The Tetons from the West Tetons Overlook – from L to R: Mt. Owen, Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and South Teton
If you want to enjoy views of the western (non-tourist) side of the Teton Range, but aren’t thrilled about 8+ mile hikes, don’t despair. Although most hikes into the Jedidiah Smith Wilderness are long by dayhike standards (trails up Table Mountain, the Stairway to Heaven, and Alaska Basin Overlook are examples), there is at least one short hike (stroll, really) that offers stunning views of the back side of the Tetons, especially just before sunset. I’ll call it the Western Tetons Overlook, for lack of a better title.
Quick Stats
The trail is paved, wheelchair accessible, and certainly not more than 0.1 miles RT. So really, you won’t be stressing yourself out for this one.
Approaching the overlook
It’s also a great place to stop if you will be (or have) hiking Table Mountain – the peak is very visible, and it’s fun to try and follow the trail with your eyes (with the help of binoculars) from this vantage point.
The trail directions are simple: from the parking area, follow the paved path to its end at a round concert pad. Viola! The Tetons!
Close up of Mt. Own (L) and Grand Teton. Notice Table Mountain just below the speck of white snow on Grand Teton.
Overall: This is a great little place to stop if you’ll be hiking in Teton Canyon (Table Mountain, Alaska Basin, etc.) because it’s just slightly further down the road beyond the Teton Canyon turnoff. There aren’t any picnic tables, but otherwise it makes a great place to have a tailgate picnic.
Round Trip Trail Length: 0.1 miles
Net Elevation Change: N/A
Facilities: None
Fees: None
Trail Notes: The view from here is great – in the spring, the snow on the Tetons would make it spectacular!
Realistic view of what you’d see from the overlook
Trail 
Road
Signs
Scenery
Would I go 100 miles out of my way for this?
Overall Rating:
Key GPS Coordinates for the West Tetons Overlook
Parking: 43.76805N / -110.99947W (43° 46′ 4.98″ / -110° 59′ 58.092″) (7,050 ft.)
Viewpoint: 43.767765, -110.999203 (43° 46′ 3.9534″ / -110° 59′ 57.1302″)
I think the photographer was having fun with the sun…
Getting to the West Tetons Overlook
From ID-33 in Driggs, ID, turn east (toward the Tetons) at the traffic light onto E-Little Avenue (aka Ski Hill Road). If coming from Yellowstone and the north, this will be a left turn, if coming from Jackson Hole and the south, this will be a right turn. Pass Teton Canyon Road at mile 4.4; 3.8 miles later, arrive at the parking area, on right, signed simply as a “Scenic Overlook” with a blue sign (sort of like a rest area sign). Park in the spacious parking area.
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