The state of Wyoming is filled with lots of natural beauty, and Grand Teton National Park is no exception. The park boasts tall, jagged mountain peaks, surrounded by clear lakes and colorful flora.
This 2 Days in Grand Teton guide will cover recommendations on food, lodging, hiking trails, and excursions to ensure you make the most of your stay within this beautiful area.
During my road trip from New York to California, we planned for a two day stop at this wonderful park. I curated the perfect itinerary to cover some of the best things to do around Grand Teton National Park.
Having visited over 10 National Parks, the jagged Teton Mountain range, combined with Moose, Bears, and Elk, undoubtedly puts this park high on my list!
However you choose to use this guide, make sure to save this 2 Days in Grand Teton National Park Itinerary to keep it handy for your next adventure, and share it with a friend who’d also love to see this beautiful park!
Anthony and Gianna at Grand Teton National Park sign in Wyoming.
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How many Days in Grand Teton National Park is Best?
If you ask, how many days is best in grand Teton national Park, I would say the more the better!
However, whether you are passing by on a road trip or just in town for a day or two, this one day in grand Teton guide is meant to give tips for a visiting some of the best within the national park.
Use this guide to familiarize yourself with the layout of the park, finding where to stay, and spots of interest!
When is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park?
I visited Grand Teton NP in the month of July. During this, I was able to see many animals and flowers in bloom. The warm summer temperatures allow you to take advantage of hiking trails, horseback riding, and fishing.
However, the best time to visit grand Teton national Park really depends on the activities that you want to do.
To beat the crowds, head to Grand Teton national Park and the Fall or the Spring. The spring brings active wildlife, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds compared to summer. However, some roads and trails may be closed due to snow, and the weather can be unpredictable.
The Fall bring ring bring a great deal foliage to the area with cooler temperatures and crowds. Although some places begin to close and late October.
Of course, winter springs, a heavy blanket of snow and colder temperatures, with plenty of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and almost any other outdoor winter activity you can think of. Just know that roads may have limited access and some facilities are closed within the park.
Keep in mind that the temperature in Grand Teton NP can fluctuate wildly even in the summer. Temperatures range from 80 degree highs to 40 degree lows (Fahrenheit), providing warm sunny days and crisp, cool nights.
Summer Landscape of Grand Teton NP. Grand Teton Guide
Where to Stay in Grand Teton NP
Where is the best place to stay in Grand Teton National Park? Inside of Grand Teton NP there are 6 campgrounds, ranging from the northern tip of the park, Headwaters Campground, to the southern end of the park, Gros Ventre Campground. Between these campsites are Lizard Creek, Colter Bay (RV Park), Signal Mountain, and Jenny Lake.
Camping in Grand Teton National Park. Curtesy NPS
During our stay in Grand Teton National Park we camped at the Gros Ventre (pronounced grow – vont ) campsite. Overall, it was a very pleasant stay with a great view of the mountain range and provided close proximity to many of the activities listed in the guide!
Places to Stay Outside of Grand Teton National Park
For a place to stay outside of Grand Teton National Park, you can find many private campsites and luxurious ranch houses to stay at, depending on your budget.
Some options that provide close access to the park are Atherton Creek in Teton National Forest for $20/night, or Triangle X Ranch for around $450/night during the peak season.
During the busy months of Grand Teton National Park (May through September), campsites within the park fill up extremely quickly. Make sure to plan at least 1-2 months in advance in order to reserve a campsite inside the park boundaries.
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2 Days in Grand Teton NP – Day 1
Breakfast at Cowboy Coffee Co.
Start your day in Downtown Jackson at Cowboy Coffee Co. It’s an excellent local coffee shop with cool decorations and a very inviting atmosphere! As a souvenir, you can take home a bag of their freshly-roasted beans.
Additionally, they offer drip coffees lattes, tea and more with a variety of flavor shots. For eats, grab a cowboy croissant or burrito, they are delicious!
Horseback Adventure at Swift Creek Outfitters
Anthony and Gianna take on the Big Grand Teton View by Horseback!
What better way to start the day than with a horseback ride through the Teton Forests.
Located in Moran, WY, Swift Creek Outfitters is a great destination to enjoy a scenic horseback ride at the time of your choice. The ranch has more than 100 horses and guides that are ready to go from 7:30am to 3:45pm. No reservation needed!
Also, Definitely choose the 2 Hour Big Grand Teton View, for $115 per person. This tour gives you just the right amount of riding time and allows you to climb 400ft of trails to experience a breathtaking view of the Teton mountain range.
Lunch at Schwabachers Landing
Schwabachers Landing Boat Launch, Grand Teton NP
Once finished with the horseback riding, head to Schwabachers Landing yo get an even closer view of the Tetons. Bring your own food and settle in for a picnic for views of Snake River and the majestic mountains.
Location: A few miles south of Snake River Overlook, along the east shore of Snake River in Grand Teton NP. Boat landing is located off of U.S. Route 191. Search Schwabacher Landing on Google Maps.
Shopping in the Town Square of Jackson, WY
Elk Antler Gates in Downtown Jackson, WY during T
After soaking in the views of the mountains, head to the charming town of Jackson. It is known as one of the best mountain towns in the U.S, and it’s easy to see why after strolling through this wild-western gem!
Down in Jackson, you can find chic restaurants, souvenir shops, outfitters, and more. Take time to explore any interesting shops. Most of the town can be accessed by walking.
Dinner in Downtown Jackson
When dinner time comes, here are some highly rated restaurants that offer great food:
- Teton Tiger: Thai, Indian, Japanese cuisine. Reservation recommended. Try the Chicken Lettuce wraps, Butter curry, or Shanghai noodles.
- Handfire Pizza: Organic, locally sourced ingredients in a variety of pizzas. Choose from a classic cheese or a Bison of a Gun with bison chili!
- Hatch Taqueria & Tequilas: serving traditional tacos with homage salsas. Enjoy a drink from their expansive margarita menu!
Jackson Hole Rodeo
Enjoying the Bull Riding at Jackson Rodeo
After dinner, head to the Jackson Hole Rodeo to witness round-ups, bull riding, and sheep chasing. The rodeo is suitable for all ages and makes for great fun!
Another key point to keep in mind is that the Jackson Rodeo always takes place at 8pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day with some shows on Fridays in July and August.
Definitely make sure to grab tickets at least 2 weeks in advance, as this show sells out quickly.
2 Days in Grand Teton NP – Day 2
Breakfast in Grand Teton NP
Next morning, head into Grand Teton NP bright and early and grab breakfast at Dornans Chuckwagon, located in Moran along Teton Park Road, on the way to Jenny Lake.
Grab a hearty American breakfast with eggs, bacon, and pancakes, or biscuits and gravy.
Hike Jenny Lake to Inspiration Point
Boat Tour on Jenny Lake, Grand Teton NP. Grand Teton Guide
After breakfast, continue along Teton Park Rd. to reach the Jenny Lake visitor center and parking for the trail.
This trails is a round-trip hike around Jenny Lake that allows for breathtaking viewpoints and lots of wildlife viewing opportunities.
To hike around the lake, plan on 3 hours of hiking and 7.1 miles of distance. Adding inspiration point will tack on another 2 miles, and 1 extra hour of hiking.
If you only want to hike half the lake, book the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle that will transport you across the lake directly to the trailhead of Inspiration Point.
Reservations are not required, but wait times do increase throughout the day, so plan on arriving early.
See Mormon Row
Travel to Mormon row to catch a glimpse of Grand Teton History. The district comprises a series of houses, arranged in a row, settled amongst a backdrop of the Teton mountain range.
These houses are from some of the earliest Mormon people to settle in the Jackson Hole area.
To get to Mormon Row, drive on Hwy 191 toward Antelope Flats Rd. and continue straight to Mormon Row
Dinner in Jackson
If you aren’t in the mood to cook your own dinner at the campfire, try The Merry Piglets Mexican restaurant.
With house-made guacamole, chips, and salsa, you can’t go wrong with this place! (I rank them extra points because they gave me a free margarita!)
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Common Questions
2025 Update for Grand Teton National Park
- As of 2025, grizzly Bears have been active within the park. Make sure to carry bear spray and keep 100 yards for most wildlife, including bears.
- There has been some construction happening to some areas within Grand Teton including moose landing, Jenny Lake, Taggart Lake Trail, Moose-Wilson Road, and Death Canyon Road.
- Wildfire danger has been moderate during the beginning of 2025.
Conclusion
Being able to see Grand Teton National Park was one of my top experiences along my trip. The striking views, colorful flora, and mystical lakes put Grand Teton NP on my list as one of my favorite National Parks!
Witnessing the beauty of the park and having access to a charming small town made this adventure filled with tons to do.
I hope that this guide inspires you to follow some of my itinerary so that you can enjoy Grand Teton NP as much as I did!