4-Day Grand Teton Kayaking & Snake River Adventure

Extended Teton Expedition
Authorized Concessioner - Grand Teton National Park
Season Group trips
Jun - Sept
Duration 4 days
Wrap afternoon Day 4
Price Group trips $1,895 pp
Meet Evening before
6:30 PM gear check

The Full Grand Teton Experience in Four Days

4 Days / 3 Nights

What it is: This 4-day adventure delivers the complete Grand Teton experience—touring kayaking on spectacular Jackson Lake, private camping beneath the Tetons, alpine lake hikes, and a scenic float down the Wild & Scenic Snake River.

Why it's special: As the only authorized kayaking outfitter in Grand Teton National Park, we offer special access to private campsites and remote areas large commercial operators can't reach.

The experience: Paddle along wilderness shorelines with glacier-topped peaks rising directly from the water. Camp at Grassy Island below impressive Mount Moran and Spalding Bay with sweeping views of the Cathedral Group including Grand Teton itself. Hike rarely-traveled trails to pristine Leigh and Trapper Lakes. Explore dramatic Moran Canyon with waterfalls cascading down vertical rock walls. Conclude with an iconic Snake River float past the Cathedral Group—the very landscape Ansel Adams made legendary.

Expert guidance: Throughout your journey, expert guides provide paddling instruction, natural history interpretation, and gourmet backcountry meals. Watch for moose, bald eagles, river otters, elk, bears, and countless other inhabitants of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Who's it for: Designed for all abilities, including first‑timers who want the deepest Grand Teton immersion—more days, more wilderness, and full guide support from start to finish. Private trips welcome kids 7+ (size/maturity).

Trip Pricing & Dates

Group & Custom Trips

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Two people seated on rocky shoreline and calm lake with mirror-like reflection in Grand Teton National Park.

Breathtaking Campsites

"Rendezvous River Sports is truly unique. The guides are knowledgeable and kind, and the campsites are breathtaking."
I4533MKlees, Jun 2025 TripAdvisor

Your 4-Day Grand Teton Journey

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Meet & Greet

Evening Before

Meet your fellow adventurers and guides at Rendezvous River Sports. Gear check, dry bag distribution, kayak fitting (single or tandem), and trip overview. Build excitement over snacks and refreshments while getting all your questions answered.

1

Kayak Jackson Lake to Grassy Island Camp

Day 1

Morning Departure - Meet at our shop at 8:00 AM, then shuttle to Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park (or meet us there if you prefer).

Paddling Instruction - Review kayaking techniques, safety procedures, and practice strokes before launching.

Paddle to Marie Island - Navigate scenic waters with the Tetons rising dramatically from the west shore. Stop at Marie Island or Deadman Point for lunch surrounded by mountain vistas.

Grassy Island Arrival - Continue paddling to your incredible campsite on Grassy Island, situated just below the impressive Mount Moran. Work together to set up camp.

Evening Freedom - Explore the island on foot, try stand up paddleboarding, or simply relax and absorb the stunning surroundings. Gather for a delicious hot meal prepared by guides, campfire stories, and listen for nature's sounds-rushing waterfalls, howling wolves, or bugling elk depending on season.

Accommodation: Grassy Island Camp
Activity: 6.5-7 miles kayaking
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

2

Paddle to Leigh Lake Trailhead & Alpine Hiking

Day 2

Morning Paddle - Take in spectacular views of glacier-topped granite peaks while paddling to Leigh Lake Trailhead. Miles of wilderness shoreline beg to be explored.

Trailhead to Leigh Lake - Beach your kayaks and begin hiking. Your guides point out trees scarred by bears-reminders of proper bear safety practices employed throughout the adventure. Reach beautiful Leigh Lake for lunch with sweeping Teton Range views. The cold water is refreshing-swimming encouraged!

Trapper Lake Extension - After lunch, continue to tranquil Trapper Lake before returning to kayaks.

Return to Camp - Paddle back to Grassy Island. Free time for stand up paddleboarding, island exploration, or relaxation. After dinner, share stories around the campfire beneath Wyoming's star-filled sky.

Accommodation: Grassy Island Camp
Activity: 3 miles kayaking; 4 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3

Moran Canyon Hike & Paddle to Spalding Bay

Day 3

Break Camp - After hot breakfast, work together to pack up Grassy Island camp.

Moran Canyon - Paddle or hike to Moran Creek to begin scenic Moran Canyon hike. Dramatic vistas of Jackson Lake and the vast valley beyond are stunning. Glaciers, vertical rock walls, wildflowers, and possible wildlife sightings (moose, elk, deer, bears, eagles, bighorn sheep) compete for your attention.

Lunch at Bear Paw Bay - Following a short paddle, enjoy lunch near Bear Paw Bay's entrance.

Spalding Bay Camp - Paddle to your final campsite at Spalding Bay with wonderful views of the Teton Range including Grand Teton and the Cathedral Group. Unload kayaks, set up tents, then explore on foot or by paddle board.

Final Night - Watch sunset flow into stargazing as you toast new friendships, national park beauty, and tomorrow's Snake River adventure.

Accommodation: Spalding Camp
Activity: 7 miles kayaking; 2 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4

Snake River Scenic Float & Return to Jackson

Day 4

Morning Paddle - Load up and paddle to your original launching point.

Transfer to Snake River - Shuttle to rafting location and hop into six-person rafts.

Iconic Snake River Float - Embark on a picturesque float down the Wild & Scenic Snake River. Your guides share natural and historical interpretation as you drift past the Cathedral Group - each turn providing new perspectives of Grand Teton that call to mind Ansel Adams' iconic photographs brought alive in brilliant color. Gentle waters provide ample opportunities to spot wildlife.

Picnic Lunch - Pause for riverside lunch surrounded by mountain majesty.

Deadman's Bar Take-Out - Complete your float, then shuttle back to Jackson for final goodbyes.

Activity: 1.5 miles kayaking; 10.5-14 miles rafting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Go

None! These trips welcome beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Guides provide comprehensive instruction before and during the trip. By Day 2, most participants are paddling comfortably and confidently

Moderate. You'll kayak 1.5-7 miles daily (with breaks) and hike 2-4 miles. Basic fitness and ability to get in/out of kayaks and walk on uneven terrain is necessary. Most important: positive attitude and willingness to follow instructions

Exclusive access! As Grand Teton's only authorized kayaking outfitter, we camp at private sites unavailable to large commercial operators. You experience areas most park visitors never see - paddling wilderness shorelines, camping beneath the Tetons, hiking rarely-traveled trails, all away from roads and crowds

We provide high-quality tents (singles or doubles available) with established tent pads. Clean portable toilet systems are set up in private areas at all campsites with handwashing stations. Guides explain backcountry protocols for maintaining hygiene

Far better than typical "camping food"! Expect gourmet backcountry meals with fresh ingredients, local produce, and satisfying variety. Think French toast, made-from-scratch pancakes, breakfast burritos, fresh salads, and creative dinners. Well-balanced, healthy, delicious - backcountry dining at its finest

Yes! Nearly all dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. Let us know about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy requirements when booking

Grand Teton's diverse ecosystem supports moose (common!), bald eagles, river otters, elk, bison, black bears, grizzly bears (from safe distance), bighorn sheep, mountain goats, beavers, ospreys, pelicans, and numerous other species. Quiet kayaks create excellent viewing opportunities

Mountain weather changes rapidly. June-September days are typically warm and dry with possible afternoon showers. Nights are quite cool - it can freeze any time of year. Jackson elevation is 6,200 feet; Jackson Lake exceeds 6,700 feet. We provide appropriate gear and monitor conditions closely

We adjust plans accordingly - sometimes changing routes, occasionally modifying itineraries in severe cases. Safety always comes first, but we're well-equipped to handle typical mountain weather patterns

The 4-day trip includes everything: maximum time on Jackson Lake, camping at both Grassy Island AND Spalding Bay, hiking to both Leigh/Trapper Lakes AND Moran Canyon, plus the Snake River finale. You get the complete Grand Teton experience without feeling rushed. 2-day trips are weekend samplers; 3-day trips extend one location; 4-day trips do it all

Your choice! We offer both stable, comfortable touring kayaks. Singles give you complete control and a workout; tandems allow partners to paddle together and share the experience. Both perform beautifully

After paddling back to the launch point, we transfer you to the Snake River. You'll ride in six-person rafts with professional guides who share natural and historical interpretation. It's a gentle float (not whitewater) through iconic scenery - the perfect way to conclude your adventure while spotting more wildlife

Absolutely! Private trips welcome children as young as 7 (depending on size and maturity). Group trips through MT Sobek have minimum age 7-8. Family trips are among our favorites, and we customize activities to engage younger participants

We provide tents, sleeping pads, and all group camping equipment. You bring your sleeping bag (or rent a sleep kit from us), personal clothing, and toiletries. Complete packing list provided after booking

We operate in remote locations where evacuation can be difficult. Everyone signs a waiver acknowledging outdoor activity risks and provides health information that helps guides understand potential concerns. While there are no prerequisites, being healthy and fit enhances enjoyment

Strongly recommended. Trip cancellation policies typically cover nonrefundable payments if you must cancel due to illness or injury. We want you protected

Group trips have scheduled dates, fixed itineraries, and you join other adventurers (great for solo travelers or couples). Private trips let you choose dates, customize the experience, bring kids of any age 7+, and have guides exclusively for your group

Email info@jacksonholekayak.com or call (307) 733-2471. We'll discuss your preferred dates, group size, interests, and customize the perfect 4-day adventure. 25% deposit confirms your booking

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Person in yellow kayak and calm river water in Grand Teton National Park.

Ready to Book?

Email us at info@jacksonholekayak.com or call (307) 733-2471 or stop by our shop at 945 W. Broadway in Jackson.