Top 6 Scenic Drives
Sometimes it’s good to just take a drive–and the Tetons are one of the few mountain ranges you could encircle in one day, enjoying stops along the way for vistas, swimming and picnics
To gain a better perspective on the area, check out some of the maps of the area to the Jackson Hole Valley, the national parks and more.
Need to rent a car? We have you covered. There are even local apps to download - TravelStorysGPS and GaperGuide Self Guided Tours - so you can enjoy hearing the stories and factoids about this special corner of the US.
And If you'd prefer to be taken on one of these road trips by a local...and a wildlife biologist even, look into our many wildlife tour companies.
See below for the most popular scenic drives and directions:
Explore the Moose-Wilson Road
Moose-Wilson Road is an absolute when visiting Jackson Hole. Beaver dams are visible from your car, moose are often spotted and in the fall it's a hot-spot for bears. Do not expect to drive quickly on this road - it is narrow and in some places dirt. The views though are worth it. Start at the entrance to Grand Teton National Park just north of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. Follow the narrow road eight miles to the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose, WY. Watch for wildlife, you never know what you might see on this road!
Complete the loop: Grand Teton National Park's Inner & Outer Loop Roads
Drive north out of Jackson towards the small town of Moose. Stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to ask any park questions and grab some hiking maps.
The inner loop road winds through nearly all of the park’s major peaks and is the best way to get as close to the mountains as you can via car or bicycle. This route will lead you to many hiking trails that weave in and around the base of the Teton Range. Want to "hike" with your car? Signal Mountain Road is the only paved road you can climb with your car to the 7,720 summit with 360-degree views of the Jackson Valley. Drive north on the main highway (the Outer Loop) and south on the Inner Loop Road. This way you will be looking directly at the Tetons while you are right underneath them. You can grab a bite to eat with the most amazing views at Jackson Lake Lodge or Signal Mountain Lodge.
Road Trip to Kelly & Slide Lake
Travel seven miles north of downtown Jackson and take a right onto Gros Ventre Road towards the small town of Kelly. Make sure to stop at the turnoff for a beautiful view of the Grand Tetons. Once you are in Kelly, follow the road as it arcs to the left, turn right at the Lower Slide Lake sign and continue. Here you will find a road lined with Aspen trees winding back to the Gros Ventre offering amazing views of this peaceful and pristine area. *You can make a pitstop at the famous Mormon Row that was home to the homesteaders of the late 1800s. The most famous structure of the 27 is the Moulton Barn.
Drive Over Teton Pass to Idaho
Heading seven miles west out of the town of Jackson on Hwy 22, you will come across the base of Teton Pass and the town of Wilson, founded in 1899. The sleepy town of Wilson is a perfect spot to gear up for the day. Continue west over Teton Pass toward Victor, Idaho. As you travel up the pass, watch for a small parking area on your left with a dirt road and sign for Phillips Canyon. This trail leads to a lovely alpine lake about 4 miles round trip and boasts an easy and fun family outing. If you continue driving through Victor to Driggs make a day at Grand Targhee Resort that's known for it's deep powder skiing and wildflower fields sprinkled with hiking trails and mountain bike features.
Drive from Jackson to Granite Hot Springs and Pinedale through Hoback Canyon
Whether coming or going, the spectacular Wind River Range is your companion much of the way on this less traveled scenic drive along US 191/189. The route offers peaceful and astounding views of the Hoback River with scenery that is everchanging along the way. Granite Hot Springs Pool is approximately 30 miles south of Jackson just off route US 191/189. Continue to the historic western Wyoming town of Pinedale, 75 miles south of Jackson and enjoy a local Rodeo, the Museum of the Mountain Man or a delicious meal at the PitchFork Fondue Company.
Drive from Jackson to Alpine through the Snake River Canyon
The Snake River Canyon runs from the south of Jackson, through Hoback Junction 22 miles to the small town of Alpine, near the banks of the Palisades Reservoir. This scenic route travels along the Snake River and showcases, beautiful foliage, miles of buttes and mountains with many boat ramps and scenic pull-outs. Spend the afternoon fishing off the shores of the river, soaking in the natural hot springs at Astoria Bridge or having a picnic along the river or at the reservoir.
Don't forget to stay up-to-date on road conditions and closures while you're in the area.
This map of the Town of Jackson is the starting points of these recommended road trips. Make sure to fill up your gas tank and pick up some snacks for the drive ahead at one of our many grocery stores.
Need more information? Explore our Explorer Magazine Travel Planner, which you can also explore electronically HERE. If you're already here, feel free to stop by one of our Visitor Centers where an experienced agent will be able to guide you in the right direction. And maybe you've become curious about other lodging options, discover cabins, historic lodging, national park lodging, vacation rentals, and even dude ranches.