Inner Park Loop Road
Travel for 20 unforgettable miles through Grand Teton National Park underneath the watchful eyes of the towering Tetons. This relaxing drive offers postcard views of the Teton range, expansive sagebrush vistas and ample photo opportunities. One of the more famous ones is Oxbow Bend, pictured above.
Keep your eyes peeled for bears (especially the famous bruin 399), pronghorn, bald eagles, moose and more wildlife. For a culinary treat, stop in at Signal Mountain Lodge’s restaurant for their beyond yummy nachos.
NOTE: The entrance to Yellowstone National Park closes on November 1st.
Jenny Lake Scenic Loop
This one-way, 3-mile road off the main park roadway is a less traveled gem nestled at the base of the Tetons and is ideal not just for vehicles, but bicycles, too. At Jenny Lake Overlook, visitors can gaze across crystal waters at remarkable rocky peaks.
A number of trailheads begin at Jenny Lake and day-hiking opportunities are plentiful. For a more leisurely lake experience, take a cruise on Jenny Lake Shuttle, which runs throughout the day from South Lake to the Cascade Canyon Trailhead.
Kelly Loop
The Kelly herd of bison comes out and plays in force just before sunset on this 16-mile loop that starts and ends at Gros Ventre Junction. Head towards Shadow Mountain for serene country dirt roads, or see the remnants of 19th-century settler life at Mormon Row, where the historic Moulton Barn still stands against a backdrop of jagged peaks. The barn is one of the most photographed in the country.
Gros Ventre Road
Just one mile North of Kelly, the Gros Ventre road follows the Gros Ventre River into Bridger-Teton National Forest. Red rocks and sandstone faces rise from either side of the canyon road, creating a colorful backdrop. Take a break at Slide Lake, named for one of the largest landslides in recorded Wyoming history, which shaped much of the natural landscape in the area. However, this route is off the beaten path and travelers should be prepared with supplies and a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Before you head out to the Gros Ventre, consider picking up a picnic lunch at Creekside Deli to enjoy at the lake.
Moose Wilson Road
Wildlife spotting is a given on this narrow and winding, 8-mile road that runs between the Grand Teton National Park entrance just outside of Teton Village to the village of Moose, Wyoming. Sharp observers can catch glimpses of moose, elk, mule deer and other local wildlife. In Moose, drop into Dornans for fuel, fishing supplies and a slice of pizza.
Teton Pass
This high mountain pass starts in Wilson and connects the valleys of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Teton Valley, Idaho. Teton Valley, Idaho, boasts numerous happenings in the towns of Victor and Driggs. See a movie at The Spud Drive-In, concerts at Music on Main, grab a delicious brunch at Butter Cafe in Victor, or view a collection of antique fighter planes over lunch at Warbirds Cafe.
Just East of Driggs is the town of Alta, Wyoming, home of the magnificent Grand Targhee Resort, where one can find lodging and outdoor activities for all seasons.
Snake River Canyon
This is perhaps one of the most gorgeous mountain canyon roads in the country! The Snake River hugs one side of the canyon and steep hills and mountains beckon the eyes on both sides. The Canyon road connects Jackson with Alpine, Wyoming, where the Snake and Greys rivers intersect with the Palisades Reservoir. Grab some lunch at Hoback Market before heading down to the Lunch Counter/Big Kahuna pull-off to see rafters and surfers ride the rapids, or gaze across the stunning Palisades Reservoir just west of Alpine while enjoying a craft beer at the award-winning Melvin Brewing!
Article written by Julie Butler, editor of Jackson Hole Traveler and freelance writer, Matt Bodman.