Grand Teton National Park

The day after our visit to Yellowstone National Park, we drove down to its sister park, Grand Teton National Park. What did we think of it? Read on to find out!

Sunday morning we packed our cooler and headed to Grand Teton National Park, about 2.5 hours from our camping location. The drive was quiet and a bit hazy from all of the fires in the west, but it was warm and sunny nonetheless. We arrived shortly after lunch time and headed to the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to grab a map, the kids’ Junior Ranger books, and get information about bringing our service dog in the park. Most of the buildings here were open, unlike those at Yellowstone the day before.

A park ranger was stationed at the entrance to the visitor center to limit the number of people in the building and answer questions. We were able to get a park map and the Junior Ranger books (and badges for the parents to give the kids once they completed their books), and headed inside to inquire about our service dog.

Once we got to the counter we were informed that we had to fill out a form for our dog in case anyone had any issues with her. This was also the first time we were asked what duties she performs, so if you do bring your service dog here and check in with a ranger be ready to answer that question.

The view from the top of Signal Mountain

From the visitor center we drove around Teton Park Rd and up the Signal Mountain Summit road. The drive up there was gorgeous, if a little narrow at times, and the view from the top was amazing, even with most of the view covered by the smoke from the fires.

Some views around Jenny Lake

Back down the road we headed to Jenny Lake, taking the scenic Jenny Lake Loop and stopping at the lakeshore where the two older kids and I hiked a portion of the Leigh Lake trail.

After that we headed out of the park and back to our camper, made a late supper of vegetarian hot dogs and baked beans, and settled in for a week of work and learning.

We didn’t get to spend a lot of time in Grand Teton National Park but we’re glad we made the trip. Have you been there? What did you think? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a comment below, find us on Facebook and Pinterest @simplejoyfuljourney, or email me at alicia@simplejoyfuljourney.com. Have a great week!

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