Congress established this corridor in 1972 to honor the man who donated much of the land that became Grand Teton National Park. The 24,000-acre parkway connects Grand Teton's northern boundary to Yellowstone's southern entrance, threading through some of the wildest country in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Snake River flows through. Grizzlies, moose, and wolves move between the two parks along this stretch. Most visitors drive through without stopping, focused on the marquee attractions to the north and south. That is a mistake. The parkway has its own character: quieter, less developed, and among the best wildlife habitat in either park.
Parks Along the Way
Grand Teton National Park
Jenny Lake boat shuttle to Inspiration Point. Or the Teton Park Road scenic drive beneath the peaks.
John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
Stop at Flagg Ranch. Scan the meadows and river corridors for moose and other wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Lamar Valley for wildlife. Yellowstone demands time.
Notable Stops
Jackson Lake Dam
The dam raised Jackson Lake's level by 39 feet when built in 1911. Views north toward Yellowstone and south to the Tetons. The outlet is the headwaters of the Snake River's main flow through the valley.
15-20 minutes
Lizard Creek Campground
The northernmost campground in Grand Teton, at the edge of Jackson Lake. Dense forest, lakefront sites, and fewer crowds than Colter Bay or Jenny Lake. First-come, first-served. A good base for exploring the parkway.
Overnight
Flagg Ranch
The only services within the parkway. A historic guest ranch that now operates as Headwaters Lodge. Cabins, campground, restaurant, gas station, and general store. The information station is staffed mid-June through early September. Guided rafting, horseback riding, and fishing trips depart from here.
Variable
Flagg Canyon Trail
A 5-mile out-and-back hike along the Snake River through Flagg Canyon. Less trafficked than trails in either park. River access, canyon views, and good odds of seeing moose in the early morning.
2-3 hours
Polecat Creek Loop
An easy 2.5-mile loop through forest and wetland. Good for families or a leg-stretch between parks. The wetlands attract moose, and the forest holds elk in autumn.
1-1.5 hours
Grassy Lake Road
A rugged road heading west into Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Leads to Grassy Lake and eventually Ashton, Idaho. High-clearance vehicle recommended. Backcountry waterfalls and hot springs for those willing to explore.
Half day for exploration
South Entrance to Yellowstone
The boundary between the parkway and Yellowstone. Lewis River canyon begins just north, carved through volcanic rhyolite. Lewis Falls drops 30 feet about 3 miles inside the park.
Brief stop
Snake River Overlook
Several pullouts along the highway offer views of the Snake River as it winds north toward Jackson Lake. Early morning often brings mist rising from the water. Watch for bald eagles, osprey, and moose along the banks.
15-30 minutes
Pro Tips
- The parkway is short but the wildlife is not. Drive slowly and scan the meadows, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Flagg Ranch has the only gas between Jackson Lake Lodge and Old Faithful. Fill up.
- One park entrance fee covers both Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Keep your receipt.
- Cell service is unreliable throughout the parkway. Download maps and confirm reservations before leaving Jackson.
- Grizzly bears are active throughout this corridor. Carry bear spray and know how to use it if you hike.
- Snow can fall any month. Check conditions if traveling before June or after September.