Jackson Hole & Grand Teton Adventure: Hiking, Horses, and High-Altitude Waffles

If you’re planning a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Grand Teton National Park, get ready for jaw-dropping mountain views, incredible wildlife, and adventure at every turn. Our recent trip was packed with hikes, scenic viewpoints, and even a cliff jump! Here’s a breakdown of how we spent our unforgettable time in the Tetons.

Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing

Day 1: Jenny Lake & Phelps Lake Loop

We started our adventure early in the morning with a drive into the park and straight to Jenny Lake. We booked a scenic cruise across the lake, which I highly recommend. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing stories about the park’s history and geology. The only downside? The Tetons were hidden behind a layer of fog that morning—but the misty atmosphere added its own kind of magic.

Hiking the Phelps Lake Loop Trail

Next, we drove to the Death Canyon Trailhead to start the Phelps Lake Loop Trail. This moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) loop climbs about 1,060 feet (323 m) with an average slope of 7%. The trail offers stunning views of the lake, and we even spotted bear signs along the way. On our drive out, we saw a bear cross the road—an amazing reminder to always carry bear spray in this area.

One of the highlights of the hike was reaching the Boulder, a famous spot for cliff jumping. The jump is about 25–30 feet high, and taking the plunge into the cold, clear lake was exhilarating!

Horseback Riding at Spring Creek Ranch

After our hike, we headed to Spring Creek Ranch for a one-hour horseback ride. The views were spectacular, with the Tetons on one side and the Elk Refuge on the other. Our 7-year-old even got to ride his own horse, which made the experience unforgettable. The guide was fantastic and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable.

Key’s 30th Birthday Dinner in Jackson

That evening, we celebrated Key’s 30th birthday with a special dinner at Gun Barrel Steak & Game House in Jackson. Key ordered the Steak Diane—an 8-ounce American Wagyu sirloin topped with a mushroom cognac demi-glace—while Hans enjoyed the bison ribs slow-roasted and basted in bourbon BBQ sauce. Both dishes were absolutely delicious.

For dessert, we stopped at CocoLove for a sweet treat before strolling through the charming streets of downtown Jackson. The mountain-town atmosphere at night is something you don’t want to miss.

We wrapped up the night camping at Gros Ventre Campground, a great spot to stay with easy access to the park.

Day 2: Sunrise Views & Waffles at 10,000 Feet

We kicked off our second day at Schwabacher’s Landing, one of the most beautiful sunrise spots in the Tetons. The still water perfectly reflected the mountains, and to top it off, we saw a small bull moose grazing nearby.

From there, we made a quick stop at the Snake River Overlook—famous for its iconic views photographed by Ansel Adams—before heading to Teton Village for breakfast.

Gondola Ride to Corbett’s Cabin

Our morning got even better when we rode the gondola up the mountain to Corbett’s Cabin, where we indulged in their legendary waffles while taking in panoramic views of the Grand Teton and the valley below. Trust me, waffles taste better at 10,000 feet!

Onward to Yellowstone

After soaking in one last view of the Tetons, we drove the scenic Teton Park Road toward our next destination—Yellowstone National Park.

Stay tuned, because the next adventure is just around the corner!

✅ Tips for Your Own Trip

• Bring bear spray if you plan to hike—bear activity is common.

• Start early to beat crowds at popular spots like Jenny Lake and Schwabacher’s Landing.

• Book activities in advance, especially horseback rides and scenic cruises.

• Don’t miss the gondola ride at Teton Village—it’s worth it for the views and waffles alone!

✨ Have you been to Jackson Hole or the Tetons? Share your favorite spots in the comments! And if you’re heading there soon, pin this post to save for later.