Explore the Magical Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park may always remain my favorite place in the world. The views of the Tetons are magnificent and look different in every light (google Jackson Lake and you’ll be hooked). Biking, relaxing at the beach, hiking, boat rides, water sports, camping, just driving around - it’s all spectacular.

Grand Teton National Park is manageable for day trips and is also wonderful for camping or in-park cabin stays.

Camping

Colter Bay Camping

The Colter Bay campground on Jackson Lake is one of my favorites and such a special place. It’s a popular spot so you generally need to arrive before noon to get a spot. We preferred the E loop because it’s closest to the beach area. There is a grocery store on-site that is surprisingly well-stocked and reasonably priced. They also have ice cream and a coffee bar.

Hiking and Exploring on Foot

Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls

Head to Jenny Lake for a spectacular, toddler-friendly combination of hiking and boat-riding to the Hidden Falls. This is one of Jackson’s most popular hikes for a reason. There are a variety of ways to access all the sights, making this the perfect place to go for any occasion or all skill levels. You can choose from a variety of distances with varying terrain-difficulty.

Phelps Lake from the Rockefeller Preserve

This family-friendly hike never disappoints. The two and a half-mile round trip hike is super kid-friendly and mostly flat. The out and back option on the Woodland Trail was a crowd pleaser with cool rocks and one that even looked like a lion’s head, and they helped keep everyone entertained and motivated until we reached the glorious Phelps Lake.

Bradley Taggart Lakes Hike

Enjoy this popular six-mile loop with a 761-foot elevation gain. You have the option to hike it as a ‘there and back’ when you get to the lake to reduce the distance. Starting at the Taggart Lake trailhead, this beautiful rolling hills hike has consistent views of the Teton range and provides ample walking time along both exquisite lakes.

If you’re carrying a little one in a backpack, prepare for a solid workout. While the loop has a bit of flat and downhill terrain, there is vertical gain. Prepare with layers for the elevation shift, and pack plenty of water and snacks.

Colter Bay Lakeshore Hike

This two and a half-mile hike is mostly flat and a nice way to move the legs and enjoy beautiful views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons. We like the option to make it longer or shorter (the first part of the island is 0.4 miles so you can easily do one mile out and back, which is also stroller-friendly). There is little to no elevation gain and you also have the option to hang out at beautiful Jackson Lake for a picnic following your hike.

Boat Rentals

Are you looking for an adventurous and relaxing way to enjoy Grand Teton National Park? Do you want to get up close and personal with all that the glorious mountains have to offer? Consider renting a boat!

Signal Mountain Lodge

Rent a boat at Signal Mountain Lodge in the park, or at Rendezvous River Sports in town. Your options range from kayaks, canoes, rafts, stand up paddleboards or a boat to experience the beauty of the Tetons from the water. It is a truly spectacular way to enjoy the park. Bring your non-motorized crafts to String and Leigh Lake or your motorboats to Jackson Lake.

Kayak, Canoe, and Motorboat Rentals at Colter Bay

Kayak, canoe, and motorboat rentals at Jackson Lake in the Marina at Colter Bay Campground are available for anywhere from $25-$48 per hour. The rentals have a 2 hour minimum and you can explore close or far, along the shore or gain some distance.

The views are incredible and the relaxation of just sitting on the water enjoying the sounds of nature and exquisite views are beyond measure. For little kids, it can get windy so it’s important to check the weather in advance and consider wind and wave status.

Note: Life jackets, radios, boating instructions, and maps are provided with your rental. Charged on an hourly basis (with a 2 hour min.) and are weather dependent. Boat rental hours change in our early and late season.

Age 4+

Admission Fees for Grand Teton National Park

Option A) You can pay $35 per car for a seven-day pass

Option B) $70 for an annual pass

Option C) $80 for an annual National Park Pass that includes all of the parks for a year.

If you are planning to explore Teton and Yellowstone for more than seven days opt for option B, but if you have even more National Parks in your plans, C seems like the obvious choice!

There is more information on Grand Teton National Park available on our app both in free search or you can also access our curated plans by downloading the happyly app.

Turpin Meadow Ranch

After exploring the incredible Grand Teton National Forest, for something a little different, check into Turpin Meadow Ranch, one of the most beautiful places in the world. When you arrive, you immediately feel a sense of peace and relaxation. The team is accommodating and service-oriented in a friendly, ‘when you’re here you’re family’ kind of way. The food is excellent and the space is incredibly kid-friendly. From the books and lawn games to the board games, there’s so much to enjoy.

Horseback Riding at Turpin Meadow Ranch feels like a world-class experience. The ranch team proved patient and warm throughout. We had three early riders and they introduced the horses, safety rules, and games with an abundance of experience and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to experience their fly-fishing excursions during our next visit! Every detail feels like it was meant to slow you down to a state of relaxation and it’s the perfect luxurious segue into another rugged camping adventure!

You can visit overnight or plan to visit for lunch or dinner (reservations are needed). It’s a truly special place where time feels slow in the best way.

Let us help you get outdoors with Hiking With Kids: Tips & Tricks, Ten Tips For Hiking Responsibly in the days of COVID-19 or seek inspiration from the safety of your home in Dreaming Up Your Next Adventure.

Explore more of our Dreaming of Travel series in Make Nature Your Focus in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, or check out the recent blogs by Colin Boyd to further fuel your wanderlust - Dreaming of Safe Travel: Dry Tortugas and Why Mojave National Preserve is Our Favorite Park.

If you have a perfect getaway or a favorite landscape, please share with us at share@happyly.com and we will be excited to cover it!