With majestic mountains as your backdrop and forested trails, roaring rivers and more than 100 alpine and backcountry lakes beckoning for exploration, this wild wonderland is just a few miles from the town of Jackson.
Route Distance:
45 miles (1 Hour), 100 miles (2 Days)
Suggested Time:
1 Hour or 2 Days
Known as the 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive, the thoroughfare offers a great overview of the park, with stunning views of the Tetons and plenty of wildlife-viewing opportunities along the way. Pick up a map at Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, then choose a specific part of the loop to explore.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this photogenic tract of land was founded as a ranch settlement in the 1890s. Many of the homesteads have been preserved, providing a slew of glorious photo ops with the majestic Tetons looming in the distance.
The moderate route’s short length (about 3 miles roundtrip) and minor elevation gain (roughly 300 feet) make it ideal for quick visits, big groups and little hikers. A handful of stream crossings and pretty lake views are sure to please any crew.
Two to three days in the park can be a life-changing experience. Here’s a flexible this-or-that itinerary to help you plan your perfect getaway.
Just under 4 miles roundtrip, the easy String Lake Loop offers outstanding views of the Cathedral Group. Mountain vistas and lake reflections are particularly breathtaking in morning light, so set that alarm. Or, if you need a little adrenaline with your morning coffee, Blacktail Butte offers 27 rock-climbing routes worth ascending.
About 50 miles of the 1,056-mile-long Snake River are within the park, and every inch of it is brimming with beauty. Hit Schwabacher’s Landing, a launch point for anglers and rafters. Colter Bay Marina is a great place to rent a kayak; tool around for a few hours, then adjourn to Jackson Lake Lodge for dinner.
After your active day yesterday, start slow. Your self-guided walking tour through Menors Ferry, a perfectly preserved 1894 ghost town, provides a mellow and informative trip back in time to the Old West. Or, beat the crowds with a scenic morning drive in the preserve — a specially designated area of the park with limited traffic.
There’s no better way to end your trip than with a little reflection. Cruise to Elk Island for al fresco gourmet dining in the shadow of the peaks. Or, hike to Oxbow Bend to capture Mount Moran shimmering in the Snake River — then head into Jackson Hole for a final bite at Dornan’s Chuckwagon.
Hit the road with other great itineraries.
Wyoming’s open roads and beautiful scenery make it an ideal state for a road trip.