How to Spend a Day in Grand Teton National Park

The Tetons are among the most striking mountains in the country. The tallest peak towers more than 13,000 feet above the valley floor, without any foothills obstructing the view. It’s hard to do Grand Teton National Park justice in just one day; but a short visit is sure to whet your appetite for future Wyoming adventures. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Park map
• Guidebook
• Walking shoes
• Water bottle
• Binoculars
• Camera

1. Arrive early. Millions of people visit the park every summer. The earlier you get started in the morning, the more people you will avoid.
2. Drive the length of the park. Highway 89 runs through the park, but you’ll see more if you take the slower, main park road. Large animals like elk and pronghorn antelope can dart across the road, so be sure to obey the 35 to 45 mph speed limit, especially at night.
3. Look for wildlife. Grand Teton National Park is one of the most exciting wildlife viewing areas in the United States. Moose, elk, deer, buffalo, bears and eagles are all relatively common sights. They are also highly dangerous wild animals, so do not approach them.
4. Eat a picnic lunch at one of the many park road turnouts.
5. Take a short hike. At Jenny Lake, you can buy a ride on a boat that takes you across the lake to the Inspiration Point trail head. The trail is short (less than a mile) but steep. The sweeping view of the lake and the park make it worth the effort, though.
6. Stop in at Jackson Lake Lodge. Find a seat in the huge windowed lobby and soak up the view. It’s the perfect place to catch up on your postcard writing.
7. Finish your day at Dornan’s, just outside the park’s south entrance. Buy a bottle of wine from their 1,600-bottle wine shop and enjoy it with a pizza in their restaurant. The view from the restaurant’s bar is one of the best in the world.

Tips & Warnings

• Park usage is highly restricted in winter. Be sure to find out what’s open before you visit.