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Explore Grand Teton National Park helps you plan & do your perfect Grand Teton National Park vacation

09/02/2025

How Much Time is Needed to Do Grand Teton’s 42-Mile Drive?

Well, that depends….

I know…everyone LOVES hearing that answer…

But it does depend on how you want to do the 42 Mile Drive.

Options Include:

ONE HOUR
If you drive the 42-mile drive loop just to watch the ever-changing angles of the Tetons and don’t stop at any of the designated spots, then it can be done easily around 1 hour.

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ONE DAY
If you want to see every stop (24 stops, plus a few extra we think are worth considering), you can do it in one day.

It will be a long, full day, 9+ hours. Those long summer days of daylight will be your ally.

Of course, you don’t have to stop at every turnout, shortening the amount of time on the drive.

Identify and prioritize your “MUST SEE” stops.

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TWO DAYS
If you want to see every stop, and get the most out of each one, consider doing the drive over two days.

You could do ½ the drive one day and then do another activity – hike, swim, boat ride, etc, then come back the second day to do the other ½ with fresh eyes and energy. 4-5 hours each day.

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FLEXIBLE TIME
You can also break up the entire 42-Mile Drive over multiple days and/or not drive it as a loop.

Instead you can stop at designated stops as they fit into your schedule.

For example, if you are staying at Colter Bay and are going to go swimming at String Lake for the afternoon, you could hit a few of the turnouts and overlooks that are on the way.

There is no wrong way to do the drive and see the turnouts and stops!

https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

Enjoy!!

07/02/2025

Where is a good place to swim in Grand Teton?

This being February, absolutely nowhere!

But come summer….

Two great spots come to mind.

String Lake and Swimming Beach at Colter Bay.

And possibly a third, less known one, but just as beautiful and scenic as the other two: over by Signal Mountain Lodge’s Boat Ramp.

NOTE: The water here never gets warm. The water is frigid here due to the snow melt from the Tetons.

NOTE: Swimming Beach at Colter Bay and Signal Mountain are rocky beaches, not sandy beaches.

The advantage is that you don’t have to deal with sand going everywhere.

EVERYWHERE.

PRO TIP: Bring chairs, cushions, and water shoes.

https://exploregtnp.com/top-12-things-to-do-in-grand-teton-national-park/

06/02/2025

String Lake is an excellent place to swim.

But early in the morning, nothing is more peaceful than canoeing or kayaking here.

Give it a try!

If you are able to transport kayaks or canoes, rent them from Dornans Adventure Shop (not an affiliate) as there are no rentals available at String Lake.

https://exploregtnp.com/top-12-things-to-do-in-grand-teton-national-park/

05/02/2025

Whitewater rafting is a popular activity for Grand Teton vacationers.

A few things to know.

There is no whitewater rafting INSIDE Grand Teton National Park.

All whitewater rafting is located outside Grand Teton and south of the town of Jackson.

There are many whitewater rafting outfits in Jackson. They will outfit you in a wet suit, shuttle you to and from the river, and guide you for a couple hours of fun!

PRO TIP: A mid-morning rafting trip followed by lunch in Jackson, makes for a great day.

We like the Snake River Brewing Co.

They have an outdoor area - perfect on a sunny day post-rafting.

03/02/2025

“Must-see” is a tricky word for Grand Teton National Park because what I think is a “must-see” may be different from what others think is one.

And that is ok.

We all have our likes and preferences.

So, here is a “I think you will be thrilled and thankful you saw” spot….

The bridge at the SOUTH end of String Lake.

Pro Tip: Park at one of String Lake’s three parking lots to walk to the bridge view.

Pro Tip: Carry your bear spray, have it accessible, and know how to use it.

Pro Tip: After you see the bridge view, walk along String for more stunning views. And if you happened to have parked at String Lake Parking Lot #2 or #3, the walk along String Lake will be the walk back to your car.

WIN-WIN

https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton.../

02/02/2025

There are many stops on the 42 Mile Drive.

About 24.

Even more stops if you add in some nearby spots of beautiful scenery.

If you are a completionist (like me), where you want to do each and every single stop, you might consider breaking up the drive over two days.

You don’t have to, it’s not required, and there is no wrong way to do the drive.

If you do the drive over two days it may help you have the energy to appreciate each stop to the fullest.

If you want to do the drive in one day, you may consider identifying which stops are the most important to you to help you manage your time.

For the CONSTANT PHOTOGRAPHER:

Schwabacher Landing
Snake River Overlook
Oxbow Bend
Jackson Lake Dam
Mountain View Turnout
Bridge View at South String Lake
Jenny Lake Overlook

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For the HISTORY BUFF:

Moulton Barns on Mormon Row
Cunningham Cabin
Lunch Tree Hill
Menor Ferry Historical

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For the GEOLOGY ENTHUSIAST:

Glacier View Turnout
Teton Point Overlook
Potholes Turnout
Cathedral Group Turnout (make sure you learn what a “scarp” is!)
Teton Glacier Turnout

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For the ANIMAL LOVER:

Blacktail Ponds Overlook - (Moose, Deer, Elk, Bears, Beavers, Birds)
Elk Ranch Flats Overlook - (Bison, Antelope, Horses)
Oxbow Bend Overlook - (Moose, Deer, Bears, Birds)
Between Jackson Lake Junction and Jackson Lake Dam - (Elk, Bears, Moose)

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Enjoy Grand Teton’s 42 Mile Drive between May 1st and October 31st (as 1/2 of the drive is closed in the winter).

Again, there is no wrong way to do the drive.

These are a couple of ways to consider.

Enjoy kids!!

https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

01/02/2025

While ExploreGTNP is a site dedicated to helping you plan and do your Grand Teton vacation between May and October, we also try to share helpful hints and tips for all seasons.

February is definitely a winter month.

It’s not on the edge of any other season.

And Grand Teton National Park is a beautiful sight to see in winter!

In addition to sight-seeing, there is a full on recreational activity scene.

And the people to go to for all things winter related in Grand Teton and surrounding areas is the Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance.

jhnordic.com

They have all the activities and places to get equipment for those activities on their site.

The amount of information is phenomenal!

Also, the site is easy to navigate and very helpful to plan your winter activities!

PRO TIP: If you are a hiker, you will love snowshoeing!

PRO TIP: We highly recommend snowshoeing to Taggart Lake. The pictures on this post are from our adventure in 2019. It’s as peaceful and lovely as it appears to be. Think: Narnia - coming out of the wardrobe. I stayed a long time in the trees in awe.

31/01/2025

I forgot there was a 31st day in January.

Duh.

Double duh on my part since I make sarcastic (funny?) cracks about January having more days than it should.

So look for a lovely post tomorrow, 2/1, about winter activities and a great resource to help you plan them and have a blast: .

Today, we bring you a note on Pizza Pasta Co at Dornans in Grand Teton National Park.

NOTE: They deserve better than being a backup post!

Why?

1. Because they are open almost year round (closed in April and part of November). Which means they are open today, tomorrow, and when you arrive here this summer!!

2. They offer up some killer Teton views.

3. You can see those views on two outdoor decks.

4. They have inside seating that still offers up the views! (Good job Dornans! That’s not always easy).

5. They have good food, and there will be options for kids, vegans, vegetarians, and gluten avoiders.

6. They are family owned and always have been. A rarity in any National Park.

7. The people there are kind and very knowledgeable about all things Grand Teton National Park (and surrounding areas).

Put Dornans Pizza Pasta Co restaurant on your list of places to go!

(We are not an affiliate).

They are good for:

- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- After hiking drinks and food
- After winter activities drinks and food
- Pizza!
- A place to have all the above with a Teton view!
- A stop before/on/after the 42 Mile Drive

Enjoy!

Image Credit: All images on ExploreGTNP are taken by ExploreGTNP unless otherwise noted.

30/01/2025

One of the biggest reasons why I recommend doing the 42 Mile Drive counterclockwise is because of the views on the inside road.

Driving the inside road (Teton Park Road on map) from north (Jackson Lake Junction) to south (Moose, WY / Dornans Village) gives you more Teton views than the reverse.

Attached are some pictures of driving the inside road views. When looking at them, remember, if you drove the reverse all of them would be in your review mirror.

https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

29/01/2025

For Your Consideration.

An activity for your Summer Grand Teton Vacation.

HIDDEN FALLS

I know.

Every Google search and “Top 10 Things to Do in Grand Teton” article has Hidden Falls on its list.

And they are right.

You need to go see this waterfall.

The good news is it’s a 1/2 mile hike to it from the West Dock on Jenny Lake.

Take the Jenny Lake Shuttle over for a nice boat ride there and back. (Tickets purchased at the East Dock)

PRO TIP #1: For June/July/August - Beat the crowds and go early in the morning. Go at 7:00 am for a cash-only discount on the boat ride.

PRO TIP #2: Highlight the boat ride to reluctant hikers. The boat ride is a fan favorite.

PRO TIP #3: Consider using Hidden Falls as your 2025 Holiday Photo background.

PRO TIP #4: Exchange picture-taking services with a fellow, nearby viewer.

https://exploregtnp.com/top-12-things-to-do-in-grand-teton-national-park/

28/01/2025

VISITING GRAND TETON BETWEEN MAY 1ST - 15TH?

- TWO BIG ROAD NOTICES TO KNOW. -

1. HWY 191/89/26 the section of road between Headwaters at Flagg Ranch and Yellowstone’s South Entrance Gate

- is usually closed and opens around mid-May - weather dependent.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

- If you are planning on accessing Yellowstone by going through Grand Teton National Park, you won’t be able to until the road opens up mid-May.

- Instead, you will need to go to Jackson, WY, take HWY 22, over Teton Pass and drive up through Idaho to West Yellowstone.

- There is no shorter route this time of year.

- Don’t be tempted by or plan on Grassy Lake Road. It doesn’t open until June, and it isn’t even a good road to take in the summertime!

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2. The Moose Wilson Road between the Granite Canyon Entrance and the Death Canyon Road usually opens around mid-May. (per https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/roads.htm)

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

- You will not be able to access Grand Teton National Park from Teton Village via the Moose Wilson Road.

- Instead (if staying in Teton Village), you will need to access the park via Moose Wilson Road going south, to HWY 22, through Jackson, and up HWY 191/89/26.

- That will be the shortest route.

- There are no routes cutting through the valley.

26/01/2025

The 42 Mile Drive in Grand Teton has something for everyone. There are pullouts and turnouts to satisfy a wide range of interests:

For the CONSTANT PHOTOGRAPHER:

Schwabacher Landing
Snake River Overlook
Oxbow Bend
Jackson Lake Dam
Mountain View Turnout
Bridge View at South String Lake
Jenny Lake Overlook

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For the HISTORY BUFF:

Moulton Barns on Mormon Row
Cunningham Cabin
Lunch Tree Hill
Menor Ferry Historical
Chapel of Transfiguration

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For the GEOLOGY ENTHUSIAST:

Glacier View Turnout
Teton Point Overlook
Potholes Turnout
Cathedral Group Turnout (make sure you learn what a “scarp” is!)
Teton Glacier Turnout

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For the ANIMAL LOVER:

Blacktail Ponds Overlook - (Moose, Deer, Elk, Bears, Beavers, Birds)

Elk Ranch Flats Overlook - (Bison, Antelope, Horses)

Oxbow Bend Overlook - (Moose, Deer, Bears, Birds)

Signal Mountain Summit Drive - (Moose, Elk, Bears)

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Enjoy Grand Teton’s 42 Mile Drive between May 1st and October 31st (as 1/2 of the drive (Teton Park Road) is closed in the winter).

Hope you find “your spot” on the drive!

https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

25/01/2025

***UPDATED***

- To reflect that the Moose Wilson Road is said to open Mid-May, instead of May 1st as originally stated.

- The map has been updated too, to show this change.

- https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/roads.htm

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VISITING GRAND TETON IN MAY?

What you need to know about the roads.

ROADS OPEN YEAR ROUND

- Highway 89/191 and Highway 26/287 - weather permitting.

- This means:

- You can access Grand Teton National Park from the east (Dubois) and the south (Jackson).

- You can drive north up to Flagg Ranch.

- You cannot drive through to Yellowstone until the section of road between Flagg Ranch and Yellowstone opens - usually Mid-May.

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ROADS OPEN MAY 1ST

- The most important being Teton Park Road (the Teton Park Road is important if you plan on doing Grand Teton’s 42 Mile Drive).

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ROADS NOT OPEN by MAY 1st

- The most important one to know: Moose-Wilson Road

- Opens Mid-May.

- This is important to know if you are lodging in Teton Village and are planning to use the Moose Wilson Road to access the park.

- If you are lodging in Teton Village and the Moose Wilson Road isn’t open yet, you will access the park via HWY 22 to Jackson and up HWY 191/89/26

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- The other roads not open by May 1st are usually side roads. These roads may stay closed longer due to snow or early spring wildlife activity.

- These roads include:

- Schwabacher Landing Road – usually opens in early May

- Pilgrim Creek Road – usually closed in early May, sometimes remains closed throughout May due to bear activity

- Cattleman Bridge Road – usually closed in early May, sometimes remains closed as May goes on due to bear activity

- Signal Mountain Summit Road – often open June 1st – snowpack dependent

- Grassy Lake Road – usually opens June 1st

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The most important road to note is the section of road between Flagg Ranch and the South Gate of Yellowstone usually opens mid-May.

This is important if you are planning on visiting both Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

If you are in the area before that section of road opens, you will need to get to Yellowstone from Grand Teton via Jackson, over Teton Pass through Idaho to West Yellowstone.

24/01/2025

MAY IN GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK IS BETTER FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE MORE INTERESTED IN:

- Sight-seeing

- Doing scenic drives

- Viewing wildlife

These activities are self-reliant activities and are not dependent on park services (marinas, restaurants, equipment rentals) or weather.

MAY IS NOT THE BEST OPTION FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO:

- Hike

- Camp in the high/backcountry

- Water Sports and Boat Rentals

- Swim

- Horseback Riding

- Have all services available, like restaurants

Concerning hiking, you are at the mercy of how much snow has melted and the possible muddy conditions if snow has melted.

And that is talking about the lower, front country hikes.

Backcountry hiking and higher elevation trails will have snowpack on them.

For horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, and boating, June, July, and August are better months as all the horse corals and marinas will be open for rentals.

To partake in eating at restaurants while gazing at a Teton view or having other amenities available (grocery store, laundry, showers, information centers) you might be able to in May if you confirm what is open the days you are there.

If in-park services are important to you plan your trip for the third week of May at the earliest!

Again, everything is open in the months of June, July, and August.

And swimming? Seriously, the water is cold no matter what month you go.

Sooooo….freaking….cold….

I have tried swimming at String Lake at the beginning of June and found it painful.

I find the water still cold in July and August, but not as painful.

Good luck kids!

23/01/2025

While we are still in January, the month of 43+ days, the summer months are not that far off.

They are far off enough that you still have time to plan, but close enough that if you do some planning now you’ll make things easier on yourself and have peace of mind.

THE MONTH OF MAY

May is considered a shoulder month with less people in the park.

It is also a month where there are less in park services available.

Such as:
- Activity providers
- Lodges
- Restaurants
- Campgrounds

Most of these services open and are available by the third week of May.

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MAY 2026
So, if you are planning for May 2026 - and these services are important to you, consider arriving the third week of May at the earliest.

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MAY 2025
If you have your vacation planned and lodging set for the beginning of May 2025, here are some activity ideas to consider:

SCENIC DRIVES

- the entire 42 Mile Drive is open May 1st

- the Moose-Wilson Road - is usually open Mid-May (weather dependent)

- Jenny Lake Scenic Drive - while in the trees - look for animals and then stop at the lookout

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WILDLIFE

- May is a big month for wildlife and their babies!

- While you are doing your scenic drives, keep a look out for animals such as bears, bison, moose, elk, deer, pronghorn...

- The vegetation hasn’t quite grown in yet (like the willows, shrubs, and leaves) and so it can be easier to see animals

- If you don’t want to do the driving, sign up for a guided tour.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

- The Tetons will have quite a bit of snow on them in May.

- Morning light on them make for nice photos

- Even the harsher afternoon light bouncing of the snow can make some beautiful photos

22/01/2025

No matter what the season, Taggart Lake is a place to enjoy.

WINTER
Today, in January, get out your snowshoes or skis and make your way to the lake.

SPRING
Mid-May - you can hike the trail to the lake but have good waterproof boots for the muddy trail and know there may be ice. Especially in the treed areas where the sun doesn’t get through.

PRO TIP: Check with a ranger before you go to know if there are still spots of deep snow.

SUMMER
Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the morning light on the Tetons.

AUTUMN
Bring your camera, make room on your phone for some gorgeous fall color on the trail with the Tetons in the background.

ALL SEASONS
Bring Bear Spray. Know how to use it. Have it accessible.

Even in winter.

It’s good to have in case you surprise any large animal.

21/01/2025

Grand Teton National Park’s South Entrance

Recently we mentioned this is a good place to start Grand Teton’s 42 Mile Drive. (Open May 1st - October 31st)

This is also a great entrance to stop at when entering Grand Teton National Park.

It makes for a great picture to put on the cover of your vacation album.

And if you don’t do vacation albums, this entrance sign is good for giving you that official “start here” feeling.

Here are some tips to consider while at the south entrance sign:

- Do experiment with pictures, lining up the Tetons to the left, right, and top.

- Do offer to take another group’s photo so their whole group can be in it. (They will do the same for you).

- Have patience, it can be a busy place, but people usually move on pretty quickly.

- While waiting for your turn at the sign, turn to the east (away from the Tetons) and look for “Sleeping Indian”. An outline on the top of the mountain that looks like an Indian Chief laying down with his headdress spread out and his arms folded on his chest.

- Don’t pull your car up directly in front of the sign. Even if you are the only ones there. Someone is bound to pull in while you are there.

- Don’t stand on the bike path. There are many bikers that pass through quickly. They have the right of way and don’t want to hit you.

- Don’t worry about showing/ buying your park pass here. You do that at the Moose and Moran junctions.

- Do take a photo of the map on the board if you don’t have one. You will get a free one at the Moran and Moose junctions.

- Do share you photos on our page if you like.

Good luck!

19/01/2025

A good place to start the 42 Mile Drive in Grand Teton is the South Entrance to the park.

The 42 Mile Drive is a loop drive, so you can start ANYWHERE on the loop.

I like the South Entrance Sign because the big sign gives a feeling of “Let’s Begin”.

My partner in crime says I spend too much time at the sign.

Which I probably do, trying all sorts of photos with the Tetons in the background.

If you start at the South Entrance Sign, or when you get to the sign on your journey, here are a few pictures to give you ideas!

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Videos

John Moulton Barn (video taken in May).

It is as serene and beautiful as it looks!

OXBOW BEND It is one of Grand Teton’s Famous Four Sights and can be seen on the 42 Mile Drive. It’s also a sight that can be accessed year-round (weather permitting). Oxbow Bend is a great spot to photograph at sunrise, and an especially beautiful spot in the fall. Actually there isn’t a bad time to visit Oxbow Bend. You can find many animals here: beavers, otters, moose, bears, and many, many species of birds. The best way to experience Oxbow Bend is to approach it from the east. Oxbow Bend is a photographer’s playground - there are many different spots here to capture different angles of this iconic spot! The other three sights of the Famous Four are: - The Moulton Barns on Mormon Row - Schwabacher Landing - Snake River Overlook https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

Grand Teton will be this in 6 months, but most likely with more snow on the peaks! Go take a look at this view at the south end of String Lake. https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

Another reminder that Teton Park Road and the road to the String Lake and Jenny Lake Overlook (shown in video) will be closed to all vehicles starting November 1st.

This video is one minute and 52 seconds long. Nothing is going to jump out at you. Posting this video to show you the views you get by driving the 42 Mile Drive counterclockwise. The Oxbow Bend area’s view of Mt. Moran to the Jackson Lake Dam is a big selling point. If you did the 42 Mile Drive clockwise, all of this would be in your rearview mirror. https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

One of my favorite things to do in Grand Teton National Park is to find moments of quiet with a serene view. Then my next thought is to share it with you by taking a video. So here is a video I took September 27, 2024 at Ditch Creek. And now my disclaimer to excuse my amateur video skills. Enjoy! (And if you are looking for views like this aim to visit at the end of September 2025).

The parking lot to the east of Oxbow Bend. Definitely worth a stop in Autumn. Photo taken: 9/29/2024

The bridge at the south end of String Lake. When hiking around Jenny Lake, make sure to hike it counterclockwise to get this view! This is also a stop on the 42 Mile Drive. https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

This is a big reason why to do the 42 Mile Drive counterclockwise - the approach to and the emergence of Mt. Moran.

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