Teton Valley: The Affordable Alternative to Jackson Hole for Your Grand Teton Adventure
Discover the Secret to an Unforgettable Grand Teton Getaway—Without the Jackson Hole Price Tag!
Are you planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park? Before you book that overpriced lodging in Jackson Hole, let us share a little secret—there’s a smarter, more affordable, and even more rewarding way to experience this breathtaking region.
Welcome to Teton Valley, Idaho—Your Budget-Friendly Gateway to the Tetons!
Imagine waking up to the crisp mountain air, stunning panoramic views of the Tetons, and easy access to world-class hiking, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures. Now imagine doing all that while saving hundreds on lodging, dining, and activities!
Why Teton Valley? More Adventure, Less Expense
Millions of travelers visit Grand Teton National Park each year, but most don’t realize that some of the park’s most jaw-dropping scenery and wildlife encounters can be found just outside its boundaries—in Teton Valley! By choosing to stay here, you get the same incredible access to the park without the staggering price tag of Jackson Hole, West Yellowstone, or Gardiner.
Here’s what makes Teton Valley the ultimate Grand Teton home base:
- Save BIG on Lodging – Whether you prefer a luxury lodge, cozy cabin, or budget-friendly camping, Teton Valley offers incredible accommodations at a fraction of Jackson Hole prices.
- More Room, Less Crowds – Say goodbye to overbooked hotels and packed parking lots. Teton Valley provides a peaceful, authentic mountain town vibe without sacrificing convenience
- Incredible Outdoor Experiences—For Less! – Love hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, or guided excursions? Teton Valley has all the adventure—often at a much lower cost than what you’ll pay in Jackson Hole.
- Easy Access to Grand Teton National Park – Enjoy scenic drives, backcountry adventures, and epic photo ops on the quiet side of the Tetons.
The Smart Traveler’s Choice: Experience More for Less
By staying in Teton Valley, you’ll have extra cash to splurge on what really matters—unforgettable experiences! Want a sunrise wildlife safari, a private fishing tour, or a horseback ride through the mountains? You can do it all—and still spend less than a basic hotel room in Jackson Hole!
And if you love exploring off-the-beaten-path treasures, Teton Valley has hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from charming local cafes and craft breweries to scenic trails with breathtaking views—without the crowds!
Your Ultimate Adventure Awaits
Why overpay when you can have an epic Grand Teton adventure for less? Teton Valley offers the perfect mix of affordability, adventure, and accessibility—without compromising your experience.
Don’t let high prices hold you back from the vacation of a lifetime. Make the smart choice. Stay in Teton Valley. Experience MORE.
Book your stay today and start planning your dream Grand Teton getaway!
This 5-day itinerary is crafted specifically for families with teens and twenty-somethings. It includes adrenaline-filled outings, mellow afternoons, and classic Teton experiences that create unforgettable memories. Each day is designed to balance adventure with downtime so everyone stays happy. 🌄 Day 1 – Paddleboarding + Exploring Driggs & Victor Morning: Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Teton River Start your trip with one of the most iconic summer experiences on the Idaho side of the Tetons — SUP on the Teton River. The calm, slow-moving water makes it ideal for beginners, and advanced paddlers will love the wide-open scenery. What teens love: Warm, sunny summer mornings Moose, otters, eagles & cranes Easy, social, Instagram-worthy fun Suggested launch spots: Bates Bridge South Bates Afternoon: Victor Emporium Milkshakes + Explore Driggs After a morning on the water, head into town for world-famous huckleberry shakes at Victor Emporium. Wander Driggs afterward — local shops, gear stores, bakeries, and a relaxed small-town vibe. Evening: Relax at the Cabin/Home After a big first day, settle into your rental, enjoy the mountain air, maybe soak in a hot tub, and rest up for the adventures ahead. 🏔 Day 2 – Grand Teton National Park Highlights This is your classic “Teton postcard day” — waterfalls, lake views, wildlife, and towering granite peaks. Morning: Jenny Lake Shuttle → Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point Take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. This trail is extremely popular — arrive early for parking. Why teens love it: Stunning lookout points Short but rewarding hike Lots of photo opportunities Midday: Picnic & Swimming at String Lake One of the best summer picnic locations in the entire U.S. Warm water, sandy edges, and views that never get old. Bring: Sandwiches or charcuterie Sunscreen Inflatables or paddleboards Evening: Wildlife Drive As the sun sets, animals start moving. Drive toward: Oxbow Bend Mormon Row Moose-Wilson Road Snake River Overlook It’s common to spot moose, elk, bison, bears (from a distance), foxes, and sandhill cranes. 🎢 Day 3 – Snow King Adventure Day in Jackson Snow King is an underrated summer gem — absolutely perfect for teens. Morning: Cowboy Coaster Ride Jackson’s mountain roller coaster. It winds through the trees with amazing views. Midday: Alpine Slide & Zipline These two activities are big hits with older kids: The alpine slide is fast, smooth, and scenic. The zipline is thrilling and totally safe — great for adventure-loving teens. Afternoon: Gondola Ride to the Top Ride to the summit for panoramic views of Jackson, the Tetons, and the Snake River Valley. Evening: Dinner in Jackson Great restaurants for families: Hand Fire Pizza Liberty Burger Roadhouse Pub & Eatery Merry Piglets (Tex-Mex) Optional: Walk around Town Square Grab ice cream at Moo’s Get photos under the elk antler arches 🛻 Day 4 – ATV/UTV Adventure + Hot Springs This is often the favorite day for families with older kids. Morning: UTV Rentals Choose from: Teton Canyon Horseshoe Canyon Big Hole Mountains St. Anthony Sand Dunes (huge teen favorite) This is high-energy, scenic, and ridiculously fun. Afternoon: Hot Springs Soak After dusty trails, a soak feels amazing. Top picks: Heise Hot Springs – fun vibe, pizza, diving boards Astoria Hot Springs – beautiful modern facility outside Jackson Perfect for sore legs or just unwinding after a big day. 🚡 Day 5 – Grand Targhee Resort A perfect finale: relaxing mountain lifts, wildflowers, and mellow adventures. Morning: Scenic Chairlift Ride Ride to the top of Fred’s Mountain for: Wildflowers (July–Aug) Teton views from the Idaho side Easy ridge walks & great photos Afternoon Options: Downhill mountain biking — one of the best bike parks in the Rockies Hiking — nature trails for all skill levels Disc golf Live music (sometimes available on weekends) Evening: Dinner in Victor Great options: Big Hole BBQ The Knotty Pine (locals’ favorite) Grab one more huckleberry shake if you didn’t get enough earlier in the week!
Whether your crew wants high-adrenaline fun, mellow days by the river, wildlife viewing, or shopping and dining, this guide covers the best summer experiences to help you create an unforgettable family getaway.
While there are no hot springs directly in Teton Valley, several excellent options are located within a short drive. Most of these hot springs make for a perfect day trip, rather than a quick soak after an activity, as they require some travel time. However, Astoria Hot Springs, located just south of Jackson, WY, is an exception—making it a great spot to unwind after a day exploring Grand Teton National Park or skiing in Jackson Hole. Whether you’re looking for a developed resort with modern amenities or a secluded backcountry soak, these hot springs near Teton Valley offer a variety of experiences for every kind of traveler. Astoria Hot Springs – A Riverside Retreat 📍 Location: Hoback, WY (Near Jackson) 🌡️ Water Temperature: 95-105°F 💰 Entry Fee: $18-22 for adults (reservations required) 🔗 Website: Astoria Hot Springs Astoria Hot Springs is a family-friendly, well-maintained hot spring located along the Snake River, just south of Jackson, WY. The modern facility features multiple soaking pools filled with natural mineral water, offering a comfortable and relaxing experience with stunning views of the river and mountains. Why Visit? ✅ Year-Round Access – Enjoy a warm soak in the winter or a relaxing dip in the summer. ✅ Modern Amenities – Changing rooms, picnic areas, and well-kept facilities. ✅ Scenic Setting – Overlooks the Snake River, creating a serene and unforgettable experience. Pro Tip: Reservations are required, especially during peak seasons. Book online to secure your spot! Granite Hot Springs – Wilderness Soaking at Its Best 📍 Location: Bridger-Teton National Forest, WY 🌡️ Water Temperature: 93°F (summer), up to 112°F (winter) 💰 Entry Fee: $8 for adults, $5 for kids 🔗 Website: Granite Hot Springs For those looking for a more remote and adventurous hot spring experience, Granite Hot Springs is a must-visit. Nestled deep in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, these naturally heated pools are surrounded by towering pine trees and dramatic mountain scenery. Two Unique Experiences: ❄️ Winter (December – April) – Accessible only by snowmobile, skis, or fat bike, making it a true backcountry adventure. Soaking in the steaming water while surrounded by snow-covered trees is an experience you won’t forget! ☀️ Summer (June – October) – The pools are accessible via a bumpy dirt road, making it a perfect stop after a hike or scenic drive. Pro Tip: Bring cash, as card payments may not be available in this remote location! Green Canyon Hot Springs – A Hidden Gem in the Foothills 📍 Location: Near Newdale, ID (1 hour from Teton Valley) 🌡️ Water Temperature: 95-115°F 💰 Entry Fee: $10-12 for adults 🔗 Website: Green Canyon Hot Springs Located in a beautiful valley near the Idaho-Wyoming border, Green Canyon Hot Springs is a historic family-owned hot spring offering a mix of hot soaking pools and cooler swimming pools. This off-the-beaten-path hot spring is a great option for those looking for a laid-back, no-frills experience with both hot and cold water options. Why Visit? 🔥 Variety of Pools – Hot soaking pools, a warm swimming pool, and even a cold plunge! 🌿 Remote & Peaceful – Surrounded by nature, offering a more secluded feel. 🏕 Camping Available – Stay overnight at the on-site campground for a full hot spring retreat. Pro Tip: Green Canyon is family-friendly and affordable, making it a great option for a fun and relaxing day trip. Heise Hot Springs – A Family-Friendly Classic 📍 Location: Ririe, ID (1.5 hours from Teton Valley) 🌡️ Water Temperature: 92-104°F 💰 Entry Fee: $12 for adults, $10 for kids 🔗 Website: Heise Hot Springs For a relaxing soak with modern conveniences, Heise Hot Springs is a great choice. This historic resort has been welcoming visitors for over a century and offers multiple pools, including a hot mineral pool, a large swimming pool, and even a water slide in the summer. What Makes Heise Special? 🏊♂️ Multiple Pools – Hot soaking pools and a large swimming pool for all ages. 🎢 Summer Fun – Features a water slide and picnic areas. ⛺ Camping & Activities – Stay at the on-site campground or play a round of golf nearby. Pro Tip: Open year-round, making it a reliable option no matter the season! While Teton Valley doesn’t have its own hot springs, there are plenty of fantastic options just a short drive away. Whether you’re looking for a modern, family-friendly resort like Astoria or Heise, a secluded wilderness soak at Granite Hot Springs, or a budget-friendly, rustic retreat at Green Canyon, there’s a perfect hot spring for every kind of traveler. So, next time you’re in the area, grab your swimsuit, take a scenic drive, and soak in the magic of these natural wonders! 🏔️♨️💦