If you’re planning a solo car camping trip to Grand Teton National Park and wondering what your first day might look like, let me take you through mine: a scenic drive from Boise, a few mishaps (burnt dinner, forgotten bear spray), a surprise moose sighting, and a golden-hour photo stop at Mormon Row that nearly made me cry.
This is my detailed Grand Teton day one itinerary, ideal for solo travelers craving mountain air, wildlife encounters, and a soft landing into the world of car camping.
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Driving from Boise to Grand Teton National Park
My day started near Boise, Idaho. I woke early, dropped my dogs off with my parents, finished packing, and hit the road. The drive to Grand Teton National Park takes about six hours, and I made just one stop, about two hours outside the park, for gas and snacks. I’m a no-nonsense road tripper (one-stop max if I can help it).
The scenery started getting good even before I crested Teton Pass, with breathtaking peaks hinting at what was to come. I was buzzing with excitement and already snapping tons of pics.
Gear Check & REI Stop in Jackson Hole
Before heading to camp, I made a stop in Jackson at REI. I realized my Garmin charger was a dud (classic) and picked up a new one. I later realized I actually had an extra charger that worked fine, but oh well, now I have an extra.
I also debated buying an extra bear spray (why is it $50?) and snagged a paper trail map I never used but felt good owning. Pro tip: Check your tech before you hit the road.
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Car Camping in Gros Ventre Campground
My home base for the trip was Gros Ventre Campground, about 20 minutes from downtown Jackson. Though I was sleeping in my car, I still laid out a full “campsite” with a hammock, table, chair, and even an outdoor rug I never really used. If you’re solo car camping in Grand Teton National Park (or anywhere, really), I recommend setting up something visible so your site doesn’t look abandoned when you’re out exploring.
Mormon Row: Afternoon Photo Spot in Grand Teton
First up was Mormon Row Historic District. This iconic spot is perfect for photos, especially in late afternoon light. When I arrived, it was bustling. I think a wedding shoot was happening, so I stayed near the edge of the parking lot, set up my tripod, and captured a few shots with the Tetons towering in the background. Note to self: take wedding pics at Mormon Row.
Even with the crowds, Mormon Row is one of the best photography spots in Grand Teton at any time during the day.
Solo Hiking Near Jenny Lake Without Bear Spray
Next, I drove to Jenny Lake, a must-see for any Grand Teton itinerary. I arrived around 4 p.m., changed into hiking gear, and hit the trail solo. But I forgot my bear spray, yikes. That limited me to the main area near the visitor center because my anxiety around bears (which I didn’t know I had) was starting to get to me. It may or may not have been the many signs all around the trailheads that made me nervous, with reason, I suppose. Better safe than sorry.
I had actually planned to go on a run, but after seeing multiple signs warning not to run from bears or startle them, running didn’t seem like the best call when I was alone and without bear spray.
About 15 minutes into the trail, I ran into an older man who warned me there was a bear up ahead. We ended up hiking back together, and he told me wild stories of being dragged by a bear in Yosemite and how he was just finishing up a 17-mile loop like it was nothing. It was an unexpected, wonderful connection that reminded me why I love solo travel: strangers become brief trail companions with the best stories.
I think that man’s story will forever stick with me. He also told me how he recently had a bunch of reconstructive surgeries on his ankles, hips, shoulders, and knees. I guess he had previously been a rock climber and didn’t always have the best of luck. I aspire to be like him when I’m 63.
Best Scenic Overlook: Jenny Lake at Golden Hour
From there, I drove to Jenny Lake Overlook, which is less crowded and just as scenic. Couples had lawn chairs set up, sandwiches in hand, and front-row seats to the sun shimmering off the water. I snapped a few photos and soaked it all in.
If you’re looking for a peaceful end-of-day view, this is a gem.
Moose & Wildlife Wildlife Spotting on Moose-Wilson Road
I had read that Moose-Wilson Road was prime for wildlife sightings, so I went exploring. My first drive yielded no moose or bears, but I did spot some blue herons with chicks at one of the turnouts along Moose-Wilson Road, which was pretty neat to see.
Around 7:30 p.m., back on Gros Ventre Road, I hit the jackpot: a mama moose with her calves. The babies were lying in the grass, barely visible, while she snacked peacefully. It was such a gentle, grounding moment, one of those quiet rewards of solo travel.
Camp Cooking Fail & Chasing Sunset at Mormon Row
Back at camp, I tried to cook a foil-packet dinner of veggies and Polish sausage over my gas burner. But I got distracted setting up my bed in the back of my SUV… and burned the whole thing. Dinner became snacks. Not ideal, but hey, solo car camping means no one judges your charred carrots. At least I had my ENO hammock set up to kick back and relax in for a few minutes while I ate my snack dinner.
Determined to catch the sunset at Mormon Row, I rushed back out. The sky was turning to gold, and I made it just in time to capture some final photos. It was a little chaotic and a lot beautiful, exactly how the first night in a national park should feel.
Mormon Row was still pretty busy when I returned for sunset, and it was a bit challenging to snap pictures without any photo bombers, but I made it work. I got some really great photos and even stopped along the road back to camp and took some beautiful ones there as well.
End of Day 1: Camp Setup and Reflection
Back at Gros Ventre Campground, I finalized my bed setup, stored scented items in the bear box, and tried to fall asleep. I didn’t sleep great (first-night jitters are real), but I was warm, safe, and already in awe of this wild, welcoming place.
Not to self: Don’t air up your sleeping pad to the max, it makes for an uncomfortable night.
Solo Travel Tips from Day 1 in Grand Teton
Solo car camping in Grand Teton National Park is equal parts freedom and figuring it out as you go. I learned that bear spray is non-negotiable, snacks can absolutely become dinner, and strangers might just turn into great company.
Whether you’re chasing moose at dusk, hiking along glacial lakes, or accidentally burning your tinfoil dinner, the Tetons offer solo travelers a sense of connection to nature, to others, and most beautifully, to yourself.
Stay tuned for Day 2, when I catch sunrise at Schwabacher Landing and tackle some of the park’s most iconic hikes.
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