With so much natural beauty to explore, planning the perfect itinerary can feel overwhelming. This 2-day Grand Teton National Park itinerary covers breathtaking hikes, iconic viewpoints, and scenic drives, ensuring you make the most of every moment.
Nestled in the heart of Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is a breathtaking destination that offers towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
With so much natural beauty to explore, planning the perfect itinerary can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve crafted a 2-day, action-packed guide based on our personal experience visiting the park on multiple occasions.
Unlike other national parks where you need many days to explore, the relatively compact nature of Grand Teton National Park means you can really get a good taste in just 2 days.
From awe-inspiring viewpoints to memorable hikes and scenic drives, this 2-day Grand Teton National Park itinerary ensures you experience the very best of the Tetons, even on a short trip.
Grand Teton National Park Itinerary Guide
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Grand Teton National Park overview
- Open: year-round
- Good to know: some roads, all campgrounds, and most visitors’ facilities are closed from November through April.
- Check here to see what will be closed during your visit
- Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle or free as part of an annual America the Beautiful Pass
- Established: February 26, 1929
- Area: approx. 310,000 acres
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park’s defining feature, the Teton Range, rises abruptly from the valley floor, with peaks like the Grand Teton (the highest peak in the range) reaching over 13,000 feet, creating an unforgettable skyline.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities here, including hiking, wildlife viewing, boating, and scenic drives. The park’s extensive trail system offers hikes for all skill levels, from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain climbs.
Wildlife enthusiasts have the chance to spot animals such as moose, bison, elk, black bears and even grizzly bears, especially in areas like Willow Flats and Oxbow Bend.
Grand Teton’s location near Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park makes it a popular stop for those exploring the American West, but it also stands alone as an unforgettable destination for nature and wildlife.
Psst…wondering about the best way to visit both parks? Check out this 4-day Grand Teton to Yellowstone itinerary!
America the Beautiful annual park pass
If you’re planning to visit more than one of the US National Parks, we’d highly encourage you to look into getting an annual park pass. At $35 per vehicle upon entry, visiting the national parks in the U.S. can get expensive.
For just $80 per year, you can purchase the America the Beautiful park pass. This pass grants you free access to all of the national parks. Plus it also covers your entrance to over 2,000 natural, historical, and recreational sites across the United States.
If you still need convincing, check out our article: National Park Annual Pass: Is it Worthwhile? + How to Buy
Grand Teton National Park itinerary overview
- Day 1: Jackson Lake Overlook, Taggart and Bradley lakes, Phelps Lake Overlook, Teton Village Gondola
- Day 2: Scenic overlooks, Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls/Inspiration Point
Day 1: Hiking and views
Start your Grand Teton adventure with one of the most beautiful views in the park. Then tackle two incredible hikes with moderate difficulty and big payoff. End the day with a ride up the Teton Village Gondola for sunset views over the valley and peaks.
Jackson Lake Overlook
As a non-morning person, trust me when I say you will not want to miss the sunrise in Grand Teton National Park. It’s one of those natural phenomena that you’ll just have to see for yourself.
Begin your day at Jackson Lake Overlook at sunrise, where the first light illuminates the Teton Range, casting a warm glow over the rugged peaks and their reflection in the still lake waters.
This peaceful moment captures the majesty of Grand Teton National Park, offering a perfect start to your Grand Teton itinerary. As the sun rises, the scenery transforms by the minute, so be sure to have your camera at the ready!
Taggart and Bradley lakes
- Distance: 6-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 761 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- Trail notes on Alltrails
The Taggart and Bradley Lakes loop is a scenic, moderate hike that immerses you in the beauty of the Tetons. The trail winds through pine forests and open meadows, with stunning mountain views along the way, leading to the clear, reflective waters of Taggart Lake.
Psst! This is one of our favorite views in the park and a great stop for photo ops.
You can turn around here if this is too much hiking in one day for you, but we highly encourage you to continue on to Bradley Lake.
The trail climbs with a bit more elevation gain to reach Bradley Lake. The good news is this part of the trail is much less populated and you may even have the entire lake to yourself.
The entire hike should take about 3 hours if you visit both lakes (and you should!), but you can cut that time in half if you choose to only visit Taggart.
Phelps Lake Overlook
- Distance: 2 miles out-and-back
- Elevation gain: 416 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- Trail notes on Alltrails
It may seem a bit much to pack 2 hikes into one day in Grand Teton, but trust us, it’ll be worth it. The hike to Phelps Lake Overlook is a short but rewarding trail that leads to a stunning vantage point above the lake.
Just under 2 miles round-trip, this moderate hike winds through forested paths and opens up to panoramic views of Phelps Lake, framed by the surrounding Teton peaks.
Teton Village Gondola Ride
After a long day of hiking, we’re finishing off day 1 of this Grand Teton itinerary with a relaxing gondola ride (and maybe even a cocktail at the top!).
The Teton Village Gondola ride offers a scenic ascent to 9,095 feet, where panoramic views of the Jackson Hole Valley and the Tetons await. This smooth, 12-minute ride is a memorable way to end the day, especially at sunset when the peaks are bathed in golden light.
At the top, visitors can relax, take photos, or enjoy a meal with a view at Piste Mountain Bistro and The Deck at Piste. If you time your ride just right, you can catch happy hour at The Deck starting at 5:00 p.m. in the summer months.
After a packed day, wrap up your Grand Teton itinerary with a scenic gondola ride up the Tetons at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Day 2: Scenic views and one more epic hike
The final day of this Grand Teton National Park itinerary combines a scenic drive with plenty of must-see overlooks and one more epic that showcases some of the best nature in the park.
Oxbow Bend
For a magical sunrise, head to Oxbow Bend as the early light casts a soft glow over the calm waters of the Snake River, perfectly reflecting the majestic Mount Moran and surrounding Teton peaks.
This spot is renowned for its tranquility and is a favorite for wildlife viewing, with chances to spot moose, elk, and a variety of bird species. It’s an unforgettable moment to start the day immersed in the serene beauty of Grand Teton National Park.
Roadside viewpoints
After catching sunrise at Oxbow Bend you’ll make your way down Hwy 191 to stop at some of the most iconic overlooks and viewpoints in the park.
- Blacktail Ponds Overlook: This serene overlook offers sweeping views of ponds, meadows, and distant Teton peaks, perfect for wildlife spotting at sunrise or sunset.
- Mormon Row: Known for its historic barns set against the majestic Teton backdrop, Mormon Row is a favorite for photographers capturing the iconic blend of history and nature. (See our cover photo!)
- Glacier View Turnout: This turnout provides stunning vistas of Teton glaciers, giving visitors a close-up look at the park’s impressive alpine landscape.
- Schwabacher Landing: Reflecting the Tetons in the calm waters of the Snake River, Schwabacher Landing is a picturesque spot beloved for its sunrise photography opportunities.
- Snake River Overlook: Made famous by Ansel Adams, this overlook offers an unforgettable view of the Snake River winding below the towering Teton range.
Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake is one of Grand Teton National Park’s most scenic spots, offering crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. Popular for hiking, kayaking, and boat tours, it provides access to some of the best hikes in Grand Teton.
A shuttle boat across the lake is a popular way to explore (and cuts down on your hiking time/distance if you so choose), and the area’s stunning views make it a must-see stop on any Grand Teton itinerary.
Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point hike
- Distance: 1.8 miles out-and-back with the boat shuttle, about 6 miles if you skip the boat
- Elevation gain: 420 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- Trail notes on Alltrails
The Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point hike is a popular trail in Grand Teton National Park, known as a place to spot wildlife. (We saw a moose and a black bear on the trail when we were there!)
Beginning at Jenny Lake trailhead, the trail hugs the lakeside, winding through beautiful forested areas to Hidden Falls, a stunning 100-foot waterfall.
Continuing on, the trail climbs a number of switchbacks (lots of elevation gain in this short part) to Inspiration Point, where hikers are treated to panoramic views over Jenny Lake and the valley below.
The hike can be shortened by taking the Jenny Lake boat shuttle to the trailhead for Hidden Falls, cutting off about 4 miles of the lakeside hike.
Elk Ranch Flats Turnout
Elk Ranch Flats Turnout is another must-see viewpoint where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of open meadows framed by the Teton Range.
This scenic stop offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife, especially elk, grazing in their natural habitat, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. The open landscape with the mountains in the distance makes it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
Jackson Point Overlook at Signal Mountain
Located atop Signal Mountain, Jackson Point Overlook offers panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Lake, and the sprawling valley below.
Accessible by a scenic drive up Signal Mountain Road, this overlook is especially stunning at sunset, when the light casts dramatic colors over the landscape.
It’s a peaceful spot to take in the full scope of the park’s beauty from above and capture incredible photos of the rugged peaks and shimmering waters as the sun is setting on your final day in Grand Teton National Park.
How much time do I need in Grand Teton National Park?
We think 2 days is a perfect amount of time for your Grand Teton itinerary. This allows you enough time to see the highlights and enjoy a few hikes, while also visiting Teton Village.
However, you could easily add an extra day to this itinerary if you wanted more hiking, or just to slow down the pace a bit.
Best time to visit Grand Teton National Park
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is typically late spring through early fall, with June through September being ideal. During these months, most park roads, trails, and visitor services are fully open, making it easier to access the scenic spots and hiking areas.
July and August offer warmer temperatures and ideal hiking conditions, although they’re also the busiest months.
For fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors, September is a fantastic time, when wildlife is active, and the foliage is vibrant. Early June can also be rewarding, as snow melts off the trails and wildflowers start to bloom, though some higher elevation areas may still have snow.
Winter offers a quieter, more secluded experience for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing but the park has limited accessibility and cold conditions.
Psst! Did you know Grand Teton is one of the best national parks to visit in winter?
Where to camp at Grand Teton National Park
All Grand Teton campgrounds require highly sought-after reservations, which are released six months in advance (better start planning your Grand Teton itinerary early!).
- Colter Bay Campground: On Jackson Lake, the park’s largest campground also includes a separate RV park with full hookups and a glamping-style tent village.
- Gros Ventre Campground: A large campground in a quiet area near the National Elk Refuge just a short drive from Jackson.
- Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch: Situated between Grand Teton and Yellowstone, this full-service campground with RV park and cabins is ideal for those exploring both parks.
- Jenny Lake Campground: GTNP’s only tent-only campground, and one of the most popular.
- Lizard Creek Campground: Situated at the northern end of Jackson Lake, Lizard Creek offers a more secluded experience.
- Signal Mountain Campground: At the southern end of Jackson Lake with stunning views of the Teton Range, this is one of the smaller campgrounds.
If you aren’t lucky enough to reserve a campsite inside the park, check out the dispersed sites along John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway, between Headwaters and Lizard Creek campgrounds at the northern end of Grand Teton National Park.
There are about 14 free, rustic (i.e.; no amenities or services) sites here, accessible during the summer season.
What to pack for your Grand Teton National Park itinerary
- Navigation: we recommend using Alltrails+ to download the offline trail map
- Get your first week of using Alltrails+ for FREE when you sign up using our link!
- Hiking daypack
- Water bottle and/or bladder for your Camelbak
- Bug repellant
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses
- Headlamp
- Camera/tripod (this one’s our favorite for hiking)
- Hiking layers (here is a great resource if you’re wondering what to wear hiking)
- Rain jacket
- Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Bear spray (just in case)
- Plenty of snacks: check out our favorite hiking snacks here!
- Camping gear – if you are staying at one of the park’s campsites
You may also like…
- Grand Teton Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss!
- 4-Day Grand Teton to Yellowstone Itinerary
- Delta Lake Hike: Grand Teton National Park Trail Guide
- Cascade Canyon Trail: Grand Teton National Park Hiking Guide
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