Summer Retreat - Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking and Biking - Grand Teton National Park 7/27-29/25

Emily Hacken
Aug 26
2 min read

Updated: Aug 26

Sample Itinerary :

Day 1:

Drive - 6:00 am - 12:00 pm (4.5-5 hr drive)

Float the Snake River - 12:00 pm-3pm or 330 pm-6:00 pm (Trip Report)

Dinner (on own)

Sunset Photo Tour - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Day 2:

Sunrise Photo Tour - 6:00 am - 8:00 am

Potluck Breakfast - 8-9 am

Teton Tri around String Lake (kayak, hike, bike) - 10 am - 5:30 pm sign up for 3 activities in 2 1/2 hr blocks (Trip Report)

Shopping/Dinner - 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Day 3:

Drive home

Directions:

Camping: Colter Bay Campground

Rafting: Put in: South Park Boat Ramp ; Take out: Astoria Hot Springs

Teton Tri: String Lake parking lot (starting location for all activities)

Cost:

$45/per person for 2 nights at Colter Bay Campground. Tent camping.

$25 for raft rental/transportation

$25 kayak/paddleboard use permit (AIS inspection free at south visitors center)

Gas Carpool split

Food on your own

Gear:

Rafting/Kayaking Gear: sandals (NOT flipflops), swimming suit, shorts, synthetic t-shirt (NOT cotton), long sleeve synthetic shirt, rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, 2-4 snacks, 1-2 L water (in water bottles NOT camelbaks), waterproof case for camera, kayaks/paddles, life jackets

Hiking Gear: Running shoes, hiking shorts, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, 2 L water, backpack, snacks, sunscreen, hat, jacket, rain jacket

Biking Gear: Running shoes, shorts, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, helmet, bike, bike pump/repair kit, bike lock

Sunrise Photo Spots (on your own):

Oxbow Bend Turnout (tetons)

Schwabacher Landing (tetons and water reflection)

Snake River Overlook (Ansel Adams spot)

Mormon Row (tetons and cabin – gets busy)

Signal Peak (tetons from summit view)

Willow Flats Overlook (tetons)

Blacktail Ponds Overlook (tetons – less busy than Mormon Row)

Jackson Lake Dam (tetons and lake)

Jenny Lake Overlook (tetons and lake)

Sunset Photo Spots (on your own):

Signal Mountain Lodge (lodge with view and food)

Signal Mountain Summit Road (tetons from summit view)

Snake River Overlook (Ansel Adams spot)

Willow Flats Overlook (tetons)

Blacktail Ponds Overlook (tetons – less busy than Mormon Row)

Oxbow Bend Turnout (tetons)

Schwabacher Landing (tetons and water reflection)

Chapel of the Transfiguration (tetons and chapel)

Elk Ranch Flats (tetons and sometimes wildlife)

Jackson Lake Dam (tetons and lake)

Food Recommendations:

Hand Fire Pizza

Sidewinders American Grill

Yippi I-O Candy Co (candy/fudge)

Moos Gourmet Ice Cream

Smiths Grocery

Camping:

Colter Bay Campground - There is a general store that is fairly well stocked and showers both within walking distance of sites. Bathrooms are also close by. There are fire pits for cooking. You can bring your own grills and stoves and propane for them.

Check in: 12:00pm Check out: 11:00am

Phone Service at Campground -

Verizon and AT & T good

Other carriers were spotty

Rafting - Snake River