Above the Valley: Driving Signal Mountain Summit Road in Grand Teton
A short, panoramic drive that frames the Tetons and the whole of Jackson Hole into one unforgettable lookout.
You climb into the car at dawn and the valley exhales — fog thinning, cottonwoods sipping the last of the night's chill. The road to Signal Mountain is a quiet ribbon that curls through sage, aspens, and lodgepole pine, climbing purposefully toward a wide, open summit that feels like a natural observatory. By the time the sun slides up behind the Tetons, the Snake River below is a silver thread and the jagged silhouettes of the range sharpen like a photograph. From this small, deliberate ascent, the entire valley lays itself out: barns, meadows, rivers, and the sheer vertical face of the Teton Range daring you to look closer.
Trail Wisdom
Come for sunrise
The first two hours after sunrise offer the best light and the highest chance to see wildlife active in the valley below.
Bring layers and wind protection
The summit is exposed — temperatures can be 10–20°F cooler and winds pick up rapidly.
Leave room for a guided wildlife tour
If you want guided interpretation or better odds of spotting animals like moose or elk, book a half- or full-day wildlife safari from Jackson Hole.
Practice bear safety
Carry bear spray, stay on designated trails, and store food securely — black and grizzly bears use the valley.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Short hike to Signal Mountain Fire Tower viewpoint for quieter panoramas
- •Late-afternoon pullouts on the descent that catch glints on the Snake River
Wildlife
Moose, Elk
Conservation Note
Stay on designated roads and trails, pack out all trash, and follow bear-safety practices to minimize human-wildlife conflicts in this sensitive ecosystem.
Signal Mountain has historically served as a lookout and communication point; the road and summit have long been used for orientation across Jackson Hole.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflowers in lower meadows, Migratory birdwatching
Challenges: Snowpack lingering into May, Mud on lower access roads
Spring unlocks meadows and migratory birds; the summit may still have patches of snow early in the season, so dress for variable conditions.
summer
Best for: Sunrise and sunset photography, Family-friendly scenic driving
Challenges: Crowds and parking at peak hours, Afternoon thunderstorms
Summer is peak access and warm days; go early to avoid crowds and the typical afternoon storms that sweep in off the range.
fall
Best for: Fall color in aspens, Elk rut viewing in September
Challenges: Shorter daylight hours, Chilly nights and morning frost
Fall brings crisp air and golden color; mornings can be cold but offer dramatic light and the chance to see rutting elk in the valley.
winter
Best for: Quiet winter panoramas, Snowshoeing or backcountry skiing nearby
Challenges: Road closures or icy conditions, Limited services in Jackson and the park
Winter offers solitude and stark views but check road conditions — the summit road is sometimes closed or requires careful driving on ice.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Layered jacket (windproof)Essential
Summit wind and temperature drops make a lightweight windproof layer invaluable even on warm days.
Binoculars or spotting scope
Helps find wildlife and distant details across the valley and river corridors.
Tripod and wide-angle lens
For crisp panoramic landscapes and low-light sunrise/sunset shots.
Bear sprayEssential
Necessary in grizzly country if you plan to hike beyond the immediate summit area.
Common Questions
How long is the drive to the summit?
The paved Signal Mountain Summit Road is about 5.5 miles from the main junction to the summit and typically takes 20–30 minutes without stops.
Are there hikes from the summit?
Yes — there are short interpretive loops and trails off the summit parking area; longer backcountry hikes require planning and bear safety precautions.
Is the road open year-round?
The road can be subject to winter closures or icy conditions; check the National Park Service road status before traveling in winter or early spring.
Are there guided tours that include Signal Mountain?
Yes — many half-day, sunrise, and full-day wildlife or scenic tours in Grand Teton include a stop at Signal Mountain for viewpoint orientation and photography.
Can you see wildlife from the summit?
You can often spot large mammals like moose and elk in the valley from the summit, but closer wildlife viewing is best at dawn and with a guided tour.
Is there parking at the top?
There is a designated parking area and overlooks at the summit, but arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.
What to Pack
Windproof jacket (for summit conditions); water and snacks (no services at the top); binoculars (for wildlife and valley detail); bear spray (if hiking off the summit).
Did You Know
Signal Mountain Summit Road is a roughly 5.5-mile paved drive that climbs to about 7,700 feet, offering nearly 360-degree views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Arrive early to beat crowds and get parking; 2) Check NPS road conditions in winter; 3) Combine a summit stop with a half-day wildlife safari from Jackson; 4) Bring cashless payment methods—park services vary.
Local Flavor
Jackson Hole blends Western cowboy culture with outdoor-minded hospitality — cowboy breakfasts, elk burger bistros, and local outfitters offering guided wildlife safaris and photography tours connect visitors to the land.
Logistics Snapshot
Distance: ~5.5 miles one-way; summit elevation: ~7,700 ft; best time: sunrise/sunset; nearest town: Jackson (~10–15 minute drive); parking: limited — arrive early during summer.
Sustainability Note
Stick to paved areas and designated pullouts, minimize engine idling at overlooks, follow Leave No Trace principles, and support local guide services that practice responsible wildlife viewing.