The Ultimate 1 Day Grand Teton Itinerary
Grand Teton National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., but planning your trip can be a little overwhelming, especially if you have limited time.
That’s where we come in! We have laid the perfect one-day Grand Teton itinerary to help you plan your epic adventure in the Grand Teton National Park.
We visited the Grand Teton in early Summer with family members ages 4 – 59, so we have you covered for activities that cover all age ranges.
I still remember the awe I felt when I visited the park for the first time, and I can’t wait for you to have that experience, too!
This itinerary is specifically for a one-day adventure or someone with limited time. Check out our other blogs about Grand Teton National Park here!
One Day Grand Teton Itinerary
If you can only spend one day at Grand Teton, it’s better than no days in Grand Teton 😂 But we will try and see as much as possible to show off this park.
For this itinerary, you will want to have a picnic lunch and snack with you so we can maximize our time in this beautiful area.
Morning
Catch the Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing:
Start early to watch the sunrise and light up the beautiful mountains.
We will start our day at Schwabacher Landing. This landing offers beautiful views of the mountains with water below them. If the wind is low, you will see a great reflection in the water! This is the perfect way to start our one day Grand Teton Itinerary.
Scenic Drive to Moose Entrance
After watching the sunrise, head south on Highway 191 to Moose Junction. Feel free to take a quick stop at Glacier View Turnout and soak in the mountain views.
Moose Junction is the south most entrance to Grand Teton National Park. We will start our day here and then move north!
*Remember that there is an entrance fee. Current entrance fees are:
Standard Pass $20.00 for entrance on foot; $35.00 for a private vehicle; $30 for motorcycles. This 7-day entrance pass
Annual Pass $70.00
America the Beautiful Pass $80.00
For this one day Grand Teton Itinerary we would recommend the Standard Pass as you will still get access for 7 days. If you plan do go to more National Parks through out the year, buy that annual pass!
Mid Morning
Hike Taggart Lake Loop Trail
Now that the sun is up, it’s time to get into the mountains!!
Enter the park at Moose Junction and head to the Taggart Lake Trailhead. Parking here can get very busy, so try to arrive by 8 a.m.!
The Taggart Lake trail is a 3.9-mile loop that passes through forests and meadows and ends at a serene lake with views of the Tetons. You can read our full post about the hike here!
Bring some snacks to enjoy at Taggart Lake before you return to the start point.
Head to Jenny Lake
Drive part of the Grand Teton Scenic Route to Jenny Lake.
Stop by the Jenny Lake Visitors Center for a souvenir, or check out the exhibits they have on display.
If you brought lunch, stop at one of the many scenic spots to enjoy your picnic!
Jenny Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in Grand Teton. The stunning lake with jagged peaks is just spectacular so it is a must stop on our one day Grand Teton itinerary!
Afternoon
Next, enjoy Jenny Lake and Inspiration Point.
This lake has a ferry that takes you from the east side of the lake to the west.
The current prices are:
$ 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)
No Senior One-Way rate
FREE Under 2 years of age and over 80 yrs.
Once across the lake hike to Inspiration Point which is two miles from the ferry drop off. This is a very popular, short, family-friendly hike to a viewpoint that features beautiful views of Jenny Lake.
Late Afternoon
After two hikes, it’s time to relax with a scenic drive.
The Grand Teton Scenic Drive is a 42-mile loop that contains two roads, Highway 191 and Teton Park Road.
Since we are currently at Jenny Lake, we will follow the scenic drive North on Teton Park Road to Jackson Lake Junction.
There will be many pull-offs in just this section to Jackson Lake Junction you can take like:
- Mountain View Turnout
- Mount Moran Turnout
- Potholes Turnout
- Signal Mountain Summit Road
- Jackson Lake Dam
You will have to pick and choose which to do. One spot you can’t miss is Signal Mountain.
After Jackson Lake Junction, you will head to Moran Junction and go south on Highway 191.
Again, there will be many spots for you to pull off and enjoy the views.
Try to time the sunset at one of the pull-off points, such as T.A. Moulton Barn or Glacier View Turnout, before making your way back to Moose Junction.
Evening
End the night exploring Jackson, Wyoming, and getting some dinner.
Jackson is known for its Western charm and lively atmosphere. Stroll through the iconic Town Square, where glowing elk-antler arches create a cozy ambiance.
Stop by local art galleries or boutique shops for unique souvenirs. Indulge in hearty mountain cuisine at spots like Snake River Grill, or try hand-crafted bears at Snake River Brewing.
Check out the legendary Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for live entertainment, where you can saddle up for a drink or dance to live country music.
That is a perfect One-Day Grand Teton Itinerary. It is a packed day, but you will be blown away by the beauty and filled with excitement as you explore this unbelievable place.
Now, here are some practical tips for your visit.
When to Visit Grand Teton
Spring (April – June): Spring is prime for spotting animals like moose, elk, and bears emerging from hibernation.
Rivers and waterfalls are roaring, and wildflowers start to bloom in late spring but also beware that some areas may still be closed due to snow.
The Teton Park Road is closed from November 1 – April 30 so plan accordingly!
The crowds will be lower in the spring time as well. Make sure you are prepared for all types of weather as it can still get very cold during this time of year and may snow!
Summer (July – September): You will have full access to the park as the majority of the snow will have melted and all trails will be open for exploring.
The weather stays quite pleasant with average highs in the 70 – 80 degrees and nights can get chilly.
This is also the most popular time for visitors so there will be lots of crowds. Make sure to pack your patience!
Fall (Late September – November): This is the best time to see the fall foliage!! Aspens and cottonwoods burst into shades of gold, with stunning contrasts against the Tetons.
The weather will start to get colder and the Teton Park Road closes November 1.
There will be fewer crowds in the area making it one of the best times to visit!
Winter (December – March): If you are looking for a winter wonderland then look no further!
The park will have limited access during the winter. Most park roads are close to cars but open to snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
There are very few visitors making the Grand Tetons very serene and magical!
Where to Stay in the Grand Tetons
Stay in the park!
There are several Lodges within the park that visitors are able to stay in.
Jenny Lake Lodge
Best for: Luxury and convenience. Stay in charming cabins with direct access to trails and stunning lake views.
Tip: Book early—this is one of the most sought-after lodges.
Jackson Lake Lodge
Best for: Sweeping Teton views.
Features a central lodge with large picture windows, dining, and wildlife-rich surroundings.
Colter Bay Village
Best for: Families and variety.
Choose from cabins, RV sites, or campgrounds, with activities like kayaking and hiking nearby.
Signal Mountain Lodge
Best for: Waterfront vibes.
Located on Jackson Lake, offering lakefront cabins and easy access to water activities.
You will want to book these lodges early using this link!
The park also has a variety of camping options that you can check out here!
Stay in nearby towns
Jackson, Wyoming
Best for: Dining and nightlife.
Offers a range of hotels, from luxury (Hotel Jackson) to budget-friendly motels.
Best for: Ski-in/ski-out luxury and proximity to the park.
High-end options like Teton Mountain Lodge and summer gondola rides.
Tips for the Tetons
- Start Early for the Best Experience
Arrive at popular spots like Jenny Lake or Schwabacher Landing at sunrise to avoid crowds and catch stunning morning light.
Early mornings also increase your chances of spotting wildlife like moose, elk, and bears.
- Be Prepared for Rapid Weather Changes
The weather in the Tetons can change quickly, even in summer. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, and always check the forecast.
In winter or shoulder seasons, bring appropriate gear like snowshoes or microspikes for hiking.
- Plan Your Hiking Routes in Advance and Download Maps!
Carry the 10 essentials, including a map, plenty of water, and bear spray.
Download offline maps or guides before arriving—cell service is limited in many areas of the park.
- Don’t Skip Scenic Drives
The Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road offer incredible views of the mountains and valley.
Stop at overlooks like Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and Mormon Row for iconic photo ops.
- Respect Wildlife and Park Rules
Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife.
Avoid feeding animals, keep food secure, and always carry bear spray when hiking.
And always remember to leave no trace.
Final Thoughts
Grand Teton Park will blow you away – whether you have one day or two weeks! You can explore a lot of the park in one day by combining some hiking with a scenic car rides and starting early!
We can’t wait to go back to Grand Teton National Park one day!
What do you think of our One Day Grand Teton Itinerary? Did we miss anything? Comment below 🙂
