Some places leave you speechless. Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone are two of them. This region of the country is simply stunning—a land of jagged peaks, mirror-like lakes, and untamed wilderness.
“After spending a few weeks in both Montana and Wyoming, I’m not sure that I can pick a favorite. We’ve discovered that this is about the most beautiful part of the country we’ve ever visited”, from the photographic story telling of travels by Scott Lengel, Co-founder and CEO of AdventureGenie, our inspiration for this newly created blog channel.
Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, road trip enthusiast, or simply a lover of the outdoors, this is a place that stays with you long after you leave. And thanks to tools like AdventureGenie, planning your dream national park road trip has never been easier.
Start Your Adventure with Smart Trip Planning
Before diving into the beauty of the Tetons, let’s talk about planning. If you’ve ever tried mapping out a cross-country road trip, you know it can be overwhelming.
Where should you stop? What’s the best route? Where are the hidden gems that most tourists miss?
That’s where AdventureGenie comes in. This AI-powered trip planner helps you create a personalized itinerary, whether you’re traveling by car, RV, or camper van. Simply start your search from your home location and let AdventureGenie do the rest—curating the best routes, campgrounds, and must-see attractions along the way.
Hidden Gem: Schwabacher Landing at Sunrise
One of the best-kept secrets in Grand Teton National Park is Schwabacher Landing. Tucked along the Snake River in Moose, Wyoming, it’s a place where early risers are rewarded with absolute magic.
At sunrise, the Teton Range reflects perfectly in the still waters of the river, creating a dream-like scene that photographers chase for years. Scott Lengel wrote in his blog that “the morning we visited, the clouds were heavy and dramatic, adding an extra layer of depth to the shot”.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
For less than a minute, the sky exploded with color—purple, pink, and gold dancing on the mountains. It’s moments like this that make the 4:00 AM wake-up call worth it.
Best Campgrounds Near Grand Teton & Yellowstone
If you’re camping, these spots offer great access to the parks:
⛺ Grand Teton National Park: Colter Bay Village Campground
📍 Location: Moran, WY (8.2 miles from Grand Teton National Park)
🔥 Why Stay Here? Full hookups, stunning lakefront views, and easy access to hiking trails. It’s one of the best places to camp inside the park.
⛺ Yellowstone National Park: Fishing Bridge RV Park
📍 Location: 22 Fishing Bridge RV Park Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
🔥 Why Stay Here? Access to shower, water and sewer hookups, making it perfect for RV travelers. Wildlife viewing is incredible here—don’t be surprised if you wake up to bison wandering nearby!
More Must-See Spots in Grand Teton
If you’re heading to Grand Teton National Park, make sure these spots are on your list:
🌄 Oxbow Bend
A mirror-like reflection of Mount Moran on calm mornings. Bring a wide-angle lens for stunning landscape shots just like the one below.
Photo of Oxbow Bend taken by Scott Lengel Photography
🏡 T.A. Moulton Barn
A piece of American history, this early 1900s barn is one of the most photographed spots in the West. Arrive at golden hour for the best light. This beautiful shot was also captured by Scott Lengel.
🗺️ Taggart & Bradley Lakes Hike
A moderate 3.8-mile hike that offers one of the best unobstructed views of the Tetons. Go early to avoid crowds.
🚣 Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls
Take the scenic boat ride across Jenny Lake, then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for jaw-dropping views.
Photo of Jenny Lake by Scott Lengel Photography
🏔️ Snake River Overlook
This is where Ansel Adams took one of his most famous photographs. A perfect stop for black-and-white photography experiments.
Photo by Ansel Adams
Where to Eat Near Grand Teton
Exploring national parks works up an appetite, and the Jackson Hole area does not disappoint. Here are some must-visit spots:
🍩 Persephone Bakery (Jackson, WY)
A cozy café with amazing pastries, avocado toast, and strong coffee—perfect for fueling up before a long day of adventure.
🥩 The Gun Barrel Steak & Game House (Jackson, WY)
For those craving a true Western dining experience, try their bison steak, elk medallions, or Rocky Mountain trout.
🍕 Dornan’s Pizza & Pasta (Moose, WY)
Located right outside Grand Teton National Park, this spot serves up delicious pizza with an unbeatable view of the Tetons.
🍦 Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream (Jackson, WY)
After a long day of hiking, treat yourself to huckleberry ice cream, a Wyoming specialty!
Best Breweries & Wineries Near Grand Teton
🍺 Melvin Brewing (Alpine, WY)
Award-winning craft beer with great views of the Snake River. Try the 2×4 Double IPA.
🍷 Jackson Hole Winery (Jackson, WY)
A small-batch winery with incredible mountain views and rich red blends. Perfect for unwinding after a long day of hiking.
🍺 Roadhouse Brewing Co. (Jackson, WY)
A local favorite serving creative craft beers like the Mountain Jam Hazy IPA.
From the Tetons to Yellowstone: Your Next Adventure Awaits
After visiting the Tetons, it’s time to head north toward Yellowstone National Park—one of the most iconic and diverse landscapes in the country. There’s so much to explore, and the best way to make the most of it is by following our Yellowstone Genie Trip.
Instead of trying to piece together an itinerary on your own, let AdventureGenie guide you to the must-see geysers, wildlife hotspots, and scenic drives. Our trip planner curates the best routes, campgrounds, and hidden gems—making your national park adventure stress-free.
🚐 What’s on the Yellowstone Genie Trip?
✔ Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin – The park’s most famous geyser erupts every 90 – 120 minutes—a must-see.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
✔ Yellowstone Lake – The grand, peaceful, and cold Yellowstone Lake has over 140 miles of shoreline. Small boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and boat tours are available inside the park.
✔ Wildlife – Bison, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, wolves, or bears are just some of the animals you may see while in Yellowstone.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
✔ Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone – Waterfalls and dramatic canyon views make this a top photo spot.
Photo by Scott Lengel Photography
Dog-Friendly Trails Near Yellowstone
🐾 Boiling River Trail
A short, scenic walk to a natural hot spring where you can soak while enjoying incredible views.
🐾 Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail
Offers beautiful river views and is one of the few dog-friendly hikes near Yellowstone.
Extend Your Journey: Glacier National Park
After soaking in the beauty of Yellowstone, why stop there? The Glacier National Park Road Trip takes you even further—north to the breathtaking landscapes of Glacier National Park in Montana.
Here’s what you won’t want to miss:
🏔 Going-to-the-Sun Road– This 50-mile scenic drive is the most popular activity in the park, but requires a reservation through Recreation.gov.
🏔 Hidden Lake Overlook – A stunning alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks, often visited by mountain goats.
🏔 Lake McDonald – A 10-mile-long mountain lake that offers a variety of rentals, such as stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
For camping, check out West Glacier KOA—a top-rated spot just outside the park with full amenities and easy access to park entrances.
Plan Your Dream National Park Road Trip
No two trips should be the same. That’s where AdventureGenie comes in. Instead of following someone else’s itinerary, create your own unique adventure—customized to your interests, time frame, and travel style.
Whether you’re dreaming of national parks, scenic road trips, or epic hikes — AdventureGenie makes it easy. Start planning your perfect trip today! 🚗🏔️✨
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