Easy 1 Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
Experience Grand Teton National Park with this easy itinerary! You can see all the top sights with just 1 day in Grand Teton.
This easy 1 day Grand Teton itinerary is perfect for a relaxed visit that sees all the major sights. With very little hiking and an easy-to-follow route full of scenic overlooks, this is the perfect itinerary for a family vacation.
We did this same itinerary on our visit, with some minor changes. You’ll drive one loop through the park and visit the top sights, which maximizes your time and lets visit all of the best spots.
1 Day Grand Teton Itinerary
Grand Teton National Park is located just north of Jackson, Wyoming. I recommend flying into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), which is actually located inside Grand Teton National Park, and staying overnight in Jackson. You’ll also want to rent a car at the airport so you can take this road trip at your own pace.
When staying in Jackson, I recommend the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa at Jackson Hole. This hotel has cozy private cabins set around a peaceful nature preserve. And it’s only a few minutes from the National Park.
The route this itinerary takes is basically a loop that hits top sights on US Highway 191 and Teton Park Road. I’ve set up the route so that you can start and end in Jackson.
Plan to get an early start to beat the crowds. Plus, many of the stops are perfect for some sunrise photography!
Grand Teton National Park Sign
Your first stop should definitely be the Grand Teton National Park sign just outside of Jackson.
This is the best of the park’s welcome signs because you actually get the Grand Tetons in the background of your photo!
Mormon Row
Mormon Row is a group of historic Mormon homesteads from the late 1800s.
This is a popular photography spot, especially in the morning because the lighting is so perfect. If you want a sunrise photo, you’ll need to get there well before sunrise to get a good spot.
Glacier View Turnout
Glacier View Turnout has a great view of the glaciers withing the Teton mountains.
This is a great place to stop for an unobstructed view of the Grand Teton mountain range in all its glory.
Schwabacher Landing
Schwabacher Landing is a pull-off along the Snake River that’s a popular photography spot. You can get a great view of the mountains reflected in the water here.
There’s a bit of a drive on a gravel road, and then it’s a short, easy trail to get down to the riverside.
Snake River Overlook
Snake River Overlook is another popular photography spot.
It’s the same place Ansel Adams took his 1902 photograph of the Teton peaks rising above the Snake River.
J.P. Cunningham Cabin
The J.P. Cunningham Cabin was built in 1888 in the classic Appalachian style. It’s one of the oldest remaining structures in Grand Teton National Park.
This is a great stop to get a view of one of the park’s most unique structures with a stunning backdrop of the Tetons.
Oxbow Bend
Oxbow Bend has an iconic view of Mt. Moran reflected in the Snake River.
It’s just a short walk down a well-worn path to get to the riverside.
Jackson Lake Overlook
Jackson Lake Overlook is the furthest point north in this itinerary. Turn around at this spot for a great view of the Grand Tetons rising over Jackson Lake.
From here, you’ll backtrack for a bit south on US Highway 191.
Colter Bay Visitor Center
The Colter Bay Visitor Center has an overlook of Colter Bay tucked into the crook of Jackson Lake.
Inside the visitor center, you can explore a small museum with a collection of Native American artifacts. There are also several hiking trails along the lake shore.
Lunch at The Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge
For lunch, I recommend The Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge.
The dining room is named for its ten-panel mural by Carl Roters depicting the 1837 Rendezvous — a historic gathering of trappers, traders, and Native Americans. But the true star of The Mural Room is the panoramic view of the Tetons you can see through the restaurant’s massive picture windows.
On the menu, you’ll find salads, sandwiches, wraps, and lighter fare.
Willow Flats Overlook
Stop off at Willow Flats Overlook for one of the best wildlife-viewing spots in Grand Teton National Park.
This area is a favorite grazing spot for moose, elk, and bears.
Jackson Lake Dam
Turn onto Teton Park Road to complete the second half of your loop around Grand Teton National Park.
Make your first stop Jackson Lake Dam. At the bottom on the Snake River side, you can see the impressive construction. Walk along the top of the dam for breathtaking views of Jackson Lake and the Grand Tetons.
Signal Mountain Overlook Trail & Jackson Point Overlook
Drive to the top of Signal Mountain. From the Signal Mountain Overlook Trail, you can see all of Jackson Hole from an elevation of 7,720 feet.
On your way back down the mountain, stop at the Jackson Point Overlook trail that looks off the opposite side of the mountain to see the Grand Tetons rising over Jackson Lake.
Mount Moran Turnout
Stop at the Mount Moran Turnout for a great view of Mt. Moran dominating the northen Teton Range.
There are plenty more convenient pull-offs like this one along Teton Park Road that give you different views of the mountain range.
Mountain View Turnout
Another scenic pull-off along Teton Park Road is Mountain View Turnout.
This stop gives you a view of the range from Mt. Saint John to Mt. Moran.
Jenny Lake Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Taking the ferry across Jenny Lake to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park.
Because it’s such a popular activity, it’s best to leave it to the end of the day so you can avoid the midday crowds. Just be sure you have plenty of time to hike and make the last ferry back (most people will take 1.5 hours to hike the 2-mile round-trip trail).
The trail to Hidden Falls is an easy 0.5-mile hike from the boat dock. It leads to a secluded 100-foot waterfall.
From there, it’s another 0.5 mile hike to Inspiration Point where you’ll get views of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole.
The it’s a 1 mile hike back to the boat dock.
Teton Glacier Turnout
Teton Glacier Turnout is a great spot to get a look at the glaciers between the mountain peaks.
With this as your last stop, you can head back to Jackson for dinner and a relaxing night in.
Grand Teton in 1 Day Map
Ready to spend an incredible day in Grand Teton National Park? Use the map below to plan out your trip.
I hope you have an amazing Grand Teton vacation!
Want to combine a trip to Grand Teton with a trip to Yellowstone National Park? Check out my Ultimate 7 Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary here!
Ultimate Yellowstone & Grand Teton 7 Day Itinerary
Your Yellowstone & Grand Teton vacation — planned for you.
Don’t spend any more time stressing about planning your perfect National Park vacation. Get this done-for-you, fully planned itinerary!
1 Day Grand Teton Itinerary FAQ
Is 1 day enough in Grand Teton?
1 day in Grand Teton is enough to experience the park’s highlights. With just 1 day in the park, you can visit iconic spots like Jenny Lake, take a short hike, and enjoy scenic drives such as Teton Park Road and Signal Mountain. Prioritize your must-see attractions and start early to make the most of your day.
What should you not miss in Grand Teton National Park?
Here are some can’t-miss spots that capture the Grand Teton National Park’s natural beauty and iconic views.
– Jenny Lake
– Scenic drive along Teton Park Road
– Schwabacher Landing
– Mormon Row
– Snake River Overlook
How many days do you need in the Grand Tetons?
To fully experience Grand Teton National Park, you’ll want 3 to 4 days. This allows plenty of time for scenic drives, wildlife spotting, short and moderate hikes, and exploring iconic spots like Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, and Mormon Row. However, if you’re short on time, a well-planned 1-day visit can still cover the park’s major highlights.
Can you see Grand Teton without hiking?
Yes, you can see Grant Teton without hiking by driving through the park and making scenic stops. Enjoy views of the mountains and wildlife from the comfort of your car. There are many turnouts along the road where you can stop and take in the views.
Top Grand Teton National Park Tours
Want a little extra guidance on your trip to Grand Teton National Park? Here are a few guided tour options:
- Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in a Enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle
- Sunrise 4-Hour Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure
- Scenic Wildlife Float in Jackson Hole
Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park
Want to stay inside Grand Teton National Park? The park has 7 cabin, lodge, cottage, and motel-style accommodations to choose from:
- Where We Stayed: Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa at Jackson Hole (outside of park)
- Jackson Lake Lodge
- Jenny Lake Lodge
- Signal Mountain Lodge
- American Alpine Club Grand Teton Climbers’ Ranch
- Colter Bay Village
- Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch
- Triangle X Ranch
Grand Teton also has 7 campgrounds that you can reserve in advance.
More Wyoming Itineraries
Use the posts below to help plan out your perfect Wyoming vacation.
- 11 Best Things to Do in Jackson, Wyoming
- Yellowstone Packing List: Essentials for Stress-Free Sightseeing
- Perfect 7 Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary
- 35 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
- Old Faithful Inn Review: Is It Worth It?
- 21 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
- Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa Review: Jackson Hole Hotel
- 4 Day Yellowstone Itinerary for First-Timers
- 8 Best Yellowstone Restaurants: Where to Eat in the Park
- Where to See Bears in Yellowstone National Park
Ready to visit Grand Teton National Park? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels near Grand Teton using Expedia.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
Did you find this 1 day Grand Teton National Park itinerary helpful? Let me know in the comments!
