Self-Guided Grand Teton National Park Driving Tour

Stop at Jackson Lake Overlook to get a first look at the Teton Mountain Range in all its glory, towering over the historic Jackson Lake.

Need to fuel up? Need a snack or a stretch break? Colter Bay Village has it all! General store, grocery store, gas station, and souvenir shop! If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, Colter Bay Village offers kayaking, canoeing, motorboats, lake cruises, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, hiking, beach-going, and more. In fact, it’s often been described as a summer camp for the whole family!

This is also the most popular place to view a Grand Teton sunrise or sunset. Stop and gaze at the crescent shaped bend in the Snake River with the Teton range in the distance. Be advised, though–this turnout gets very busy around sunset, so plan accordingly!

Cunningham Cabin is another “Famous Four” places at Grand Teton. Take a short walk through history as you explore around one of the first homesteads in the area.

Schwabacher Landing used to be a popular boat launch, but in recent years, the Snake River shifted just enough that boats are no longer able to access it. Instead, you’ll have amazing views of the Teton Range and the surrounding forest reflected in the Snake River. It’s a great place for wildlife viewing, too! 

This one was made famous by nature photographer Ansel Adams, and for good reason. From this iconic viewpoint, you’ll be able to view the gentle bends of the Snake River set against the Teton Range. But don’t be fooled by the serenity of the scene. Early fur trappers in the Tetons nicknamed the Snake River “The Accursed Mad River” because of its wild unpredictability.

Mormon Row was one of the first actual communities within Grand Teton National Park. In the early 1920s, it was a bustling, self-sufficient town. Today all that’s left behind are memories— and buildings, like the Moulton Barns and the Chambers Homestead.

These are now on the National Registry of Historic Places, and you’ll be able to walk among them. Also, the Moulton Barn has the distinction of being the most photographed barn in the United States. Make sure you snap your own picture!

The Craig Thomas Discovery Center Stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery Information and Orientation: The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center offers trail information, weather, and other general information.

Visit the historic home of the Muries—more commonly known as the Grandparents of the Conservation Movement. In fact, the John Denver song A Song For All Lovers is based on the famous couple!

Come and find some peace inside this beautiful little chapel nestled in the shadows of the Teton range. This chapel was built in 1925, and it’s still an active Episcopal congregation today!

Stroll through the historic buildings that once belonged to–and were built by–William Menor himself. In the 1920s, Menor was the first homesteader to build on the West bank of the Snake River, and with the building of the ferry, he was able to open a whole new trade route to the Teton range! 

Taggart Lake Trail is a 3.8-mile loop just north of Moose Junction. It’s a moderately easy hike through sagebrush flats to the base of the Teton Mountain Range.

Sure, Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area is a nice place to stop and rest, but the real stars of the show here are the wild burros that hang out in the field across the street. As long as you remember your safety tips and keep a safe distance, the burros will let you take selfies with them!

Hiking, biking, cycling, and more! The Jenny Lake Recreation Area offers it all. Swim in the lake, hike the amazing trails, take the scenic drive through the forest, and learn the tragically beautiful history of this sacred place.

This is a seven-mile drive that climbs nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. At the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the entire Teton valley. This drive is a little scary; the road is narrow, the switchbacks are sharp, and the sides of the road are pretty steep. But the view at the top? Totally worth it!

They’ve got dining! They’ve got lodging! They’ve got shopping! They’ve even got a marina for kayaking, boating and fighting. Signal Mountain is the perfect pit-stop place on Teton Park Road.

Take a few minutes to marvel at this quaint Catholic church that’s part of Grand Teton history! It was built in 1937, and its large stained glass windows offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This tranquil sanctuary provides visitors with a serene setting to reflect, find solace, and appreciate the spiritual harmony between nature and architecture.