2-Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
Two days threading the Teton Range's alpine lakes and dramatic summit backdrop.
Grand Teton National Park's jagged granite peaks rise 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole in northwestern Wyoming, creating one of the most dramatic mountain backdrops in the Rockies. The park is shaped by glacial geology—pristine alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and a river system that threads through wildflower meadows and lodgepole forests.
- 310K Acres
- 100+ Alpine lakes
- 13,770 ft Grand Teton height
- 8 Peaks over 12,000 ft
Day 1: Jenny Lake Boat & Hidden Falls
Stay: Sleep at Jenny Lake Lodge (rustic luxury cabins, 5-course dinners included) or Colter Bay Village (affordable log cabins 10 miles north on Jackson Lake).
The boat shuttle eliminates the 2-mile approach hike and delivers you directly to Cascade Canyon's turquoise basin.
- Start at Jenny Lake's main trailhead and take the shuttle boat to the west shore.
- Walk to Hidden Falls—a 30-foot cascade plunging into a granite amphitheater—then push 0.8 miles further to Inspiration Point for unobstructed views of the Teton Range and String Lake valley below.
- The round-trip via boat is 1.8 miles with 433 ft gain; without shuttle, same destination is 5.7 miles.
Day 2: Phelps Lake Loop & Teton Park Road
Stay: Drive out of the park toward Jackson or return to Jenny Lake Lodge if staying a third night.
Phelps Lake's turquoise basin is one of the park's most photogenic alpine cirques, and the loop trail traces the entire shoreline with Teton Range reflections at every turn.
- Drive the Teton Park Road north from Moose Junction, stopping at scenic pullouts (Oxbow Bend, Glacier View Overlook) en route to Laurance S.
- Rockefeller Preserve.
- The Phelps Lake Loop circles the lake's perimeter, gaining 1,060 ft over 6.4 miles through subalpine meadows, rocky switchbacks, and lakeside benches.
- The trail climbs steeply from the trailhead then descends the north shore at a gentler grade; wildflowers bloom mid-July to August.
Common Questions
Do I need advance reservations for the Jenny Lake Shuttle?
No. The shuttle operates on a first-come, first-served basis and boats depart every 10–15 minutes (May 15–September 30). However, Jenny Lake parking fills by 9–10 am mid-July through August, so arrive early. Round-trip tickets cost $20 for adults ($15 one-way).
Can I skip the shuttle and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point without paying?
Yes. The round-trip hike without the shuttle is 5.7 miles with 870 ft elevation gain—doubling the effort for roughly the same views. The shuttle saves 4 miles and 450 ft of climbing, making it a worthwhile $20 investment for most hikers.
What is the entrance fee and how do I pay?
The fee is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Non-U.S. residents ages 16+ pay an additional $100 surcharge (as of 2026). Credit cards and checks are accepted at the entrance station; cash is not accepted.
Where should I stay, and how far in advance do I book?
Reserve Jenny Lake Lodge (37 rustic cabins, full dinners included, ~$400–600/night) or Colter Bay Village (log cabins and tent-cabins, ~$80–200/night) through the Grand Teton Lodge Company at (307) 543-3100. Lodging books 12 months in advance; availability for summer dates typically opens in early January and sells out within 2–3 weeks.
Is bear spray required, and what should I know about bear safety?
Bear spray is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Travel in groups of 3+, make noise on the trail, and maintain a 100-yard distance from all bears and wolves. Store food in bear-resistant containers or vehicles (never leave unattended on the trail). The park has both black bears and grizzlies, though grizzly sightings are rare south of the Tetons; black bears are common in forested areas.
Sources & Further Reading
- Grand Teton National Park Home — National Park Service
- Plan Your Visit - Grand Teton National Park — National Park Service
- Entrance Fees & Passes - Grand Teton National Park — National Park Service
- Lodging - Grand Teton National Park — National Park Service
- Alerts & Current Conditions - Grand Teton National Park — National Park Service
- Grand Teton Lodge Company — Grand Teton Lodge Company
- Bear Safety in Grand Teton National Park — National Park Service
- Road Construction - Grand Teton National Park — National Park Service
- Park Statistics - Grand Teton National Park — National Park Service
- Recreation.gov - National Parks Camping — Recreation.gov
