Here are some suggestions for activities for the summer visitor season, listed in a north to south order. We start at Yellowstone National Park's south boundary and proceed south through Grand Teton National Park. The distance from Teton Park's north border to the south border is 56 miles. Approximate driving time with no stops is 1 1/2 hours.
Colter Bay Visitor Center and Indian Arts Museum
Visit the museum to view art
created by native peoples and gain a glimpse of 19th century American Indian life. American
Indian and wildlife videotapes and a park orientation slide program are shown throughout the
day.
Ranger-led activities include museum tours, park orientation talks, natural history hikes and evening amphitheater programs.
Signal Mountain Summit Road
This 5-mile drive starts one mile south of Signal
Mountain Lodge and Campground. The road winds to the top of Signal Mountain, 800 feet
above the valley. Summit overlooks provide panoramic views of the entire Teton Range,
Jackson Lake and most of Jackson Hole. The road is narrow and parking at overlooks is
limited, so no trailers or large motorhomes, please.
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
Turn at North Jenny Lake and drive southwest. Stop at the
Cathedral Group Turnout for a spectacular view of the Grand Teton (13,770'), Teewinot and Mt.
Owen. The road is two-way as far as String Lake and Jenny Lake Lodge. South of String Lake,
the road becomes one-way and provides a relaxed lakeshore drive with views of Jenny Lake.
Rejoin the Teton Park Road near South Jenny Lake.
Menor's Ferry and the Chapel of the Transfiguration
Turn off the Teton Park Road
1/2 mile north of Moose. The Menor's Ferry Trail, less than 1/2-mile long, affords a look at
homesteading and pioneer like in Jackson Hole. Visit Bill Menor's cabin and country store.
Ride a replica of the ferry that crossed the Snake River at the turn of the century (the ferry is
launched after high water in the spring - usually after the 4th of July). The altar window of
the Chapel of the Transfiguration frames the tallest Teton peaks. Please be respectful, the
chapel is a house of worship.
If you have a whole day to explore, add these stops to our half-day suggestions:
Willow Flats
Stop at the Willow Flats Turnout, 6 miles south of Colter Bay, for a view
of an extensive freshwater marsh that provides excellent habitat for birds, beavers and moose.
Jackson Lake and the Teton Range for the backdrop.
Oxbow Bend
Located one mile east of Jackson Lake Junction, this cut-off meander
of the Snake River attracts a wide variety of wildlife. Mount Moran, the most massive peak in
the Teton Range, dominates the background.
Jackson Lake Dam Overlook
Jackson Lake Dam, one mile west of Jackson Lake
Junction on the Teton Park Road, raises the level of Jackson Lake a maximum of 39 feet. In
addition to being a reservoir, Jackson Lake is also a natural lake formed by an immense glacier
that once flowed from Yellowstone National Park. Park on the southwest side of the dam and
take a short walk for a peaceful view of Jackson Lake and Mount Moran.
South Jenny Lake
Park at South Jenny Lake and take a short walk to view
glacially-carved Jenny Lake nestled at the base of the tallest Teton peaks. A 6-mile hiking
trail encircles Jenny Lake. Shuttle boats (early June through late September, 8 a.m. to
6 p.m., fee charged) provide easy access to the west shore of the lake and trails to Hidden
Falls, Inspiration Point and Cascade Canyon. Parking is limited and the trail becomes crowded,
so plan to arrive early or late in the day. A midday arrival will be frustrating.
Antelope Flats - Kelly Loop
At Gros Ventre Junction, 5 miles south of the Moose
Junction on Highway 26-89-191, turn east. Follow the road to the small town of Kelly. To see
the Gros Ventre Slide, turn at the sign marked "national forest access." The Gros Ventre Slide
occurred in 1925 when earthquakes and rain caused the north end of Sheep Mountain to break
off and dam the Gros Ventre River, forming Lower Slide Lake. Follow the Antelope Flats Road
along hayfields and ranches to rejoin Highway 26-89-121.
In addition to the suggestions listed previously, try some of these:
Ranger-led Activities
Join a ranger for a visitor center talk, museum tour, stroll, hike
or evening program. From early June to Labor Day a full schedule of activities is conducted daily.
Consult a park newspaper, available at visitor centers and entrance stations, or various
bulletin boards in the park. Attend the activities of your choice and learn more about the natural
and human history of the park and parkway.
Hiking
Over 200 miles of hiking trails in the park and parkway range from level and
easy trails on the valley floor to steep, arduous trails into the mountains. At visitor centers, ask a
ranger for recommended hikes and look at or purchase maps and trail guides. Parking areas at
popular trail heads fill as early as 11:00 a.m., from late June to early September.
Raft Trips on the Snake River
Park and parkway concessioners and operators provide
a variety of floating and fishing trips on the Snake River. Equipment is also available for rent in
Jackson from several sources.
Cycling
The Teton Park Road has wide shoulders and superb views of the Tetons.
The Antelope Flats-Kelly Loop provides riding opportunities on secondary roads. Ride bikes only
where cars can legally go; bicycles are not allowed on trails nor in the backcountry. Equipment is
available at Dornan's and in Jackson from several sources.
Mountaineering
The Teton Range offers many opportunities for climbers and mountaineers.
The Jenny Lake Ranger Station is the center for climbing information and climbers are encouraged to
stop in and obtain information on routes, conditions and regulations. Registration for day climbs is not
required, while all overnight stays require a backcountry permit. The Jenny Lake Ranger Station is open
from early June to mid-September, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Horseback Riding
Park concessioners offer horseback rides at Colter Bay and Jackson
Lake Lodge.
Top of Page
Grand Teton Home
National Parks Home