Grand Teton Nation Park must see while staying in Island Park Idaho

Note about Grand Teton National Park Must See Areas: It is possible to spend all your time in Yellowstone National Park, but if you have the time, checking out Grand Teton National Park is highly recommended. It is possible to get from the cabin to GTNP by going through YNP, but I only recommend this if you leave early in the morning and watch the sun rise in YNP. It is a long day if you plan to make a loop of it and stop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on the way back. You can go the opposite way by turning at Ashton, Idaho, and cutting across to Driggs and Victor (the Idaho side of the Tetons) then over the Teton Pass to Jackson. From Jackson, you’d head toward GTNP and return through YNP. I don’t recommend going to Jackson first as coming through the park late in the day can cause delays due to bison, bear, and elk jams anywhere along your route while in both parks. There is also the risk of hitting wildlife while traveling the roads of YNP after dark. You can always just skip going through YNP and just do the beautiful two hour drive to Jackson through Teton twice and return the same way… either way is stellar.

Drive the 42-mile Scenic Loop

This drive takes you through the heart of Grand Teton National Park. You will drive down the length of the Teton Mountain range along Jenny and Jackson Lakes and past numerous scenic overlooks. Along the way, you can take the option to detour to Signal Mountain, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, and numerous hiking trails in the park.
  

Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is a waterfall located in the Teton Range next to Jenny Lake. Inspiration Point is a viewpoint over Jenny Lake. Both spots are located on the same hiking trail, it is easy to combine both into one very scenic hike.

Hidden Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in GTNP.

There is a shuttle boat on the western side of Jenny Lake which cuts down on the walk to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. If you are short on time, this is the fastest way to see both sights. The boat runs every 15 minutes.

Expect big crowds from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the summer months.
 

Mormon Row Historic District

In 1890, Mormons from Salt Lake City settled here, establishing 27 homesteads. Mormon Row was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

This is one of the best sunrise spots in GTNP. An iconic shot of the historic barn with the Tetons in the background attracts photographers from around the world.

Chapel of the Transfiguration

This is another historic site in GTNP and is a short ride from Mormon Row. This small log chapel was built in 1925. During the summer season, St. John’s Episcopal Church offers services on Sunday mornings.

Schwabacher Landing

For one of the most scenic views of the Teton mountain range, don’t miss Schwabacher Landing. This is a great place to capture the reflection of the mountain range in the Snake River.

You can walk from the parking lot to the river and snap a photo, or you can continue further down the trail for a slightly different view of the Teton range.

Snake River Overlook

Channel your inner Ansel Adams and photograph the Tetons from the lookout. This photography location was made famous when Ansel Adams snapped a photograph in 1942, while working for the United States government.

Oxbow Bend of the Snake River

This is the place to get the iconic view of Mt. Moran’s reflection in the Snake River. Sunrise is the most popular time to visit Oxbow Bend, not only to capture the Teton range but to photographic wildlife in the area.

Taggart Lake

This relatively short, easy trail is one of the most popular hikes in GTNP. Once you reach Taggart Lake, you get amazing view of the Tetons in this beautiful clear lake.

It is a three-mile round trip hike. Be alert for bear. You can continue further to Bradley Lake, but this adds another 2.5 miles to the total distance. The trailhead is located on Teton Park Road south of Jenny Lake.

Rockefeller Preserve and Visitor Center

The Rockefeller family played a huge role in preserving the land of GTNP. This reserve is an 1,100-acre refuge located within GTNP and was donated by the Rockefeller family in 2001.

The visitor center was built on this parcel of land. It is a beautiful property and is a LEED certified building for it’s environmentally friendly building practices.

Drive Moose Wilson Road

Moose Wilson Road is an 8-mile paved and dirt road that connects Jackson with GTNP. Rough and narrow in some spots, it is acceptable for cars but having an SUV or 4x4 makes the drive easier. Expect lots of potholes and slow speeds for the portion that is unpaved. Along the way you have a good chance of seeing moose and other wildlife. The road is closed from November 1 to mid-May. RVs and trailers are not permitted. It is also subject to closure for grizzly bear activity.