Ultimate Insiders
Four ways to stay inside Grand Teton National Park
It’s hard to imagine more spectacular scenery than the forests, mountains, rivers and lakes of Grand Teton National Park, or more engaging ways to experience it than you’ll find here—everything from gentle ranger-led walks to canoe and kayak adventures. Although the setting is pristine, such trappings of civilization as fine dining and great shopping are at your doorstep. Choose lodgings that suit your lifestyle, and don’t worry: No matter where you sleep, all the area’s allures and activities are within easy reach.
Families & History Buffs
You’ll be in the hub of the action at Jackson Lake Lodge, an architectural gem built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and designated as a National Historic Landmark. Combining modern and Western motifs to dramatic effect, Jackson Lake Lodge is known for its sixty-foot-high picture windows in the upper lobby which afford breathtaking vistas of Jackson Lake and the majestic Grand Teton Range. Family-friendly outings such as guided raft trips down the Snake River, horseback trail rides and narrated bus tours of Grand Teton and Yellowstone depart right from the front door of the lodge, while on-site recreation includes a playground, heated outdoor pool, hiking trails and free interpretive programming ranging from a grizzly bear and historical talks to live raptor demonstrations. When all the action leaves you feeling hungry, dining choices range from the Pioneer Grill, featuring casual fare in a retro 1950s diner setting, to the elegant Mural Room, serving superb Rocky Mountain cuisine. Between courses such as sweet corn and smoked trout chowder and grilled elk loin with chorizo ranch beans, you can learn a bit about the area’s rich history from the detailed murals by Carl Roters that give the restaurant its name.
Romantics & Nature Lovers
Rustic meets elegant at Jenny Lake Lodge, a AAA Four Diamond eco-resort with 37 original log cabins tucked away in the woods near Jenny and String Lakes. While there is much to see and do in the surrounding area, with a rotating list of complimentary on-site activities, you might never want to leave the property. Take in a sunrise bike ride with complimentary cruiser bicycles, before breakfast, then go on a plant and wildflower exploration with an interpretive specialist, followed by an afternoon game of croquet with complimentary wine on the lawn. If you do choose to venture further afield, a guided horseback ride meanders along some of the park’s best trails, where you just might spot bear, elk, moose or bison along the way. No matter what you choose to do during the day, be sure to return to the lodge in time for dinner—ingredients on the rotating five-course prix fixe menu are locally sourced and the wine list is stellar. Then relax on a rocking chair on your front porch and watch the canopy of stars wink on before cozying up together in your down comforter-covered bed.
Kayakers & Cruisers
At Colter Bay Village, choose between sleeping in a historic log cabin or a unique tent-cabin hybrid, a log-and-canvas structure that offers the best of the camping experience without the tent-pitching stress. A general store, Western-style restaurant and pizzeria eliminate the need to pack in supplies. All the lodgings are near Colter Bay Marina, watersports central for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Since they’re available on a first come, first served basis, you’ll have the jump on renting a kayak, canoe or motorboat to play on Jackson Lake. Or consider booking a breakfast, lunch or dinner cruise to Elk Island, a one-mile-square oasis in the middle of Jackson Lake. After a hearty meal, you can explore this tiny piece of paradise or just kick back and enjoy the sight of Mount Moran rising from the water. Want to try and catch your own dinner? Hire a fishing guide and equipment from the marina. When on land, enjoy gentle hikes in the area—the mostly flat paths make it easy to gawk at the scenery without tripping.
Campers & Adventurers
If you’re looking to unplug, unwind and reconnect with the natural world, you won’t find a better place to rest your head than Headwaters Lodge and Cabins at Flagg Ranch. Lodging options range from tent and RV sites with full hookups to deluxe cabins with private baths. There’s no cell or WiFi service in this area, but a location right on the Snake River between Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks gives you plenty of reasons to unplug and unwind. Choose from horseback rides through the high country, hiking to alpine lakes and geysers and fly fishing in one of the country’s premier spots. Evenings might be spent listening to a Campfire Talk about saving the region’s fragile ecosystem, playing one of the board games available at the lodge’s front desk and otherwise interacting with your fellow humans—perhaps over a prime rib dinner at Sheffields Restaurant or a local brew at the saloon. Waking up to the sounds of nature rather than to the "ping" signaling an instant message? Priceless.