Jackson Hole, Wyo., is a valley synonymous with unparalleled natural beauty, framed by the majestic peaks of the Teton Range. For those who appreciate stunning landscapes and captivating vistas, simply getting in a car and exploring the area's scenic drives is an activity unto itself. Each route offers a unique perspective of this iconic Western wilderness, promising breathtaking views around every bend.
Whether you are seeking dramatic mountain panoramas, opportunities for wildlife observation, or a glimpse into the region's rich history, the scenic drives in Jackson Hole WY provide unforgettable experiences. This guide will highlight some of the most iconic routes, detailing what makes each journey a must-do for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Teton Park Road (Inner Park Loop Road)
The Teton Park Road, often called the Inner Park Loop Road, offers one of the most intimate and direct experiences of the Teton Range within Grand Teton National Park. This paved road follows the base of the towering Teton peaks from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction, providing close-up views of the dramatic mountains.
This drive allows for numerous pullouts and viewpoints, offering postcard-perfect photo opportunities of the jagged, granite peaks. You will be directly beneath the towering Cathedral Group (Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot Mountain). This route also provides access to many trailheads, allowing you to combine a scenic drive with a short hike into the backcountry. The ever-changing angles of the Tetons as you drive are truly captivating.
This drive allows for numerous pullouts and viewpoints, offering postcard-perfect photo opportunities of the jagged, granite peaks. You will be directly beneath the towering Cathedral Group (Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot Mountain). This route also provides access to many trailheads, allowing you to combine a scenic drive with a short hike into the backcountry. The ever-changing angles of the Tetons as you drive are truly captivating.
Moose-Wilson Road
Moose-Wilson Road offers a more rustic and intimate scenic drive within Grand Teton National Park, connecting the towns of Moose and Wilson. This narrow, partially unpaved, winding road is celebrated for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and serene, tree-lined corridors.
As you drive, you will pass through dense forests and wetlands, offering prime chances to spot moose, elk, mule deer, and a variety of birds. Beaver dams are often visible from the car. The road provides access to trailheads for Phelps Lake and Death Canyon. During fall, the aspens and cottonwoods along the road burst into golden hues, creating a particularly picturesque drive. It’s a route where you are encouraged to drive slowly and watch for wildlife.
As you drive, you will pass through dense forests and wetlands, offering prime chances to spot moose, elk, mule deer, and a variety of birds. Beaver dams are often visible from the car. The road provides access to trailheads for Phelps Lake and Death Canyon. During fall, the aspens and cottonwoods along the road burst into golden hues, creating a particularly picturesque drive. It’s a route where you are encouraged to drive slowly and watch for wildlife.
Signal Mountain Summit Road
For truly panoramic views of the entire Teton Range and the expansive Jackson Hole valley, the Signal Mountain Summit Road is an essential drive. This five-mile paved road, which includes a challenging 1,000-foot climb with switchbacks, leads to the summit of Signal Mountain within Grand Teton National Park.
Once at the top, visitors can access an observation area with stunning 360-degree vistas. You can gaze at the 40-mile Teton Range, the sprawling Jackson Hole valley below, and the winding Snake River. It is a prime location for capturing wide, sweeping photographs of the iconic landscape and offers a unique perspective of the park's topography.
Once at the top, visitors can access an observation area with stunning 360-degree vistas. You can gaze at the 40-mile Teton Range, the sprawling Jackson Hole valley below, and the winding Snake River. It is a prime location for capturing wide, sweeping photographs of the iconic landscape and offers a unique perspective of the park's topography.
Gros Ventre Road to Slide Lake and Mormon Row
The Gros Ventre Road offers a scenic drive that delves into a different aspect of Jackson Hole's beauty, combining natural wonders with historical interest. This route, north of Jackson, leads to the dramatic Slide Lake and the historic Mormon Row.
The road follows the Gros Ventre River, winding through aspen groves and open sagebrush flats. You will pass the Lower Slide Lake, which was formed by one of North America's largest known landslides in 1925, with interpretive signs explaining its geological formation. Further along, Mormon Row, featuring the iconic Moulton Barns and other 19th-century homestead structures against the backdrop of the Tetons, is one of the most photographed scenes in the country, especially at sunrise or sunset.
The road follows the Gros Ventre River, winding through aspen groves and open sagebrush flats. You will pass the Lower Slide Lake, which was formed by one of North America's largest known landslides in 1925, with interpretive signs explaining its geological formation. Further along, Mormon Row, featuring the iconic Moulton Barns and other 19th-century homestead structures against the backdrop of the Tetons, is one of the most photographed scenes in the country, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Snake River Canyon
The Snake River Canyon, located south of Jackson, offers a dramatic and picturesque drive as Highway 22/189/191 winds along the banks of the mighty Snake River. This scenic corridor is characterized by rocky ridges, towering buttes, and the river flowing below.
This route is popular for its dynamic scenery, with views of the river's rapids and the steep canyon walls. You can find pull-offs and boat ramps, where you might see whitewater rafters or kayakers navigating the rapids. Astoria Bridge provides access to natural hot springs, offering a unique opportunity to soak while enjoying the canyon views. The ever-changing foliage along the river adds to the visual appeal throughout the seasons.
This route is popular for its dynamic scenery, with views of the river's rapids and the steep canyon walls. You can find pull-offs and boat ramps, where you might see whitewater rafters or kayakers navigating the rapids. Astoria Bridge provides access to natural hot springs, offering a unique opportunity to soak while enjoying the canyon views. The ever-changing foliage along the river adds to the visual appeal throughout the seasons.
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is a captivating one-way, three-mile road located off the main Teton Park Road. It offers an intimate perspective of Jenny Lake and its surrounding peaks. This less-traveled gem provides a tranquil experience at the base of the Tetons.
The drive skirts the east shore of the glacial Jenny Lake, providing spectacular views of the Cathedral Group reflected in its clear waters. Several trailheads, including those leading to Hidden Falls and Cascade Canyon, begin here. You can also stop at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center in the historic Harrison Crandall photography studio to learn more about the park's geology and wildlife. This loop is ideal for a short, peaceful exploration.
The drive skirts the east shore of the glacial Jenny Lake, providing spectacular views of the Cathedral Group reflected in its clear waters. Several trailheads, including those leading to Hidden Falls and Cascade Canyon, begin here. You can also stop at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center in the historic Harrison Crandall photography studio to learn more about the park's geology and wildlife. This loop is ideal for a short, peaceful exploration.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway (Towards Yellowstone)
The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway is a scenic connector between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, offering a beautiful drive through expansive lodgepole pine forests alongside the Snake River. This parkway is a testament to Rockefeller's conservation efforts.
As you drive north from Grand Teton, the Parkway provides a transition zone where you might spot wildlife such as bison, moose, or elk. It leads directly to the South Entrance of Yellowstone, offering glimpses of Lewis Lake before entering the world's first national park. The Parkway provides continuous scenic beauty, hinting at the grander landscapes found further north in Yellowstone.
As you drive north from Grand Teton, the Parkway provides a transition zone where you might spot wildlife such as bison, moose, or elk. It leads directly to the South Entrance of Yellowstone, offering glimpses of Lewis Lake before entering the world's first national park. The Parkway provides continuous scenic beauty, hinting at the grander landscapes found further north in Yellowstone.
Teton Pass to Idaho
For a different kind of scenic adventure that transcends Wyoming's borders, driving over Teton Pass (Highway 22) into Idaho offers stunning mountain views and a glimpse into the neighboring Teton Valley. This high mountain pass starts just outside Wilson, west of Jackson.
The winding ascent provides incredible vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the western slopes of the Tetons. At the summit (8,431 feet), there are pull-offs where you can take in the expansive views. The drive then descends into the peaceful Teton Valley, where you can explore charming towns like Victor and Driggs. These towns offer a different pace and local flavor compared to Jackson Hole. It's a great way to experience more of the regional beauty.
The winding ascent provides incredible vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the western slopes of the Tetons. At the summit (8,431 feet), there are pull-offs where you can take in the expansive views. The drive then descends into the peaceful Teton Valley, where you can explore charming towns like Victor and Driggs. These towns offer a different pace and local flavor compared to Jackson Hole. It's a great way to experience more of the regional beauty.
Work with Colby Murphy for Jackson Hole Real Estate
If you're ready to buy or sell in Jackson Hole, Colby Murphy brings the energy, experience, and drive to help you succeed. With a background in competitive cycling and a proven track record in luxury real estate markets like La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe, Colby thrives in high-performance environments.
Colby pairs an intense work ethic with a commitment to protecting his clients’ interests through every step of the transaction. Whether you're seeking a legacy home in the Tetons or looking to make a strategic move in a competitive market, Colby’s attention to detail and deep local insight will make the difference. With a lifestyle rooted in the Jackson Hole community and a professional focus on real estate excellence, Colby is your trusted guide to buying or selling in this extraordinary place.
Reach out today to get started. Browse real estate in Jackson Hole here.
Colby pairs an intense work ethic with a commitment to protecting his clients’ interests through every step of the transaction. Whether you're seeking a legacy home in the Tetons or looking to make a strategic move in a competitive market, Colby’s attention to detail and deep local insight will make the difference. With a lifestyle rooted in the Jackson Hole community and a professional focus on real estate excellence, Colby is your trusted guide to buying or selling in this extraordinary place.
Reach out today to get started. Browse real estate in Jackson Hole here.
