Grand Tetons National Park: A Captivating 4-Day Adventure

Embarking on a 4-day journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Grand Tetons National Park was a dream come true. From picturesque lakes to majestic mountain peaks, every moment was filled with breathtaking beauty and unforgettable experiences. Join me as I recount our itinerary, packed with wildlife sightings, epic hikes, and serene moments of pure bliss. Get ready to immerse yourself in the grandeur of Grand Tetons National Park and discover why this natural wonder is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Day 1: Arrive at Jackson Lake

We set up camp in Colter Bay Campground and we found it incredibly convenient as no reservation was required. It was a relaxing quiet campground with a mix of car campers and RVs. It was conveniently located right along Jackson Lake. We set up our camp and spent the afternoon relaxing by the water and taking in the breathtaking views of the Tetons. We enjoyed a short scenic walk to the visitor center to pick up some ice cream bars before sunset. We even saw a brown bear, thankfully a safe distance away! 

Day 2: Jenny Lake Boat Ride, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Hike

We took the quick boat ride across Jenny Lake and hiked to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point and made our way though Cascade Canyon with his high elevation and wildlife viewing. We even got to see a cute baby moose with its mother. We really enjoyed the ease of Hidden Falls and Inspiration point and would gladly do these trails again. Cascade Canyon was not for the faint of heart, there steep elevation gain at the beginning with cliff drop offs. We ran low of water about 2 miles into it and ended up turning back. But this would be a great multiday hike for someone interested in trekking in the back country.  

We only checked out 1 lodge during our visit. We really loved Signal Mountain’s restaurants and bars. We stopped in after a long hiking day and had some snacks and a drink on the patio with the view of the lake.  A great way to unwind.

Day 3: Stop at Various Lookouts

We drove the main road multiple times during our trip.  The park is very well designed and there are so many picturesque spots along the way. We brought our cameras and took our time at each look out, we were mindful not to make to much noise as one of our goals was to see as much wildlife as possible.

  • One of my favorite was Oxbow bend. We stopped here early in the morning to capture some sunset magic. It definitely did not disappoint! We brought our binoculars and watched the birds as they were waking up.

  • Another favorite was the Jackson Lake Junction. You can find me staring at the Tetons for hours in this spot.

  • Schwabacher Landing was a heartthrob location, I think this was one of the most beautiful places in the park. We loved watching the wildlife, we were lucky to stumble upon a moose with their young. Such a sight to see! We felt so blessed, we stood there watching for about an hour, just in Ahh of nature’s beauty.

We spent the afternoon swimming in Jackson Lake and playing cards on the shore. We made our favorite camping hot dogs with bell peppers and onions for dinner and joined the neighboring campers by a nice evening fire.

Oxbow Bend Tetons NP

Day 4: Sunrise at Moulton Barn and Buffalo Sighting

This iconic barn is one of the most photographed places around. If you enjoy photography, you need to get up early and get a sunrise picture of this place. We raced there for another sunrise shoot and were greeted by several groups of photographers already stationed and ready for the morning light.

The early morning was well worth it as we caught a great buffalo migration happening in the same area. We sat in our cars on the side of the road and took photos from the sun roof. Such a site to see!

I was brought to tears multiple times by the expansive beauty of this park.  When we drove away I found myself looking back at my rear view window to get just one final glimpse of the Tetons, I couldn’t get enough! I’m definitely not done with this place, I will be back.

Next, we were headed to Yellowstone National Park! New Blog post coming soon.

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