U.S. National Park Series (6) – Grand Teton National Park
Most people visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone in one trip. We are no exception. These two national parks are so close to each other. The Yellowstone National Park entrance ticket actually also covers Grand Teton.
When to Visit
The park is open 365 days a year but if you want to visit Yellowstone with Grand Teton together I would still recommend that you go in summer (between July and August).
If you visit Grand Teton after Yellowstone, you can go there from Yellowstone’s south entrance. Just keep driving south for about 24 miles and you can arrive at Grand Teton.
What to Do There
Do nothing and just relax! Well, you can definitely do that if you have plenty of time and just want to enjoy the Jackson Lake and Teton mountains.
I belong to the other kind of travelers who like to spend time exploring things. So, we spent one and a half days in Grand Teton. The first day, we drove around the park following a list of 11- scenic-points given by the park ranger in the visitor center; The 2nd day, we just spent half a day trying horseback riding and a boat trip.
Willow Flats Overloak
We were told it’s a great spot to see birds, beavers, and moose although we only saw some birds. It is a very scenic spot, though.
The dam itself is really tiny and not worth watching, but from here you can have a closer view of the Teton mountains. (Although, later on you will find out no matter where you stand in Grand Teton you always see those Teton mountains.)
Driving up a 5-mile Signal Mountain Summit road, you will reach the summit of Signal Mountain. From here, you can have a panoramic view of Grand Teton.
This is a small church built by Bill Mentor, located in the center of the park. From the church window, you can see the Teton mountains.
Although smaller than Jackson lake, Jenny lake is stunning beautiful with the mountain reflections. If you have some extra time, you can also hike the 5-mile round trip to reach the Hidden Falls.
If you haven’t seen enough Bison in Yellowstone, you can drive this loop. You will see some bison and antelopes here.
I don’t know whether you see any Grand Teton post cards. The cabin on the post card is from this site. It’s actually a really small cabin but with the Teton Mountains as its background it becomes scenic and unique.
Last but not the least, the Oxbow Bend Turnout. I would highly recommend this place if you want to see Moose up close and personal.
If, after visiting all these places, you still have time and plan to explore Grand Teton a bit more. I would recommend you try the Jackson Lake Cruise and horseback riding, but if not you won’t miss much either.
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