Route Overview
Dramatic peaks rising directly from the valley floor, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Built around sunrise light, wildlife corridors, and classic lake hikes.
Itinerary
Sunrise at Oxbow Bend
Visit Oxbow Bend for iconic views of the Teton Range.
The most photographed location in the park. Mt. Moran reflected in the Snake River with wildlife often present.
Arrive before sunrise for best reflections. Moose, beavers, and pelicans are common. Stay 25+ yards from wildlife.
Colter Bay Breakfast
Enjoy a variety of ranger programs offered at the Colter Bay Amphitheater. This open-air facility provides a fantastic setting for ranger-led evening programs during the summer. Special programs also occur throughout the season. Check at a visitor center for a current schedule of events.
Casual breakfast at Colter Bay Village. Cafe with standard fare.
Quick fuel-up before hiking. General store has grab-and-go options.
Lakeshore Trail at Colter Bay
2-mile loop along Jackson Lake with Teton views. Visit the Indian Arts Museum.
Easy and family-friendly. Beach area for swimming (cold). Keep an eye out for moose along the shore.
Signal Mountain Summit Road
Drive the Signal Mountain Summit Road for panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.
5-mile drive to the summit with panoramic views of the Tetons, Jackson Lake, and valley.
360-degree views from the top. Less crowded than valley viewpoints.
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive & Visitor Center
The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive skirts the east shore of Jenny Lake and provides spectacular views of the peaks
Explore the visitor center, pick up maps, and prepare for afternoon hike. Picnic tables available.
Get ranger recommendations. Check boat shuttle schedule for Cascade Canyon and buy tickets early in peak season.
Cascade Canyon Trail
Most visitors find it challenging to reach the alpine community in the park, but the view from Cascade Canyon turnout provides a glimpse. The canyon climbs through the forest community where many conifers thrive-lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir and subalpine fir. Cascade Creek flows near the trail providing islands of wetland community. In the upper part of the canyon, the alpine community thrives-a harsh environment buried in snow most of the year.
Take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Continue into Cascade Canyon for more solitude.
Boat shuttle saves 2 miles each way. Canyon is prime bear habitat - carry bear spray and keep distance from wildlife.
Sunset at Mormon Row
Visit Mormon Row to see the historic Moulton Barns and Teton views.
Historic barns with the Teton Range behind - most iconic shot in the park. T.A. Moulton Barn is most photographed.
Arrive 1+ hour before sunset. Photographers line up early. Bison sometimes wander through!
Wildlife Safari at Dawn
Drive the Antelope Flats Road and Moose-Wilson Road for wildlife. Bison, moose, elk, and pronghorn common.
Best wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk. Stay in vehicle or 25+ yards away. Moose-Wilson Road has narrow pullouts.
Breakfast in Moose
The Moose-Wilson Road is a corridor road connecting the towns of Moose and Wilson. In the winter the road is closed from the south at the Granite Trailhead and from the north at the Death Canyon Junction, providing 3 miles (4.8 km) of walking, skiing, and snowshoeing. As you ski or snowshoe on the road you will wind through forest and marsh habitats, covered in deep snow and ice. Be aware that not all is frozen underfoot, thin ice can be dangerous—use caution.
Dornan's has breakfast with mountain views. Great outdoor patio.
Try the sourdough pancakes. General store has supplies.
Taggart Lake Trail
Get spectacular views of the Teton Range on this easy hike to Taggart Lake.
3-mile roundtrip to a beautiful glacial lake with Teton reflections. Can extend to Bradley Lake (5 miles total).
Popular trail but less crowded than Jenny Lake. Start early for parking and the best reflections.
Lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge
The historic Jackson Lake Lodge is one of two National Historic Landmarks in the park. With its concrete textured walls, this building was the first modern lodge built in a national park. Opening in 1955, the Rockefeller Lodge, as it was once known, inspires visitors with a wall of windows over-looking Willow Flats, Jackson Lake and the Teton Range beyond.Today, the great room is a place to relax and enjoy the view or escape from a rainy day.
Massive picture windows frame the Tetons. The Mural Room has upscale dining; Pioneer Grill is casual.
Even if not eating, walk in to see the view. Often moose in the willows below the lodge.
Cunningham Cabin Historic Site
J. Pierce Cunningham established the Bar Flying U Ranch in the 1880s. Today, his "dogtrot" style cabin is one of the few remaining homestead cabins in Jackson Hole. This style cabin was common in eastern states, consisting of two small cabins joined with an open, covered breezeway. Cunningham chose this land because silt sediments deposited from an ancient glacial formed soil that retained moisture and provided better nutrients for raising lush grasses and forbs.
1890s homestead cabin with mountain backdrop. Quick stop with interpretive signs.
Nice photo op of historic cabin with Tetons. Very quick stop.
Snake River Overlook
Ansel Adams' famous photograph was taken here. Snake River curves below the Teton Range.
The exact viewpoint has changed due to tree growth, but still spectacular.
Schwabacher Landing
Beaver ponds with perfect Teton reflections. One of the best sunset/reflection locations.
Dirt road access - check conditions. Arrive early for sunset. Beavers are active at dusk.
Creates a copy you can customize
2
Days
14
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
Best Season
June-September. July for wildflowers, September for fall colors and elk rut.
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