Jackson Hole Bucket List Grand Teton & Yellowstone

We arrive in Jackson Hole with a beautiful view of the Teton range flying into Jackson airport. A 20 min drive to downtown Jackson to our Airbnb condo. We quickly get settled and head into iconic Jackson square for a few photo opps before pregaming cocktails at the Million Cowboy Bar, a must visit establishment. Dinner was at Local, right next door, for delicious steaks, great food and top notch service. We head back to the condo full but of course for a “final final” (or two) and a little gin rummie 500!

Pro Tip: Spend $30 to buy the “Just Ahead” app. This is an audio, GPS guided tour of National Parks that absolutely made our trip! You just put your phone on bluetooth, drive and the narrator does the rest - providing historical perspectives, recommended (and not recommended ) stops along the way. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

On the road by 9am, we venture out of Jackson, past the Elk refuge and onward to Grand Teton National Park. It’s a right of passage to take the pic at the Grand Teton National Park sign as you come over the hill to the majestic Tetons. After a short stop at the Grand Teton Visitor Center for a brief history lesson and souvenir shopping, it was Jenny Lake to take some breathtaking photos. There are plenty of hikes available for those looking for adventure - both long and short. We had to stick with short walks and a car tour given my parent’s age. Next time!

We ventured north in the park with more picturesque views along the way, stopping for lunch at Jackson Hole Lodge. With hotel rooms and small cabins available, this would be a fantastic place to stay for those looking for central access to some of the best hiking in Grand Teton National Park.

We got on the road early, gearing up for the 1 and a half hour drive to Yellowstone National Park’s south entrance. After a quick stop at The Bunnery Restaurant and Bakery (a must!) we hit the road. Just before leaving Grand Teton National Park, we came across an “Animal Jam” where we saw a Grizzly Bear and two of her cubs along the roadside - an amazing sight!

A short while later, we arrived at Old Faithful geyser, 20 minutes before the show, where we took some photos inside the iconic and beautiful Old Faithful Inn, saved by the 1988 wildfires and steps from Old Faithful viewing. We ventured on to the Grand Prismatic Spring and then the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, part of the lower loop, where there were multiple stops to take unbelievable photos of the upper water falls and breathtaking canyon. Our final stop before heading home after a long day of sightseeing, was a quick drink at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel but not before seeing a herd of buffalo along the way driving through the incredible views of Hayden Valley.

We wrapped up the day with a casual dinner at StillWest Brewery & Grill at the base of Snow King Resort in Jackson for a taste of local favorites.

Travel Day - We couldn’t help but visiting The Bunnery Restaurant & Bakery for a real sit down breakfast (it was that good!) before some last minute shopping. My brother and I decided to drive out to Moose Junction to drop some fly fishing lines in the Snake River for an hour or so while my sister and parents shopped. We didn’t catch anything but it was worth it!

I catch wait to come back to Jackson Hole!