Dornans Spur Ranch Cabins
~$175-375
- Pros: Centrally located, more affordable than others, moose frequent the area
- Cons: Only 12 cabins available, some have length of stay requirements .
Dornans isnt technically IN the national park, but its located right in the heart of the park, so I include it here.
It only offers 12 small cabins for lodging. The prices are more affordable, but sometimes they have a 3-night minimum stay requirement.
Dornans has A LOT to offer:
- Bicycle rentals
- Kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals
- Chuckwagon dinners
- Pizza restaurant
- The Hootenanny. This is food, drink, and live music every Monday night from 6-9pm at the Chuckwagon.
We rented bikes here and rode them to Jenny Lake. LOVED it!
My advice: book it if you can get it!
Day 1 Jenny Lake Cascade Canyon Trail & Oxbow Bend
We understand that you might be limited by the amount of time youre able to spend in the Tetons. If you only have one day to dedicate to the park, try to structure your day to visit the sites listed for Day 1 here. Its a strong combination of mountain views, canyon hikes, and wildlife sighting locations.
Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake is one of the most popular parts of Grand Teton National Park and it isnt hard to see why. Its tucked at the very base of the Tetons and serves as the kick-off point for many favorite hikes. Hikers can visit Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, or circle the lake.
Lake Solitude, Hurricane Pass, and the Cascade Canyon Trail are longer and more strenuous options, but well worth the effort required. If you arent interested in hiking from Jenny Lake, you can also take a boat ride, explore the visitor center, or have a picnic by the lakeshore.
When visiting during the summer, expect the parking lot to fill early. Jenny Lake Lodge and Jenny Lake Campground are two popular accommodations that also are usually booked several months in advance. Even if you arent staying in the area, taking an afternoon to relax by the lake or having a lunch picnic is well worth your time.
Cascade Canyon Trail
As we mentioned, Cascade Canyon Trail begins at Jenny Lake and extends deep into Cascade Canyon between Teewinot and Mount St. John. Its a beautiful way to catch a glimpse of the Grand Teton backcountry without trekking days into the mountains.
Oxbow Bend
Where To Stay On A Budget Near Grand Teton
To stretch your vacation dollars, hotels like the Elk Refuge Inn offer affordable rates and comfortable accommodations. Overlooking the National Elk Refuge, Elk Refuge Inn is best known for its well-maintained facilities and friendly service. The hotel is also popular for its location immediately next to the southern entrance of Grand Teton National Park
Less than a block up from the Elk Refuge Inn, Flat Creek Inn offers an alternative affordable option. Family owned and operated, the hotel has a wide range of room sizes available, including single, queens, and rooms with kitchenettes. A mini-mart and gas station are right next door. Flat Creek Inn provides a perfect spot for those looking to make a quick departure into Grand Teton.
Motel 6 Jackson is one of the best budget hotels within Jackson proper. This chain hotel offers an affordable rate closer to downtown. The hotel rooms overlook an outdoor pool in a concrete courtyard. The quiet neighborhood lends to a good night’s sleep. Weekly rates are available.
Just across state lines in the city of Driggs, Idaho, located near the western canyon entrance of Grand Teton National Park, the Super 8 Driggs provides unbeatable rates and a high standard of comfort. Free parking and breakfast are included at the Super 8 Driggs, as well as access to the indoor pool and tennis court.
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Grand Teton National Park With Kids
The summertime is when smoke from nearby and faraway fires can cause a hazy, smoky backdrop to your adventures. You can see in some of our photos a grey haze that were from fires in Oregon, Montana, and California. It wasnt a big deal for us, but smoky skies can occur, particularly in August.
If youll be traveling to Grand Teton with kids in the summertime and crowds and looking for parking bother you, you must get to your destination by 8am at the latest or go in the late afternoon.
If youre looking to avoid crowds, September after Labor Day is a beautiful time to visit the park. The weather is still pleasant, and the crowds will have significantly diminished. Its also a great time to spot wildlife and to see the changing colors of the leaves.
Another option is to visit in June before the crowds swell to their highest numbers. Most of the park will be accessible, wildflowers will be in bloom, and the weather will be warm.
Heres a rundown of weather averages in Grand Teton.
Staying Inside Of Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is small enough that its not necessary to stay in the park to be close to the main points of interest. However, youll find some incredibly scenic lodges and campgrounds here that will enhance your experience while youre here. I recommend staying inside of the park if you want to have more opportunities for sightseeing without the crowds or if you want constant Teton views!
Hotels and Lodges in Grand Teton
There are seven lodges in the park, so youve got a lot of options of places to stay while visiting Grand Teton! Experiencing the park before everyone gets there or after everyone has left is the very best thing about staying in one of these lodges.
Youll find a range of amenities and comforts between these lodging options from basic cabins with shared bunks to luxury cabins with five-course dinners. Most of these lodges have fantastic Teton views directly from the rooms or from just a short walk away.
The Climbers Ranch, Jackson Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Triangle X, and Colter Bay Cabins are all within short driving distance to the parks cant-miss spots. The Headwaters Lodge is further north than I typically like to be while visiting the Tetons and staying here will add on a decent amount of driving to your trip.
Reservations for the lodges in Grand Teton can typically be made up to one year in advance of your travel dates.
Grand Teton Campgrounds
Planning a trip to Grand Teton can be overwhelming.
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Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is a four-diamond luxury retreat that is situated slope-side to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, Wyoming. Guests staying here will appreciate the convenience of reaching attractions like Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the National Elk Refuge. Guests can easily partake in outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, or enjoy something a little more relaxing like lounging by the pool, soaking in a hot tub, or getting a massage at Spa Terre. Rooms have private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs some feature extra touches like fully equipped kitchens and stone-faced fireplaces.
3385 Cody Lane, Teton Village, WY 83025, Phone: 307-201-6066
Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States. If youre looking for an inexpensive staycation this year, you cant go wrong with spending some time in this Wyoming gem. Its also pretty close to Yellowstone National Park, so you can tick off two scenic attractions in one trip.
In terms of the best place to stay, were stuck between Teton Village and Colter Bay! If youre looking for a summer getaway, you cant go wrong with Colter Bay right in the heart of the National Park. Looking for some winter fun? Teton Village is the epicentre of skiing, snowboarding, and other sports in the colder seasons.
All that said, wherever ends up being the best place for you depends largely on what youre looking for. Jackson is well connected to everywhere else, and Driggs is a hidden gem for budget travellers. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email to find out how.
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Essential Tips For Lodging In Grand Tetons
- Pick the best location to minimize driving time. For example, staying inside the park or in Jackson can significantly cut down on driving time to and from the park each day, allowing you to see more and have a great time in Grand Teton.
- Visit in the summer when lodging is open. Most lodges and campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park dont open until late May or early June and close in early October. If you choose to visit in winter, a great option is staying in Jackson, which turns into a ski town in the colder months.
- Consider staying in nearby towns like Jackson, Wilson, or Moran if youre on a budget. Lodging inside the park can be expensive due to high demand and limited options. I recommend using Hotels.com to find budget lodging available during your trip dates.
- Avoid crowds by starting your day early, especially if you stay outside the park. Trails and attractions are packed from June to September by 9 to 10 AM. Beat the crowds by starting around sunrise.
- Camping inside the park is only allowed at designated campgrounds. No camping is allowed in any parking lot or parking area, including pullouts. There is first-come, first-served camping located outside the national park.
Overview Of Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming. This park preserves the Grand Teton mountain range, a cluster of rocky, jagged peaks that are fun to photograph and even more fun to explore on foot.
This is also a great place to spot wildlife. From the roads and the hiking trails, you can spot elk, moose, and sometimes bison. Once you head up into the mountains, it is not unusual to see black bear and sometimes grizzly bears.
Most visitors will spend their time on the eastern side of the Teton range. This is where you will find numerous overlooks of the mountains, Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend, Jenny Lake, and a handful of other very pretty lakes.
Hiking trails head into the mountains and this is where the true adventures await. From these hiking trails, you can hike through the valleys, counting the moose along the way, or hike to some of the tallest peaks for extraordinary views over Wyoming.
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Where To Stay For Families Near Grand Teton
If it’s family traveling you’re after, somewhere like the Pony Express Motel, on the western edge of Jackson, can accommodate the whole. The hotel features enormous rooms and affordable rates, and bunk beds are also available. Besides the western decor and reasonable price, Pony Express Motel has grown a reputation for their friendly staff who are happy to recommend some nearby family adventures.
Cowboy Village Resort in Jackson is also a fun place for the whole posse. This family-friendly resort features spacious rooms, and cabins with bunk beds are available. The resort is less than 15 minutes from Grand Teton. Between exploring the park, Cowboy Village offers extra entertainment, with an indoor pool and comfortable fireplace lobby.
Where Should I Stay While Visiting Grand Teton
Grand Teton National Park is a spectacular land full of majestic mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and exciting wildlife its the perfect place to take a vacation!
Where should you stay while visiting Grand Teton? If you want to be close to the best hikes and viewpoints in the park, stay near Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, or Jackson Lake. If youre looking for something outside of the park, the western town of Jackson is a fantastic option.
My name is Ash, and I worked as a park ranger in Wyoming Ive spent a lot of time in the park! Im excited to help you decide where to stay while visiting Grand Teton, so lets talk about your options.
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Where To Stay In Victor Idaho
Victor, Idaho is located on the other side of the Teton mountain range.
Its about an hour away from Grand Teton National Park and requires driving over Teton Pass. I havent done this drive yet, but some people say its a scary drive.
Its slightly more affordable than staying in Jackson Hole Valley, but of course, the trade-off is youll have to do more driving.
Day : Mormon Row 42 Mile Scenic Drive And Taggart Lake
Start your first full day in Grand Teton National Park early with a morning drive to Mormon Row Historic District.
This area is a photo-famous community of homesteads built by Mormon settlers, the Moultons, that lived in the Tetons in the 1890s. Their iconic barns provide an excellent foreground with the Tetons in the background.
After capturing the picturesque Moulton Barns at Mormon Row, head to Taggart Lake. The easy 4-mile loop to this popular lake provides up-close views of Grand Teton. The clear water and excellent views make this hike the perfect summer adventure.
If youre looking to escape the crowds at Taggart Lake, consider hiking the entire Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop trail.
This trail heads to nearby Bradley Lake and loops back past Taggart Lake on a 6-mile moderate hike. Bradley Lake has minimal crowds and is arguably more scenic than Taggart Lake!
Aim to be at the Taggart Lake Trailhead before 9 AM.
After your hike, stop by the Craig Thomas Discovery Center, the main visitor center in Grand Teton National Park. If you want to talk to a ranger, stamp your national park passport, or buy souvenirs, do it here!
The Craig Thomas Discovery Center also offers the most impressive displays Ive seen in a national park, detailing the indigenous history of the area and the ecosystems found in Grand Teton.
Now, depending on where youre staying, Id recommend going about the scenic drive differently.
- Chapel of the Transfiguration
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Lodging In Grand Teton National Park
We can help you find the best lodging, cabins, and camping in the center of Grand Teton National Park, allowing you to experience the park with ease! Each unique location offers a variety of amenities and activities both on property and nearby. From the AAA four-diamond Jenny Lake Lodge to the historic full-service Jackson Lake Lodge, to camping and cabins at Colter Bay Village and Headwaters at Flagg Ranch, you’ll find your home away from home in this stunning park.
Our facilities operate from mid-May through early-October each year. Lodging reservations are available on a 12-month rolling basis and can be booked online or by calling 307-543-3100.
Best Campgrounds In Grand Teton National Park
There are seven campgrounds inside Grand Teton National Park, which operate on a reservation-only basis. These campgrounds are managed by the National Park Service and accept reservations on a rolling 6-month basis via Recreation.gov.
Campgrounds in Grand Teton typically fill up quickly, so it is essential to make reservations six months out as soon as they are released.
These are the seven campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park:
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Elegant Resort In Jackson: Rustic Inn Creekside
This four-star hotel is the perfect retreat for those that want everything taken care of without going ridiculously over budget! The south entrance of Grand Teton National Park is only a short drive from the hotel, and they also offer ski hire and bicycles. Rooms are decorated in a stunning fusion of modern design and traditional log interiors.
Before You Leave The United States
Make sure to plan ahead:
- You tested positive for COVID-19.
- Do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.
If you had close contact with a person with COVID-19 but are NOT recommended to quarantine…
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What You Need To Know Before Visiting
Wildlife is wild. Whether its a herd of bison on the flats just south of the parks Moran entrance, grizzly bears in Willow Flats near Jackson Lake Junction, or moose up Cascade Canyon, the animals here are wild and need to be given space. Dont be that visitor who gets gored or mauled: by law you must stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals, including bison, elk, pronghorns, and moose. These are minimum distances, though if an animal reacts to your presence, youre too close. As ungainly as bison look, they can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour and jump a six-foot fence.
Expect the weather to change quickly. Bluebird summer mornings can morph into afternoon thunderstorms, and a calm lake can quickly develop whitecaps during the spring, summer, and fall months. Locals joke, If you dont like the weather, wait five minutes. Always bring layers and check meteorologist Jim Woodmencys website before heading out.
Youll likely need to make reservations for park campgrounds in advance. Summer 2021 is the first time sites at all of the parks campgrounds can be reserved in advance. Previously, some campgrounds in the park worked on a first-come, first-served basis.