Day 1 – Arrival in Jackson Hole
We arrived at Newark Airport with plenty of time before our flight, which made the whole process feel much less stressful (tip: always give yourself a buffer when flying to smaller airports like Jackson Hole since delays can be common). While waiting, we grabbed food from a burger place and split an Impossible Burger—light enough to avoid that heavy pre-flight feeling. We also fueled up with coffee and nibbled on snacks we had packed for dinner.
Boarding was smooth, though our flight ended up being delayed about an hour due to what the pilot explained as a “plane stuck behind us.” We never actually saw this mysterious stuck plane, but we rolled with it. Despite the delay, we touched down in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at 9:25 PM instead of the original 8:50 PM. Not bad, all things considered.
At the airport, we picked up our rental car. We decided to upgrade to an SUV for a little extra space and comfort—highly recommended in this area since roads can be uneven and you’ll appreciate the ground clearance.
Since it was late but we didn’t want to start our trip with an empty fridge, we hunted for an open grocery store and struck gold: Smith’s, which is open until midnight (tip: late-night grocery runs in Jackson Hole are rare, so Smith’s is your best bet). We stocked up on essentials like water, trail snacks, and easy breakfast items. From there, we headed to our Airbnb.
The Airbnb was exactly what we needed—cozy, homey, and well-equipped with a kitchen and space to spread out. After a quick unpack, we called it a night, ready to dive into the Grand Teton adventures the next morning.
Tips for Mountain Travel
• Acclimate gradually: Be prepared that higher altitudes can affect your body. Give yourself time to adjust, and don’t push too hard in the first 24–48 hours.
• Breathing changes: Your respiration rate may increase as your body takes in more oxygen. This is normal, but pace yourself and take breaks if needed.
• Stay hydrated: Mountain air is thinner and drier, so drink water often—even before you feel thirsty.
• Moisturize & protect: Bring Vaseline and lotion to combat dryness, as the air at high altitudes can quickly dehydrate your skin and lips.
• Layer up: Temperatures can swing dramatically, so wear breathable layers you can add or remove as conditions change.
• Sun protection: UV rays are stronger at higher elevations, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential.
• Nutrition matters: Eating smaller, more frequent meals with complex carbs can help maintain energy at altitude.
Day 2: First Day in Grand Teton National Park
We were up early at 5:45 AM to make the most of our first full day in Grand Teton National Park. (Tip: early mornings are essential here—not only for parking at trailheads, which fill up quickly, but also for catching wildlife and enjoying cooler, quieter hikes.) Over a quick breakfast, we talked about the day’s plan and then set out.
By 7:40 AM we arrived at the Jenny Lake Trailhead, one of the most popular starting points in the park. Fun fact: “Teton” comes from French fur trappers who named the three prominent peaks “les trois tétons,” meaning the three breasts.
We started the Jenny Lake Loop Trail before connecting to the Cascade Canyon Trail. Along the way, we stopped at Hidden Falls, a 100-foot waterfall tucked into the forest, and climbed to Inspiration Point, which offered sweeping views over Jenny Lake and the surrounding mountains. Both stops lived up to their names—absolutely stunning.
From there, we pushed further into Cascade Canyon, hiking under towering peaks with crystal-clear streams running beside us. By the time we looped back, we were ready to give our legs a break and hopped on the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake—a quick, scenic ride that saves about 2 miles of hiking.
Back at the car, we had a classic hiker’s lunch: PB&J sandwiches we had packed that morning. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for the trail.
Since we still had energy (and ambition), we headed to the Taggart and Bradley Lakes Loop. This turned out to be one of the highlights of the day. Taggart Lake especially impressed us—it felt even more stunning than Jenny Lake, with its tranquil reflections of the Tetons and fewer crowds. We snapped tons of photos, including a few shirtless ones to celebrate the hard-earned miles.
By the end of the day, we had logged nearly 13 miles of hiking. Exhausted but exhilarated, we returned to our Airbnb to snack and recharge before heading into downtown Jackson.
Dinner was at Annie’s Thai Kitchen, a local favorite known for its authentic dishes and heat levels that don’t hold back. I ordered the Cashew Nut stir-fry, while Jesse went for the Mixed Veggies dish. Both were delicious—just know they’re not kidding when they say “spicy.”
Afterward, we wandered around the charming town square of Jackson, with its iconic elk antler arches and boutique shops. It was a relaxing way to wind down after such a physically demanding day. Before heading back, we made another grocery stop—Whole Foods this time—to top up supplies for the next few days.
Back at the Airbnb, we called it an early night. With sore legs but full hearts, we were already excited for Day 3 in the Tetons.
✨ Tips for Travelers
• Arrive early at trailheads—lots fill up by 8 AM.
• Carry layers: mornings are chilly, afternoons warm quickly.
• Pack snacks and sandwiches: food options inside the park are limited.
• Use the Jenny Lake boat shuttle if you want to save time/energy after hiking Cascade Canyon.
• Consider an SUV rental for comfort and practicality on mountain roads.
Day 3: A Full-Throttle Day in the Tetons: Delta Lake, Wilson, and Sunset at Mormon Row 🌄
We woke up at 6:15 a.m.—which felt way too late for a big day in the Tetons. By the time we got to the Delta Lake trailhead via Lupine Meadows, the parking lot was slammed. Cars were crammed into every available spot, and we ended up snagging one only after Jesse shifted a big rock so we could squeeze in. Pro tip: if you want stress-free parking, aim to be there by 6 a.m. sharp.
We hoofed it about a mile just to reach the official start of the trail. At that point, Jesse realized nature was calling. The line for the pit toilets wasn’t moving an inch, so he made the wilderness choice. Thankfully, he packed wet wipes (always a lifesaver), and of course, we carried everything back out. Rule #1 of hiking the Tetons: Leave no trace.
The Hike Up 🥾
The trail starts out deceptively mellow. We passed plenty of hikers—some young, some older, but no one who looked unprepared. This is not a casual Sunday stroll; the ascent gets steep quickly. When we reached the fork for the unmaintained section to Delta Lake, things got real.
The first rock scramble was manageable, but the second? Brutal. Steep, jagged, and requiring all fours at times. Our hearts were pounding, and we weren’t alone—lots of hikers paused, struggling to catch their breath. Tip: Gloves with grip can make the scramble much easier, and trekking poles are useless here—pack them away when you hit the rocks.
When we finally crested the ridge, the view should’ve been our reward. Instead, we found ourselves staring at Delta Lake in a muted, murky green—not the Instagram-famous turquoise we’d been expecting. The color shifts depending on snowmelt and time of year, so be warned: don’t hike here just for the photos. Go for the challenge and the experience.
That said, it was still stunning. We grabbed our classic “dead log in the water” shots, unpacked lunch, and sat in the breeze at nearly 9,000 feet, surrounded by jagged peaks. Worth it.
The Descent 😬
If going up was tough, going down was downright sketchy. Loose rocks, steep drops, and tired legs made it feel treacherous. We slid, stumbled, and caught ourselves countless times. After about 2.5 hours roundtrip from the top, we finally hit the trailhead again, sweaty and sore but triumphant.
Back at our Airbnb in Wilson, we collapsed for snacks and regrouped before heading to Teton Village. Honestly? It wasn’t impressive. If you’re short on time, you can skip it. Instead, we tried Abuelitos for Mexican food, but the veggie burrito was disappointing—bland, forgettable, and not worth the calories.
Sunset at Mormon Row 🌅
We salvaged the day in the best way possible: sunset at Mormon Row. As the golden hour lit up the Tetons behind the historic barns, we snapped photo after photo. It was the perfect ending to an intense, jam-packed day. Back at the Airbnb, snacks in hand, we knew we’d earned our rest.
Borderless Bros Tips for Delta Lake & the Tetons:
• ⏰ Arrive early (before 6 a.m.) to guarantee parking and a less crowded trail.
• 🥾 Fitness matters: This hike isn’t impossible, but it’s demanding. Be ready for a tough scramble.
• 💧 Hydrate + fuel: Bring at least 2L of water per person and a solid lunch—you’ll need the energy.
• 🌲 Leave no trace: Pack out all trash, wipes, and food scraps. The ecosystem is fragile.
• 📸 Expectations check: The lake may not be turquoise depending on conditions. Don’t go just for the Insta shot.
• 🚗 Skip Teton Village if your time is limited; head to Mormon Row or Jenny Lake instead for more rewarding views.
• 🌮 Vegans & vegetarians: Options in the area are limited. Pack snacks or cook at your Airbnb for better meals.
Day 4: Labor Day in the Tetons: String Lake, Idaho Detours, and a Cozy Farewell
Labor Day called for a slower start. Instead of racing the sunrise, we let ourselves ease into the day and rolled into Grand Teton National Park around 9:00 AM. Sometimes a trip is about early-morning scrambles, but sometimes it’s about giving yourself a little breathing room.
Morning Hike: String Lake & Leigh Lake Trails
We chose the String Lake and Leigh Lake trails, which offered the perfect blend of gentle effort and big rewards. There was a bit of an ascent to get the blood pumping, but the payoff came quickly: String Lake shimmering with perfect reflections of the Tetons. It looked like a painting, still and majestic, reminding us why these mountains draw travelers from around the world.
Leigh Lake extended the magic with a longer, more peaceful stretch of trail. It felt quieter and less busy than the hotspots we’d seen earlier in the trip, almost like we had slices of the Tetons to ourselves.
Crossing Into Idaho: Lunch in Driggs
After the hike, we decided to do something spontaneous—drive an hour across the border into Idaho. Part of us just wanted to say, “Yeah, we went to Idaho,” but also we’d heard good things about the food scene in Driggs.
Our stop: Rise Coffee Café.
We ordered vegan burrito bowls topped with vegan queso (a fun surprise). The bowls were decent, though not mind-blowing, but the vibe of the café itself made up for it. The coffee was a much-needed pick-me-up, and it gave us a chance to wander around town a little before heading back.
Evening Wind-Down
Back at our Airbnb, we rested up before making a final trip out to the local market for some food and snacks. We made plant-based nuggets and minestrone soup. It’s always a good idea to cook some of the nights on your vacation as it helps to save dollars. The rest of the evening was spent packing and preparing for the journey back to New Jersey. Trips always end too soon, but there’s a special calm in those quiet last hours—reflecting on everything you saw and anticipating what comes next.
Borderless Bros Travel Tips
• String Lake Parking: Get there early if you can—parking fills up fast, especially on holiday weekends. Later arrivals may have to walk a distance just to get to the trailhead.
• Hike Pairing: String Lake and Leigh Lake make for a great combo hike: moderate effort, stunning views, and flexibility to make it longer or shorter depending on your energy.
• Idaho Detour: If you’re in the Tetons for more than a few days, crossing into Driggs is worth it—not only for the bragging rights but for a taste of small-town Idaho charm.
• Foodie Note: Rise Coffee Café has vegan options (rare in smaller towns), but don’t set your expectations sky-high. Still, it’s a cozy spot for a casual lunch.
• Pack Smart: End-of-trip grocery runs are a lifesaver—pick up just enough for dinner so you’re not wasting food before your departure.
Day 5: Journey Back to Jersey ✈️
The alarm went off at 4:15 a.m., and we groggily packed up the last of our things, ready to say goodbye to the Tetons. The early-morning quiet was almost peaceful—until our phones buzzed with a dreaded message: flight delayed. Classic American Airlines.
The one-hour delay meant we’d miss our connecting flight, so we called customer service while driving to the airport, weighing our options. After some back and forth, we decided to switch to a 1:30 p.m. flight back to LaGuardia. It wasn’t ideal, but it seemed like the safest bet.
Once we landed in Dallas–Fort Worth, luck turned in our favor. We noticed an earlier 12:33 p.m. flight boarding soon and hustled over to the counter to ask about standby. To our surprise, the agent said yes—the plane wasn’t full, and even though we were the last to board, we snagged seats together with our bags overhead.
What started as a day that looked like it would be a chaotic mess ended up unfolding smoothly. By mid-afternoon, we were on our way back to New Jersey, tired but grateful that travel hiccups had turned into a travel win.
✨ Borderless Bros Travel Lesson: Delays are inevitable—especially with smaller airports and connections—but flexibility pays off. Stay calm, ask questions, and sometimes you’ll end up ahead of schedule after all.
