3-Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
Three days threading Teton's finest alpine lakes, from easy shorelines to 10,000-foot summits.
Grand Teton thrusts 7,000 feet from the valley floor in a cathedral of granite and snow. The park's compact 485 square miles pack some of the Rockies' most dramatic climbing, hiking, and scenic driving.
- 485 sq mi Park acreage
- 12,605 ft Mt. Moran peak
- 200+ mi Hiking trails
- 7 Named alpine lakes
Day 1: Arrival at String Lake
Stay: Stay at Jackson Lake Lodge, the park's flagship resort with views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range.
String Lake introduces the park's alpine backbone—a manageable loop that delivers full Teton Range vistas without punishing elevation.
- String Lake Trail hugs the eastern shore of an impossibly blue alpine lake ringed by Douglas firs, then climbs the western bank with ascending views of Teton peaks.
- The return dips through an old burn forest before circling back to the trailhead.
Day 2: Amphitheater Lake Alpine Summit
Stay: Return to Jackson Lake Lodge or Colter Bay Village; same base for a second night of recovery.
This is the trip's climax—five miles of relentless switchbacks earn you a high-altitude lake basin and 360-degree Teton wilderness views from nearly 10,000 feet.
- Amphitheater Lake climbs from Lupine Meadows via steep, rocky switchbacks through subalpine forest and open meadows.
- Surprise Lake marks the halfway point at a smaller but equally striking alpine pool.
- The final push to Amphitheater gains another 600 feet, opening to a pristine basin ringed by granite cliffs and Disappointment Peak.
Day 3: Phelps Lake and Moose-Wilson Road
Stay: Final night at Jackson Lake Lodge or begin your drive home; return to Jackson town (20 miles south) for evening food options.
The final day pairs a scenic 16-mile Moose-Wilson Road drive with a moderate alpine lake loop, offering solitude and Death Canyon vistas before heading home.
- Drive the Moose-Wilson Road south from Jackson Lake Lodge, watching for moose in beaver ponds along the way.
- Park at Laurance S.
- Rockefeller Preserve and hike the Phelps Lake Loop, which climbs through lodgepole forest and aspen groves to an alpine lake offering views of the southern Teton crest and Death Canyon.
- The return dips through wetlands and wildflower meadows.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit for day hiking at Grand Teton?
No. Day hiking requires no permit, but you must follow parking rules—arrive before 9am at major trailheads to guarantee a spot. Overnight backpacking requires a backcountry permit available through Recreation.gov starting January 7 each year on a rolling two-day basis.
What's the best time of year for this itinerary?
June through September. June offers lighter crowds and wildflower season; July–August brings peak warm weather but crowded trailheads; September is ideal with fewer visitors and stable weather. Alpine trails above 9,000 feet may stay snow-covered into July; verify conditions daily with NPS at 307-739-3300.
Can I do this trip with a different lodging base?
This itinerary is optimized for Jackson Lake Lodge or Colter Bay Village. You could stay in Jackson town (20 miles south) but would add 1–1.5 hours of driving daily. All in-park lodging fills 12+ months in advance; plan to book by summer 2025 for summer 2026.
What should I bring for grizzly bear safety?
Bear spray is essential, especially for Day 2 (Amphitheater Lake) which enters active grizzly habitat. Carry it in a hip holster, never in a backpack. Make noise on the trail, hike in groups of three or more, and store food in bear-resistant containers at your lodging.
Is Moose-Wilson Road safe for my vehicle?
Yes, but it's closed to RVs and trailers. Expect 30–45 minute construction delays through Labor Day 2026. The road is fully paved except for a 0.5-mile unpaved section between Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Death Canyon Road; any passenger vehicle can manage it.
Sources & Further Reading
- Fees & Passes — National Park Service
- Operating Hours & Seasons — National Park Service
- Road Construction — National Park Service
- Moose-Wilson Road to Reopen to Traffic June 19 — National Park Service
- String Lake — National Park Service
- Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes — National Park Service
- Phelps Lake Loop — National Park Service
- Lodging — National Park Service
- Grand Teton Lodge Company — Grand Teton Lodge Company
- Backcountry Permits — National Park Service
- Grand Teton Backcountry Permits — Recreation.gov
