Grand Teton Scenic Drive: 13 Best Stops for Views, Wildlife, and Hiking

Welcome to the Grand Teton Scenic Drive—a 42-mile loop through Grand Teton National Park that promises jaw-dropping views and the chance to spot gorgeous wildlife. If you're short on time or simply want to experience the best of the Tetons in one day, you're in the right place!

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about driving through Grand Teton National Park. From sunrise to sunset, we'll highlight 13 can’t-miss stops for the best views, the best chance of spotting wildlife, and the best easy hikes to stretch your legs.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Grand Teton Scenic Drive and 13 must-see stops along the way.

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Can you drive through Grand Teton National Park?

Yes, you can drive through Grand Teton National Park. In fact, driving is one of the best and most popular ways to explore the park and take in stunning views of the Teton Mountain Range.

There are several scenic roads that pass through or near Grand Teton National Park, including Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, Moose-Wilson Road, and Signal Mountain Summit Road.

You can choose to drive some or all of these roads during your time in the park. In this post, we’ll highlight the Grand Teton Scenic Loop, which will take you along all four of these amazing roads and give you plenty of opportunities for views, hikes, and diverse wildlife.

Jump to the 13 best stops

What is Teton Park Road?

Teton Park Road is the main road that runs through Grand Teton National Park. It follows the base of the Teton Range, starting and ending where Teton Park Road intersects US Highway 89/191 near Jackson Lake Lodge and Moose, WY. This road is sometimes referred to as the “Inner Road,” as it’s the innermost road through the park.

You do not need reservations to drive Teton Park Road, which is generally open from May 1st through October 31st and is approximately 20 miles long.

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, Moose-Wilson Road, and Signal Mountain Summit Road can all be accessed from Teton Park Road. From here, you’ll also have access to trailheads such as String and Leigh Lakes, Jenny Lake, and Taggart Lake.

Rather than driving out and back along Teton Park Road, you can drive a loop from Teton Park Road to US Highway 89/191 for more great overlooks, turnouts, and scenic views of Grand Teton National Park. This is our recommendation for driving through Grand Teton National Park in a single day!

This Grand Teton Scenic Drive, sometimes also called the Grand Teton Scenic Loop or Grand Teton Grand Loop, is approximately 42 miles long and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Teton Range and the surrounding wilderness.

Is it worth driving through the Tetons?

Driving through Grand Teton National Park is absolutely worth it and one of the best ways to see the stunning Teton Range.

Not only will driving through the park offer you some of the best, most expansive views of the Tetons, but it will also provide access to many of the best hikes, wildlife viewing areas, and scenic overlooks.

If you only have one day to explore Grand Teton National Park, this is hands-down one of the best ways to spend your time. And if you have more than one day, that’s great, too! Spend one day sightseeing along the Grand Teton Scenic Loop, then spend the following days exploring further into the park.

Views along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive are spectacular!

Where does the Grand Teton Scenic Drive start and end?

From here on out, we’ll refer to the Grand Teton Scenic Drive as the scenic loop that runs along Teton Park Road and U.S. Highway 89/191. This loop is approximately 42 miles long.

It starts near the southern entrance of Grand Teton National Park, just north of the town of Jackson, Wyoming. The starting point is usually considered to be the junction of U.S. Highway 89/191 and Moose-Wilson Road near Moose, WY.

The drive generally ends at the northern boundary of the park, where the Teton Park Road intersects with U.S. Highway 89/191 again. This northern point is near the town of Moran, Wyoming.

However, since this is a loop, you can start and end from any point along the drive. Some common starting/ending locations include Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake, and the southern entrance of the park near Jackson, Wyoming.

How many miles is the Grand Teton Scenic Loop?

The Grand Teton Scenic Loop is approximately 42 miles long. This road runs through Grand Teton National Park along Teton Park Road and US Highway 89/191 and provides some of the most breathtaking views of the Teton Range.

Note: This approximately 42-mile loop does not include additional mileage for Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, Moose-Wilson Road, and Signal Mountain Summit Road, which can all be accessed from Teton Park Road.

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is approximately 3 miles long. Moose-Wilson Road is approximately 15 miles long, and Signal Mountain Summit Road is approximately 5 miles long. If you drive the entirety of this loop, including the additional offshoots, plan for approximately 85 miles as you loop through the town of Jackson, WY.

How long does it take to drive through Grand Teton National Park?

Without stops, it typically takes around 2.5-3 hours to drive through Grand Teton National Park, including Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, Moose-Wilson Road, Signal Mountain Summit Road, and US Highway 89/191.

However, the Grand Teton Scenic Drive is all about the stops and the scenic overlooks! Plan to spend several hours to a full day driving this route, especially if you’d like to take advantage of hiking trails, picnicking areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Our recommendation is to plan one full day to drive the Grand Teton Scenic Loop. This is a great way to see the park if you only have one day to explore and is also our favorite way to kick off a longer trip in the park, as it can help you decide what else you’d like to explore during your visit.

When is the best time of year to drive through the Tetons?

Teton Park Road is generally open from May 1st through October 31st, which makes these months the best time of year to drive through Grand Teton National Park.

Summer months, from June to August, are generally the busiest and most crowded time of year to drive through the Tetons, but the warm weather, accessibility to park roads and facilities, and longer daylight hours also make these months a great time of year to visit. Wildflowers are in full bloom during the summer months, and outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing are at their prime. However, parking at various locations and overlooks may be more challenging, so plan to get up early and stay out late if you’re exploring during the summer.

Fall months, from September through the end of October, are also a beautiful time to visit as the leaves begin changing color. The weather remains pleasant, and crowds begin to thin out after Labor Day. Fall is also an excellent time for wildlife viewing, especially during the elk mating season in late September. Some facilities and services may start closing in October as the season transitions.

Spring, typically from May to early June, offers a quieter visit before the summer rush. The landscape starts to green, and you can witness its lush contrast with the melting snow-capped mountains. Wildlife is active during this time, and you might even spot newborn animals! However, some higher-elevation trails may still have snow and be inaccessible until late June.

Although winter months are a beautiful time to witness the Teton Range, many park roads and facilities are not open during winter months, which makes driving through the park nearly impossible.

Grand Teton Scenic Drive Map

Pick up a park brochure when you arrive and follow this Grand Teton Scenic Drive Map for an incredible journey through Grand Teton National Park.

Is it better to drive clockwise or counter-clockwise?

There’s no bad place to start the Grand Teton Scenic Loop and no wrong direction to drive. All have their benefits, so pick whichever starting location is closest to you and drive in whichever direction gets you where you most want to be when you most want to be there! Here are some of our thoughts about which way is best and when.

Since the Grand Teton Scenic Drive is best driven as a loop, you can start and end from a number of various points along the way, including Jackson Lodge, Jenny Lake, Jackson, WY, and more. (We’ve driven this loop from various starting locations, including from the North at Colter Bay Campground/Cabins and from the South at Driggs, Idaho.) The best place to start the loop is wherever is closest to you.

If you’re starting from the north, closer to Jackson Lodge, Colter Bay, or the Moran Junction, we recommend driving counterclockwise. That’s because what is possibly our FAVORITE view of the Tetons is found near the Mount Moran Turnout. This stretch of road is absolutely stunning in early morning light as you’re driving toward Jenny Lake.

Driving counterclockwise from the north will also get you to Jenny Lake and the Jenny Lake Visitor Center earlier in your trip. This is good if you plan to stop here as the parking lot at Jenny Lake can fill up quickly on weekends and during busy summer months.

However, both directions have their advantages, and the choice depends on your itinerary and preferences. You can have a fantastic experience driving through the Tetons regardless of the direction you choose.

If you choose to drive clockwise from the north instead, you’ll get to Oxbow Bend earlier in the day (which is great for wildlife) and the Snake River Overlook and Schwabachers Landing with morning light, which are both beautiful spots for sunrise. (There’s really no bad place to be in the Tetons for sunrise!) You’ll also mostly be turning right into overlooks on US 89/191, which can be helpful for navigating traffic on busy days.

If you’re starting from the Southern Entrance, near Jackson, Wyoming, once again, both directions can be great. Driving counterclockwise will provide you with immediate views of some of the most iconic viewpoints in the park, such as the Snake River Overlook, where you can capture the Tetons reflected in the river at sunrise.

Counterclockwise from the Southern Entrance will also put you on Moose-Wilson Road toward the afternoon/evening, which is a great time of day to spot wildlife and a good time of day to find parking at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center if you’re interested in hiking to Phelps Lake. (We highly recommend you do!)

Driving counterclockwise from either direction will also make it easier to drive the one-way Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.

However, if you prefer to spend more time at Jenny Lake during your time in the Tetons, you may want to drive clockwise from the Southern Entrance, which will get you to Jenny Lake and the Jenny Lake Visitor Center earlier in the day. (If you do this, skip Moose-Wilson Road.)

Driving clockwise from the Southern Entrance will also put you near the Chapel of the Transfiguration around sunrise (one of the most photographed places in the park) and Schwabacher Landing or Snake River Overlook around sunset. (Schwabacher Landing is one of the best places in the park for sunset views during late spring and early summer, and the Snake River Overlook is great during the fall months).

There’s no wrong direction to drive, but we’re partial to driving counterclockwise from the Northern Entrance (near Moran, Colter Bay, or Jackson Lodge.)

13 Best Overlooks Along Grand Teton Scenic Drive

There are many overlooks, turnouts, and places to stop along the Grand Teton Scenic Loop. So when it comes to picking the best overlooks, we think about one thing: the most beautiful views right off the road.

Here are 13 of the best overlooks, turnouts, and short paths along the Grand Teton Scenic Loop!

We’re sharing these as though you’re driving counterclockwise from Jackson Lake Lodge, so it’s easier to follow along. (We designate our favorite overlooks with asterisks.)

1. Jackson Lake Dam

Jackson Lake Dam is a good vantage point from which to admire the scenic beauty of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. This spot is ideal for photography, particularly during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon when the Tetons are casting reflections on the lake.

2. Signal Mountain Summit Road

One of our favorite things to do when arriving at a national park is ask just about everyone we meet about their favorite thing to do in the park. We try to talk to as many park employees, rangers, and locals as we can!

One of the very first ranger recommendations we received was to drive to Signal Mountain Summit Road for panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole, and the Snake River. This winding mountain road will lead you to the summit of Signal Mountain and its beautiful views.

Note: Another reason to consider stopping at Signal Mountain? I’ve read that Signal Mountain Lodge has some of the best food in the park!

3. Mount Moran Turnout*

Mount Moran Turnout is amazing for pictures and offers PHENOMENAL road views!

This turnout, alongside the Mountain View Turnout just slightly up the road, offers some of the best road views in the park. It’s a jaw-dropping experience to be driving along Teton Park Road and suddenly feel like you’re driving right into the grand and imposing Mount Moran, one of the most prominent peaks in the Teton Range!

This area is absolutely gorgeous around sunrise; Take your time driving toward the Mount Moran Turnout and soak up the incredible views while you do.

4. Mountain View Turnout*

Similar to the Mount Moran Turnout, the road views driving by the Mountain View Turnout are spectacular. This area provides unobstructed views of the Teton peaks, including the iconic Grand Teton.

This stretch of road is not to be missed and is, in our opinion, one of the best places to be in the early morning hours of a clear day.

5. Jenny Lake Scenic Drive*

Off Teton Park Road, you’ll find the one-way Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, which is approximately 3 miles long. It’s, well, the scenic route to Jenny Lake, and we highly recommend this addition to your drive!

Along the way, stop at the Cathedral Group Turnout for a great photo of the Teton Mountains.

From Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, you’ll also have access to the String and Leigh Lake Trailheads, Jenny Lake Overlook, and the Jenny Lake Loop Trail. It’s a short but beautiful scenic drive that takes you from amazing views of the Tetons to peaceful wooded views to views of the gorgeous Jenny Lake.

Cathedral Group Turnout on Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

6. Jenny Lake*

Jenny Lake is one of the most popular places in Grand Teton National Park.

It’s so popular that parking fills up early, particularly on weekends and during busy summer months. Generally speaking, you want to arrive at Jenny Lake before 8:30am if you’re hoping to stop. (On the summer weekend day we were visiting, the parking lot was 90% full at 8:15am. A ranger told us to arrive by 8:30am to avoid overflow parking along the road.)

While we don’t think Jenny Lake offers the best views of the Tetons, we do think this is one of the best stops for hiking along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive.

Once you park your car and walk toward Jenny Lake, you can turn left to head toward the Jenny Lake Boat Launch or turn right to walk along the shore. You can’t actually see any of the three main mountain peaks from Jenny Lake, but you do get a close view of the Nez and Teewinot Mountains.

If you want to stretch your legs along your drive, this is a great place to do so.

Take a boat shuttle across Jenny Lake for access to the popular Hidden Falls or Inspiration Point Trailheads. Or stay on land and follow the shore along the Jenny Lake Loop. Find more information about hiking along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive in the section below.

7. Teton Glacier Turnout

Located past Jenny Lake on Teton Park Road, the Teton Glacier Turnout offers a glimpse of the Teton Glacier, the largest glacier in Grand Teton National Park.

On a clear day, this is a great stop along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive and an excellent spot for observing the geology of the region. (During late summer months, this can also be a great place to witness the sun setting between mountain peaks!)

8. Chapel of the Transfiguration*

The Chapel of the Transfiguration is a picturesque chapel located within Grand Teton National Park. It’s a popular place for park photography, as what makes this chapel truly special is its location. The large window behind the altar of the Chapel frames the tallest Teton peaks, creating a beautiful backdrop for religious services and peaceful contemplation.

The Chapel of the Transfiguration is open to the public. Visitors are welcome to explore the chapel, enjoy the view, and attend the Sunday services held during the summer months. (This is also a popular spot for weddings. While we were at the Chapel, we met a woman whose parents were married here 70 years ago to the day prior!)

Many photographers are drawn to the Chapel of the Transfiguration for its unique setting and the opportunity to capture the Teton Range through the chapel's window. Sunrise and sunset are particularly popular times for photography.

A close-up view of the Chapel of The Transfiguration. Notice the Teton range peeking out of the clouds in the background, providing an incredible view both outside and inside the Chapel.

9. Moose-Wilson Road*

Moose-Wilson Road is an approximately 15-mile-long scenic drive within Grand Teton National Park, known for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and dense, old-growth forests of pine and spruce.

Wildlife sightings are common along this road, with the possibility of encountering moose, black bears, elk, and a variety of bird species. Additionally, there are several pullouts and viewpoints along the road where you can stop to appreciate the scenery, take photographs, or park your car and hike.

You’ll also have access to one of our favorite lakes in the park, Phelps Lake, from the Laurence Rockefeller Preserve (LRP) off Moose-Wilson Road.

Note: Parking at the LRP fills up early. You can literally line up car after car to wait for a parking space (there’s a ranger managing this), or you can plan to arrive later in the afternoon, around 4pm, to generally have an easier time finding a space. (We arrived around 4pm on a weekend day in August and had no issue with parking.)

Looking for someplace to eat? Drive past the Moose-Wilson Road to the nearby Dornan’s Pizza and Pasta. Grab a table on the deck for great views of the Tetons.

How quickly can you spot this moose hanging out right off Moose-Wilson Road?

Teton Village (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort) and Jackson, WY

Off Moose-Wilson Road, you’ll find Teton Village (and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort), a great place to stop, walk around, and grab lunch. (If you’re craving coffee, check out the walk-up window at Overview Coffee!)

You can stop at Teton Village and/or continue driving to the town of Jackson, WY. There are more great restaurants, shops, and things to do in Jackson to get a break from driving. (We highly recommend stopping by a few photography galleries while you’re there!)

Need a place to walk your dog along the Grand Teton Scenic Loop? Just before getting to Jackson, check out the Snake River Trail at Emily Stevens Park. This is an off-leash-friendly trail with various river access points for your dog to swim.

10. Mormon Row & Moultan Barns

Once leaving Jackson, you’ll drive US Highway 89/191 toward Moran, WY. There will be a beautiful welcome sign for Grand Teton National Park that’s absolutely worth the stop! (It’s the sign at the top of this post.)

Then continue following US Highway 89/191 to Mormon Row and Moultan Barns, a historic area within Grand Teton National Park and a popular stop for photographers and visitors to view rustic barns set against the backdrop of the towering Teton Range.

The Moulton Barns and other historic structures on Mormon Row are accessible by car from the Antelope Flats Road, which is a gravel road that runs through the area. There are many signs and parking areas where you can stop and explore.

Note: There’s another turnout, Blacktail Ponds, that comes up RIGHT after the Mormon Row exit. If you’d like to stop, be ready for it as you leave Mormon Row, or you’ll miss it.

11. Schwabacher Landing*

Along the Snake River, the Schwabacher Landing area offers a beautiful view of the Tetons and good opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially in the early morning.

The road to the viewing areas is mostly dirt gravel, and it’s very bumpy, but it’s worth it. Just take it slow and know it’s not long. Drive all the way to the end and walk the path as long as you’d like. This was one of my favorite views of the Tetons!

Note: There are two turnoffs along this short gravel road to Schwabacher Landing. Both are worthwhile. (There’s one “official” turnoff all the way at the end of the gravel road and one earlier side turnout.) Follow both dirt paths on foot to the river for the best views. This is an especially amazing overlook in the fall with the trees changing color! During late spring and early summer, this is one of the best places in the park for sunset.

12. Snake River Overlook*

The Snake River Overlook was first made famous by photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams and is now one of the most popular overlooks in the park, offering a view of the winding Snake River in front of the Teton Range.

Alongside Schwabacher’s Landing, this is one of the best overlooks in the park.

Note: If you have plenty of time in Grand Teton National Park, consider floating the Snake River. We saw people floating while at the Snake River Overlook, and I’d love to experience this during a future trip!

13. Oxbow Bend Overlook

The Oxbow Bend Overlook is one of the best places in the park for wildlife. We saw a herd of elk our first evening in the park from this overlook.

The Oxbow Bend area also provides a beautiful view of the Teton Range reflecting in the waters of the Snake River, making it a great place for photography, too.

Best Places to See Wildlife Along Grand Teton Scenic Drive

To be honest, we’re partial to driving about an hour from Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park if you’re interested in wildlife watching. Although the Tetons offer various opportunities for wildlife viewing (and you might get lucky and spot one of the most famous bears in the entire region!), Yellowstone is, in our opinion, a much better place for wildlife.

That said, there are certainly still wildlife living in Grand Teton National Park, and you may encounter some during your drive through the Tetons. Here are areas along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive that are known for their higher likelihood of sightings.

These are some of the best places to see wildlife along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive (going counterclockwise from Jackson Lake Lodge).

Willow Flats Overlook: This overlook near Jackson Lake Lodge provides an excellent view of Willow Flats, a prime area for spotting moose and other wildlife. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope for a closer look.

Signal Mountain: The Signal Mountain area offers opportunities to see bighorn sheep as the rocky cliffs are their preferred habitat. The best time to spot them is typically in the morning and evening.

Moose-Wilson Road: Moose-Wilson Road is a known hotspot for moose sightings. It winds through prime moose habitat with dense willows and wetlands, so keep your eyes peeled for these large, solitary animals!

National Elk Refuge: Located near Jackson, the National Elk Refuge is a wintering ground for one of the largest elk herds in North America. Although accessible year-round, the most popular time to visit is during the winter, from late November through early April, when large herds of elk congregate on the refuge's lower elevations. This is when guided sleigh rides are offered, providing a unique opportunity to get close to the elk.

Antelope Flats and Mormon Row: These historic areas are known for their iconic barns with the Tetons in the background, but they can also be good places to spot pronghorn antelope and bison.

Schwabacher Landing: Schwabacher Landing, along the Snake River, is known for its peaceful reflections of the Tetons and opportunities to see beavers, waterfowl, and moose.

Elk Ranch Flats: Elk Ranch Flats is considered one of the prime locations in the park to spot a variety of wildlife species, including elk, bison, moose, pronghorn, deer, and various bird species.

Oxbow Bend: Oxbow Bend is a popular spot for wildlife, and you may see moose, elk, and deer here.

Wildlife can be active at different times of day but are generally most active early morning and late afternoon. Read more about wildlife viewing in Grand Teton National Park here.

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the most famous bears in the world, Bear 399, the Pilgrim Creek area is a great place to start. Nearby Willow Flats and Oxbow Bend are also good places to observe, particularly during berry season.

Be sure to also plan a visit to the nearby Yellowstone National Park, paying particular attention to Lamar and Hayden Valleys. Yellowstone National Park is our favorite place in the world for wildlife viewing!

Best Short Hikes Along Grand Teton Scenic Drive

There are LOTS of incredible hikes to consider in Grand Teton National Park. For this post, we’ll share some of our top choices for short hikes to stretch your legs as you drive through the park.

If you have more time and are looking for longer day hikes to consider during your visit, one of our favorites is Cascade Canyon (which will also take you to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point). (You can even loop it all the way to Lake Solitude, Paintbrush Canyon, and String Lake.)

Here are 8 of the best short hikes along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive (in counterclockwise order from Jackson Lake Lodge).

Lunch Tree Hill

Lunch Tree Hill is a half-mile lollipop loop trail starting at Jackson Lake Lodge. (Park at Jackson Lake Lodge for access to this trail.) It’s a relatively short hike with panoramic views of the Tetons Range and Willow Flats.

String Lake Loop

The String Lake Loop is an approximately 3.7-mile loop known for its clear waters and gorgeous mountain views. This pleasant loop trail is accessible from the String Lake Trailhead along the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.

(The first parking lot along Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is the String Lake Trailhead. The second lot offers a canoe launch, and the third lot offers access to the Leigh Lake Trailhead.)

Jenny Lake Loop

The entire Jenny Lake Loop is approximately 7 miles long, but you can walk as much or as little as you’d like along the shoreline of Jenny Lake. Park at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center for access to the Jenny Lake Loop.

Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point*

While we generally recommend planning your trip to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point on a separate day as your drive, it may be possible to include these two popular destinations if you forgo some other stops along the way.

You’ll want to park at Jenny Lake and take a boat shuttle to the trailhead on the other side of the lake. There you can follow a short 1-mile round trip trail to Hidden Falls and consider the additional half-mile hike to Inspiration Point from there. (Purchase boat tickets at the boat dock when you arrive. See an additional note about boat shuttles below.)

Note: While we recommend the boat trip to save time, you can access Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point from land. You can follow the Jenny Lake Loop past the boat launch to Hidden Falls. We did this during our first trip to Grand Teton National Park in 2015 and saw a moose right next to the trail.

Moose Ponds

Moose Ponds is an approximately 2-mile out-and-back trail or an approximately 3-mile lollipop loop. Starting from Jenny Lake, this short hike takes you to a peaceful pond frequented by moose, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing.

Access the trail just beyond the shuttle boat dock at Jenny Lake. (If you choose to hike the 3-mile lollipop loop, you’ll hike into Lupine Meadows, an open sagebrush area great for spotting pronghorn. Just remember that wildlife viewing is generally best early in the morning.)

Taggart Lake Trail

The Taggart Lake Trail is an approximately 3-mile out-and-back trail located at the Taggart Lake Trailhead off Teton Park Road. It takes you to beautiful Taggart Lake with grand views of the Tetons. (Note: Many recommend to follow this trail counterclockwise.)

If you’re looking for a longer hike, consider the Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop Trail, a 6-mile loop taking you to both of these beautiful lakes.

Menor’s Ferry Historical Trail

The Menor’s Ferry Historical Trail is a half-mile trail located near Moose, WY, and the Chapel of The Transfiguration. This short loop trail provides insight into the park's early history.

Phelps Lake*

Although the entire Phelps Lake Loop is approximately 6.4 miles, you can park at the Lawrence S. Rockefeller Preserve (LRP) and hike the relatively easy and well-maintained Lake Creek Trail to the shore of Phelps Lake and back. (This is approximately 3 miles round trip. You can make a loop by hiking Lake Creek Trail there and the Woodlands Trail back.)

Phelps Lake came highly recommended to us during our visit to the Tetons, and after enjoying an afternoon of sunshine at Phelps Lake, it’s one of our favorites now, too! Bring a suit if you’d like to get in and jump off the Phelps Lake Jumping Rock.

Note: A visit to Jumping Rock will require you to walk further along Phelps Lake Loop. Once you take the Lake Creek or Woodlands Trail to Phelps Lake, turn right to walk the shore to Jumping Rock. The parking lot at LRP is small, so you’ll either want to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon (around 4pm) on busy days.

Be sure to check trail conditions and any potential closures before your visit, as weather and maintenance may affect accessibility. Also, carry essential items such as water, bear spray, and layers when hiking in the park.

Note: If you have more time and are considering a longer day hike accessed via the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle, arrive early! If possible, catch the first boat of the day by arriving by 6:30am (or earlier on weekends). Bring cash for a half-price boat ride available for this first boat only.

Best Spots for Sunrise and Sunset along Grand Teton Scenic Drive

Mount Moran Turnout, Mountain View Turnout, Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, and Schwabacher Landing are some of the best places to be in Grand Teton National Park for sunrise.

Schwabacher Landing is also a great place for sunset, particularly during late spring and early summer. (The Snake River Overlook is great for sunset in the fall.)

The Chapel of the Transfiguration is also a popular location for both sunrise and sunset.

Taggart Lake (and the Taggart Lake Trailhead) can be a beautiful hike at sunrise and sunset. Taggart Lake, with its reflection of the Tetons, provides a gorgeous setting for capturing the changing colors of the sky.

Colter Bay, especially in late fall, is also a beautiful place for sunset over the marina.

Delta Lake looks like an amazing spot for sunrise, but it’s a longer, more challenging hike probably best to do on a separate day.

Is Grand Teton Scenic Drive dog-friendly?

Technically, yes. The Grand Teton Scenic Drive is dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed where cars are allowed, i.e., on the roads in Grand Teton National Park and at many of the overlooks, parking lots, picnic areas, and campgrounds. However, there are very few trails in Grand Teton National Park that are dog-friendly.

For a dog-friendly trail as you drive Grand Teton Scenic Drive, consider the Snake River Trail at Emily Stevens Park. If you have more time in the park and are interested in a challenging dog-friendly hike with epic views of the Tetons, check out Table Mountain near Driggs, Idaho. It’s spectacular!!

Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park

There are many places to stay in Grand Teton National Park. Here are a few options to consider along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive.

Colter Bay Village: Located further north than Jackson Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village provides a range of lodging options, including cabins, RV sites, and tent sites. It's a great choice for families, pets, and those who prefer a more rustic experience. We spent one night camping at Colter Bay and two nights in a pet-friendly cabin during our summer 2023 trip to Grand Teton National Park and enjoyed both.

Jackson Lake Lodge: Jackson Lake Lodge offers comfortable rooms and suites with views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. It's the largest full-service lodging option in the park and provides easy access to nearby attractions. The Jackson Lake Lodge is a great starting location for driving the Grand Teton Scenic Drive.

Signal Mountain Lodge: Signal Mountain Lodge offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins and the only lakefront rooms in the park! It offers beautiful views, proximity to hiking trails, and some of the best dining in the park, as well.

Jenny Lake Lodge: For a more upscale and intimate experience, Jenny Lake Lodge offers cabins and suites. It's known for its excellent dining, service, and proximity to Jenny Lake and its hiking trails. This lodge may be best if you’re hoping to access the hiking trails on the other side of Jenny Lake.

Lodging within the park can fill up quickly, especially during the peak summer season, so it's best to make reservations well in advance if you plan to stay at one of these accommodations. Click here to book online and learn more. [Reservations are available on a 12-month rolling basis. All in-park camping is by reservation only and can be booked on a six-month rolling basis at Recreation.gov.]

Additionally, there are lodging options in nearby towns like Jackson, Wyoming, and Driggs, Idaho, if you're looking for alternatives just outside the park boundaries.

We’ve stayed toward the north, at the Colter Bay Campground & Cabins, as well as the south, in Driggs, Idaho. (Fun aside for car campers… campground spots 302, 306, and even 298 are amazing spots for car camping in Colter Bay Campground!) Some of the cabins at Colter Bay Cabins are dog-friendly, which is awesome if you’re bringing your pup with you.

John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway

The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects Grand Teton National Park with Yellowstone National Park, so you can easily drive between the two parks to explore further.

Click the button below to drive Yellowstone’s Grand Loop next!

Happy road tripping!

What’s your favorite thing to do in Grand Teton National Park, or which of these activities sounds the best to you? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Save this itinerary for a future road trip

Hover over the image below and click on the red “Save” button that pops up in the upper lefthand corner of the image to save this on Pinterest for later. (If you’re on mobile, you might have to tap the image first to see the red ‘Save’ button.)