If you’re looking for a stunning destination with unforgettable outdoor activities, Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park should be at the top of your list.

Our family of four visited a couple of years ago, and we had an amazing time experiencing the beauty of the mountains, pristine lakes, and rich wildlife. From riding gondolas to hiking the trails and exploring downtown Jackson, here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip.

1. Riding the Gondola to the Top of the Mountain and Eating Waffles

One of the highlights of our trip was riding the gondola to the top of the mountain in Jackson Hole. The views were breathtaking, and when we reached the top, we were treated to delicious waffles—an absolute hit with my kids.

The mountain air, the panoramic views, and the waffles made it a memorable family moment. I highly recommend this experience for families looking for a fun and easy activity with a touch of adventure!

2. Snake River & Boating Across Jenny Lake

A scenic boat ride across Jenny Lake is a must-do when visiting Grand Teton National Park. The boat ride offers stunning views of the Teton mountain range, and it’s a relaxing way to explore the park. After the boat ride, we hiked back along the shore, soaking in the incredible scenery and spotting wildlife along the way. This activity is perfect for families as it provides a mix of relaxation and light adventure.

Looking to take your adventure to the next level? Book a Snake River Scenic Float Trip with Teton Views for an unforgettable experience. Glide along the Snake River while soaking in spectacular views of the Tetons—perfect for creating family memories and capturing breathtaking photos. It’s a peaceful and scenic way to experience the area, and it’s one of those must-do activities that’ll add something special to your Jackson Hole trip.

3. Explore Jackson

Wildlife Viewing at the National Elk Refuge
Located just outside Jackson, the National Elk Refuge is perfect for wildlife viewing. In winter, spot elk herds, while summer brings bison, pronghorn antelope, and birdwatching opportunities.

Jackson Hole Rodeo
Held weekly in summer, the Jackson Hole Rodeo offers a true western experience with cowboy culture and family-friendly fun.

Exploring Downtown Jackson
Downtown Jackson features western architecture, local boutiques, art galleries, and eateries, making it the perfect spot to shop and unwind after outdoor adventures.

4. Hiking Recommendations

For nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, Grand Teton National Park offers some of the most picturesque trails.

• Jenny Lake Loop Trail – Easy and beautiful, this loop offers views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Taggart Lake Trail – A moderate hike with stunning views of Taggart Lake and the Tetons.
• Phelps Lake Trail – A moderate hike that offers a quieter, less crowded experience.
• Cascade Canyon Trail – A more strenuous hike but absolutely rewarding with amazing views of the surrounding peaks.
• Lake Solitude Trail – A longer hike, perfect for more experienced hikers looking for quiet and breathtaking views.
• Glacier Trail – A short and relatively easy trail that offers a glimpse of a glacier.
• Inspiration Point Trail – A short but steep hike with panoramic views of Jenny Lake and the surrounding area.
• Death Canyon Trail – A challenging hike that takes you into some of the park’s most remote and beautiful areas.
• Moose Ponds Trail – A family-friendly, easy hike through wetland areas, perfect for spotting wildlife.
• Menor’s Ferry Historic Trail – A short, easy walk that takes you through the historical areas of Jackson Hole.

When exploring the great outdoors, especially in areas like Grand Teton National Park, it’s essential to be animal aware and prioritize safety. Wildlife is abundant, and while it’s exciting to spot animals like bears, moose, or bison, it’s crucial to respect their space and follow safety guidelines.

Always keep a safe distance, ideally 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other animals. When hiking, make noise as you walk, especially in dense areas, to avoid surprising wildlife. Additionally, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Practicing Leave No Trace principles is just as important—pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, and avoid disturbing plants and animals. By being mindful of your impact, you help preserve the natural beauty for future generations while keeping both yourself and the wildlife safe.

5. Local Eats

While Jackson is known for its upscale dining options, there are also plenty of affordable and delicious local eats. Here are a few options that won’t break the bank:

• The Bird – A casual spot known for its amazing fried chicken and laid-back atmosphere.
• Pinky G’s Pizzeria – Delicious pizza with a fun, rustic vibe.
• The Jackson Hole Market – A local grocery store with a great deli for sandwiches, soups, and snacks for a picnic.
• Local Restaurants in Downtown Jackson – There are plenty of casual dining options with local flavors, including tacos, burgers, and comfort food.

6. Easily Pair This Trip with Yellowstone

Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are about 30 to 60 miles apart, depending on which entrance you use. The drive between the two parks typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

How many days to spend in each park?

• Grand Teton National Park:
  3-4 days is ideal for exploring Grand Teton. This allows time for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying scenic drives around the park. You can also take in the stunning views of the Teton Range, visit Jenny Lake, and explore other picturesque spots like Snake River Overlook.
• Yellowstone National Park:
  4-5 days is recommended for Yellowstone. The park is massive, and there’s a lot to see, from the geothermal wonders like Old Faithful to the diverse wildlife and unique landscapes, such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lamar Valley. You’ll want a few days to explore the different regions of the park.

In total, 7-9 days is a great amount of time to experience both parks, giving you a balanced trip with ample time to explore, hike, and enjoy both areas.

7. Flying in with Points & Miles

You can fly to Jackson Hole using points and miles by booking with airlines that partner with popular rewards programs. Here are a few options:

• American Airlines AAdvantage – American Airlines partners with Alaska Airlines, which has direct flights to Jackson Hole.
• United MileagePlus – You can book flights to Jackson Hole through United, and points can be transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Pro Tip!
If you’re flying from an airport that doesn’t offer direct flights to Jackson Hole, one great strategy is to use flight connection websites to find convenient connecting airports. Websites like FlightConnections.com allow you to enter Jackson Hole as your destination and then see which major airports provide connections.

For example, if you’re flying from Kansas City (or another city without a direct route), you might find that connecting through airports like Denver or Chicago offers the most efficient and cost-effective options.

By exploring these flight connections, you can identify which hubs offer multiple daily flights to Jackson Hole, making your journey smoother and more flexible. From Denver or Chicago, you can easily hop on a direct flight to Jackson Hole without the hassle of multiple layovers.

Plus, these larger airports often have a wider selection of flights, giving you more options for timing and pricing, especially if you’re using points or miles for your booking. This approach can significantly streamline your travel experience, making it easier to plan your trip to this amazing destination!

8. Hotels to Book with Points & Miles

Hilton Honors Points, Marriott Bonvoy Points, and the Chase Travel (Chase’s booking portal) are going to be your best bets when booking a points stay in Jackson. Here are a few options:

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson
• Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa – A Small Luxury Hotel bookable with Hilton points
• Springhill Suites Jackson Hole (Marriott)
• The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection (Marriott)

Learn about earning Hilton points and booking your stay here.

Read Point Stay Basics: IHG, Hilton, Hyatt & Marriott here.

9. Credit Cards & Transfer Partners That Make This Trip Possible

Several credit cards and transfer partners can help you earn and redeem points for this trip. Some key ones include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® – These cards offer great earning potential for travel and dining and can transfer points to airlines and hotels like Hyatt, United, and Marriott.
• American Express® Gold Card – Excellent for earning Membership Rewards points on dining, which you can transfer to Delta, Hilton, and Marriott.

10. Book Your Jackson Hole Adventure

Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park offer an amazing combination of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and family-friendly experiences. Whether you’re floating down the Snake River on a Scenic Float Trip, watching wildlife on a Sunset 4-Hour Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure, or hiking some of the park’s stunning trails, there’s something for everyone in your family.

Take advantage of using your points for flights and accommodations to make this unforgettable trip even more affordable. Don’t miss out—book your Snake River Scenic Float Trip and Sunset Wildlife Adventure now to make your trip even more extraordinary!

Thank you!

As you plan your incredible Grand Teton adventure, remember that using my affiliate links when booking activities I recommend or opening credit cards helps support Points and Miles Teachers at no extra cost to you. Ready to open you next card? Send me a DM on IG or visit my best offers page located at the top of my site.

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