Grand Teton – One Day Itinerary in the National Park
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Grand Teton – One Day Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park and want to maximize your day in the mountains, here’s a jam-packed itinerary perfect for one day in the park!
I visited Grand Teton National Park with Bindlestiff Tours this summer on two separate occasions. (Once with one of my group trips!)
Both times, I was totally blown away by the mountain landscapes and jaw-dropping hikes.
After two consecutive trips & lots of insider knowledge from the guides with Bindlestiff, I’ve put together the perfect one day itinerary, enjoy!
Start at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Grab a photo with the “Grand Teton National Park” entrance sign on your way to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. This is a great place to park and will give you access to bathrooms, a gift shop, drinking fountains and tourist information.
Rent canoes at the boat dock for one hour
Once you’ve checked out the visitor center, you can walk down to the boat dock and rent a canoe or kayak for an hour!
If you’re cramped on time, this is easily skipped for hiking instead.
Take the $10 shuttle boat one way across Jenny Lake
At the same boat dock, you can take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake for $10. (Round trip is $18!) But I recommend taking it just one way. The boat provides lovely views of the mountains and will get you closer to more hiking trails.
*Note: You can skip the boat all together and just hike along the lake to where it drops off on the other side. It all depends how much time you want to spend hiking etc!
When the boat docks, follow signs for Hidden Falls (1.3 miles) then Inspiration Point (2 miles)
Once you arrive at the other side of Jenny Lake, there will be clear signs for Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
Hidden Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades right along the path. Don’t skip over this trail! *It is a super popular picture spot so be prepared to wait for an opening if you want a clear shot with the falls on a busy weekend.
From there, cross over the bridge and follow the signs up to Inspiration Point. This hike ascends at a steep incline but gives spectacular views of the mountains behind you and the lake below.
Then follow the signs to String Lake.
After you hike up to Inspiration Point and enjoy the views at the top (I recommend bringing a light picnic or some snacks here!) you can hike back down the way you came. You’ll pass the boat dock but rather than wait in line for a return boat back- I suggest you hike around the lake the other direction towards String Lake.
In the summer you’ll pass tons of wildflowers and hike alongside the water, it is absolutely stunning.
I enjoyed this hike even more than the trek to Inspiration Point because the crowds really thinned out. Our group practically had the trail to ourselves!
When you arrive, go for a swim! Enjoy the beaches.
Once you reach String Lake, pull out your swimsuit and hop on in! Yes the water is cold but in the summer, it is a refreshing way to cool off after a hot hike.
We only briefly swam before heading back to camp but we could have easily spent a whole afternoon at the beach. People had floaties, lawn chairs, beach balls, picnics etc.
You might not be able to swim in the cooler months but a summer dip in the mountain water cannot be beat!
If you have time, I suggest you have dinner and grill out there. They have picnic tables available for public use!
Drive to check out the best viewpoints
When you’re done at the lake, head back to your car and go check out some of the beautiful view points around the park.
There is no shortage of incredible view points throughout Grand Teton National Park. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Historic T.A. Moulton Barn
- Oxbow Bend
- Cathedral Group Turnout
- Snake River Overlook
If you’re camping overnight in Grand Teton National Park, then I suggest you wake up early and hit the view points for optimal lighting.
Drive around looking for wildlife like bears, moose and pronghorn
Grand Teton National Park is an incredible place to try and spot wildlife!
Try looking for moose in the Snake River and remember to keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Since Grizzly & Black Bears are common in the park, it’s super important to review the rules for bear safety.
Camp inside the park at Gros Ventre Campground
While there are a number of campsites you can stay at in the park, I have personally only camped at Gros Ventre Campground.
It’s a nice site with good views and close proximity to the trails etc. However there are no showers or convenience stores at the campground.
And remember these rules for bear safety while camping:
- Keep a clean camp! Never improperly store or leave food unattended.
- All edibles, food containers (empty or not), cookware (clean or not), and trash (including feminine hygiene products) must be stored in a food locker or hung when not in use, day or night.
- Do not throw any food or garbage into the pit toilets.
- Inspect your campsite for bear sign and for careless campers nearby. Notify a park ranger of any potential problems.
Or stay overnight in town in Jackson, Wyoming
Although Jackson is very pricey, it’s also a great option if you don’t want to camp in the park.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, check out The Hostel.
At night, go check out live music at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar!
Watch the Tik Tok on my one day itinerary here:
Check out the Bindlestiff Tours here.
BENEFITS OF TRAVELING WITH BINDLESTIFF TOURS
- You don’t need to pack or buy any camping gear, it’s all provided
- It’s a great way to meet others if you’re traveling solo
- Your guide can give you recommendations on hikes or things to do in the area
- The tours are flexible and you can add extra nights/days onto the end of your trip to design the trip of your dreams!
Shop my hiking boots
More on national parks:
- HIKING THE NARROWS – 12 TIPS FOR THIS BUCKET LIST HIKE IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
- GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS ONE DAY ITINERARY
- ONE DAY IN BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
- WHITE SAND DUNES OF NEW MEXICO: THE NEWEST NATIONAL PARK THAT NEEDS TO BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST
Grand Teton One Day Itinerary
