Grand Teton National Park
From Geysers to Grand Views: Our Journey from Yellowstone to Jackson Lake Lodge
After an early morning wake-up and a quick breakfast, we packed up, grabbed our lunches, and hit the road for one last day exploring Yellowstone National Park before heading south to Grand Teton National Park. Our first stop was Norris Geyser Basin, about an hour’s drive from our hotel. The walk around the basin was otherworldly — steaming vents, bubbling pools, and colorful mineral terraces everywhere you looked. We enjoyed our packed lunch in the car before continuing our drive through the park.
Next up was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and wow — it absolutely lived up to its name. The sheer size, vibrant colors, and powerful waterfalls were breathtaking. As we drove farther south, the park gifted us one more unforgettable moment: a bison walked right towards our car and came within inches of my window. Seeing this massive animal up close was thrilling and scary at the same time.
We made a few more quick stops, including the Mud Volcano, which offered bubbling geothermal features that looked (and smelled!) straight out of a science experiment, and West Thumb Geyser Basin, where boardwalks wind past turquoise pools set against the backdrop of Yellowstone Lake.
By late afternoon, we arrived at Jackson Lake Lodge, where we checked into our cozy Classic Cottage with Two Queen Beds. The cottages are set away from the main lodge. It was like being in a quiet little neighborhood surrounded by trees — peaceful and perfectly family-friendly.
After dropping off our bags, we slipped into swimsuits and drove over to Colter Bay Village for dinner and a dip in the lake. We shared a pizza from the café (about $27) and then swam in Jackson Lake, surrounded by the most jaw-dropping view of the Grand Tetons. It felt like swimming inside a postcard.
Back at the lodge, we spent the evening relaxing on the patio, watching as the setting sun painted the Teton range in glowing shades of gold, pink, and purple. The view from Jackson Lake Lodge might just be one of the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen — vast, peaceful, and unforgettable. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with adventure, wildlife, and wonder.
A Day in Grand Teton: Jenny Lake Adventures and Mountain Views
The next morning, we woke up early and grabbed breakfast at the Pioneer Grill inside Jackson Lake Lodge — a cozy, diner-style spot with hearty breakfasts and great coffee. Fueled up and ready for another day of exploring, we headed to Jenny Lake, one of the most popular and picturesque spots in Grand Teton National Park.
We arrived around 9:30 a.m., and it was already getting crowded — so if you plan to visit, arrive early to snag a parking spot. We walked part of the trail around the lake, soaking in the incredible views of the Tetons reflected in the crystal-clear water. Then we hiked up to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the lake, which was absolutely worth the climb.
Instead of hiking back, we took the Jenny Lake ferry across the water to the visitor center — a fun, quick ride that gave us a whole new perspective of the surrounding peaks. We enjoyed our packed lunch by the water, then couldn’t resist changing into our swimsuits for a refreshing dip in the lake. The water was chilly but so invigorating, and swimming with the mountains as your backdrop is something I’ll never forget!
Later in the afternoon, we drove to Signal Mountain Overlook, where we started a short hike that led us to another small lake — a peaceful hidden gem away from the crowds. It was the perfect quiet moment to wrap up a day full of adventure.
By evening, we were happily exhausted and made our way back to Jackson Lake Lodge for dinner. Watching the sun dip behind the Tetons one last time before heading to bed was the perfect ending to another incredible day in Wyoming’s wild beauty.
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