u/hparrk

First time to GTNP, first time camping in a van... help is much needed! My friend and I are moderately experienced hikers and in pretty good shape. We are looking to challenge ourselves for rewarding views, but safely so, of course. Hike recommendations as well as campgrounds to reserve that make sense for the flow of the itinerary would be greatly appreciated!!!

Sept 25 (Fri) - Arrive in the Tetons around 1-2pm. Recs for a lighter hike to get acclimated, and then maybe a nice sunset spot? Where to stay first night? Thinking gros ventre campground.

Sept 26 (Sat) - Sunrise at either Mormon Row or Schwabacher?, then Taggart + Bradley Lake. Anything else? Other hikes that are better? Open to anything this day.

Sept 27 (Sun) - Cascade canyon, possible to lake solitude. Will take the boat if still running this time of year. Biggest hike day, then sunset somewhere if possible.. signal mountain?

Sept 28 (Mon) - another sunrise somewhere. Oxbow bend? Schwabacher? Mormon row? Then horseback riding or ATV in morning… another light hike or overlook?

Sept 29 (Tues) - explore downtown Jackson, eat good food, rest & prepare to go to Yellowstone.

Also, considering Delta Lake… but a bit nervous for that one.

Any help is appreciated!!

My best friend and I are planning on renting a camper van and roadtripping from Denver to the Tetons & Yellowstone. I can’t wait! But I want to hear input on which is the better time to go.

1. Last week of Aug into first week of September

or

2. Last week of Sept into the first week of October.

Less crowds are a bonus, but better views is my main concern. And weather, of course. Especially since we will be sleeping in the van. What do y’all think??