Drive the Grand Teton 42 Mile Scenic Drive – Map, Photos & Tips included
Grand Teton 42 Mile Scenic Loop Drive – Tips, Details, and a MAP!!!
– Updated: July 15, 2024 –
In doing research for your trip to Grand Teton National Park, you may have googled:
…Things to do in Grand Teton National Park…
…and chances are many, many articles, blogs, top 10 Lists, and even TripAdvisor at some time, somewhere, suggested:
“Do the 42 Mile Scenic Drive!”
And they are right, you should do it!
Driving towards the Tetons on Teton Park Road
The 42 Mile Scenic Drive is one of the best ways to experience the scenery and grandeur (pun intended) of Grand Teton National Park by car.
42 Mile Drive Details
What they don’t always tell you, or harder to find details may include:
- What kind of drive it is
- How to find it
- What you will see
- How many stops and points of interest there are
- How much time you need
- Where to start the drive
Also, have you found a map of the drive yet??
Why is it so hard to find a map of this drive?!
WHY??
IT’S FRUSTRATING!!
…and it shouldn’t be this hard….
All the answers you need for the 42 Mile Drive will be listed below (including a map – Eeeek!!).
Relax and keep reading.
Table of Contents
What is the Grand Teton 42 Mile Scenic Drive?
First, let’s get you a visual and start with a MAP!!! (Yea!!!)
Map of the Grand Teton 42 Mile Scenic Loop Drive
As you can see from the map, the 42 Mile Drive is actually a loop drive, containing two roads – HWY 191/89/26 and Teton Park Road, that run between the villages of Moose and Moran WY.
Multiple points of interest and scenic views are along this loop with designated stops for you to view them safely.
Please Note, (and this is a very important note) : The entire 42 Mile Drive can only be done between May 1st and October 31st, as Teton Park Road (the inner road) is closed to all automobiles every year from November 1st to April 30th. HWY 191-89/26 is open year round (winter weather permitting).
How To Get To the 42 Mile Drive
There are not any roads named “42 Mile Drive”, nor are there very many Grand Teton maps with “42 Mile Drive” labeled (see my rant above…).
Google will be of little help.
When you google “Grand Teton National Park 42 Mile Drive” it will just lead you to an overview map of the entire park.
So to get to it, you need to get to HWY 191/89/26 and/or Teton Park Road by one of three entry points:
- Moose Junction
- Moran Junction
- Jackson Lake Junction
Grand Teton 42 Mile Scenic Loop Drive Map with Entrances
What You Will See
The 42 Mile Drive has many designated points of interest (list provided below) identified by Grand Teton National Park.
Points of interest include: Scenic Views, Historical Sites, Geological Features, and Animal Habitats. Here are some examples of each:
Scenic Views
Breath taking views of rivers, creeks, lakes, expansive plains, and of course, different angles and views of the Tetons.
Grand Teton Reflecting in Ponds at Schwabacher Landing
If you are mainly interested in the scenery and views and are looking to take some stunning photos, be sure to visit the following stops on the drive:
- Schwabacher Landing
- Snake River Overlook
- Oxbow Bend
- Jackson Lake Dam
- Mountain View Turnout
- Bridge View at South String Lake
- Jenny Lake Overlook
See Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights
Historical Sites
Early settlers’ homesteads, ranches, cabins, and two specific spots where meetings took place to make the Grand Teton area a national park.
View From the Historic Cunningham Cabin
To learn how Grand Teton National Park became a national park, see who the first settlers were and how they lived, and know who the important people of this area were, and other notable, historic facts be sure to hit these spots :
- Moulton Barns on Mormon Row
- Cunningham Cabin
- Lunch Tree Hill
- Menor Ferry Historical District
Geology Features
Physical examples and evidence of terraces, glaciers, metamorphic rock, earthquakes and fault lines.
Three Glaciers Seen at Glacier View Turnout
Geological highlights on the drive:
- Glacier View Turnout
- Teton Point Overlook
- Mt. Moran Turnout
- Potholes Turnout
- Cathedral Group Turnout (make sure you learn what a “scarp” is!)
- Teton Glacier Turnout
Animal Habitats
Opportunities to see many kinds of wildlife, including moose, elk, bears, bison, antelope, deer, and many different species of birds (including bald eagles!).
Bison at Elk Ranch Flats
Good spots for increasing your chances of seeing animals:
- Blacktail Ponds Overlook (Moose, Deer, Elk, Bears, Beavers, Birds)
- Elk Ranch Flats Overlook (Bison, Antelope, Horses)
- Oxbow Bend Overlook (Moose, Deer, Bears, Birds)
- Signal Mountain Summit Drive (Moose, Elk, Bears)
How Many Stops and Points of Interest are there?
24!
There are 24 stops/points of interest on the 42 Mile Drive.
The List of 24 includes:
- Albright View Overlook
- Moulton Barns on Mormon Row
- Blacktail Ponds Overlook
- Glacier View Overlook
- Schwabacher’s Landing
- Teton Point Overlook
- Snake River Overlook
- Cunningham Cabin
- Elk Ranch Flats Overlook
- Oxbow Bend Overlook
- Jackson Lake Dam
- Chapel of the Sacred Heart
- Signal Mountain Lodge
- Potholes Turnout
- Mount Moran Turnout
- Mountain View Turnout
- Cathedral Group Turnout
- String Lake and Bridge View
- Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Overlook
- Cascade Canyon Turnout
- Teton Point Turnout
- Windy Point Turnout
- Chapel of Transfiguration
- Menor Ferry Historic District
Click on any of the camera icons on the map below to see pictures of the stops, overlooks, and turnouts on the 42 Mile Drive.
24 Stops! How Much Time is Needed to Do the 42 Mile Drive?
Well, that depends….
I know, everyone LOVES hearing that answer…
But it does depend on how you want to do the 42 Mile Drive.
Options Include:
- If you drive the 42 Mile Drive loop just to watch the ever-changing angles of the Tetons and don’t stop at any of the designated spots, then it can be done easily around 1 hour.
- If you want to see every stop, you can do it in one day. It will be a long, full day, 9+ hours. Those long summer days of daylight will be your ally.
- If you want to see every stop, and get the most out of each one, consider doing the drive over two days. You could do ½ the drive one day and then do another activity – hike, swim, boat ride, etc, then come back the second day to do the other ½ with fresh eyes and energy. 4-5 hours each day.
- You can also break up the entire 42 Mile Drive over multiple days and/or not drive it as a loop. Instead you can stop at designated stops as they fit into your schedule.
Grand Teton
Where To Start the 42 Mile Drive
While Moose, Moran, and Jackson Lake Junctions are entry points onto the 42 Mile Drive loop, you can start it from anywhere on the loop. There is no set order or way you have to do the drive.
That being said, I suggest doing the 42 Mile Drive counter-clockwise, and, if possible, starting on the outside road – HWY 191/89/26 – at the south end, north of Jackson outside of Moose.
(If you are coming from the north and/or from Yellowstone, still consider doing the drive counter-clockwise, turning right at Jackson Lake Junction, starting on the “inner road” – Teton Park Road.)
Reasons For Starting at the South End at Moose, WY
Starting from the south side of the loop, at Moose, WY, driving along the outside road (HWY 191/89/26) gives you an overview of the park; the full picture with panoramic and landscape views of the Tetons and the long, flat plains leading up to them.
View of Tetons from HWY 191/89/26 – photo courtesy of NPS.gov
Then, when you turn onto the inside road – Teton Park Road – you get to “go into the picture”, get a close up view of the Tetons.
As you drive towards the Tetons, it sometimes feels like you will bump right into them. Driving the inside road with the Tetons looming over you is awesome! And the pictures!!! Fantastic!
Teton Park Road to Grand Teton’s Cathedral Group
I like starting the drive at Grand Teton’s South Entrance Welcome Sign (on the map it is labeled “Park Entrance Turnout” – it is found north of the town of Jackson and south of the Jackson Hole Airport).
Again, you don’t have to start here, I just like the “beginning” feeling and the pictures of the Grand Teton sign with the Tetons in the background (it makes a great cover photo for photo albums).
Grand Teton National Park South Entrance Checklist – Take These Three Pictures
Grand Teton National Park Welcome Sign with Tetons in the background – South Entrance
Pro Tip: If you decide to do the 42 Mile Drive in one day, start early in the morning, as the Tetons are clearer in the morning. In the afternoon, on sunny days, the sun can make the Tetons appear hazy.
Summary
If you have read to this point, you hopefully now have a good idea of what and where the 42 Mile Drive is, what you’ll see on it, how many stops there are, and a plan on how you want to drive it.
If you need more help planning, we do have a 42 Mile Drive Guide available.
The guide goes even more in depth on all the stops and points of interest on the 42 Mile Drive by providing you with a checklist of everything you should do and see at each stop.
Grand Teton National Park’s 42 Mile Drive Guide
Your Guide to Seeing All the Stops, Spots, Overlooks, and Turnouts on the 42 Mile Drive
Complete with Checklists of What You Must SEE and DO for Each Spot!!
Plus six additional points of interest that are just outside the 42 Mile Drive that we highly recommend to be included.
Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!
Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP
Hi, I'm Jenn, pictured here on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. I am a Wyoming native and have vacationed every year of my 40+ years in Grand Teton National Park. I know this park inside and out, so use my years of experience and knowledge to plan, go, and do your perfect Grand Teton National Park vacation!
We are planning a visit to Grand Teton NP and are attempting to put together detailed trip itineraries for our time in GTNP, would you happen to have the distances between attractions along the Scenic Park Loop Drive?
Thank you for your time and cooperation in this matter. We welcome your suggestions and recommendations and look forward to your reply.
Hi Jill, the points of interests/stops along the 42 mile drive are close together. The entire drive is 42 miles long, and in a loop. With 24 stops on that loop they are close together, the longest distance between 2 stops is about 5 miles. The longest stop on the 42 mile drive is the Signal Mountain Summit Drive. It is an in and out road, about 5 miles each way and takes about 25 minutes to drive one way (more if lots of traffic). Some stops are so close together you barely have time to buckle your seatbelt before… Read more »
Just joined
Can you tell me about dirt roads, should we venture there?
I don’t want to miss something great, if the roads are kept in good condition.
Thank you
Hi Jean, all the dirt roads are pretty good. One of the worst ones used to be 1.5 miles on the Moose Wilson Road, but that is now paved and not an issue. Schwabacher Landing has a dirt road section, and is very drivable and it is a place I highly suggest visiting.
We will be traveling from Jackson thru Grand Teton NP on our way to Yellowstone in June. Because we are short on time and want to get to North Yellowstone before dark, would it be better to drive the loop with few stops having to double one side or just take one side and stop more.
Hi Angela, how far north are you going in Yellowstone?
Gardiner is where we are staying that night
You weren’t kidding, that is far north Yellowstone. 🙂 First, here is a great Yellowstone Map that shows distances, and how much time it takes to cover these distances. Please know the times don’t account for traffic flow, sight-seeing, comfort stops, or animal traffic jams. Second, know that for 2021, there are some road delays and road closures in Yellowstone. Here is a link to keep on hand for the most up-to-date information about temporary road closures in the park. In June, sunrise is at about 5:45 am. Sunset 8:30 pm (Conservative timing) So lets say conservatively 14 hours daylight.… Read more »
Thanks so much for the info. I knew it was going to be a long day but I really wanted to see the GTNP because we were going to be so close. We originally were just going to drive thru Salt Lake City and Idaho. I think we will enjoy the scenery in GT more. Thanks again 😁
Good call! Enjoy!
We only have 1 day to spend in GTNP during our stay in early June. There are 8 of us and a 2 year old. What should we not miss?
Hi Angie! If you are talking about what not to miss specific to the 42 Mile Drive, I would say don’t miss: The South Entrance Welcome Sign – Great Group Pic Opportunity and find Sleeping Indian Schwabacher Landing 2nd Parking Lot – There are many chances to see the Tetons reflected in the water here, and possibly some ducks for the 2 year old to “ah and oh” over Oxbow Bend – A stop and awe place Jackson Lake Lodge – For the picture window, the back deck, possible shopping and food Jackson Lake Dam – For river views and… Read more »
Where is the best spot to see 1) a sunset and 2) star gaze in GTNP? We’ll be spending two nights in the park in early September.
Hi Jill! Great questions! I’m not sure where you are staying, but if you are staying at Colter Bay, it is really easy to walk down to Swimming Beach which is very good for sunsets and star gazing. The key to star gazing is to get away from light pollution and trees. A good spot is Antelope Flats Road. It is very open, with little trees for interference. I also like the Moulton Barns on Antelope Flats Road for both sunsets and star gazing. I also like Blacktail Ponds Overlook, Glacier View Turnout and Teton Point Turnout – all on… Read more »
Hi Jenn! Planning our 1st visit to GRNP this summer. Due to costs, we are staying at the West Yellowstone entrance. Would you recommend us driving outside the park to go in through Jackson, or through Yellowstone to Moran? We have 2 days and have been to Yellowstone backed up in Buffalo on the road traffic for some time before! I’m a mountain person and can’t wait to take pucs! Thanks for your advice! Btw, loved your post! Thanks for putting it together!
Hi Teresa, you stated you have two days. Are you commuting to Grand Teton from West Yellowstone both days? Or do you have two days in Grand Teton and you’ll be coming from West Yellowstone? If it is the second scenario – spending two days in Grand Teton, coming from West Yellowstone, I personally would come through Yellowstone, and to beat the crowds, I would leave early in the morning. If it is the first scenario, commuting both days from West Yellowstone, maybe consider finding lodging closer to GTNP. Many people try to commute to and from both parks to… Read more »
We should be coming from Idaho (Craters of the Moon) by mid to late afternoon to GTNP. I guess it’s really only 1.5 days. Thinking of going into GTNP from Idaho, then going to lodging in West Yellowstone that night. Next day, we have a full day coming from West Yellowstone to see GTNP. I could find no lodging that wasn’t outrageous and not already booked up. We will exit the park on the morning of the 3rd day after 2 nights to cross over Wyoming. We have already seen Yellowstone so just concentrating on GTNP during this time.
I would go through Jackson from Craters of the Moon. You can drive along GTNP up to Yellowstone. In summer, the days are long and you could have daylight well past dinner like 9:00 pm. I’m not sure when you are going this summer, so the time might alter a bit. I would drive through GTNP using the outside road (191/89/26) to West Yellowstone and get the panoramic view of the Tetons. Depending on time, I suggest eating dinner in GTNP, maybe Pizza Pasta Co, at Dornans, Trapper Grill at Signal Mountain, Blue Heron at Jackson Lake Lodge or Leek’s… Read more »
Thanks, Jenn! We are going the 3rd week in July. I appreciate the tips!
My pleasure! Have fun!!
Hello! Let me say first off, Thank you so much for your sharing of knowledge! Trying to plan a sightseeing route is extremely difficult when you have never been west and attempting to tackle such a majestic landmass is overwhelming. We are flying into Jackson Hole in June (close to evening time). Planning on staying that first night somewhere close (not sure yet) and having a good meal. I have read the town square is a don’t miss and we are coming in during the Food and Wine Festival. Our ultimate end plan is to arrive at the May Family… Read more »
Hi Michelle, Great questions, and I will try and cover them all! When you say “booking places along the way” do you mean for the whole trip or just Grand Teton? If you mean while you are in Grand Teton it is very doable to stay at one place and return back to it – no need to keep moving places. The park is small enough to do so. If you mean the entire trip – Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Idaho, then yes, book places as you go. ACCOMMODATIONS Without knowing your budget, I agree that lodging is pretty expensive… Read more »
We plan to enter Grand Teton from Jackson and the Moose entrance. We’re headed up through Yellowstone, staying in West Yellowstone that night. Would we do half of the loop twice when we double back towards west Yellowstone?
Yes, if you did the entire 42 mile loop, starting from Jackson and ending in Yellowstone, you would do 1/2 the loop twice.
This is an excellent page! So helpful! Thank you very much.
Besides the scenic views, are there any hikes or river floats that we could book for someone week limited mobility?
Thank you!
Hi Allette, I’m not sure what degree of limited mobility you mean. If you mean wheelchair, the only hike that is somewhat paved is the Lunch Tree Hill Hike off the back porch of Jackson Lake Lodge. It is 1/2 mile hike round trip, with a great view of the Tetons, Jackson Lake, and the willow flats, along with information boards on the history, geology, and animals of the Jackson Hole Valley. If your person can do short hikes, the Lakeshore Trail at Colter Bay is a good one. Very scenic, level, and you can choose to do the 1… Read more »
Hello!
This is question a for my mom. My dad passed away one year ago and traveling again is a difficult thing BUT
All she wants is a place to stay where she can sit and have her coffee in the morning with a view of the Tetons and sit and have her wine at night with a view of the Tetons. It can be an expensive place or a nice rustic one. Do you have any picks?
Thank you
Yes. Jackson Lake Lodge – make sure to ask for a room with a view and ask for a second floor room if the building has two stories. Jackson Lake Lodge will give you a panoramic view of the Tetons.
Also, an Upper Lake Front Retreat Room at Signal Mountain Lodge will give her an excellent view of the Tetons while being closer to the lake.
Coffee, wine, and Teton views. I think your mom has the right idea! Hope this helps!!
Hi, is there any chance of purchasing the guides in a hard copy? I much prefer that too reading online.
Thanks for any help you may give me!
Dottie
Hi Dottie, the 42 Mile Drive Guide isn’t available in hard copy. You can download the guide and print it, or take it somewhere to be printed. If you do choose to print it, save money and paper by printing it double-sided.
Hope this helps!
Jenn
It does Jenn. The guide is great. Do you have any tips on visiting Elk Island? We are visiting GNTP and Yellowstone mid September.
Once again thanks for your time!
Dottie
For Elk Island on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park, Colter Bay Marina has Scenic Boat Cruises with meals. They take you on a tour of the lake, mostly to the west side of the lake to get closer to the Tetons. Then on the way back they stop at Elk Island where they prepare a meal for you. The thing is, in your situation, they are closing down meals on Elk Island the day after Labor Day, September 5, 2023. They are still running their Scenic Boat Cruises without meals until the 16th of September. You’ll drive by… Read more »
Hi Jenn. We are traveling from Canada to Kanab and plan on a day in Yellowstone. Which part of the Teton loop should we drive heading south? I’ve skied in Jackson hole a few times a few decades ago.i love the area but no time to do the entire loop.
Hi Bob! Difficult question. If you can only do one side, coming from the north going south, I would suggest doing the inside road, Teton Park Road. I always suggest doing the 42 Mile Drive counter-clockwise and starting from the south entrance sign – which means going south to north on the outside road, and north to south on the inside road. Also, I like going south on the inside road for the amazing views from Jackson Lake Dam, Catholic Bay, Signal Mountain Lodge (might be a place for you to stop to eat…) Mountain View Overlook and Cathedral Group… Read more »
Thanks Jenn.
The inside route was what we were planning. Moose and bear. We are from Canada and we sometime trip over them. 😀
Any thoughts on a great place to stay over night south of Teton? Our plan is to head to Cedar City the next day and then do Zion on our way to Kanab. Thanks again for your insight.
I always love Dornans Spur Cabins at Moose, WY, they are in the south part of the park. I’m not too familiar with the hotels in Jackson, but was recently told by a friend that they really liked the Elk Country Inn in Jackson.
Are there places to stop and eat on the 42 mile loop? If so, any specific recommendations? Thanks
Hi Janet! Yes, mostly on the “inside road” Teton Park Road. There is Signal Mountain’s Trapper Grill – they have good food and a great view of Jackson Lake and Mt. Moran. There are also a couple of restaurants at Dornans Village in Moose, WY – The Chuckwagon, The Pizza Pasta Co., and there is a deli inside the grocery store. We like the Pizza Pasta Co there – good food and views! There are also restaurants at Jackson Lake Lodge – which is less than a mile off the 42 mile loop. The Blue Heron Lounge is a good… Read more »
Are the places along the 42 mile loop to stop and eat?
Hi Gary, yes! I’m copying and pasting my answer from Janet, just in case you can’t see it. Yes, mostly on the “inside road” Teton Park Road. There is Signal Mountain’s Trapper Grill – they have good food and a great view of Jackson Lake and Mt. Moran. There are also a couple of restaurants at Dornans Village in Moose, WY – The Chuckwagon, The Pizza Pasta Co., and there is a deli inside the grocery store. We like the Pizza Pasta Co there – good food and views! There are also restaurants at Jackson Lake Lodge – which is… Read more »
Hi, thinking about early to mid Oct. Good time to come? Is there snow that time of the year? Are there hotels along 42 mile drive?
Hi JoAnn, It’s always a good time to come to Grand Teton National Park! But seriously, the chance for rain and snow in October is high. You could have a cool sunny day, only for it to snow like crazy, like a white-out, and then have it melt off the next day. I’m not saying it will happen every day, but there is a chance of that scenario. At the beginning of October there is a good chance you’ll still see parts of the park in full fall color. Here are some places close to the 42 Mile Drive that… Read more »
Where are there places to stay
Hi Debbie!
There is lodging inside the park: Dornans Spur Cabins, Signal Mountain Lodge Cabins, Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, and cabins at Colter Bay. Outside the park you will find hotels and motels in the towns of Jackson, Wilson, and Teton Village. There are also airbnbs throughout the Jackson Hole Valley.
Thanks for the great info. Coming in August 2024. Learning all I can to make the trip stress free.
Hi Jean, very smart to plan early. If you are wanting to stay at a lodge inside Grand Teton National Park, start looking to book now. They take reservations a year out.
Hi. I will be starting at the south end. Sounds lovely. Would you 1st turn left and do the Teton Rd side first into the 191 last (as it seems like some of the stops on that side have been noted for great sunsets like oxbow and snake river). Your description above though sounds like you are doing 191 first then teton drive, and that picture of the Tetons at Cathedral Group – WOW i would love to capture that. Just want to make sure i plan the correct way to go first if doing the whole loop. Thanks so… Read more »
When starting from the south end of the park, and doing the 42 Mile Drive in one day, I always suggest doing HWY 191 first, to get the panoramic views, and the good photo lighting of morning. Then as the day gets sunnier do the inside road – Teton Park Road. While on the inside road in the afternoon, you still may have to battle afternoon haze on the Tetons, but you are closer to them than on the outside road and that may cut down on the haze some. Hopefully you are staying in GTNP more than one day?… Read more »
Just want to let you know I have been reading the comments and your replies to them. You have covered sooo much! All my questions and wonders have been answered. Four of us are planning a trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in June 2025. Thank you for all the great information!
Hi Scott! Thank you for the very kind words! It always makes me feel good to know I am helpful. If you have any questions anytime leading up to your 2025 trip, please contact me. Happy to help!!
Also, I love June in Grand Teton – with the wildflowers on the valley floor, the ground and grasses are still green from the spring runoff, and the Tetons usually still have a lot of snow on them!! You picked a great month.
Jenn
Hi Jen, you are a wealth of information. Thank you! My husband and I will be visiting Yellowstone & GTNP the first week of June & would like to go whitewater rafting. Can you recommend which river & company we should do this through? Thanks
We have only been whitewater rafting on the Snake River outside Grand Teton National Park, south of Jackson, WY. We used both Dave Hansen Whitewater and Jackson Hole Whitewater. We had a good experiences with both and would use either one of them again. Happily! For Yellowstone, we haven’t done a whitewater trip yet. In doing some research it looks like you can’t whitewater raft inside Yellowstone, but can outside the park (just like you can’t whitewater raft in Grand Teton). This article may help you if you’d like to do whitewater rafting outside Yellowstone. It lists the rivers, access… Read more »
Wow Jenn – thank you so much for all your value tips and hints. This takes a lot of the work out of it. Do you know if you need reservations at Jackson Lake Lodge, or if you can just have dinner there (we are staying there)?
Hi Faye, thank you so much for the kind words! For Jackson Lake Lodge, the only restaurant you need reservations for is the Mural Room. They recommend reservations not require them, but it is a very good idea to make them, especially when it is busy in the summer. The reservations can be made at Open Table (at the time of writing this, the restaurant isn’t online yet – so you’ll need to check back). The Blue Heron Lounge and the Pioneer Grill do not take reservations. If you opt for Pioneer Grill, consider ordering it to go so you… Read more »
Thank you! So excited.
We’ll be coming at the end of June and will be entering at Moran and exiting at the South Entrance. Can you tell me the best route to take?
Hi Yvonne, are you only in GTNP that one day? Entering through Moran Junction and then leaving through Jackson? If you are only in GTNP for that short time, passing through north to south, I would recommend doing the “inside road” (Teton Park Road) of the 42 Mile Drive. By traveling north to south on the inside road, you get fantastic views of the Tetons and, at times, feeling like you are going to drive right into them. You also have the possibility of stopping at Signal Mountain Lodge to possibly dine and look around and get a close up… Read more »
Any restrictions on doing the loop with a dog and getting out to enjoy the sights along the way? Traveling in a camper. This loop appears to be outside the actual park, so I’d think it would be okay, but thought I’d check. Thank you for so much detailed info!
Hi Marianne! The 42 Mile Scenic Drive Loop is inside Grand Teton National Park, so pet rules apply. Inside the National Park Boundaries pets are only allowed on the pavement where cars can go. They cannot be off the pavement, nor on any hiking trails. I know this is frustrating as it is a big and beautiful national park and it seems only natural that our animals should be able to be out in it too. There are two big reasons they can’t. One reason they can’t be is that National Parks are put aside for the wild animals and… Read more »
We’re coming first of June. We’re staying in Jackson. Where is the best place to enter?? Is this an online booklet or a hard copy. I’m going to get either way. Looks great!!
Hi Shelley, staying in Jackson you will enter the park on HWY 191/89/26. You can start the 42 Mile Drive from the Welcome Sign, seen here on the map (towards bottom of map).
https://exploregtnp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/42-mile-scenic-drive-map-entrances.pdf
The guide is digital, but you can print it out on your printer, I suggest front and back.
Enjoy!!
Jenn
I just want to say THANK YOU! We’re going to GTNP in June, so I’ve been reading lots of blogs and comment boards doing my research. Your blog and all your thoughtful responses in the comment section have been amazingly helpful. Honestly, the best information I’ve seen. You are a gem!
Thank you Kelsey!! I’m so glad to be of help! Enjoy your vacation, June is a great time to be in Grand Teton. Jenn
We will be coming at the beginning of June entering at the Moran Entrance then heading to Yellowstone first then back down to Colter Bay. Do you have to pay when you come into the Moran entrance? Any difficulties with pulling a fifth wheel through this portion of the roadway?
Hi Meredith! Yes, you will pay at the Moran entrance gate. You can pay there for both parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. You may consider the “America the Beautiful Pass” as this will get you into all National Parks for a year. Otherwise it is $35 for a pass for Yellowstone, good for 7 days and an additional pass to Grand Teton for another $35 good for 7 days.
And you will be just fine pulling a fifth wheel through Moran Junction!
Jenn
https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Quick question: My mom and I are travelling to Jackson for a few days in July and plan to do the scenic loop. From Jackson we are then going to Cody (via Yellowstone) and will exploring that part of the state for a few days. What parts of Yellowstone will we be able to see/stop at on our way to Cody? Thank you in advance. You’re so incredibly helpful!!
Hi Becky! I’m not well versed in all things Yellowstone, but found this page that might help you. It lists status of all the roads and current conditions. Check this page frequently for updates. Hope this helps!! Jenn
https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
Hi Jenn, Thanks for posting this incredibly useful information. We are planning to travel in the next two weeks. Do you have any advice on if it’s worth staying in ID side and commute to GTNP, given the road blocked off due to landslide? I think the place we’re looking to rent is 2hrs away because of the extra hour for detour to get to GTNP. Are there any advantages to staying on the ID side, given the lack of availability and prices in Jackson area? Thank you. Sincerely Jamie.
The road has been fixed!
Love this! I can’t tell you how many articles I read that didn’t make any sense because they didn’t provide a map. Thank you so much! I’m able to put together a driving itinerary for our trip next week.
Hello! Thank you so very much for your passion and desire in helping others experience the GTNP in a most special way! We are planning our trip for 2025 and are expecting to arrive in the area around the first week of September and hanging out for 6-8 days. What should we expect in terms of weather? Is it typically warm still there? Has fall already arrived? No snow capped mountain peaks? Realizing that we will miss some things by not arriving a few months earlier, there may be some perks to arriving at this time.
Hi!
Bring your winter layers, clothes, and accessories. Better to have them and not need them than the other way around. September is usually cold early mornings and warm afternoons. Some snow may fall on upper peaks. If you are here after Labor Day, you will see less crowds. 😀
Hi! We’ve never been and would love to visit when the tetons have snow on them. I know it depends on the kind of winter each year, but can you give me an idea of about when on average the tetons no longer have patches of snow on them? The tricky part of this is that we don’t want to chance being there during snowfall of cooler temps either. We have a trip planned for late August, I assume the patches of snow are long gone by then. Considering postponing to next June…or is the snow oftentimes melted by June… Read more »
Hi Deb, late August, the Tetons “usually” have little snow on them. Also, know that it can snow just about anytime in Grand Teton National Park, usually not in July and August, but there are the one offs. June may be your best bet for some snow on the Tetons with warmer valley temps – although it did snow mid June this year (2024) but not for long. What might work better for you is to prepare for cooler temps with layers of clothing you can apply and remove at any point. This will allow you more freedom to enjoy… Read more »
hi Jenn, we are flying into Salt Lake City on 7/20 and driving to Yellowstone on the same day. Do you think it will be possible for us to do the outer loop (of 42 mile loop) on our way? And do the inner loop on our way back from Yellowstone on 25th? On our return we are stopping in a town called Victor for the night. Not sure if that’s on the way. Thank you!
Hi! Where is your final destination in Yellowstone and what time are you leaving SLC?
We are booked at Canyon Lodge for 5 nights. Our scheduled arrival in SLC is at 11:30 so, we should be on the road by 1pm local time.
Okay, I double checked on map – Google Maps is saying that it would take you at least 7.5 hours to cover 400 miles from Salt Lake City to Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone, and this is time estimated without traffic in the parks. Leaving at 1:00 pm – would put you in at Canyon Lodge at about 9:00 pm. Sunset is around 9:00 pm and you really don’t want to be driving in the dark in Yellowstone or GTNP for the animals’ safety. So, it does seem extremely tight for the 20th. You could make a stop or two, but… Read more »
Hi! We are staying in Moran and will be doing a 2 hour horseback ride at Heart 6 one morning @ 9am then have the rest of the day to tour the park. I’ve seen suggestions to catch sunrise @ oxbow bend so thought we could do that before our ride. If we loop counterclockwise from Moran is it likely we could catch a sunset @ upper schwabacher landimg?
Also if we opt to break it up into 2 days, how accessible is Teton village going around the loop?
Hi Heather!
Yes to your first question. Sunrise at Oxbow, then horseback ride, then doing the 42 Mile Drive counterclockwise and then seeing a sunset at Schwabacher Landing. And if you are finding yourself early for sunset, you can always spend some time at Dornans to eat and/or shop.
Teton Village is outside the 42 Mile Drive. You can access the 42 Mile Drive from Teton Village via the Moose Wilson Road (8 miles). Let me know if that answered your second question.
Jenn
Thank you!!! This helps a lot! I have the amazing download ready to go to use on our trip!
Fantastic Heather! You might want to consider reading the first few pages before your trip as it has some tips and checklists of things you’ll want with you for your safety, comfort, and convenience. There is also some info on how to help you tailor the drive to your preferences. 🙂
Hi Jenn,
Thanks for this, SO helpful and I am definitively buying the app for my trip in 2 weeks.
So the checklist that comes with each spot, would that include for example, Jenny Lake—take the shuttle boat and then take the 2.5-mile Hidden Falls hike loop to see Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point…..or something along those lines?
Also, do you have a guide like this for Glacier and Yellowstone? If not, do you have any recommendations?
Thank you!
Hi Marty, Good question, thank you for asking! The 42 Mile Drive Guide gives you a list of things to know, look for, and see for each spot on the 42 Mile Drive. Interesting you picked “Jenny Lake” as your example in your question! Hidden Falls isn’t included in the 42 Mile Drive Guide as it is more of an activity you do for 1/2 day – not really part of a drive. The guide does include the Jenny Lake Scenic drive, and suggests you do Hidden Falls a different day than the drive. That being said, Hidden Falls is… Read more »
We are planning a trip to the west and I am concerned about the elevation of many of the national parks. Has anyone who has asthma or heart conditions, had problems with the altitude of the drives. We are not hikers. Just want to admire the bearty
Hi Theresa, maybe others can share their experiences as they see your question.
The best I can tell you is to check with your doctors about your concerns.
You could maybe find out the elevations of the places you are looking at going and run them by your doctor.
Grand Teton National Park at its lowest elevation is around 6,300 ft. If you did Signal Mountain Summit Drive you would be at 7,720 ft. Teton Pass is at over 8,000 ft.
Google is your friend in finding elevations.
Jenn
Jenn, what are your favorite restaurants in Jackson. Thanks Doug
Excellent question! I’m afraid I haven’t tried all the restaurants that always make the “Top Ten” lists, but here are mine. 1. Persephone Bakery – The Westbank Location 3445 N Pines Way Suite 102, Wilson, WY 83014 I love this place for breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks. There are two locations, one downtown Jackson, the other in the Westbank (address above). The Westbank location is easier to park at during the high visitation months. The food is good – I’ve never had a bad meal there and I love their cookies. I sometimes give bags of coffee as gifts. 2.… Read more »
This is all incredibly helpful! I am coming to the area for my first time (from Rhode Island) Sept 10 – sadly I only have one day to explore. Will be driving up very early in the morning from Park City and driving back end of day. Decided trying to knock off any of Yellowstone was unrealistic for one day, so am going to do the Grand Teton 42 mile loop based on your wealth of info. Here’s my question – if I get to the south entrance around 11:30 am/noon and want to be finished around 4 to head… Read more »
Hi Marc! Good question. Tough question, but a good one. 1. South Entrance Sign – for pictures 2. Blacktail Ponds Overlook (if you have time do Schwabacher Landing) 3. Glacier View Turnout (if you have time do Snake River Overlook – if interested in standing where Ansel Adams did to take his famous picture – although the view has changed due to trees) 4. Cunningham Cabin 5. Oxbow Bend Grab something to eat at Jackson Lake Lodge 6. Signal Mountain Lodge 7. Mountain View Turnout 8. Bridge View at South String Lake 9. Jenny Lake Overlook 10. Chapel of Transfiguration… Read more »
So incredibly helpful!! Thank you so much. And definitely want to come back another time, hopefully on a road trip with my black lab, and spend a few days in the area!
Good to hear!! Enjoy your upcoming trip – and the next one!!
Jenn
Thank you so much for putting all this information in one place, it is making my life easier! I am following your one day “must sees”, do you have a recommendation on a walk/easy hike on any of these stops?
String Lake is a nice, easy walk. You can go see the bridge view at the south end of String Lake, and then turn north and walk along String Lake to another footbridge, and a little further to Leigh Lake Portage Stairs. About a 2 Mile Round Trip hike to Leigh Lake and back. Worth it!! Do take bear spray, know how to use it and keep it accessible!!
Thank you!
If you only had one day which route would you take? We are driving in thru the south, Jackson and driving through the Tetons on our way to West Yellowstone. Still want a couple hours to spend in YS on the way. So spend like 6 hours in the Tetons. Inner loop, outer loop a combo?
Hi Kim!
You could do the entire 42 Mile Drive – start by doing the outside road first, then turn to do the inside road, then back up the outside road up to Yellowstone. You probably won’t be able to stop at every stop, but you could definitely get a few in!!
Flying into SLC at 11am Thursday 9/26. We are booked for 4 nights in Teton Village. Hoping to see as much of GTNP as we can on Friday doing the loop counter clockwise as recommended beginning at sunrise. The String Lake easy walk sounds good. Maybe doing a Jenny Lak boat ride too. Any other suggestions? Do you have recommendations for our Saturday plan to start at sunrise for the lower loop at Yellowstone? We will be packing our own food for the day and want to see as much as possible. Trying to decide how to spend the final… Read more »
For Friday 42 Mile Drive plus String Lake Hike – that will be a full day. For Saturday, starting out early is good to do the lower loop in Yellowstone. I also recommend doing the lower loop of Yellowstone counter clockwise because of Grand Prismatic. Grand Prismatic can be misty/steamy and hard to see in the morning. If you do the loop counterclockwise, doing the stops on the loop – you’ll arrive at Grand Prismatic in the afternoon which is usually clear to see. Park in the Fairy Falls parking lot and walk to the Grand Prismatic overlook – this… Read more »
Thanks for all the great information. We’ll be heading back to Salt Lake via GTNP from our lodging in Island Park on Fri.Oct. 4th. We’ll head through the south entrance of Yellowstone, possibly stopping at West Thumb Geyser Basin on our way. Our friends from Germany want to see the Tetons but I realize our time will be limited. I want to stop at as many scenic viewpoints as possible in the Tetons and still make it home around 8 pm. Driving time without stops going via Evanston is 9 hr 4 min, 450 mi or via Bear Lake it’s… Read more »
Hi Kerry, so I know what to suggest, can you tell me how many hours you have for Grand Teton National Park?
I thought I replied earlier but it mustn’t have gone through. I’m guessing if we leave Island Park by 8 am we’ll arrive at Oxbow Bend around 11 am going through the North entrance. We’ll need to leave the Tetons by 2 pm so 3 hours here is all we’ll have. Would String Lake be the easiest place to find picnic tables for lunch and a bathroom?
Hi Kerry, 3 hours. Okay, coming from south Yellowstone, turn left to see Oxbow Bend, an iconic view of Grand Teton. Then turn back and turn left at Jackson Lake Junction to Teton Park Road. Go to String Lake and see the Bridge View at south string Lake (magnificent view) and then find the picnic tables there at String Lake. Great picnic spot! If you have time, stop at the Jenny Lake overview. Very pretty. Continue on to Teton Park Road. Stop at Cottonwood Creek picnic area to snap a picture of the view across the street. Continue to Windy… Read more »
Thanks a lot!
And if you have time, consider stopping in Jackson Lake Lodge, and seeing the view off the back porch!