Grand Teton National Park is located 31 miles south of Yellowstone National Park. Your entry fee into Grand Teton can be waived if traveling on the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway which connects the two parks. Save enough time to explore because this park is unique, quaint and full of picturesque landscape. If you’re visiting Yellowstone, you must visit the Tetons!
Our first view of the Teton Range was across Jackson Lake while driving south into the park. The snow-covered mountains standing high above the shimmering blue water will take your breath away. We immediately pulled over to feel the water and take some pics.
Jackson Lake
The Colter Bay Visitor Center has a minimart, restrooms, wifi, Starbucks and a really cool gift shop if you need a travel break. We followed John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway until reaching the bifurcation to turn right on Teton Park Rd. This road is closed during the winter months (November-May). We made several stops, exploring as we drove. String Lake was a very quiet, peaceful place to hang out and sip coffee. I think we would have explored more trails in this area but we forgot the bear spray in the car.
I suggest arriving early if you want to park at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Parking was scarce. We explored the gift shop and hiked the Jenny Lake Trail before reaching the boat dock where you can grab a shuttle across the lake. Hiking is an option but involves a couple miles which we did not have time for. The shuttle dropped us off at the West Shore Boat Dock, giving us access to the Cascade Canyon. There is a TON to check out on this side but with limited time we only saw Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
Hidden Falls 
Hidden Falls 
Here are some pics I captured while driving through the park…
We wanted to finish the Day kayaking on Jackson Lake but first we took a detour on Signal Mountain Rd. (also closed November-May) to the Jackson Lake overlook. This overlook showcases the uniqueness of Grand Teton National Park. To the south, you’ll see flat plains with wildlife and minimal water. To the west, you’ll see Jackson Lake with 40 miles of Teton Range in the background.
Grand Teton National Park = Small but Mighty!
Jackson Lake Overlook 
Jackson Lake Overlook 
Directly behind the Signal Mountain Lodge is a small kayaking hut. We rented a kayak for one hour and paddled towards the Teton Range. It took some effort but it was very relaxing to chill on the water, soak in the views and enjoy a beverage :-p
To read about the beginning of this trip, please check out my post on Yellowstone National Park.