If you’ve never been to Togwotee Mountain Lodge in the summer, it’s helpful to have a plan to ensure you see and do it all. We’ve put together our favorite itineraries that celebrate the beauty and adventure of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
And while you’re planning your visit, be sure to check out our Specials & Packages - we're bound to have a deal that suits your interest.
Our Favorite 3-4-Day Summer Itinerary |
Start your day off with a nice warm breakfast from the Grizzly Grill. After breakfast grab the family, backpacks and water and jump in the car. You are about to embark on an adventure to Grand Teton National Park’s, Jenny Lake! Remember to pack your hiking boots and trekking pole to help you along the way! The hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is about 5.9 miles or you can take the shuttle to reduce the time spent hiking on the trail.
Day Itinerary
Craig Thomas Discovery Center. On your way out of Togwotee Mountain Lodge, stop and visit the Craig Thomas Discovery Center and learn about the local flora, Grand Teton National Park has a number of beautiful wild flowers. Pass by the Moose Entrance Station and obtain a park map and newsletter to see what is happening in the park today.
Jenny Lake. From Moose Entrance take South Jenny Lake Junction and park near the boat dock parking. Either hike or shuttle to the end of Jenny Lake to the Cascade Canyon Trailhead (if you opt for the boat ride, you will save about 2.5 miles of walking). From here you will head to Hidden Falls and then to Inspiration Point, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and huckleberry patches along the trail!
Hidden Falls. Cascade Canyon Trailhead will cross over to Cascade Canyon Creek, keep a look out for the Valley Trail, which is the western portion of the loop around Jenny Lake. Pass the horse trail and continue straight at the trail junction, keep your eyes peeled for a side trail that leads to Hidden Falls, here you will see spectacular views of the waterfall. |
Inspiration Point. Continue ascending the trail to Inspiration Point, with views of Teewinot and a lovely view of Jenny Lake. Begin to descent to either the boat dock or back to South Jenny Lake parking lot. |
Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Head back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge via Teton Park Road, take the Moran Entrance. Be sure to enjoy a beautiful sunset and enjoy a much deserved, hearty meal in either Grizzly Grill or the Red Fox Saloon!
Are you looking for a family friendly hike in Grand Teton National Park? Then you have come to the right place. Today we will embark on a hike to Phelps Lake! Remember to grab your boxed lunch prior to departing Togwotee Mountain Lodge!
Day Itinerary
Oxbow Bend. Drive to Grand Teton National Park via the Moran Entrance. Stop by the famous "Oxbow Bend" for photos. Continue driving to the Jackson Lake intersection and be sure to stop at the Jackson Lake Dam. Continue driving, there will be many overlooks here, feel free to stop and take pictures. Exit the Moose entrance station. |
Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve. Take a right onto Moose/Wilson Road and drive to the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve and park. Talk with one of the rangers and obtain a trail map. Based on skill level the guide will help you decide the best trail for you. If you take the Woodland Trail then you may end up at “Jump Off Rock”, a beautiful place to stop and enjoy a picnic! Remember to pack out what you bring in and don’t leave a trace of waste. |
Moose Visitor Center. Hike back to Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! Leaving the Preserve head back to the main Park Road and take a right, at your next right check out the Moose Visitor Center. |
Antelope Flats. Leaving the Visitors Center head toward Highway 26/287 and make a right at Antelope Flats. Down the road is "Mormon Rowe", some of the first houses in the area as well as beautiful scenery. |
Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Depart Antelope Flats and head back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge for dinner at the Grizzly Grill!
In the mood for a day out on the town? Then we have the perfect itinerary for you and your family! Stop at the Grizzly Grill before you leave for a nice hot breakfast, served daily from 7am-10am. After everybody has a full belly, climb in the vehicle and head towards Jackson Hole, Wyoming! Remember to pack your binoculars, a towel and a rain jacket just in case! We will be embarking on a Scenic Float Trip this morning. Please remember to talk with the front desk about making reservations for your family.
Day Itinerary
Scenic Float Trip. From Togwotee Mountain Lodge head towards Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, WY on HWY 26/287, take a right on Moose Junction. Make a left at the Craig Thomas Discovery Center, park and meet the representative for Triangle X Scenic Float Trips. It’s time to start your 10-mile float trip down the Snake River! The 10 mile stretch takes about 3 hours but can fluctuate between 2.5- 3.5 hours. Once on the river let your guide do all of the work, sit back and take in the beautiful panoramic views of the Tetons. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! At the end of your trip the guide will take you back to your parking spot, load the vehicle and head west to Jackson Hole, WY. |
Jackson Visitor Center. When you enter the town of Jackson on Cache Street, you will see the Elk Refuge to the left. Continue driving, stop at the Jackson Visitor Center and collect some literature on the area as well as suggestions on where to dine. Stop and enjoy a bite to eat at one of our amazing local restaurants! Shop around the Town Square... don't forget your cowboy hat and take pictures underneath the Antler Arches!
Jackson Hole Rodeo. Take Snow King Avenue to the Teton County Fairgrounds to attend the Jackson Hole Rodeo! Enjoy a nice dinner after the rodeo and then return East to Togwotee Mountain Lodge for a good night's rest. |
If you only have one day to see Yellowstone then here are the must do’s when coming from the South Entrance of Yellowstone! Make sure that you get on the road early so you can stop at each of the sites! This tour will take about 12 hours to complete.
Day Itinerary
Lower Geyser Basin. Departing Togwotee Mountain Lodge drive to the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Drive to Madison Junction to Lower Geyser Basin, here be sure to take the Fountain Paint Pot Walk. Drive 5 miles to Midway Geyser Basin and take the Midway Basin Walk.
Old Faithful. From Midway Geyser Basin drive 6 miles to Old Faithful. Stop by the Visitor Center to see when the next eruption will be and check out the Historical Old Faithful Inn. There are plenty of eating options, grab lunch at Old Faithful Inn, Old Faithful Lodge or the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. |
West Thumb Geyser. Drive 17 miles to walk the West Thumb Geyser Walk and see Yellowstone Lake. You are welcome to take a dip in the lake, but remember the average water temperature in the summer is 40-50° Fahrenheit!
Artist Point. Drive 35 miles to Fishing Bridge to stop at Artist Point and take a few pictures. Explore the canyon area taking the South Rim Drive.
Mammoth Hot Springs. Drive 40 miles to Mammoth Hot Springs, and from there take the Upper Terrace Drive. Begin departure from Yellowstone, take the South Entrance.
Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Go through Grand Teton National Park and head back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge for a hefty meal at the Grizzly Grill.
You say it’s your family’s first time to Yellowstone National Park? Then we have a two day tour that is perfect for you and your family!
Remember to stop by the Grizzly Grill for a nice hot breakfast and then swing by the front desk to pick up you and your family’s boxed lunches!
Day 1
The day starts with Old Faithful Geyser and checking the nearby Visitor Center to get the predicted eruption times for other geysers. This information can be used to plan when to hike the Firehole River Walk and visit the Lower Geyser Basin. The day ends at Norris Geyser Basin, where again it pays to check with the Ranger at the Norris Museum to see if an eruption of Echinus Geyser is imminent. With some luck, you may be able to see three or four major geysers erupt in just one day!
Old Faithful. Departing Togwotee Mountain Lodge and drive to Old Faithful Village. Stop by the Visitor Center to see when the next eruption is of Old Faithful and be sure to look around Old Faithful Inn. |
Firehole River Walk. Hike the Firehole River Walk to Morning Glory and back just in time for lunc. Enjoy your boxed lunch at one of the many nearby picnic sites. |
Midway Geyser Basin. Drive 6 miles to Midway Basin and walk the Midway Geyser Basin Walk to see Grand Prismatic Spring. Drive about 5 miles to Lower Geyser Basing and take the Firehole Lake Drive. Park and take the Fountain Paint Pot Walk.
Norris Geyser Basin. Drive 22 miles to Norris Geyser Basin and take the Porcelain Basin Walk. Be sure to take a look at the close Steamboat Geyser.
Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Head back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge from Yellowstone National Park South Entrance and enjoy dinner at Grizzly Grill.
Day 2
The next day begins with a driving tour at Mammoth Hot Springs and proceeds to the Yellowstone River and over Mount Washburn to Canyon Village. After seeing the infamous Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the two great waterfalls, you will then travel through the tranquil Hayden Valley and finish the day at the West Thumb Geyser Basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
Mammoth Hot Springs. Drive from Togwotee Mountain Lodge to Mammoth Hot Springs. On arrival take the upper Terrace Drive. Depart Mammoth and drive 20 miles to Tower/Roosevelt Junction and stop at Sulphur Springs Overlook. |
Canyon Village. Drive over Mount Washburn to Canyon Village to visit the Visitor Center. Enjoy a nice lunch at Canyon Village at either their deli, cafeteria or dining room.
Inspiration Point. Take the North Rim Drive to Inspiration Point.
Artist Point. Take the South Rim Drive to Artist Poin and Uncle Tom's Point.
Hayden Valley. Drive 4 miles to Hayden Valley and along the way keep your eyes peeled for Bison. Be sure to take the Mud Volcano Walk. |
West Thumb. Drive 27 miles from Hayden Valley to West Thumb to take the West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk.
Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Return to Togwotee Mountain Lodge from Yellowstone National Park South Entrance.
Is your family excited about Yellowstone National Park? Who wouldn’t be!? We have a perfect 3 day tour that includes many geysers, hot springs and even a beach! Remember to pack accordingly and bring snacks, water, sunscreen and some extra layers! You never know how the weather could change throughout the course of the day. Wear your walking shoes, the only way to many of the geysers and thermal pools is by walking.
Day 1
Old Faithful. Depart Togwotee Mountain Lodge and head to Old Faithful. Explore the Visitor Center and watch Old Faithful erupt! Ask the Visitor Center or the Old Faithful Inn for the next eruption times. Take a few minutes to explore Old Faithful Inn.
Firehole River Walk. You will have an opportunity to see several major geysers along the Firehole River Walk. Take a break and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the Old Faithful area.
Black Sand Geyser Basin. Drive 2 miles to the Black Sand Geyser Basin, park and take the Black Sand Geyser Basin Walk. Drive 5 miles to the Midway Geyser Basin, park and take the Midway Geyser Basin Walk. Drive another 5 miles to the Lower Geyser Basin.
Firehole Lake. Take Lower Geyser Basin to the Firehole Lake Drive and explore the Fountain Paint Pot. Drive back to the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, continue driving through Grand Teton National Park.
Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Make a left at the Moran Junction, head east on HWY 26/287 and continue driving back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge.
Day 2
Norris Geyser Basin. Depart Togwotee Mountain Lodge and drive through Grand Teton National Park and enter Yellowstone National park via the South Entrance. Drive towards Norris Geyser Basin and take Norris Geyser Basin to the Porcelain Basin Walk and to Steamboat Geyser.
Mammoth Hot Springs. Drive 20 miles to Mammoth Hot Springs, from Mammoth take the Upper Terrace Drive and then the Lower Terrace Walk. Stop and have lunch at one of the picnic sites. (Tip: Bring a boxed lunch from Togwotee, complete your lunch from the day prior).
Sulphur Springs Overlook. Drive 18 miles to Roosevelt Junction and Tour and stop at the Sulphur Springs Overlook. Drive 10 miles to Dunraven Pass, and another 7 miles to Canyon Village.
Canyon Village. Explore Canyon Village and the Visitor Center, there is food options located here.
Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Depart Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance, continue driving through Grand Teton National Park. Make a left at the Moran Junction (head east on HWY 26/287) and continue driving 16.5 miles back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge.
Day 3
Hayden Valley. Depart Togwotee Mountain Lodge, drive through Grand Teton National Park and enter Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance. Drive to Canyon Village to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone! Be sure to take both the North Rim Drive and the South Rim Drive. Drive to Hayden Valley and watch for Bison!
Mud Volcano. Head to the Mud Volcano Area and take the Mud Volcano Walk.
Fishing Bridge. Drive to Fishing Bridge and/or Lake Village and enjoy lunch with an amazing view.
West Thumb Geyser. Drive 21 miles to West Thumb Geyser Basin and take the West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk. Relax on the beach if time allows.
Togwotee Mountain Lodge. Depart Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance, continue driving through Grand Teton National Park. Make a left at the Moran Junction (head east on HWY 26/287) and continue driving back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge.
Is your family excited about Yellowstone National Park? Who wouldn’t be!? We have a perfect 3 day tour that includes many geysers, hot springs and even a beach! Remember to pack accordingly and bring snacks, water, sunscreen and some extra layers! You never know how the weather could change throughout the course of the day. Wear your walking shoes, the only way to many of the geysers and thermal pools is by walking.
Day 1
- Head 16.5 miles west on HWY 26/287, turn at the Moran Junction (East Entrance of Grand Teton National Park)
- Drive through Grand Teton National Park and enter Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance, continue driving to Old Faithful (77 miles from Togwotee)
- Stop at Old Faithful and explore the Visitor Center and watch Old Faithful erupt! (Tip: Ask the Visitor Center or Old Faithful Inn for the next eruption time)
- Take a few minutes to explore Old Faithful Inn
- Take the Firehole River Walk, you will have an opportunity to see several major geysers
- Take a break and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in the Old Faithful area
- Drive about 2 miles to the Black Sand Geyser Basin, park and take the Black Sand Geyser Basin Walk
- Drive about 5 miles to the Midway Geyser Basin, park and take the Midway Geyser Basin Walk
- Drive about 5 miles to the Lower Geyser Basin
- Take the Lower Geyser Basin to the Firehole Lake Drive continue and explore the Fountain Paint Pot
- Drive back to the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, continue driving through Grand Teton National Park
- Make a left at the Moran Junction (head east on HWY 26/287) and continue driving 16.5 miles back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Day 2
- Head 16.5 miles west on HWY 26/287, turn at the Moran Junction (East Entrance of Grand Teton National Park)
- Drive through Grand Teton National Park and enter Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance, Drive towards Norris Geyser Basin
- Take the Norris Geyser Basin to the Porcelain Basin Walk
- Take the Norris Geyser Basin to Steamboat Geyser
- Drive about 20 miles to Mammoth Hot Springs
- From Mammoth take the Upper Terrace Drive and then the Lower Terrace Walk
- Stop and have lunch at one of the picnic sites (Tip: Bring a boxed lunch from Togwotee, complete your lunch form the day prior)
- Drive about 18 miles to Roosevelt Junction and Tower
- Stop at the Sulphur Springs Overlook
- Drive about 10 miles to Dunraven Pass
- Drive about 7 miles to Canyon Village
- Stop and explore Canyon Village (there is a Visitor Center and food options located here)
- Depart Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance, continue driving through Grand Teton National Park
- Make a left at the Moran Junction (head east on HWY 26/287) and continue driving 16.5 miles back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Day 3
- Head 16.5 miles west on HWY 26/287, turn at the Moran Junction (East Entrance of Grand Teton National Park)
- Drive through Grand Teton National Park and enter Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance, Drive to Canyon Village to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone!
- Take the North Rim Drive
- Take the South Rim Drive
- Drive to Hayden Valley, watch for Bison!
- Head to the Mud Volcano Area and take the Mud Volcano Walk
- Continue along Le Hardy Rapids and take the Le Hardy Rapids Walk
- Drive to Fishing Bridge and/or Lake Village and enjoy lunch with an amazing view
- Drive about 21 miles to West Thumb Geyser Basin and take the West Thumb Geyser Basin Walk
- Relax on the beach if time allows
- Depart Yellowstone National Park via the South Entrance, continue driving through Grand Teton National Park
- Make a left at the Moran Junction (head east on HWY 26/287) and continue driving 16.5 miles back to Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Watchable wildlife abounds in the Wyoming mountains surrounding Togwotee Mountain Lodge. While the first animals that come to mind when planning National Park vacation in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem might be bison, moose, wolves or elk, bird watching is also a fun and rewarding vacation activity.
Here is a 3-day Grand Teton National Park area birder’s itinerary, perfect for a long weekend anytime from June to September, to help you plan your visit.
NOTE: When birding in Wyoming it’s important to keep in mind that humans aren’t the only animals attracted to birding hotspots – keep an eye out for other wildlife, carry bear spray and keep your distance if you have any encounters.
Day 1
- On your way to Togwotee Mountain Lodge from the greater Jackson Hole area? Be sure to plan a visit to the Teton Raptor Center. On Saturdays, you can enjoy their one-hour Raptor Encounters program where you’ll meet their resident Raptors and learn more about the birds of prey that live in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
- Check in at Togwotee Mountain Lodge. We recommend ordering a box lunch to take along on tomorrow’s adventures.
- After settling into your cabin or lodge room, wind down your day by immersing yourself in the Western charm of our own Red Fox Saloon. You’ll be able to choose from several Wyoming beers while enjoying the pub style menu – the Whiskey Basin Bison Burger is a local favorite!
Day 2
- Enjoy a cup of coffee and choose among delicious breakfast choices like our Bourbon Pecan Pancakes or Applewood Smoked Bacon Strata at the Grizzly Grill.
- Today you’ll start your day by making the short 30 minute scenic drive to Grand Teton National Park’s world-famous Oxbow Bend. This stunning spot is well known to photographers and wildlife watchers alike. The slow waters of the Snake River make it a great place to view Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons and Sandhill Cranes. As animals tend to congregate around food and water, there are also opportunities to see other animals such as otters, beavers and larger mammals such as moose and elk.
- Continue north on the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway, past Teton Park Road on the left, and stop at Willow Flats Overlook. This is another hotbed of birding activity in Grand Teton National Park. Most birds that are seen in the greater Yellowstone / Grand Teton area are migratory, so keep your eye out for American bitterns, northern harriers, cliff swallows and various varieties of warblers.
- Head south on the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway and take a right on Teton Park Road. On your way through Grand Teton National Park, don’t miss the scenic views available at Cathedral Group Turnout, Cascade Canyon Turnout and Jenny Lake Overlook. Keep an eye out for golden eagles, gray jays and Western tanagers.
- Stop at Jenny Lake, take the shuttle boat across (fee) and hike up to Inspiration Point. The strenuous hike will take you uphill .6 miles to Hidden Falls and another .4 miles to Inspiration Point. Along the way, watch for red tailed hawks, eagles and woodpeckers.
- Return through Moose to Togwotee Lodge just in time for dinner at the Grizzly Grill, we recommend the ribeye steak or pan seared Idaho trout.
Day 3
- After breakfast and before checking out of Togwotee Mountain Lodge, be sure to stop at our gift shop (located in the main lodge) for any last minute mementos.
- Head back down the mountain towards Jackson, return to Grand Teton National Park via Moose. Odds are that you’ll spot a few Antelope or Bison along the way.
- Before leaving the area, explore the trails – and abundant bird watching opportunities - around the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Phelps Lake.