Park entrance fees are $25 per car, truck, or RV; good for seven days in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone parks. Annual park passes are $40.
Map of the park: http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/upload/GRTE_park_map_2011.pdf
Junior Ranger program for the kids: http://www.nps.gov/grte/forkids/upload/Grand-Adventure-13.pdf To get a junior ranger badge, the kids must listen to at least one ranger led talk, and then either a 2nd, or see a video. At Jenny Lake there are 2 programs, each done once per day. One is bear safety, the other is variable. Oxbow bend wildlife watch, 6p-7:30. "Teton Topics" at Colter Bay, 30 min, once per day. Preserve: 9:30, 3 mile ranger led walk. Exact times are listed in the park news paper: http://www.nps.gov/grte/parknews/newspaper.htm
17.5 mi, 32 min condo to Rockefeller Preserve
5.2 mi, 15 min, Rock Preserve to Menor's Ferry
3.7 mi, 11 min, Menor's Ferry to Mormon Row
7.8 mi, 19 min Rock Pres to Mormon Row directly (saves 7 min)
11.6 mi, 25 min Rock Pres to Jenny Lake Visitor's Center
20.9 mi, 34 min condo to Jenny Lake Visitor's Center
26.5 mi 45 min, jenny lake vis cen to Leek's Marina via jenny lake loop road
20.2 mi, 32 min, jenny lake vis cen to Leek's Marina SKIPPING jenny lake loop road
29.4 mi, 41 min, Leek's Marina to Craig Thomas Visitor Center (wildlife caravan)
7.7 mi, 13 min, jenny lake vis cen to Craig Thomas Visitor Center (wildlife caravan)
15.3 mi, 28 min, jenny lake vis cen to craig thomas vis center via loop road
16.1 mi, 35 min, Jenny Lake vis cen to restaurants in Jackson Hole
8.9 mi, 25 min, Jackson Hole restaurants to Craig Thomas Vis Center
sunday
9a hit the road
9:30a arrive Laurence Rockefeller Preserve
10:30a leave LRP
11:00a arrive Jenny Lake Ferry
11:45p start hike
3:30p finish hike, catch return Ferry
4:00 drive to Leek's marina for pizza OR drive to village cafe for pizza
5:00 Craig Thomas Visitor Center for wildlife caravan (reservations required, 10 vehicle max)
Cascade Canyon Trailhead
To get to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, enter Grand Teton National Park from Moose Junction and take the main park road north past Menors Ferry Historic District and the Chapel of the Transfiguration. Jenny Lake is on the left, about 8 miles from Moose Junction. The trailhead is located at the mouth of Cascade Canyon and can be accessed by taking the easy, 3.3 mile (one-way) Jenny Lake Loop or by taking the shuttle boat across the lake.
Sept 2-21 the shuttle runs 10a - 4p: Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. The last boat will leave the dock at the posted closing time.
Shuttle Rates for 2014:
Adult Round Trip $15
Adult One Way $9
Child Round Trip $8
Child One Way $6
Hidden Falls is on the way to Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point
- 5.8 miles round-trip (2.2 miles with boat shuttle)
- 4 hours (2.5 hours with shuttle)
- 700 feet elevation gain
- Moderate to Strenuous out-and-back
The hike to Inspiration Point: 
Cascade Canyon notes:
Cascade Canyon is the #2 activity in GTNP on Trip Adviser (behind "Grand Teton")
The last ferry leaves the trailhead site for the return to the visitor at 4pm so if you miss it don't stress as this part of the walk can be done in about an hour and is fairly easy with a couple of moderate climbs only.
The first half mile of the Cascade Canyon trail is moderate to steep climb over some rough terrain to Inspiration Point lookout. About a further 10-15 minutes on from here the trail flattens out to any easy walk along the valley floor for the next 2 miles or so thru stands of pines and open meadows. The valley is quite wide here and there are excellent views of the surrounding peaks and a number of cascading waterfalls entering the valley from the sides.
At the end of the valley the trail forks and then there is a moderate uphill climb for about 2.5 miles to Lake Solitude.
The climb to Inspiration Point is not easy; the trail is rocky, but the views back across the lake and up the canyon are incredible.
If you make it all the way up to Inspiration Point don't turn back after checking out the view. The best is yet to come and you've already come through the most strenuous part of the trail. There's nothing quite like seeing the canyon open up before you as you walk further up the trail. You can choose how far you want to go into the canyon based on your energy levels but definitely go at least an extra 15-30 minutes into the canyon to take in the magnificent views. It's easy to understand why this is one of the most popular and beloved hikes in Grand Teton
“Our favorite activity in Grand Teton was this hike!”
Wildlife CaravanTravel with a ranger to look for wildlife during the early evening; the best viewing time. Be prepared to drive or ride to multiple locations. Dress warmly and bring binoculars or spotting scopes. Limited to 10 vehicles. Reservations are required. Please call the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, (307) 739-3399, or make reservations in person. Ride sharing will be strongly encouraged. Meet at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose at 5 pm. The tour lasts 3 hours.
Mormon Row Barns is a amazing spot for photos. It is "most photographed barn in America"
Fodor's recommendation for GT in one day: http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/wyoming/grand-teton-national-park/travel-tip_2295643.html
Go to the visitor center (it is very good) and take the scenic loop drive.
The have a cycling trial from Jenny Lake Area all the way to Jackson village which must be close to 30 miles long. The trail is mostly flat with great scenery all the way
Drive Teton Park Road ( the loop road) for breathtaking views from the top of Signal Mountain and the Jenny Lake Overlook.
September is probably the best month of the year to see the park. The colors turned from green to autumn in one week.
Moose Wilson Road is loaded with wildlife. Black Bear and Moose "Would you believe that bears consume up to 20,000 calories a day in the fall? This feeding-frenzy is called “hyperphagia.” Bears put on weight in fall to survive winter hibernation. Hawthorne and chokecherry bushes line the Moose-Wilson Road providing prime habitat for both black and grizzly bears. Park rangers will close this road if necessary due to bear activity"
There is an excellent loop road that takes you along the bottom of the range through Moose, South Jenny Lake, North Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake Lodge, make sure that you do the Lunch Tree Hill walk at the back of the lodge, takes about 30 minutes and you will not be disappointed, then return back through Antelope Flats, we took the whole day as there are many turnouts where you can take photos.
Don't miss the Rockefeller Nature Preserve
Spectacular views. Lots of wild animals to see. I had no idea what to expect and we actually saw more animals here then in Yellowstone. The view of the mountains is amazing no matter where you are in the park. We used a tour guide one day to show us where to find the wildlife and that was very helpful.
The best way to see the beautiful mountains is to wait for the sunset somewhere around Jackson Lake
Jenny Lake Overlook:
The Jenny Lake Overlook is probably the best vantage point to see the Teton Mountain Range directly behind Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. It's a fantastic view, and the only way to get there is to take the North Jenny Lake Junction road off of the Teton Park Road, and take the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive (one-way) just before you reach String Lake.42 mile scenic loop notes:
If you have but only one day in the Grand Tetons, definitely take this drive. Forty-two miles sounds short but with all the stops and beautiful photo opts, you can use the whole day. Take a picnic along as there aren't many places to eat. Take the Moose-Wilson Road (which turns to gravel for a short distance) if the road is open. This is where we saw the only bear the entire week. The Moose Visitor Center has a great exhibit area, food, and nice restrooms.
Outstanding photo ops around almost every corner. The Snake River Overlook was gorgeous. Lots of wildlife on both loops. It is only about a 4 hours trip to cover everything.
we took 4 hours and didn't stop at all places.
We particularly enjoyed the views from Jenny Lake. A ranger there had some wolf skins and was giving a talk about wolves in the park.
If you want to see wildlife, do this drive.
Do the speed limit! Federal speeding tickets issued in the park and they are ON it!
Having been to 45 states, I can say I've been to many of America's most beautiful places. This route is on the top of my list and has to be my favorite. Like the Teton Park Road, it is rarely mentioned as a great American drive but without question, it is one of the most scenic, tranquil drives you can ever take. Just be sure to take your time, you'll want to spend 4 or 5 hours absorbing the views.
There is plenty to do, primarily around Jenny Lake but we also ventured further north and went up Summit Mountain road where we saw a bear walking along the edge of the road minding his own business. This was our only sighting of bear on our whole trip but it was such a good one and totally unexpected. The view from the top of the mountain is great and so was the valley below.
Jackson Lake lodge has stunning views over the lake to the mountains beyond (someone else said there is a great breakfast here).
Our best view of the Tetons was actually outside the park on the main road at the Snake river overlook. Just up from Gros Venture junction on the Kelly road is a small pullout overlooking the river. Here we were told was a good place to see moose and we went at 7pm on 2 nights and both evenings we saw moose. We ate at Dornan's one evening just by the south entrance. They have a no frills pizza and pasta restaurant where the food is excellent.
Highlights
Be sure to grab a map at the park entrance. Here are some of our favorite stops (starting at Moose).
- Chapel of the Transfiguration: This unique and very tiny church has a perfect view of the Tetons.
- Menors Ferry: Ride the Menor's Ferry replica with a park ranger (only 15 minutes). ( the ferry doesn't run very long and it's really just luck if you can catch it...look through the cabin, transport shed and finally the store and cabin. Located on the side of the river, it gives you an insight to how pioneer life must have been, )
- Jenny Lake Boat to Hidden Falls: Turn off at the South Jenny Lake Junction and ride the Jenny Lake Boat across the lake. Hike the short steep trail up to Hidden Falls (and beyond if you like).
- Jenny Lake Loop Road: Further north, you can access the Jenny Lake Loop Road which runs one-way. It's a scenic jaunt off the main road.
- Signal Mountain Road: From Signal Mountain Lodge, drive to the top of Signal Mountain for spectacular views of the Teton Range.
- Oxbow Bend: This is a prime wildlife viewing location
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- Snake River Overlook: A beautiful view overlooking the Snake River.
- Schwabacher Landing: Yet another stunning view of the Tetons.
- Mormon Row: Turn east onto Antelope Flats road and discover a historic homestead at Mormon Row.
- Dornan's: Grab a drink and head to the upper deck. It's a must stop at the end of a day in the Tetons.
- Moose-Wilson Road: As an alternative route back to Jackson, drive the scenic and wildlife-filled Moose Wilson Road.
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Oxbow Bend
If you can get there in late September, the Fall colors of the Aspen trees are beautiful as they reflect on the water there. is just a turnout off the highway along the Snake river that offers great reflection shots of the Tetons. It is usually crowded, especially at sunrise although we did find a parking space. is just a turnout off the highway along the Snake river that offers great reflection shots of the Tetons. It is usually crowded, especially at sunrise although we did find a parking space. Laurance Rockefeller Preserve Notes:
The hike around Phelps lake is spectacular. Saw bears near the parking lot.
offered good exposure to wildlife (in our case bull elk and black bear) and offers hiking options which are not too difficult. Trail map: http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/upload/Death_Canyon_topo.pdf
It is a great drive, a lot of wildlife to see-bears, elk, deer and beaver houses!!! There is a great place to pull over and look for moose also. Entrance off Moose-Wilson Rd. Parking is limited and you may have to wait your turn. The 2 hiking trails to Phelps Lake are very popular and form a loop of about 3-4 miles total. Enjoyed the visitors center and library.
The Moose-Wilson road is on the left just before the entrance to the Teton Park If you take the road to the end be prepared for tar to dirt and big potholes, but beautiful!!! You will end up just outside Teton Village and some amazing shots of the mountains. Caution--there are bears and quite a lot of them!!!!
But the bears were there and easy to find and watch. They were munching away on berries and leaves so were unconcerned about the people watching them. Saw a beautiful black bear crossing a small waterfall, then a cinnamon black bear up a tree eating.
Numerous bears were back of the main building getting their last bits of the berries. The paths immediately around the preserve have berry bushes right up to the path so you should be careful for bears while walking through. We took a hike up to Phelps Lake, which was comfortable walk of approximately 3 miles round trip.
- Address: On east side of Moose-Wilson Rd., about 4 mi south of Moose and 3 mi north of Granite Canyon Entrance Station, Grand Teton National Park, WY 83012
Jackson Hole Aerial Tram Ride: $74 for the 12 min tram ride to 10,450 ft, plus $12 parking. That is a lot of money, and the kids may not be comfortable at that altitude.
One of the highlights of our trip! Of course we were there for the first snow of the year, and we are from Florida! Best view! At the top, beer, hot chocolate or hot waffles. ... Look in local flyers for discount coupons. $54 for 2 adults after the discount, but worth every penny!!
only took about 12 minutes to get to the top. get a full view of the valley and beyond. you can stay and hike around the trails, or ride back down
Kid price is $10, adult price is $26, if bought on-line in advance.
The views are incredible on the way up but even more amazing when you get off at the top. You can see 360 degrees for what seems like forever.
The tram is run efficiently. It takes about 15 minutes each way. The views are stupendous. Be sure to wear a jacket and hat and gloves as it is very cold up on top.
There are $5.00 off coupons in the local paper which makes the cost about $27.00 per person. You can also ride the chair lift for free after 4:00 pm. It takes you up to a nice bar and restaurant with outdoor seating for a grand view. Definitely worth the trip.
In 2013 is open until Sept 29. $6 discount for tickets bought on line: http://www.jacksonhole.com/summer-ride-the-tram.html
This Tram Ride from Teton Village, WY will take you to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450 feet with great views There is paid parking everywhere in Teton Vilage with the lot for the tram currently at $12 for the day.
Alpine Slide:
Our kids enjoyed this quite a lot! You can either let it rip, or pull the brake and go slowly! If you are in the area, it is worth the time. I think we spent maybe 1 hour there signing up, and completing a run (you have to take the lift up, then wait a bit.)
It's $15 a go but when you buy 4 tickets together you effectively get a 5th one free. You get a ski lift up and then get in a little toboggan and slide down the track. You can go as fast or as slow as you want! The kids seemed to be loving it! It was good fun but it would be better if it was a little less expensive. We still enjoyed it though and I would recommend it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC1a5XU8RJw
They do comp you one ride, for every four purchased,
But the kids loved it though...while on vacation, that is the most important part, right?
At first we though it was a little pricey at $15 per head, but the ride up on the ski lift and the fast but fun 2 minutes ride down the course was worth it and a lot of fun.
Jenny Lake scenic drive:
This 4-mi, one-way loop provides the park's best roadside close-ups of the Tetons as it winds south through groves of lodgepole-pine and open meadows. Roughly 1.5 mi off Teton Park Road, the Cathedral Group Turnout faces 13,770-foot Grand Teton (the range's highest peak), flanked by 12,928-foot Mt. Owen and 12,325-foot Mt.
Junior Ranger Program:
Children ages 8-12 learn about the natural world of the park (GT) as they take an easy 2-mi hike with a ranger. Kids should wear old clothes and bring water, rain gear, and insect repellent. The hike, which takes place at Jenny Lake, is 1½ hours long and is limited to 12 children.
Signal Mountain Rd notes:
A 5-mile scenic mountain drive.
Views were nice but not all that spectacular.
there were toilets at the top of the road! Spend some time on this road, drive slowly and you will be rewarded.
the views weren't that breathtaking. At the top, you'd be looking in a direction opposite to the Tetons. It's an interesting view (vast), but I wish we had spent that time on foot instead of in the car. The road is good enough, it's paved and goes through forest. Probably took us less than an hour.
For sunset don't go all the way to the top. There is a turnout just a couple of turns before the top.
This is a winding road up the mountain which summits to a beautiful view of the valley and mountains. Breathtaking. There is a little "trail" to the right which allows a better view of the Tetons and an excellent photo opportunity. Absolutely worth the trip up. (And you get cell service here)
While the main view seemed to be East, we did walk down the short trail to a viewing spot of the Tetons to the southwest.
Scenic Restaurant view. Food and service were great.
It's a few mile drive to the overlook. When you walk up to the placard, you see some nice views, but keep walking out on the trail about 50-75 feet further for a spectacular view of Jackson Lake and the Tetons...spectacular!!!!
Schwabacher Point:
I've taken many pictures at Schwabacher Landing over the years, but to my dismay, the road is closed this year! Sequestration strikes again!
The road to the landing is closed this year due to the sequester. However, you can still park on the highway and walk there, about 3 miles RT.
Fodor's recommends Jackson Lake Lodge for dinner:
but the lodge gets so-so reviews on trip advisor etc. The best reviewed place is Leeks Marina and pizzeria: 
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/topo/wyoming/txu-pclmaps-topo-wy-grand_teton-1899.jpg
On the way to Yellowstone:
a quick stop at Lewis falls for a leg stretch (very pretty). It is 1 hr 21 min from the rental house, most of the way to Yellowstone Lake. Looked at pictures, these falls are small and boring
