How to Spend 2 Days in Grand Teton National Park: First Timer’s Itinerary
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Spending 2 days in Grand Teton National Park is the perfect way to get a taste of one of the most breathtaking places in the U.S.—but let me warn you, you’re going to leave wanting more (I already can’t wait to go back!). This park quickly became one of my all-time favorites, right up there with Glacier and Mount Rainier.
Everywhere you look, the jagged peaks of the Teton Range are towering in the distance, and whether you’re driving, hiking, or just pulling off at a viewpoint, the scenery feels nothing short of magical.
Grand Teton is known for its dramatic mountain backdrop, crystal-clear lakes, abundant wildlife, and those sunrises and sunsets that will stop you in your tracks. In just 2 days you can cover a lot—beautiful hikes, scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and a few relaxing moments by the water—but it’s also the kind of place that will make you want to plan a return trip as soon as you leave.
2-Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
Day 1
Morning: Jenny Lake + an Epic Hike
Breakfast
Start your morning with breakfast before heading into the park. If you’re staying in Jackson and it’s open by the time you’re heading out, I highly recommend Snake River Roasting Co. Their coffee was so good we went multiple times during our trip, and the breakfast burrito is massive (definitely enough to share).
Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point + Cascade Canyon Trail
From there, head straight to Jenny Lake—one of the park’s most iconic spots. You have two ways to get to the trails:
- Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat – $24 round trip for adults. This short boat ride (around 12 minutes) drops you at the trailhead for Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, making the hike 1.8 miles round trip. This is what we did, and it saved a lot of time and energy.
- Jenny Lake Loop Trail – If you prefer walking, the full hike around the lake is 5.7 miles round trip to reach the falls and viewpoint.
From there, you can continue into the Cascade Canyon Trail (which I definitely recommend if you have it in you!). The trail doesn’t have an end viewpoint per say—it’s all about enjoying the canyon and the views along the way. Wildlife is plentiful; we saw, chipmunks, pika, and even a couple of moose!
With the shuttle, the round trip totals 9.4 miles, (or 13.3 miles if hiking the lake as well). We didn’t go all the way—probably made it a little over halfway before turning back—and honestly, we still got incredible views and plenty of wildlife sightings. Don’t feel pressured to finish the entire trail, because even a partial hike is so rewarding.
For timing, we got to Jenny Lake around 9 AM (a bit later than planned, but it worked since it was an off week) and made it back to the car by about 1 PM.
Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure Based on Your Day 2 Plans
Lunch
By the time you finish your hike, you’ll probably be hungry. Stop at Dornan’s in the park:
- Pizza and Pasta Restaurant – hearty Italian options
- Chuckwagon – bites like pulled pork sandwiches and outdoor seating
- Deli Counter – perfect grab-and-go options; I loved their BLTA
If you’re wanting to do a more challenging hike on Day 2
If you’re doing the harder hike to Delta Lake on Day 2, you’ll want to save your energy. After finishing Cascade Canyon on Day 1, use the rest of the afternoon to drive around Grand Teton and hit some scenic stops from the comfort of your car.
This way, you still get to experience more of the park without wearing yourself out before the big hike. Later in the evening, head back to your hotel to relax (maybe even take a dip in your hotels’ hot tub) and recharge for Day 2.
If you’re wanting to do an easier hike on Day 2
If your Day 2 hike is on the shorter or less strenuous side, you can take the rest of Day 1 to relax and enjoy Jackson before tackling more park driving the following day.
Head back to your hotel after Cascade Canyon and lunch, soak in the hot tub to give your legs a break, then get refreshed for an evening in town. Take a photo at the iconic antler arches (one of the most iconic things to do in Jackson), pop into a few shops, and grab an early dinner at Glorietta Trattoria (the pasta is unforgettable) or the Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse downstairs from the bar.
To wrap up the evening, drive out to Mormon Row for sunset, where the historic barns set against the Tetons make for an unforgettable view (and some amazing photos).
Day 2 in Grand Teton National Park
No matter which route you take today, you’ll want to start with sunrise at Schwabacher Landing. It’s one of the most magical spots in the park. The parking lot is small and it fills quickly, so aim to get there early. Watching the mountains turn pink as the sun hits them, with their reflection glowing in the still water, feels almost unreal.
From here, your day can go one of two ways:
Option 1: Scenic Drive + Phelps Lake Hike
After sunrise, we headed back into Jackson for breakfast and coffee from our fave again, Snake River Roasting Co. Honestly, it was a little out of the way, but good coffee was non-negotiable for us and their breakfast burrito was massive (and worth it). If you don’t want to backtrack, you could wait and grab another cup at Signal Mountain Lodge later in the morning.
Scenic Drive
We spent the late morning driving through the park at a slower pace, using the Shaka Guide app (a GPS-based audio tour) to guide us. I use this app often in national parks and love it—it gives you fun history, stories, and helpful tips right as you’re driving past landmarks.
Some of our favorite stops along this drive:
- Grand Teton Entrance Sign – The classic photo op. Definitely worth pulling over.
- Chapel of the Transfiguration – A small log chapel with a big payoff. Inside, a window frames the Teton Range perfectly—it’s breathtaking.
- Oxbow Bend – One of the park’s most photographed spots. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch reflections of Mount Moran in the water, maybe even moose or bald eagles.
- Signal Mountain Lodge – Another coffee stop, plus it’s a good place for snacks or a bathroom break.
- Signal Mountain Summit Road – A short drive up brings sweeping panoramic views over Jackson Hole Valley and the Tetons.
We also pulled off at a few unmarked overlooks just to admire the range. Taking our time here made the park feel even more special.
Phelps Lake Trail
In the afternoon, head to Phelps Lake Trailhead for a refreshing hike. The trail is about 7 miles round trip (though you can shorten it, we stopped at a swimming spot halfway through and then headed back) and leads to a gorgeous alpine lake. Many people hike to the famous “jumping rock”, where you can leap into the cold, clear water. We ended up wandering to the opposite side of the lake and found a private little swimming spot, which felt like such a hidden reward.
A couple of tips for Phelps Lake:
- Parking is limited, and this is one of the few lots staffed by rangers. It fills up fast. When we went, we had to wait a while for a spot. Later in the day it was oddly empty, so timing is just luck. You can also swap the order of your day and do the hike first before driving around the park. We chose to hike later since we wanted to swim and figured it’d be nicer once it warmed up, but if you’re more concerned about locking in a parking spot, going earlier might be the safer bet. We didn’t mind waiting, but it’s something to keep in mind.
- Wildlife is common here—many hikers see bears on this trail. We didn’t on the path itself, but one darted across the road in front of our car as we arrived! And we also saw a moose laying in a stream! Always have you’re bear spray with you as a precaution.
Option 2: Delta Lake Hike
If you’re craving a challenge, skip the scenic drive today and head straight for Delta Lake, one of the most iconic (and toughest) hikes in Grand Teton National Park.
The trail is 7.5 miles round trip with significant elevation gain (close to 2,300 feet). While the first section follows the Lupine Meadows Trail, the last mile is unmaintained, requiring scrambling over boulders and pushing through steep, rocky sections. It’s no joke—our friends tackled this and said it was one of the hardest hikes they’ve ever done.
But the payoff? According to them, and most, worth it! At the top, you’re rewarded with views of an icy turquoise lake sitting right at the base of the Tetons. It’s jaw-dropping and easily one of the most photogenic spots in the park.
This hike will take up most of your day, and you’ll likely be completely wiped afterward. If you choose Delta Lake, plan on heading back to Jackson, grabbing a hearty dinner, and resting up—you’ll have earned it.
Where to Stay
When it comes to where to stay for your Grand Teton trip, you’ve got a few great options depending on what kind of experience you’re after.
- Jackson – Staying in Jackson is perfect if you also want to explore the town itself. I really loved being based here—it has such a fun energy, plus you’ll have plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars to enjoy after your park adventures. The drive into the park is easy, and it’s nice to be able to balance nature with some town time. Check here for all available options during your dates.
- Inside the park – If you want to be closer to the action, you can stay right inside Grand Teton. Jenny Lake Lodge is one of the most popular spots, but it’s definitely a splurge with rates often topping $1,000 per night. A more budget-friendly (but still not cheap) option is Jackson Lake Lodge, which usually falls closer to the average price of hotels in Jackson. Both put you right in the heart of the park so you can maximize your time outdoors.
- Camping – For a more rugged (and affordable) experience, camping is always an option. There are several campgrounds throughout the park, but keep in mind they book up quickly during peak season—so planning ahead is key.
Whichever option you choose, BOOK IN ADVANCE. We waited until one month out from our trip and prices were going up daily, and there were limited options.
Tips for Visiting Grand Teton
- Park Fee – Entry is $35 per vehicle for 7 days, but if you’re planning on visiting multiple national parks (like Yellowstone or Glacier), I highly recommend grabbing the America the Beautiful Pass for $80. It covers entry to all national parks for a year and pays for itself quickly.
- Bear Safety – This is bear country, so definitely carry bear spray. You can buy it in town, rent it at the airport, or even at places like Jenny Lake. Know how to use it before you hit the trail.
- Swimming Essentials – If you plan on taking a dip in spots like Phelps Lake, bring water shoes. The rocks are not fun to walk on barefoot and I wished I had them for every swim on this trip.
- Snacks + Water – Keep your car stocked! Drives are long, hikes are tiring, and you’ll want plenty of water and snacks to keep you fueled up.
- Start Early – Whether it’s sunrise at Schwabacher Landing or hiking Delta Lake, mornings are quieter, cooler, and easier for parking.
- Weather Prep – The weather in the Tetons can change fast. Layers are your best friend—think light jackets, hats, and rain gear just in case.
- Wildlife Etiquette – You’ll likely see moose, elk, maybe even bears. Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from everything else. A zoom lens or binoculars will make sightings way better.
- Offline Navigation – Cell service is spotty in the park. Download offline maps (Google Maps or AllTrails) before heading out. Shaka Guide is another great option if you want a self-paced audio tour while you drive.
Are you ready for an epic 2 days in Grand Teton National Park?!
Spending 2 days in Grand Teton National Park was enough to completely win me over—it’s truly one of the most magical places I’ve been! From watching the mountains glow pink at sunrise to hiking through jaw-dropping trails and even cooling off with a swim, every moment was unforgettable. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit—let me know which stops you’re most excited to experience!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other US blog posts:
How to spend one day in Yellowstone
