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= ACCESSIBLE NATURAL AREAS HIGHLIGHTS & EXTENDED-STAY TIPS FOR GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK With majestic mountains as your backdrop and forested trails, roaring rivers and more than 100 alpine and backcountry lakes beckoning for exploration, this wild wonderland is just a few miles from the town of Jackson. PARK HIGHLIGHTS If you have a weekend... Whether you’re on the way to Yellowstone or a road trip farther afield, there’s still ample time to soak up some sights at Grand Teton, especially if you have a couple days. Here are three focal points to prioritize in this quieter park: TETON PARK ROAD Known as the 42-Mile Scenic Loop Drive, the thoroughfare offers a great overview of the park, with stunning vistas of the toothy Tetons and plenty of wildlife-viewing opportunities. Pick up a map at Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, then choose destinations along the loop to explore. MORMON ROW HISTORIC DISTRICT Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this photogenic tract of land was founded as a ranch settlement in the 1890s. Many of the original homesteads have been preserved, providing a slew of glorious photo ops with the majestic Tetons looming in the distance. TAGGART LAKE TRAIL The moderate route’s short length (about 3 miles round trip) and minor elevation gain (roughly 300 feet) make it ideal for quick visits, big groups and little hikers. A handful of stream crossings and pretty lake views are sure to please any crew. EXTENDED STAY Adventures to add on if you have a week ... Have more time to explore? Seeing all of Grand Teton’s nooks and crannies will be a chance-of-a-lifetime experience. Mix and match from this list of Teton to-dos for your quintessential park getaway. STRING LAKE LOOP HIKING Just under 4 miles round trip, the easy String Lake Loop offers outstanding views of the iconic Cathedral Group mountains. Mountain vistas and lake reflections are particularly breathtaking in morning light, so set that alarm. BLACKTAIL BUTTE CLIMBING Seeking a thrill? Blacktail Butte offers 27 rock-climbing routes worth ascending. Find more spectacular Wyoming climbing routes on p. 61. MENORS FERRY HISTORIC DISTRICT A self-guided walking tour through Menors Ferry, a well-preserved 1894 ghost town, provides a mellow and informative trip back in time to the Old West. LAURANCE S. ROCKEFELLER PRESERVE Beat the crowds with a scenic morning hike in the preserve, a specially designated area of the park with limited traffic. SNAKE RIVER RAFTING About 50 miles of the 1,056-mile-long Snake River are within the park, and every inch of the area is brimming with beauty. Hit Schwabacher Landing, a launch point for anglers and rafters. COLTER BAY KAYAKING Colter Bay Marina is a great place to rent a kayak. Paddle around for a few hours, then adjourn to Jackson Lake Lodge for a meal. JACKSON LAKE DINNER CRUISE There’s no better way to end your day than with a little reflection. Cruise to Elk Island for al fresco dining in the shadow of the peaks. SUNSET HIKE AT OXBOW BEND Drive to Oxbow Bend to capture Mount Moran’s reflection shimmering in the Snake River — then head into Moose for a bite at Dornan’s Chuckwagon. BEST THINGS TO DO … FOR SIGHTSEERS Capture Insta-worthy images of the reflective Jenny Lake, beloved by amateur and professional photogs alike. FOR FAMILIES Take in dramatic panoramas from the comfort of a raft. A kid-friendly float trip along the Snake River creates lasting memories. FOR ADVENTURERS Tackle the park’s most challenging hikes, like the Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail for ruggedly scenic visas and a 3,000-foot elevation gain. Learn more about both national parks at nps.gov/yell and nps.gov/grte. PLAN YOUR TRIP. Browse listings for places to stay starting on p. 89 and find outfitters starting on p. 102. TOP PLACES TO STAY IN GRAND TETON With seven lodges, six campgrounds and two RV villages within park boundaries, there are no bad choices for accommodations in Grand Teton. Jenny Lake is the most popular campground; its 49 conifer-shaded tent sites require a reservation, so plan accordingly. Jackson Lake Lodge is the place for views from every window, so it’s also a top choice. Overnight spots fill up early, so be sure to book ahead of time. To learn more about places to camp — in and near Wyoming’s national parks — visit TravelWY.com/campsites.
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