wyoming traveling gingerbread

First Stop Jackson Hole Then Grand Teton National Park

wyoming traveling gingerbread

view from the plane

view flying into jackson hole

Traveling Gingerbread Note: Sit on the right side of the plane for the views above landing at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming.

Grand Teton National Park

driving through grand teton national park

  • Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone National Park, is extremely underrated in our opinion. After watching the sunrise behind the Tetons from Mormon Row, it became one of our favorite National Parks. Although the park is open all year, many roads, visitor centers, cabins, campgrounds, and facilities are closed due to inclement weather between November and May. Visiting in late August, we had cool mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. We recommend dressing in layers.

Mormon Row

morman row

  • Two barns built by Thomas Alma and John Moulton and Andy Chambers’ Homestead are the last remaining structures in Mormon Row Historic District. It wasn’t our favorite stop in the park, but this view of the Tetons made the detour worth it.

Schwabacher Landing

Schwabacher Landing Grand Teton National Park

  • Schwabacher Landing is a boat landing located off U.S. Highway 191. Drive about 1 mile down the rough, gravel Schwabacher Landing Rd. to a parking area. From there, it’s only a short walk to this beautiful reflection of the Tetons in a peaceful Snake River. This overlook isn’t as popular or crowded as Oxbow Bend, and one of our favorite views of the park.

Oxbow Bend Turnout

oxbow bend grand tetons

  • 17 miles from Schwabacher Landing along U.S. Highway 191, the reflection of Mount Moran in the Snake River at Oxbow Bend is one of the most photographed scenes in Grand Teton National Park. We walked down a path below the overlook to enjoy this less crowded view.

Jackson Lake Dam and Overlook

jackson lake reservoir

  • Jackson Lake is a natural lake formed by glaciers. Mt. Moran provides a stunning backdrop for the Jackson Lake Dam and Reservoir. The area is popular for boating, fishing, and hiking.

Lakeshore Trail

lakeshore trail grand tetons

  • To reach the trailhead of Lakeshore Trail, follow the road to the right past Colter Bay Visitors Center to a parking lot. The easy 2 mile trail loops along Colter Bay. Jackson Lake can be seen in the distance. Scattered picnic tables along the shore are the perfect lunch spot.

Jenny Lake Overlook

jenny lake overlook

  • Follow the 4 mile one-way scenic drive along North Jenny Lake to reach Jenny Lake Overlook. A Jenny Lake Boating Shuttle Service crosses the lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point at South Jenny Lake Visitors Center. Arrive early to find parking in this popular area. When hiking to Hidden Falls (5 miles round trip) or Inspiration point (6 miles round trip) the distance can be reduced to 1 and 2 miles by utilizing the shuttle boat. 

Taggart Lake

hiking bradley lake trail

lake taggart grand teton national park
  • The hike to Taggart Lake passes through aspen groves and a burn area from the 1985 Beaver Creek Fire. The trail emerges from the forest to this breathtaking view at the shores of glacially carved Taggart Lake. Follow the Taggart Lake Trail (1.6 miles one way) to Taggart Lake or after 1 mile turn right to reach Bradley Lake (2 miles one way) for a view of the Garnet Canyon. Both trails begin at the Bradley Lake Trailhead and pass Beaver Creek at .7 miles.  

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Jackson Hole

jackson hole wyoming

  • This Western themed town of Jackson Hole is positioned in a valley surrounded by the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains. The towering mountains feel surreal while walking among restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and shops selling every souvenir imaginable. The town is best known for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of 3 ski resorts in the area. 

Jackson Town Square

jackson square

  • Arches of elk antlers have adorned the entrance to George Washington Memorial Park or Jackson Town Square since 1960. Boy Scouts collect antlers each spring from the nearby National Elk Refuge, home to about 7,500 elk.

jackson hole lodge pool

Traveling Gingerbread Note: We spent one night in Jackson Hole at the Jackson Hole Lodge relaxing in the pool and hot tub while sampling Roadhouse Brewing Company beers purchased to go near Jackson Town Square. Jackson Hole is the perfect location for exploring Grand Teton National Park, but it is expensive. After visiting the Tetons, we relocated to River Lodge in Island Park, Idaho to visit Yellowstone National Park. The hotels and lodges in Idaho are more affordable and closer to Yellowstone. Don’t Miss These Idaho Stops on Your Way to Yellowstone National Park.

jackson hole wyoming

Melvin Brewing

melvin brewing restroom

  • Thai Me Up Restaurant and Brewery is home to Melvin Brewing. Award winning beer and Thai food, it’s a match made in heaven. There are nearly 20 beers on draft in addition to specialty cocktails and a small wine selection. The menu offers traditional pub food like appetizers, sandwiches, and burgers in addition to spicy Thai noodles, appetizers, curry, and rice dishes. We don’t normally take bathroom photos, but when this much time is spent decorating the restroom imagine the rest of the brewery.

StillWest Brewery and Grill

still west brewery and grill

  • Watch skiers race down the slopes of Snow King Mountain from inside the taproom or on the outdoor balcony at StillWest Brewery and Grill. A menu offers small plates, salads, sandwiches, signature cocktails, wine, and nearly 10 draft beers. This is a popular spot! Visiting on a Friday at 4:00pm, only 3 drafts were left to choose from.

Snake River Brewing

snake river brewing company wyoming

  • Order a flight of 8 to sample nearly all 10 draft beers at Snake River Brewing in the spacious 2 story tap room or on the outdoor patio. A menu offers appetizers, soup, salad, pasta, pizza, and burgers. We recommend the Horchata Cream Ale with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

Jackson Hole Still Works

 jackson hole still works distillery

  • Jackson Hole Still Works is the only distillery in town. Choose from a variety of sloshes (similar to a slushie) like Jamaica Tea with spiced black tea, Great Grey Gin, lime, and hibiscus or Ex Lover made with Serrano infused Still Works Vodka, pineapple, and ginger.

plant in jackson hole

map of grand teton national park


August 2020

Comments

3 responses to “First Stop Jackson Hole Then Grand Teton National Park”

  1. usfman Avatar

    I appreciate you highlighted on the map the locations of the places you recommended to visit in Teton NP. We will be heading there in March with snow for sure.

    Like

    1. The Traveling Gingerbread Avatar

      We have seen some beautiful pictures of the Tetons in the winter. Have a wonderful trip!

      Like

  2. 2020 Happy Holidays From The Traveling Gingerbread – The Traveling Gingerbread Avatar

    […] First Stop Jackson Hole Then Grand Teton National Park […]

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