Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is defined by sharp mountain peaks, wide open valleys, and a landscape that feels dramatic without feeling overwhelming. From scenic drives and lakeside walks to hiking beneath the Tetons themselves, the park offers a mix of adventure and quiet moments. With the right planning, we help you experience Grand Teton beyond the pullouts—finding uncrowded trails, peaceful viewpoints, and stays that put you close to the scenery. It’s a park we love designing trips for at Highline Horizons, especially when paired with time in nearby Yellowstone.
Park History
Grand Teton National Park’s history is deeply connected to its striking mountains and open valley landscape. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples traveled through the Jackson Hole area, relying on its rivers, wildlife, and seasonal resources for survival. The Tetons themselves served as important landmarks, guiding movement across the region long before modern roads or maps existed.
In the late 1800s, homesteaders and ranchers settled in the valley, drawn by the fertile land and open space. Many of the historic barns and ranch structures you see today date back to this period and help tell the story of early life in Jackson Hole. As development pressures grew, conservationists worked to protect the mountains and surrounding valley, eventually leading to the establishment of Grand Teton National Park. Today, the park preserves both its dramatic scenery and the layers of history that make it such a meaningful place to visit.
While every Highline Horizons trip is fully customized to your travel style, the sample itinerary below offers a glimpse of what this experience could look like.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: First Views of the Tetons
Arriving in the Tetons never gets old. Start slow with a drive along Moose–Wilson Road, one of my favorite places in the park to spot wildlife. The road winds through wetlands and forest, and it’s common to see moose or elk if you’re patient. End the day at Schwabacher Landing, where the Tetons rise straight out of the river—an easy place to just stand, take it in, and realize where you are.
Day 2: Floating the Snake River
Today is all about seeing the park from a different angle. A guided scenic float on the Snake River is relaxed, quiet, and surprisingly rich in wildlife. Bald eagles, otters, and moose are often right along the banks, and the Tetons feel massive from the water. After the float, spend the afternoon stopping at places like Oxbow Bend and Willow Flats, two of the best spots in the park for wildlife and wide-open views.
Day 3: Jenny Lake & Cascade Canyon
This is one of those days people talk about long after the trip is over. Take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, then hike into Cascade Canyon, where the scenery quickly shifts from busy lakeshore to quiet mountain walls and rushing water. You’ll hike as far as feels right, with constant views and plenty of places to stop and soak it all in.
Day 4: Sunrise Wildlife Watching
An early morning start is worth it here. A guided sunrise wildlife tour gives you access to the best wildlife areas in the park when animals are most active. You’ll explore spots like Antelope Flats and the Gros Ventre Valley, learning how to read the landscape and spot wildlife in a respectful way. The rest of the day is intentionally lighter—perfect for a slower afternoon and some quiet exploring.
Day 5: Lakeside Hiking at String & Leigh
Today’s hike follows the shoreline from String Lake to Leigh Lake, and it’s one of my favorite walks in the park. The trail stays relatively mellow, but the views never let up. The Tetons rise straight from the water, and the whole hike has a calm, steady rhythm that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the day.
Day 6: Quiet Corners & Classic Views
Spend today exploring some of the Tetons’ quieter and more iconic spots. Walk through Mormon Row in the morning light, visit Blacktail Ponds for wildlife and reflections, and finish at Snake River Overlook, where the river curves beneath the peaks. It’s a simple day, but one that really shows the character of the park.
Day 7: One Last Walk
Before heading out, take a short hike to Taggart Lake, a great final look at the Tetons without a big push. It’s an easy, fitting way to close out the trip—one last view, one last quiet moment, and a sense that you really got to know this place.