of the best hikes in the park.
GRANITE CANYON ENTRANCE (SOUTHWEST ENTRANCE)
The Granite Canyon Entrance is located at the southwestern edge of the park and is less crowded than the Moose and Moran Entrances. It’s the best option for visitors staying in Teton Village.
MORAN ENTRANCE (EAST ENTRANCE)
This entrance puts you near Jackson Lake and offers the best glimpse of the Tetons. It’s the best option for visitors who are entering the park from the east and for people who like a remote setting.
FLAGG RANCH ENTRANCE (NORTH ENTRANCE)
This entrance isn't even officially named and doesn't have a manned visitors center. It's the least known and least busy park entrance. Generally, this is the best entrance only for those going between Yellowstone Park and Grand Tetons Park.
When leaving Grand Teton, it takes about 2 hours from this entrance to reach the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone (where all the cool things to see are). From there, you have to drive even further to see more things in the park.
To access major park attractions, you have to go through an entrance station and must pay the entrance fee:
-
$35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone)
-
$20 per person (if entering on foot or bicycle)
-
$80 for an America the Beautiful Pass (best deal if visiting multiple national parks in a year)
Now for the less than great news: Although Grand Teton is small, it gets almost as many visitors as Yellowstone! It’s one of the hardest national parks to find parking and deal with crowds.
Accommodations
Camping within the park is going to be your least inexpensive option but scoring a reservation for a campsite? Good luck with that unless you're doing it a year in advance. If you can swing it? Great!
But staying in accommodations outside of the Park is your next best bet. I'm going to give you several options in different price ranges.
There are 9 areas to consider staying when visiting Grand Teton National Park including within Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, Moran, Alpine, Wilson, Teton Village, and Pinedale, WY as well as Victor and Driggs, ID. Your options include resorts, lodges, motels, hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and dude ranches. They are all quite expensive, ranging from $200 per night to over $4,000 per night! Your budget and the amount of time you are willing to drive are the most important factors to consider.
The whole "Jackson" vs. "Jackson Hole" thing is confusing so I'll clarify: Jackson, Wyoming is a town that lies within the Jackson Hole Valley and just south of Grand Teton National Park.
Jackson Hole is the valley that encompasses Grand Teton National Park and the city of Jackson, Wyoming.
I should also mention that Teton Village is NOT IN Teton Natl. Park itself. It's a resort that is right next to the south entrance of Grand Teton National Park.
During previous ski trips I'd stayed in Jackson Hole/Jackson at the Wyoming Inn. The last time I was there a King room with fireplace cost just over $300 per night. (Now it's up to close to $500 per night.) Then again, prices vary by date and season and I was always there during their winter specials.
But it's a beautiful place...
BEST BETS FOR LODGING:
JACKSON, WYOMING: Huff House Inn (Luxury) and Antler Inn (Budget)
WILSON, WYOMING: Sassy Moose (B&B), Bentwood Inn (Luxury B&B), Teton View B&B (B&B)
MORAN, WYOMING: Teton Cabins (Resort)
VICTOR & DRIGGS, IDAHO: Moose Creek Ranch (Resort) and Super 8 Motel (Budget)
ALPINE, WYOMING: Flying Saddle (Resort), Bull Moose Lodge and Saloon (Moderate)
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK: Dornan’s Spur Ranch Cabins (right inside the park; not NPS) and Signal Mountain Lodge. Both moderately priced.
PINEDALE, WYOMING: Gannet Peak Lodge (Budget)
YELLOWSTONE, WYOMING: Grant Village is the closest to Grand Teton, but it’s too far to use as a home base.
If you’re on a budget: the most affordable options are in Moran, WY and Victor, ID.
CAMPING
There are only 7 campgrounds within the Park itself:
Headwaters May-Sep
Lizard Creek Jun-Sep
Colter Bay May-Sep
Colter Bay RV Park May-Oct
Signal Mountain May-Oct
Jenny Lake Jul-Sep
Gros Ventre* May-Oct * Pronounced GROW-VAHnt
The two largest and most popular are Colter Bay and Gros Ventre.
A campground in Grand Teton will run from about $40-$117. Tent-only sites are on the lower end and RV sites are on the higher end.
Note that almost all of them offer a discount if you’re a senior or disabled. You need to have the Senior or Access version of the America the Beautiful Pass.
There are some camping areas outside of the Park but the major complaint I've heard about almost all of them is that they're small and overpriced. Here are the ones that got positive reviews:
-
Snake River Cabins and RV Village. This is located on the Snake River, about 15 minutes south of Jackson. It has a 30-foot RV limit, and it also has camping cabins. The reviews seem to be mostly positive. The Snake River is a popular place to go river rafting.
-
Moose Creek Ranch. This is located over Teton Pass, and it offers lodging, glamping, and RV sites. Reviews suggest it’s a little nicer but more expensive than the others.
There are NO dispersed or “boondocking” campsites located within Grand Teton National Park.
Hotels are very expensive in the Tetons, so camping is the way a lot of people get to see the park. Therefore, campgrounds fill up fast, up to a year in advance.
I'm going to base this itinerary on staying in the city of Jackson because there's a whole lot to see and do there as well and it's one of the closest cities to Grand Tetons Park.
Itinerary - Day 1
Arrive at Jackson, check into your accommodations and get settled.
Spend the rest of the day just exploring Jackson,
being sure to check out the town square and its antler arch.
What you're going to find is that Jackson is a curious mix of Old West/Cowboy and Modern.
Although known worldwide as a popular ski destination. there's plenty to see and do during the summer months as well.
The Antler Arch
Photo credit: City of Jackson Hole
If you want to have breakfast, I suggest the Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant.
The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant is one of Jackson’s favorite casual restaurants, serving breakfast and lunch daily throughout the year and dinner during the summer months. This is my "go to" place in Jackson for breakfast and/or lunch.
Their half-pound burgers are the best in Jackson, made from all-natural, locally produced beef from Wyoming Gourmet Beef, and buffalo from Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Co. A classic club, signature hot and cold sandwiches, meltingly luscious grilled cheese selections and crisp, fresh salads round out the lunch offerings.
I'm partial to their Classic Club sandwich (left) for lunch as well as their grilled cheese sandwich. I've never had a bad meal there so you're pretty safe ordering anything off the menu!
Hours: Monday - Sunday 7:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Breakfast; 7:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M Lunch: 11:30 A.M.- 3:00 P.M.
The Classic Club Sandwich
After lunch consider taking a stagecoach ride.
The ten-minute ride takes you in a horse-drawn, red carriage through the town. You can book a ride at Town Square, near the corner of Broadway and Cache.
The stagecoach itself is a replica of the classic Overland models that once carried passengers across the frontier, and riding in it offers a fun and unique perspective on town. Yes, that's a real cowboy driving the stagecoach.
No reservations are required—just walk up, climb in, and enjoy the ride.
One of Jackson Hole’s most beloved traditions, a stagecoach ride through Town Square is a must-do for visitors of all ages. Many visitors skip it, thinking it too "touristy".You need to do more than just see Jackson...you need to experience it just as the settlers of the Old West did,
The admission price for stagecoach rides in Jackson Hole typically ranges from $4 to $6 per person.
In Jackson you're going to feel like you're walking through an Old West town - complete with wooden boardwalks for sidewalks. Here's the great thing about the town boardwalks: They're all covered in awnings so if you're strolling through the Town Square you aren't going to get wet even if it's raining.
Normally I'm not much of a shopper but that goes out the window when I'm in Jackson. There are so many unique shops and boutiques to explore.
Photo credit: Parenthood & Passports
Jackson got its start as a fur trading center. If you're in the market for fur anything, stop at any one of the fur shops that still exist today - simply because winters in Jackson can be so brutal that fur continues to be a hot commodity,
If you're not in the market for fur, then stop at MADE. The shop is filled with crafts and handmade items from Wyoming artists.
If the kids aren't into shopping, then head over to Snow King Mountain. While it functions as a ski resort during the winter, there's plenty to see and do there in the summer as well:
With a treetop adventure, zip-lining, a mountain coaster (similar to the one in Steamboat Springs, Colorado), an alpine slide, a maze and more, Snow King is a playground for kids and grown-ups alike!
The Alpine Mountain Coaster is a buzz! Be sure to give it a try!
Photo credit: Snow King Mountain
Snow King Mountain summer activities are now closed for the 2025 season, until the 2026 summer season opens but here's the page you can check out for their various summer activities.
Economically speaking: The Big King Unlimited Pass offers the best value in Jackson Hole with a full day of all-mountain access to visitors’ favorite things to do at Snow King Mountain. Fly down the steepest zip-line in North America, swing in the trees at the Treetop Adventure, take unlimited rides on the Cowboy Coaster and Alpine Slide and then relax with a scenic gondola ride or a chance to beat your family at a round of mini golf!
If you're going to spend the day at Snow King Mountain, then grab some lunch there.
If you're not going to spend the day there and stay in Jackson instead, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is the
watering hole in Jackson, complete with saddle barstools.
Although it serves typical pub fare (burgers, etc.) patrons love eating at the bar while "saddling up".
Prices are in line with what you'd expect in the Jackson area.
Saddle up at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
JACKSON HOLE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Jackson Hole Children's Museum
If you have little ones, they'll love the Jackson Hole Children's Museum. The Museum offers over 2000 square feet of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences design for children of all ages.
Monday - Thursday: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Friday - Sunday: Closed
Admission is $15 per person with infants under 1 free.
Money $aving Tip: HotDeals Children's Museum coupon/promo codes
920 W Broadway, Jackson
DAY 1 EVENING:
During the summer, volunteers from the Jackson Hole Playhouse put on a shootout every Monday-Saturday at 6 p.m. in the streets near Jackson Town Square. The short theatrical performance is free and fun.
You need to get there early to get a front row spot.
I'll give you dinner suggestions:
Option #1 - Have dinner at Gun Barrel Steak & Game House.
This is one of Jackson's premiere restaurants, but with grossly overpriced premiere prices. Then again, show me a fine dining restaurant in Jackson Hole that isn't grossly overpriced.
I love the rustic West decor. The food and service is phenomenal, especially the fried green tomatoes, the wild game place and the bison prime rib. The staff pay attention to the smallest details, right down to the rifle stir sticks in the cocktails.
Reservations are a must. OPEN DAILY AT 5 PM
862 West Broadway, Jackson Hole
Option #2 - Attend a dinner theater
Photo credit: Jackson Hole Playhouse
I attended this dinner theatre on my first trip to Jackson Hole and loved it! These are the same actors who perform the gunfight in the street.
The historic Jackson Hole Playhouse brings you a full evening of Western entertainment, from gun-slingin', singing waiters to fully-staged musical comedies. You can kick off your boots and enjoy true Western hospitality at Wyoming's longest running professional dinner theatre. Dinner 5:45. Pre-Show 7:30. Curtain 8:00.
The evening runs over 3 hours long with dinner and the play. You can also elect to see the play only.
Current pricing on both dinner and the show is posted as $95.40. That price does not include cocktails, tax or gratuity for your dinner server.
If you like neither of those options then feel free to pick a dinner restaurant of your choosing.
Get a good night's sleep as you'll need to be up early for Day 2.
Day 2
You may want to pack a picnic lunch for today but I'll leave that up to you.
Your first stop of the day will be the National Elk Refuge. This is a drive through activity. If you'd like a narrated tour, here are some links:
-
Please follow the below links to listen to the FREE available tours. Tours are currently available on Spotify.
Elk Refuge Visitor Center Photo credit: Reacreation.gov
Highway 26/89/191 to Jackson skirts the edge of the elk refuge so it shouldn't be too hard for you to find.
The Visitor's Center is located at 532 North Cache St, Jackson and is open daily 9 am to 5 pm.
The visitor center offers beautiful views onto the National Elk Refuge as well as indoor interpretive displays. Surrounding wetland and grassland habitat allows for excellent bird and wildlife observation year round.
Refuge staff are onsite to answer your questions and help you explore the National Elk Refuge.
Admission into the elk refuge itself is FREE.
Elk are typically visible on the Refuge from mid-December through early April. In late spring, elk begin migrating off the Refuge toward their summer ranges, following the receding snow line up to higher elevations in Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger Teton National Forest. From October through December, deepening snow cause the elk to seek food and shelter at lower elevations in Jackson Hole.
The address of the refuge entrance is 675 East Broadway, Jackson.
Again, admission to the refuge is FREE, it's the tours and winter sleighrides that cost you.
During the summer months there are trails you can walk or bicycle from the elk refuge that connect to Grand Teton Natl. Park.
The main trail on the Refuge is the nearly 6 mile, paved pathway that runs along beautiful wetland and grassland habitat. The trail connects to several paved trails in Grand Teton National Park. The trail is open from May 1 - October 31.
Cycling is the most popular activity along the pathway. Visitors who are looking for a full day adventure can bike from the National Elk Refuge to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. This 40 mile roundtrip cycle is a stunning way to experience the Refuge and Grand Teton without the use of a vehicle.
The bike pathway is open May 1 - October 31.
Visitors who are looking for a shorter adventure can stroll along the beginning of the pathway, which departs from the north lawn of the National Elk Refuge & Visitor Center. Flat Creek meanders under the pathway, allowing for opportunities to spot cutthroat trout, river otters, and various ducks.
Day 2 Mid day: Eat your picnic lunch or stop by Dornan’s for a bite to eat with stunning views.
View from Dornanaa's outdoor dining area
Dornan's is actually a lodge but it has 2 restaurants: The Chuckwagon and Pizza & Pasta Co.
I'm partial to the Chuckwagon myself. (Like many restaurants in Jackson Hole, this is a season restaurant open from June through September.) Seating is on a first come first served basis.
Chuckwagon serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, they are unable to accommodate large groups (at this time) so if you're in a large group you'll have to split up between tables.
For lunch they serve hearty burgers, BBQ, grilled to order entrees with tasty side options. Their Pulled Pork BBQ and Burnt Ends that they season and smoke on property are very tasty.
They also have an ice cream cart on the property. You can also enjoy a refreshing cold beer, glass of wine or try one of their amazing sloshies while enjoying the view,
Dornan’s Pizza & Pasta Company is located within the Spur Bar and is open year round. Summer sees the decks open, both on the side and on the upper deck. Both decks have a glorious view of the Teton Mountain Range and Snake River. If you are over 21 years of age, head for the upper deck during the summer months and take in a more panoramic view of the Gros Ventre, Blacktail Butte, and Shadow Mountain.
A Chuckwagon Burger
After lunch head for Grand Teton Natl. Park. You might want to stop by the Jenny Lake Visitor Center to get your admission pass if you don't have one already, pick up maps, etc.
Photo credit: NPS
Hike the scenic 7 mile Jenny Lake Trail Loop or take a short hike to Hidden Falls.
Here's the Jenny Lake Loop Trail - follow the white line. (Ignore the red lines)
Photo credit: NPS
The Jenny Lake Trail Photo credit: Noah Lang Photography
To reach the trailhead turn west off Teton Park Road at the South Jenny Lake Junction, located roughly 7.7 miles north of Moose Junction. From the junction drive another half-mile to the large parking area for the visitor center and boat dock. You want to get to the trail as early as possible as parking fills up really fast during the summer months and Jenny Lake is one of the most visited areas in Grand Teton National Park.
Jenny Lake as viewed from the Jenny Lake Overlook. Photo credit: NPS Photo/J. Bonney
IF YOU'D RATHER DO THE FERRY
The nice thing about this boat & hike excursion at Jenny Lake is that you can make it as short and easy or as long and difficult as you want. Families with very young children and elderly people can opt for a boat ride alone, or combine it with a part of Jenny Lake Trail around the south end of Jenny Lake.
IMPORTANT: Before heading down to the lake, make sure to use the restrooms next to the Visitor Center, as there aren’t any restrooms beyond that point. From the Visitor Center, follow the paved trails that head West. These trails will lead you down to our Eastern boat dock. You can purchase shuttle tickets at this location.
Restrooms are conveniently located near The Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Unfortunately, there are no restrooms beyond this point, on the West side of the lake or anywhere else. However, we do offer Backcountry Restroom Bags at no cost, so you can use them when nature calls on the trails.
The boat ride starts near Jenny Lake Visitor Center and campground. You purchase your ride at the East Dock.
Prices:
$ 20.00 – Adult Round-trip (12 yrs to 61 yrs)
$ 12.00 – Adult One-Way
$ 12.00 – Child Round-trip (2 yrs to 11 yrs)
$ 10.00 – Child One-Way
$ 17.00 – Senior Round-trip (62 yrs and over)
FREE Under 2 years of age and over 80 yrs.
No Senior One-Way rate
No reservations are taken or needed, you simply pay your fare and board the boat.
Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. The last boat will leave the dock at the posted closing
time.
In less than 15 minutes the ferry will drop you off at the West Shore Boat Dock on the other side of the lake. It’s wise to arrive at Jenny Lake early in the morning as the car park at the visitor center gets full very quickly. In summer, shuttle boats run pretty much non-stop starting at 7 AM, so you can take a really early start and beat the crowds.
Money $aving Tip: Arrive at the ferry by 7 am and you may get a bit of a discount on your fare if the ferry isn't full of passengers.
HIDDEN FALLS TRAIL
The Hidden Falls Trail is the most popular hike in Grand Teton. It’s a nice, short, and relatively easy hike to a beautiful waterfall that drops almost two hundred feet.
The Hidden Falls trail is the gray line on the map above.
The Hidden Waterfall will leave you gobsmacked. It's incredibly beautiful! I think it's one of the best features in Grand Teton National Park.
IMPORTANT: You are in bear country!
I highly recommend carrying bear spray with you and knowing how to use it - just in case. Having helped raise bear cubs and being quite familiar with bears where I live, generally speaking bears want no contact with humans. Stay in a group, make noise on the trail so any bears in the vicinity will hear you and avoid you. If you should encounter a bear up close, DO NOT RUN! If you run, the bear sees you as prey to be chased! And believe me, they can run faster than you can!
Stand as tall as you can, in a firm, loud but non threatening voice, talk to the bear to allow it to identify you as human and amble off into the woods.
Bring bear spray with you from home, it's likely half the cost of buying it in the Park.
Another tip: Wild animals take you looking them directly in the eye as a challenge to fight them. If you encounter say, an elk...LOOK DOWN AND TO YOUR RIGHT. (Do not look directly into its eyes.) Looking down and to the right tells the animal you are not looking to challenge it or fight it.
My hubby didn't believe me when I told him this - until he ran into a buck in rut on a snowmobile trail. The buck immediately began pawing at the ground, signaling he was about to charge. Hubby did what I said and looked down and to his right. The buck quit pawing and instead of charging, after a few seconds walked off into the woods.
If you like, you can continue your hike to Inspiration Point.
At first, you climb a bit, but it isn’t really strenuous and even young children can do this short hike. It shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes one way, maybe a bit more if you walk at a really leisurely pace.
Theoretically, the Hidden Falls hike begins at the Jenny Lake Trailhead. But if you take a boat, then the whole length of the hike is only 1.3 miles (round trip). The path is well indicated from the boat dock and for the most part, follows the same trail that goes up to Inspiration Point.
Inspiration Trail Hike
The trail rises quickly with sharp drop offs so if you have any little daredevils, keep a close eye on them.
View from Inspiration Point
The entire hike from Jenny Lake boat dock to Inspiration Point is just 2.2 miles (round trip) so it should take you about an hour one way.
Drive to Signal Mountain for panoramic views of the Teton Range and to watch the sunset if you choose.
But here's something to think about: After dark Park wildlife can be on the move and crossing roads. Vehicular accidents as a result of this are quite high in the Park. So you may want to get back to Jackson before it gets dark.
Trust me on this one guys...
You wouldn't believe the number of calls the Sheriff's Office I worked for would get to dispatch deer and other critters that tourists' cars were wearing as hood ornaments.
Or the critters "dispatched" the driver when they came through the windshield, landing on top of the driver.
If you're not accustomed to driving at night where wildlife is abundant you have no idea how fast (nanoseconds) those deer, bear, etc. appear in your headlights.
Play it safe and get back to Jackson before night falls. There are no streetlights on the roads you'll be driving in the Park.
If you are going to watch the sunset from Signal Mountain and get caught in the dark, then drive much slower than you normally would and under the posted speed limit to give yourself time to hit the brakes very quickly.
Sunset at Signal Mountain
Signal Mountain is a heavily forested mountain in the Grand Teton National Park that looms 7,720 ft above sea level. The contrast between this lush, rounded mountain and the nearby jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Tetons is striking. Adorned with a scenic roadway and walking paths, adventurers have the option to drive or hike to the observation deck that sits atop the mountain. The lookouts feature impeccable views of the Teton Mountains, the glacial plain bisected by the Snake River, and Jackson Lake.
Signal Mountain Hiking Trail
INFO ON HIKING THE SIGNAL MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Should you be interested in day hiking the Signal Mountain Trail at some point, here's the scoop on that.
If you are lucky enough to find a parking spot, begin your adventure along the Signal Mountain Hike from the Signal Mountain Lodge. Setting out from here you will track south along the Signal Mountain Marina Road before diverting
east onto the Signal Mountain Trail. This path travels across Teton Park Road and subsequently the Signal Mountain Road before escaping into the wilderness. After passing a small pond, hikers will be
confronted with an intersection—note both routes reconnect. We chose to veer left on the hike up to the summit; then, we took the opposite branch on the way back down.
The leftmost trail climbs between lodgepole pines and low-lying oak brush meadows. As you hike, be sure to keep an eye out for bears, moose, deer, and elk. If you do have an encounter with wildlife, admire them from a safe distance. As you near the following junction, the path will open to an expansive meadow blossoming with wildflowers in the spring. Soon two Signal Mountain Trails will merge back together. Beyond this point, the incline intensifies, ascending through a corridor of conifers, and ultimately reach the Jackson Point Overlook.
Then hike along the Signal Mountain Road to the summit.
Day 3 Evening: If you're going to Signal Mountain for the sunset, then consider having dinner at Signal Mountain Lodge.
You have dining options at this restaurant shown at the link above. Peaks has a more extensive dinner menu than Trapper does and pricing is about the same between the two.
If you wish to return to Jackson for dinner, consider Snake River Grill, a local hangout. $$
Day 3
Have breakfast at Persephone Bakery.
Not only does Persephone Bakery have great decor and a great vibe, it's ranked one of the top 3 best breakfasts in Jackson Hole.
At Persephone Bakery, you can taste a wide array of high-quality bread items you’ll love. It takes inspiration from the bakeries in French to preserve a warm vibe in the area.
After breakfast head to Grand Teton Park again. Today you'll start by seeing Oxbow Bend for stunning views and wildlife photography. Oxbow Bend is home to a variety of birds and animals, including pelicans, Great Blue Herons, muskrats, otters, moose, and bear.
Oxbow Bend
Oxbow Bend is approximately 40 miles north of Jackson via US Highway 26/89/191. There's a small parking lot at Oxbow Bend but it fills up quickly so be prepared to park on the road just past the parking lot.
Oxbow Bend is just 4 minutes from the Moran Entrance Station and 34 minutes from the Moose Entrance Station. This is a no hike location, it's actually an overlook and you can get a great view even standing in the parking lot. Great spot for photography and wildlife viewing.
Drive to Colter Bay Village. Colter Bay Village offers a great Grand Teton National Park experience for an affordable price. The village sits on the northern shore of the lake and offers a variety of activities from kayaking, canoeing, guided fishing trips, horseback riding, picnic and grilling areas, swimming beach, and meal cruises.
Photo credit: NPS
Rent a kayak or canoe at Colter Bay and enjoy some time on the water. It's an incredibly relaxing way to see the Tetons while escaping the Park crowds for awhile.
Colter Bay Village is seasonally open from early to mid-May through the end of September. The marina is seasonally open from late May through late September (weather dependent).
Day 3 Evening:
Return to Jackson early for dinner. (Return early only if you wish to take advantage of the next activity I'll list that starts at 8 pm (but you need to be there by around 7:15 pm)
For dinner I recommend the Blue Lion, another favorite locals haunt. $$$
The Blue Lion has been a Jackson Hole favorite pleasing discerning diners 7 days a week with everything from simply the best rack of lamb to fresh fish served with full-flavored sauces and salsas. Other house specialties include crab cream cheese stuffed mushrooms, freshly made Caesar salad, elk tenderloin and fresh Idaho rainbow trout.
Enjoy indoor and outdoor deck seating in the summer and live music most nights.
Elk tenderloin
Rack of lamb
Open 5:30 pm to 10 pm Wednesday through Monday.
160 N Millward St, Jackson
Reservations recommended.
If you're up for some nightly entertainment, head over to the Jackson Hole Rodeo.
If you're up for some after dinner entertainment, see the Jackson Hole Rodeo. Every Wednesday and Saturday night between Memorial Day and Labor Day at 8 pm, the rodeo takes you back to the Old West: bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, saddle bronc riding, mini bull riding, and more.
Additional Shows: Fridays at 8:00 PM (July and August)
Save time and money—buy authorized tickets at JHRodeo.com only. Get your tickets early as many nights this rodeo sells out! Bring your printed tickets or e-tickets and proceed straight to the gates to save time.
Arrive early (they recommend 7:15 p.m.) to beat the crowds, avoid the lines and choose your general admission seats. The gates open at 6:30 pm. All rodeos start at 8 p.m. and end between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.
The rodeo grounds are located at 447 Snow King Ave. in Jackson.
Prices for the 2026 rodeo season have not been posted yet but these were the 2025 admission prices:
-
Covered General Admission: $50
-
Uncovered General Admission: $38
-
Discounts: $5 off for children under 15 and adults over 55
Money $aving Tip: Bring along an inexpensive hooded plastic rain poncho in case of rain and save yourself $12 per ticket by being able to sit in the uncovered section. I figured if the cowboys could bust broncs in the rain, I could sit in the uncovered section.
Day 4
Early breakfast and check out of your hotel.
Take the Teton Park Road scenic drive, stopping at viewpoints like Schwabacher's Landing and Snake River Overlook.
Explore the Schwabacher’s Landing for more scenic views and a chance to see moose. Schwabacher's Landing is actually one of the best scenic views in the park and again, it's an overlook so no hiking involved - although there is an easy trail beside the Snake River that you can walk to get photo ops.
Schwabacher Landing is located 5 miles north of Moose, Wyoming in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. The landing is just 25 minutes from the town of Jackson.
From Schwabacher's Landing, head on over to Mormon Row Historic District. (1.5 miles)
Travel north of Moose about 1 mile on US Hwy 26, 89, 191 and drive east on Antelope Flats Road about 1.5 miles to Mormon Row.
Or you can hike to Mormon's Row from Schwabacher's Landing. The trail is very short, 0.1 to 0.5 miles and is an easy trail to hike even for little kids.
From Schwabacher's Landing, visit nearby Mormon Row to have a glimpse into homesteading and pioneer life in Jackson Hole. Established in the late 1890s, the settlement secured 27 homesteads along with a church and a school. Although the church, built in 1916, was moved to Wilson, the area still preserves some signs of its existence - 6 buildings total.
T.A Moulton Barn, the most photographed barn in America Photo credit: More Than Just Parks
The John Moulton Homestead
John Moulton Homestead
MORMON ROW HISTORY
The passing of the 1862Homestead Act allowed citizens to claim 160 acres of public land provided they built a dwelling and farmed the land.
First permanent dwellers, Mormons from Idaho and Utah, moved to the area in the 1890s and built a vibrant town named Grovont.
Twenty seven homesteads were quickly erected.
With the creation of the Jackson Hole National Monument in 1943, the residents recognized that their future prospects were diminishing. Surrounded by protected federal lands, the settlers feared that they would lose access to the public land for grazing. Eventually, they started selling their properties to the Snake River Company and leaving Mormon Row.
In 1950 when the Jackson Hole National Monument became part of Grand Teton National Park, even more people abandoned their lands. In 1953, John Moulton also sold his property to Grand Teton National Park with a life lease. He was allowed to live and work on his land. Upon his death, the park would acquire the land and the family would need to leave.
In 1990, John died at the ripe old age of 103 and the land was turned over to Grand Teton Natl. Park.
In 1997, the remaining six homesteads were added to the National Register of Historic Places as an Historic District.
Some people feel Mormon Row is worth visiting, some don't. I found it interesting trying to imagine what life must have been like for those early settlers.
On your way out of Jackson you might want to stop at Teton Village for one last great view of Jackson Hole and the Tetons.
In just 12 minutes, the Aerial Tram glides skyward 4,139 vertical feet. The summit offers staggering 360-degree views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole valley, and surrounding mountain ranges. Pricing here
There are trails to walk at the top but be aware they're very rocky and uneven. There is also a restaurant at the tram dock but everyone I spoke to said the food is just so-so.
The tram ride and the scenery is what you go to Teton Village for. It's a great farewell to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park - until next time!
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.