Signal Mountain Summit Road
Ascend Signal Mountain Summit Road for unparalleled panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake. A must-do scenic drive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Signal Mountain Summit Road
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Signal Mountain Summit Road for unparalleled panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake. A must-do scenic drive.
"Absolutely worth the drive—such a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path experience with breathtaking scenery from the top! "
🚗 Drive Slowly & Watch
Take your time on the narrow road; you might spot wildlife like elk! :deer:
🥾 Trail Access
The Signal Mountain trail is easily accessible from the summit parking area. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panorama
Summit
Breathtaking 360° views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. A must-see for any visitor.
Scenic Pullouts
Along the Summit Road
Numerous spots to stop and soak in incredible views of Jackson Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Sunset Spectacle
Summit
Witness a magical sunset painting the Teton peaks in vibrant colors. Arrive early for parking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Wildlife & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slowly & Watch
Take your time on the narrow road; you might spot wildlife like elk! :deer:
🥾 Trail Access
The Signal Mountain trail is easily accessible from the summit parking area. :hiking_boot:
🌅 Sunset Parking
Parking can be scarce right before sunset; arrive early to secure a spot. :car:
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your viewing experience of distant peaks and potential wildlife. :binoculars:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slowly & Watch
Take your time on the narrow road; you might spot wildlife like elk! :deer:
🥾 Trail Access
The Signal Mountain trail is easily accessible from the summit parking area. :hiking_boot:
🌅 Sunset Parking
Parking can be scarce right before sunset; arrive early to secure a spot. :car:
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your viewing experience of distant peaks and potential wildlife. :binoculars:
🚽 Pit Toilets Available
Restrooms are available at the summit and a pit toilet is located before the final stop. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors overwhelmingly praise Signal Mountain Summit Road for its breathtaking panoramic views and accessible scenic drive. Many highlight the numerous pullouts as perfect spots to pause and admire the Teton Range and Jackson Lake. While parking can be challenging near sunset, the chance to see local wildlife and enjoy the stunning vistas makes it a highly recommended stop.
"Signal Mountain Summit Road is absolutely worth the drive—such a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path experience! The pullouts along the way offer incredible views, and the scenery from the top is breathtaking. There are restrooms available at the summit, which is a nice bonus. We even had the pleasure of seeing “Hollywood,” the local elk who’s known for hanging around the parking lot and greeting visitors. An unforgettable stop that I highly recommend!"
Heidi C HomFeldt, Realtor
"This was a scenic drive up to the summit to get some panoramic views of the sunset and the mountain ranges. Not too crowded but parking spots can be unavailable right before sunset time.
The road to get here is narrow and curved. Pit toilets available at the lookout 2 minutes before the final stop."
Shilpa Sanapala
"A full 360° view, but obstructed by some trees at the very top. Decent amount of parking at the summit as well a bit earlier on the road. The Signal Mountain trail is easy to access from here. I recommend going early to avoid getting stuck behind slow vehicles on the narrow road. Bring binoculars!"
Nick Sullivan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Signal Mountain Summit Road is accessible from Teton Park Road in Grand Teton National Park. It's a paved, winding road leading to the summit.
No, the road is typically open from late May to early October, depending on weather conditions. Always check park alerts before your visit.
Yes, you can drive your vehicle to the summit via the Signal Mountain Summit Road.
The road is paved but narrow and curved, with several pullouts offering great views. Drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles.
Yes, there is parking available at the summit, but it can fill up quickly, especially around sunset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need a valid Grand Teton National Park entrance pass to access Signal Mountain Summit Road.
There are no additional fees to drive the Signal Mountain Summit Road beyond the standard Grand Teton National Park entrance fee.
The road is generally open during daylight hours from late May to early October. Specific hours can vary based on seasonal conditions.
Yes, the Signal Mountain trail offers a hiking option to the summit, providing a more strenuous but rewarding experience.
While possible, the narrow and winding nature of the road may make it challenging for larger RVs or trailers. Exercise caution.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The summit offers the most expansive views, but numerous pullouts along the road provide excellent vantage points for photos of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake.
Absolutely! Signal Mountain is a popular spot for sunset photography, offering stunning light on the mountains. Arrive early for the best spots.
From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Lake, and the Jackson Hole valley.
While the view is largely unobstructed, some trees at the very top might slightly obscure a perfect 360° panorama.
You might spot elk, deer, and various birds along the road. Keep an eye out for 'Hollywood,' a local elk known to frequent the summit area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the summit. The nearest dining options are at Signal Mountain Lodge, located lower down.
Yes, you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic at one of the scenic pullouts or at the summit.
Signal Mountain Lodge offers dining options and is located at the base of the summit road.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to be on the lookout for wildlife like deer and elk along the road – it's like a natural scavenger hunt!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The panoramic vistas from the summit and the numerous scenic pullouts offer endless opportunities to capture the grandeur of the Teton Range. Plan your visit for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – to take advantage of the best lighting. Bring your telephoto lens for potential wildlife shots and a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes.
🚗 Road Trip & Scenic Drive Lovers
The multiple pullouts provide ample opportunities to pause, take photos, and simply soak in the breathtaking scenery of Jackson Lake and the Teton Mountains. It's an ideal stop for those on a broader Grand Teton scenic drive itinerary. The drive itself is part of the experience, with the anticipation building as you ascend. Remember to drive cautiously and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Summit Road
Travelers often recommend driving slowly and cautiously, not only for safety but also to increase your chances of spotting wildlife. Many visitors have reported seeing elk and deer along the roadside, adding an exciting element to the drive.
At the summit, you'll find a parking area and restrooms. While the views are largely panoramic, some trees at the very top can slightly obstruct a perfect 360° vista. Bringing binoculars is a great tip to fully appreciate the distant peaks and valleys.
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips
+1Beyond the summit, the various pullouts along the road offer diverse photographic opportunities. These spots allow you to frame shots of Jackson Lake with the majestic Tetons as a backdrop. Experiment with different angles and compositions to capture the vastness of the landscape.
For those interested in wildlife photography, patience is key. While sightings are not guaranteed, keeping a keen eye out for elk and deer along the drive can yield rewarding shots. Remember to use a telephoto lens if you're hoping to capture wildlife from a safe distance.
Wildlife Encounters on the Road
One local elk, affectionately nicknamed 'Hollywood,' is known for its habit of frequenting the summit parking lot, often greeting visitors.
Beyond larger mammals, the area is also home to various bird species. Birdwatchers might find opportunities to spot raptors soaring overhead or smaller birds in the trees. The diverse ecosystem makes the drive itself an adventure, even before reaching the summit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit