Planning a visit to Grand Teton National Park? Here’s all you need to know.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast who wants a taste of the Old West, you would be hard pressed to find a better destination than Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. Nestled between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, Jackson Hole offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter and breathtaking hikes in the summer.

We visited Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park in mid-October during the off season after the summer months and before ski season kicks off. Even during a quieter season, there is still plenty of fun to be had. Here are our favorite hikes and things to do in Jackson, WY.

What we loved:

  • Accessible hikes
  • Dramatic mountain views
  • Abundant wildlife
  • Jackson- restaurants, shopping, lodging

What you should keep in mind:

  • Crowds
  • Be bear aware and bring bear spray
  • Wear layers if visiting in the spring or fall- temperatures can change quickly this time of the year.

Here are our favorite day hikes at Grand Teton National Park as well as your camping/lodging options:

Hiking

Jenny Lake Trail

Distance: 7.9 miles, Difficulty: Moderate, Time: 3 hours, Elevation Gain: 623 ft., Type: Loop

Jenny Lake Trail is a gently sloped loop which skirts the shoreline of Jenny Lake. You can hike this trail clockwise or counterclockwise starting from Jenny Lake Trailhead or String Lake Trailhead. We hiked the trail counterclockwise to have the best morning light on the Teton Range to the west. Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point are quick and worthwhile side trips on this trek.

Surprise and Amphitheatre Lakes Trail

Distance: 8.9 miles, Difficulty: Hard, Time: 3.5 hours, Elevation Gain: 2,942 ft., Type: Out & Back

Starting at the Lupine Meadows trailhead, this challenging trail has plenty of switchbacks and stunning views. Trekking poles were handy during the incline and we used spikes during the last half mile due to snow in mid-October. You reach Surprise Lake first and Amphitheatre Lake sits another half mile down the trail. We stopped for lunch at the top; if it’s a chilly day the trees around Surprise Lake offer more shelter from the wind.

Colter Bay Hermitage Point Trail

Distance: 9.6 miles, Difficulty: Easy, Time: 4 hours, Elevation Gain: 738 ft., Type: Loop

This fairly flat loop trail takes you past several ponds, through meadows and piney woods to the breathtaking hermitage point. The rocky beach at hermitage point offers beautiful views of Jackson Lake and the Teton mountain range. We spotted several elk and deer along this trail and bear sightings are common- be sure to bring your bear spray!

Bearpaw and Trapper Lake Trail

Distance: 7.8 miles, Difficulty: Moderate, Time: 3.5 hours,  Elevation Gain: 137 ft., Type: Out & Back

If you are adjusting to the elevation change of Grand Teton National Park, this is a good hike to stretch out your legs. This trail has a mild incline and has pretty views of Bearpaw, Leigh, and String Lake. The parking lot can fill up by mid-morning so you might consider an early start.

If you have the time and energy…

Camping / Lodging

National Park:

There are seven campgrounds within Grand Teton National Park. Most sites are first-come, first-served but reservations are accepted for large group campsites.

Gros Ventre Campground: This campground is the largest in the park and the closest to Jackson, WY. It is $33/night for a campsite with vehicle. There are 295 first-come, first-served campsites available between late May and early October. Sites include fire rings, flush toilets food storage lockers, and potable water. Pets are allowed but must be on leash.

Jenny Lake Campground: Located on the east shore of Jenny Lake, this campground offers 59 first-come, first-served tent-only sites with a scenic backdrop of the Teton Range.

Signal Mountain Campground: If you are looking for a campground with more amenities, check out Signal Mountain. It has sites for tents and up to 30 ft. RVs. This campground has a marina, restaurants, general store, laundry, and showers.

Colter Bay Campground: This campground sits near Colter Bay Village which offers more amenities including cabins, restaurants, laundry, and showers. The Hermitage Point trailhead is also within walking distance.

Colter Bay RV Park: All 112 sites at the RV park can be reserved and offer full hookups.

Lizard Creek Campground: Lizard Creek campground would be a great basecamp if you are visiting Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It has 60 sites that are all first-come, first-served on the shores of Jackson Lake.

Headwaters Campground and RV Park at Flagg Ranch: This site is another good option if you are visiting both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Half of the tent sites and all of the RV sites may be reserved. Flagg Ranch also offers cabins, Sheffield Restaurant and Saloon, horseback riding, and fishing on the Snake River. As Headwaters Campground is farther north than the other sites, it is closed from September 29-June 4.

Hotels:

There are plenty of hotel options in Jackson Hole within walking distance of the main street and restaurants. Plus, these are all a short drive away from Grand Teton National Park.

49’er Inn and Suites: We stayed here! This hotel was good value and has a nice gym, pool, and continental breakfast.

Cowboy Village Resort: Stay in your own rustic log cabin just a few minutes walk from the town square.

Antler Inn: If you are visiting in ski season, consider staying at the Antler Inn. They offer free round-trip shuttles to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Springhill Suites Jackson Hole: We walked by this hotel several times on our way to dinner- great location in the downtown.

Mountain Modern Motel: Minimalist ski lodge vibes with café and restaurant.

Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa: Luxurious hotel with spa located on the outskirts of downtown and close to the Grand Teton park entrance.

Things to do in Jackson Hole:

Restaurants:

The Merry Piglets Mexican Grill: Mexican cantina with good margaritas and queso.

Hand Fire Pizza: Wood-fired pizza located in the historic Teton Theatre. 

Snake River Brewing: Local brewery with pub food.

FIGS: Fresh Mediterranean food in a cozy setting.

StillWest Brewery and Grill: This new brewery has impressive brews and food. The bar overlooks Snow King mountain and also has patio seating. We ate here twice!

Quick stops for lunch:

Pearl Street Bagels: Coffee, bagels, sandwiches, salad, and soups. A great place to grab a coffee and a sack lunch on your way into Grand Teton National Park.

Liberty Burger: Burgers, salads, and shakes.

Jackson Drug: Nostalgic soda fountain with burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream.

Coffee and Breakfast:

Persephone Bakery: French-style bakery and coffee shop with patio seating. This was our favorite breakfast spot- excellent baked goods and coffee.

Cowboy Café: Coffee and lunch offerings all next to the town square.

Jackson Hole Roasters: A coffee shop with juice bar and many options for breakfast and lunch.

The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant: a great place for a hearty breakfast, lunch, and dessert.

Shopping and Other Attractions:

Shopping: MADE, Lee’s Tees, Jackson Mercantile, Mountain Dandy, Native JH, National Museum of Wildlife Art

Grocery: Creekside Market, Albertsons.

Outdoor Gear: Teton Backcountry Rentals, Skinny Skis, JH Skis, Snow King Mountain Sports Shop

Itinerary for a 2-Day Trip:

Day 1:

Breakfast: Grab a coffee, bagel, and a sack lunch at Pearl Street Bagels

Hike: Beat the crowds and hike the Jenny Lake Trail

Lunch: Have a picnic in the park

Spend the afternoon exploring the full length of the park.

Dinner: Check out one of the many restaurants in Jackson Hole or enjoy a drink at StillWest Brewery and Grill.

Take a stroll around the downtown and take a picture at town square’s iconic antler arches.

Day 2:

Breakfast: Persephone Bakery– their breakfast sandwich is amazing!

Hike: Surprise Lake and Amphitheatre Lakes Trail

Lunch: Enjoy a well-earned lunch at Surprise Lake

Hike: Bearpaw and Trapper Lake Trail

Or

Explore Jackson Hole and pick up a souvenir

Dinner: Grab dinner at Hand Fire Pizza or Merry Piglets Mexican Grill

Enjoy some brews at Snake River Brewing

Summing Up

Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park are beautiful year round and offer diverse opportunities for recreation and relaxation for travelers. Visitors get the best of both worlds- a rugged and wild national park and a quaint western town with plenty of amenities. Whether you prefer to ski, hike or stroll around town, Jackson Hole will not disappoint!