48 Hours in The Grand Tetons, WY

There’s something magnetic about Jackson Hole. Maybe it’s the rugged mountain backdrop, the outlaw history, or the balance of cowboy grit and outdoor luxury. I’d heard stories since my days as a ski instructor in Breckenridge—tales of backcountry runs and powder-filled jumps in terrain far beyond my reach. I finally made it here, and it was everything I’d imagined and more.

Whether you’re road-tripping through the West or flying into Bozeman, WY, the Tetons are an unforgettable stop. Here's how we spent two full days soaking it all in—with our dog Kodi in tow.

🛣 Day 1: From Yellowstone to Wilson

We arrived from Yellowstone via the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway—a stunning drive with the Snake River on one side and the jagged Tetons rising on the other. Our first pit stop:

• Leeks Marina – Best pizza around (seriously).

• Jackson Lake Lodge – Giant windows, iconic views, parkitecture at its finest. https://www.gtlc.com/lodges/jackson-lake-lodge/

From there, we headed south down Teton Park Road, with quick photo stops at Jackson Point Overlook and Signal Mountain Lodge. The lodge was buzzing, but we grabbed bar seats and split beers, burgers, and fully-loaded nachos with a view of Jackson Lake. www.signalmountainlodge.com

We passed Jenny Lake Lodge—a high-end resort with rustic cabins and outdoor excursions—We made a quick tour of the town square in Jackson; western horse-drawn carriages, bars, restaurants, western wear shops, the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and a lively central park area for Kodi! After an hour or so we continued on to our base: Wilson, WY, a peaceful town tucked between Teton Village and Jackson. www.gtlc.com/lodges/jenny-lake-lodge/

🚐 Our Stay: Fireside Resort, Wilson

Originally, we’d booked a campsite at Fireside. But after pulling in past rows of sleek modern cabins, my husband went rogue—in the best way—and asked the concierge if we could upgrade. www.firesidejacksonhole.com
"Of course," she smiled.
Moments later, we were unpacking our canvas overnight bag inside a cozy, beautifully decorated cabin tucked in the trees.
We ended the night with a glass of wine, a cheese platter, and a walk around the peaceful property. One look at each other and we knew: we were staying an extra two nights.

🍳 Day 2: Nora’s, Teton Village & Town Life

Breakfast: We followed the concierge’s rec and hit Nora’s Fish Creek Inn—a locals’ hangout that looks like a boathouse but serves one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had.

• Huevos Rancheros + pan-fried trout and eggs = 10/10
  They let us sit at the counter with Kodi. Everyone knew each other. It felt like home.

🏞 Afternoon: Teton Village

Next, we drove over to Teton Village, where winter ski runs transform into a warm-weather adventure hub.

• Mountain bikers rode the gondola up, helmets in hand.

• Outfitters signed folks up for rafting, hiking, horseback rides, and float trips.

• Music blared from speakers. Dogs played on the lawn.

• We strolled by bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques:

  • Mangy Moose

  • Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa

  • Cowboy Coffee

  • Southcable Café

  • Grand Teton Music Festival HQ

We stayed long enough for dozens of photos, but the buzz was intense, and we were ready for something quieter.

🍕 Evening: Calico Pizza & Fireside Vibes

We headed back toward Wilson, hoping for a relaxing dinner on the patio at Calico Pizza—but it was packed, and dogs weren’t allowed inside.
So we walked Kodi back to the van, cracked the roof fan for a breeze, and told her we’d be back with crust (her favorite).

Inside, we joined the locals at the bar and shared two perfect pies with cold beers. Fellow travelers swapped stories with us like old friends. The vibe reminded me of Breckenridge—but with bigger skies and a touch more wild.

Back at the cabin, we lit the firepit, turned on some music, sparked a little something, and poured more wine. The night was cool and quiet. We sat together and mapped out our next leg: Oregon.

🎯 Final Thoughts

If you only have two or three days in the Grand Tetons, this is the way to do it:

• Mix national park views with good food and local flavor

• Split time between Jackson, Teton Village, and Wilson

• Treat yourself to a cozy cabin (especially if you’ve been camping)

• Let your plans be flexible—because the best moments often aren’t scheduled

Jackson Hole lives up to the hype—and then some.
We came for the views. We stayed for the vibe.
Next stop: the Pacific Northwest.