Grand Teton National Park

The Tetons are stunning. They deserve many many visits in their own right but because Yellowstone is such a big draw, it's hard to not visit both parks together. Here are suggestions to fill a few days exploring Grand Teton National Park.

1. Stay at and fully explore around Jackson Lake Lodge.

Hiking trail at Jackson Lake Lodge

The Jackson Lake Lodge is a gem of a national park lodge with something for everyone. There are lodge rooms, cabins. There is a casual dining on an incredible porch with wildlife viewing opportunities even while having a cocktail. There are hikes on the grounds. There are often moose wandering through the grounds. There is an outdoor pool. ENJOY IT ALL.

Steps from our cabin at Jackson Lake Lodge

View from our porch at Jackson Lake Lodge

2. Visit Colter Bay

Colter Bay

Colter Bay includes a lodging complex, a store, motorless boat rentals and many family friendly hikes. We spent half a day wandering down hiking trails at our then 3 year old Zooey's pace letting her throw rocks climb rock piles, whatever she wanted. And the leisurely pace bothered us none at all due to the absolute stunning beauty in every direction.













3. Paddle

I recommend the Falcon Guide Paddling Yellowstone and the Tetons book. We used it to identify two fantastic paddles great for little 3 year old Zooey

Paddling Oxbow Bend

Oxbow Bend. Oxbow bend is a gentle meandering in the Snake river created by the Jackson Lake Dam and is fantastic for wildlife viewing. It's just 2 miles from the Jackson Lake Lodge. While the Snake River itself would be too challenging either for beginners or with small kids, the Oxbow bend area is slow, quiet and very safe.

This is a fantastic place for wildlife viewing both on and off the water. If you have access to a kayak I HIGHLY RECOMMEND putting in at Oxbow bend. The water is plenty calm, there is so much to see up close that even the littlest kid will stay interested and with the mountain backdrop- it's just about a perfect activity.









The other place we paddled was String Lake. This is another great paddle well described in the Falcon book. There is an easy put in next to a parking lot at the String Lake Trailhead. Even this small lake can get a little windy which is why it's a good choice instead of the larger Leigh Lake or Jenny Lake with little kids.

String Lake

5. Raft on the Snake River

There are lots of outfitters who can take you on rafting trips of various levels of difficulty. I don't have specific recommendations as it's been a decade since I did this but worth checking out on your own.

6. Bike

There is an extensive series of paved multi-use trails called "Pathways" through Jackson Park with a couple leading into the southern end of Grand Teton National Park. I saw these for the first time on our last visit. We didn't have the chance to ride on them but is definitely on my to do list for next time. Here are some helpful links about biking in and near Grand Teton National Park.

http://www.jacksonholetraveler.com/article/jackson-hole-pathways/

https://friendsofpathways.org/our-trails-and-paths/pathways/

https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bike.htm

7. Hike

There are endless hikes great for adults and littles alike throughout Grand Teton National Park. Grab a guidebook or simply stop at a ranger station and them guide you based on your interest and ability level.

8. Wildlife Viewing

There are animals aplenty in the Tetons.

Moose mama and baby just outside Jackson Lake Lodge