Grand Teton National Park Scenic Drive + Map

Here’s a list of our favorite things to see, do and photograph along the Grand Teton National Park scenic drive!

This Grand Teton National Park guide will tell you everything you need to know about driving this 42-mile scenic loop road through the park!

We also provide information about planning your Grand Teton vacation: best time to visit, services available, weather, what to pack, and where to stay.

Here’s our list of the best stops along the Grand Teton scenic drive with a map to help you navigate around the park!

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A Photo Tour of Grand Teton National Park

Take a visual tour through Grand Teton National Park to see the stunning landscape and wildlife you’ll find in the park!

Things to Know About the Grand Teton National Park Scenic Drive

May 1 to October 31 are the only times of year you can drive the 42-mile full loop road through Grand Teton.

The Teton Park Road on the western side of the park is closed from November 1 to April 30 each year. It’s always good to check the exact winter closing dates and spring opening dates: Grand Teton updated road status.

During that time there are only a few ways to access the Teton Park Road in the winter:

• Biking is allowed from November 1 until the road is covered with snow.
• Hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing is permitted from mid-December through mid-March.

Keep in mind that the Teton Park Road is accessible between May to October, but the visitor centers, lodges, and other services may not be open during the late spring and late fall shoulder seasons. Check the website for updated opening and closing dates at Grand Teton.

If you’re going in July, August, or September you can assume most things will be open, but it’s still good to double-check in case of worker shortages, natural disasters, etc.

Grand Teton Scenic Drive Map

Use this Grand Teton National Park scenic drive map showing the points of interest to help you navigate through the park.

Best Stops Along the Scenic Drive at Grand Teton

This guide starts from the south end of Grand Teton coming from Jackson driving north along Highway 89/191. You’ll then take Teton Park Road to loop back to the highway at the Moose Junction.

The complete loop drive is 42 miles. We recommend you plan a full day for this drive so you have time to stop to enjoy the views and capture pictures! It can be done in half a day if you’ll do short stops and take quick photos.

Here are the best stops we like along the Grand Teton scenic drive.

Mormon Row

From Jackson heading north, you’ll turn right at Antelope Flats Road and drive a short distance to reach the historic homesteads at Mormon Row.

This is one of the best places to photograph Grand Teton National Park. The historic barns and homes here have one of the most scenic backdrops found anywhere in the world!

Mormon Row was established by Mormon settlers in the 1890’s who moved into the Jackson Hole Area from Idaho. There were 27 homesteads established here, and now only 6 homesteads remain standing.

In the 1990’s the cultural value became more apparent and have since been maintained so visitors can appreciate the fascinating past of Jackson Hole.

The two iconic barns at Mormon Row are the T.A. Moulton barn and the John Moulton barn. The T.A. Moulton barn (pointed roof) is south of Antelope Flats road, while the John Moulton barn (rounded roof) is to the north.

From here, head back to the highway the way you came and turn right to continue driving north.

Albright View

We recommend a stop at the Albright View so you can see all the major peaks of Grand Teton National Park with an informational board that names all of them.

It’s helpful to acquaint yourself with the peaks you’ll see from different angles as you continue your loop drive around the park.

Schwabacher Landing

Turn left to access the road taking you to Schwabacher Landing. The first part of the road is paved then it becomes a dirt road that’s suitable for all cars.

If your Grand Teton National Park vacation is during late spring or early summer, Schwabacher Landing may be closed for bear management.

This is our favorite sunrise photography spot in Grand Teton National Park to capture the reflection of the Tetons in the water.

If this is your first time here, we suggest going to the main parking lot at the end of the road first. There are a few areas along the trail that provide excellent reflections of the distant mountains, as long as the water is still.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate and the water is choppy, take advantage of photographing a stunning landscape scene with water, trees and majestic mountains.

To reach the other photo spot at Schwabacher Landing, drive back along the road and turn into the smaller parking area to the right. Walk down to the river and look for various spots where the Tetons reflect into the water.

Many people stay in the area near the parking lot, but we prefer to walk along the river a bit farther along the river to the other beaver dam that has created a section of calm water.

Snake River Overlook

A fun fact about this overlook: it’s the spot where Ansel Adams photographed the bend of the Snake River over 70 years ago, and brought attention to Grand Teton National Park.

Unfortunately, the trees have since grown and obstructed the view so you can’t re-create the famous image.

Cunningham Cabin

If you’re looking for a remote spot to get away from the crowds, then head to Cunningham Cabin. It’s a beautiful location with the mountains jutting up in the background.

The cabin was built in 1888 by John and Margaret Cunningham. It has two separate living spaces connected by a breezeway. You can walk into each room to get an idea of what it was like to live there.

Once you’re back on Highway 89/191, drive north until you reach Moran Junction, then turn left. Even though you’ve been driving in the park, this is where you’ll need to pay the fee, or show your National Park Annual Pass.

Oxbow Bend

Visitors hope to photograph the reflection of the Teton mountains in the bend of the Snake River at this location.

Oxbow Bend is home to a variety of birds and animals. We’ve seen elk, pelicans, bald eagles, Great Blue Herons, and muskrats here. Moose and bear are also seen here, we just haven’t been that lucky yet.

This is a popular sunset photo spot at Grand Teton. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a colorful sky to reflect in the water as well!

Jackson Lake Lodge

Just past Oxbow Bend you’ll reach the Jackson Lake Junction. If you want a good place to rest, use the bathroom, and eat, then continue on the highway and head up the road just a bit to Jackson Lodge.

For those who will also visit Yellowstone, you’d keep heading north on Highway 89/191 as well. You’ll drive through the northern part of Grand Teton National Park, exit the park and continue through national forest land, then reach the South Entrance and southern loop of Yellowstone National Park.

Teton Park Road

But this guide is all about exploring the Grand Teton scenic drive, so once you’ve taken a quick break at Jackson Lake Lodge, head back toward the Jackson Lake Junction and turn right on to the Teton Park Road (this might also be called the Grand Teton Inner Road).

On your way to Jenny Lake, there are many pullouts with similar views of the lake and mountains from different angles. Here are the ones we think are worth the time to stop.

Signal Mountain Lodge

If you didn’t take a break at Jackson Lake Lodge, then you can do it at Signal Mountain Lodge. Trapper Grill has good food where you can eat on the deck overlooking Mt. Moran. Signal Mountain Lodge is on the right side of the road as you drive toward Jenny Lake.

Signal Mountain Summit Road

Look for the sign to access the Signal Mountain Summit Road on the the left. It climbs 800 feet along a narrow, winding road. At the top you’ll enjoy views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole, and Jackson Lake.

When you’re done, drive back to the Teton Park Road and turn left to continue driving toward Jenny Lake.

Mount Moran Turnout

Mount Moran is the dominant peak of the northern Teton Range. There’s a good informational sign here talking about the geography of these mountains. If you stopped at Signal Mountain Lodge, it’s the same mountain you saw there so this one can be skipped based on time.

You’ll also pass Mountain View Turnout if you want to make a quick stop. After this you’ll be heading into the Jenny Lake area.

Most visitors equate Grand Teton with the Jenny Lake area, which means it’s a busy location! When visiting Grand Teton National Park in the summer there are usually traffic jams leading into Jenny Lake during peak travel times, and it will be hard to find a parking spot!

You can reverse this scenic drive itinerary and start your day at Jenny Lake so you can get there before the crowds.

Jenny Lake Road

After the Mount Moran Turnout, watch for the Jenny Lake Road on the right. Along this road you can access the Cathedral Group Turnout, the String and Leigh Lakes trailhead (easy Grand Teton day hikes), Jenny Lake Lodge, and the Jenny Lake Overlook.

Cathedral Group Turnout

The first stop along the Jenny Lake Road is Cathedral Group where you’ll see the three tallest mountains in the Teton range: Grand Teton (the tallest), Mount Owen, and Teewinot. This stop allows you to take great pictures and read the information boards detailing the different peaks and the geology you see here.

Jenny Lake Overlook

We highly recommend stopping at the Jenny Lake Overlook. It’s one of the best places to photograph the lake surrounded by forests with jutting mountains in the background!!

After this viewpoint, the Jenny Lake Road meets back up with the Teton Park Road. Turn right to continue south to reach the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, campground, and boat dock.

Jenny Lake

Once you’ve parked at Jenny Lake, and if you have time, walk around to look at the exhibit and information boards by the gift shop. Or walk along any part of the Jenny Lake Trail for amazing views of this area.

There are fun water activities to do like rent a canoe or kayak to explore Jenny Lake by water. You can also enjoy the shuttle boat ride across the lake (additional fee applies).

It’s also the easiest way to get to the popular Hidden Falls waterfall, which is an easy 1.3-mile Grand Teton day hike from where the boat drops you off. Otherwise, it’s a 2.4-mile hike each way around the lake to get there and back.

Teton Glacier Turnout

As you drive south of Jenny Lake, stop at the Teton Glacier turnout to see one of the few glaciers in Grand Teton National Park.

Chapel of the Transfiguration

Continue south until you reach the Chapel of the Transfiguration. It’s a tiny wood chapel framed by the Teton mountain peaks.

Now you’re back in Moose. You can head back to Jackson via Highway 89/191, or you can drive the Moose Wilson Road that takes you to Teton Village. Keep in mind the Moose Wilson Road is closed from November through May.

Grand Teton Wildlife Along the Scenic Drive

You never know when you’ll see wildlife at Grand Teton. Here’s a list of great wildlife viewing areas as you drive the loop road:

• Oxbow Bend
• Mormon Row
• Gros Ventre
• Willow Flat
• Moose-Wilson Road

Please be a responsible wildlife observer by maintaining a safe distance of at least 100 yards from wolves and bear, and 25 yards from all other wildlife.

Check out our tips and gear for taking pictures of wildlife:

• Wildlife photo tips and ideas
• Best cameras for wildlife photography
• Best tripods for wildlife photography
• Best lenses for wildlife photography

Grand Teton Scenic Drive in the Winter

The full 43-mile Grand Teton scenic drive loop road is not open to vehicles in the winter. You can drive along Highway 89/191 from Jackson to Moran to see and access these points of interest:

• Overlooks along Highway 191/89
• Moulton Barn / Mormon Row
• Snake River Overlook
• Oxbow Bend

Teton Park Road Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge is intermittently groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can also explore areas around the Antelope Flats Road.

Moose-Wilson Road is another fun trail, be sure to park at Granite Canyon Trailhead or Death Canyon Road.

Grand Teton National Park Weather

It’s important to know what to expect regarding the Grand Teton National Park weather before your trip. Here’s a quick summary of weather and temperatures each season:

Grand Teton in the spring expect cool mild days and cold nights with rain and snow any time. Average spring temperatures: highs range from 40 to 60 degrees / lows range from 10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grand Teton in the summer are the rainy months with warm days and cool nights. Average summer temperatures: highs between 70 and 80 / lows between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grand Teton in the fall temperatures begin to dip as each month passes. Be prepared for rain or snow any time with average fall temperatures: highs range from 60 down to 35 / lows range from 30 down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit!

Grand Teton in the winter expect cold days and frigid nights, with rain or snow any time. Average winter temperatures: highs 25 degrees / lows 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

We recommend you watch the weather for when you’ll be visiting and pack layers so you can enjoy the park from morning to night: winter gloves, insulating hat, winter coat, rain jacket, and fleece jacket.

AMAZON: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Guides and Maps

Plan a Grand Teton Vacation

• Visiting Grand Teton National Park 
• Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
• Photograph Grand Teton National Park
• Grand Teton National Park Activities

Where to Stay in Jackson Near Grand Teton

• Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park
• Grand Teton National Park Lodging
• Grand Teton National Park Camping
• RV Parks near Grand Teton National Park
• Glamping Near Grand Teton National Park

Here’s a list of our favorite places to stay:

• Elk Refuge Inn – this is right across from the refuge and the closes hotel to the park entrance – our favorite place to stay!
• Elk Country Inn – awesome property if you want to be in town.
• Vacation Rentals near Grand Teton – we LOVE having a kitchen to prepare our meals!
• Hotels in Jackson Hole