After arrival, ease into the Tetons with a gentle stroll around String Lake-its shallow, clear water and sandy shores are perfect for teens to wade, photograph reflections of the peaks, and spot waterfowl. Follow with a short, family-friendly loop on the Leigh Lake Trail to reach a scenic overlook where the whole group can enjoy a picnic (pack gluten-free options from Jackson) and scan the meadow edges for elk or mule deer while a guidebook or phone app helps identify birds.
Spend the afternoon exploring the low-elevation trails and interpretive spots around Oxbow Bend and the nearby Snake River Overlook for classic peak-and-reflection photography that teens love; bring binoculars to scan for moose and osprey from easy pullouts. Follow with a relaxed, family-friendly walk along the boardwalk at Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve where educational exhibits, shaded trails through aspen groves, and a creekside picnic offer gluten-free snack opportunities and a gentle intro to Teton ecology before an early-evening dinner in town.
As dusk falls, take a relaxed wildlife-and-sky photography stroll along the easy boardwalk at Menors Ferry Historic District, where teens can practice golden-hour shots of the river and remaining hay meadows while scanning for elk and beavers. Finish with an outdoor, gluten-free dinner at Jackson Lake Lodge's patio (or its lakeside lawn if picnicking), then head to the lodge viewpoint near Signal Mountain for a short twilight lookout that frames the Tetons against starry skies and teaches teens basic night-photography techniques.
Begin before breakfast with a golden-hour shoot along Schwabacher Landing, where calm water mirrors the Tetons and teens can practice composition and long-exposure techniques while watching for river otters and moose on the far bank. Afterward, head to the nearby Mormon Row Historic District to frame classic homesteads against the peaks, then take the short, photo-rich Antelope Flats Road loop to scan for pronghorn and coyotes while stopping at pullouts for candid wildlife and landscape shots-perfect continuity from yesterday's reflective-lake work and a gentle ramp-up before a midday picnic.
After a photo-rich morning, head up to the higher meadows around Signal Mountain Summit Road for sweeping valley panoramas and quick roadside stops where teens can practice telephoto wildlife framing-keep an eye for bighorn sheep on the rocky slopes. Continue with a late-afternoon hike on the easy, wildflower-lined Taggart Lake Trail loop, timing arrival at the lake to capture warm-side light on the timberline and scan the shoreline for beavers and songbirds while enjoying gluten-free snacks on the water's edge.
As dusk deepens, head to Colter Bay Village for a gentle lakeside walk and pick a spot on the marina to capture pastel skies reflected on Jackson Lake while teens experiment with long exposures and silhouette shots of boats. After golden hour, drive the short distance to Gros Ventre Road pullouts for quiet wildlife viewing-listen for elk bugling and scan willow edges for moose-then finish with a gluten-free dinner at a lakeside picnic area while sharing the day's best photos and quick tips on low-light camera settings.
Start the morning with a family-friendly guided ride through the wildflower meadows of Gros Ventre Valley Outfitters, where teens can learn basic riding skills, spot grazing wapiti along the fence lines, and pause for photos of the Tetons framed by open prairie. After the ride, stroll the boardwalk at Hoback Junction to scan riparian edges for songbirds and beavers, enjoy a gluten-free picnic on the riverbank, and compare horseback shots with handheld wildlife photos for a seamless progression from yesterday's lakeside photography work.
After the morning ride, head to Oxbow Bend Picnic Area for a relaxed riverside lunch-teens can try spotting and photographing waterfowl and the occasional moose along the calm Snake River bend while sampling gluten-free sandwiches. In the mid-afternoon, take a guided family-friendly trek with Teton Trails Guest Ranch into nearby wildflower meadows and aspen groves where instructors teach basic tack care and safe off-saddle photography, ending at a small hillside viewpoint perfect for capturing layered Teton silhouettes and practicing telephoto framing for wildlife seen earlier in the trip.
As dusk settles, take a mellow riverside float and wildlife-watch cruise on the Snake River, where teens can spot beavers and herons from low, safe vantage points while guides highlight animal behavior and photography tips for low light. After the cruise, wander the historic boardwalk at Moulton Barn Overlook to frame golden-hour silhouettes of classic homesteads against the Tetons, then finish with a gluten-free camp-style dinner and s'mores (gluten-free marshmallows and chocolate) at the family-friendly picnic area near Leek's Marina, swapping horseback stories and reviewing the day's best photos.
Begin with an energizing shuttle-boat crossing of Jenny Lake then tackle the iconic but teen-friendly Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point route before continuing higher into Cascade Canyon along the well-marked trail-expect sweeping alpine meadows, dramatic cliff walls, and close-but-safe views for wildlife like marmots and mountain goats while practicing telephoto framing. After a mid-hike break at the shady Inspiration Point ledge for a gluten-free picnic, push on another mile toward the junction with Paintbrush Divide for broad lake-and-peak panoramas that build on earlier reflective-lake photography lessons and set you up for afternoon shoreline viewpoints.
After the morning push up Cascade Canyon, take a restful shore-side stretch at String Lake Shoreline where teens can swim, try shallow-water reflections photography, and snack on gluten-free wraps while scanning the opposite timberline for moose. Then follow the easy lakeside trail to Phelps Lake Overlook for broad, elevated views of the lake and distant Tetons-it's a great spot for telephoto practice and a short interpretive talk about local geology before returning to Jenny Lake for a relaxed sunset shoot from Beechner Island viewpoint, capturing warm light on the water and silhouetted aspens as a bookend to the day's alpine hiking and photography progression.
Wind down after your alpine day with a guided twilight paddle on Leek's Marina (Jenny Lake) canoe rentals, where teens can practice low-light reflections photography and watch for evening osprey activity from the water. After the paddle, stroll the quiet shore to the Chapel of the Transfiguration vantage for framed peak-and-forest views in soft dusk light, then finish at the Jackson Lake Lodge viewpoint (or a lakeside picnic spot nearby) for a relaxed, gluten-free outdoor dinner while sharing highlights and comparing sunset shots from the day's hikes.
Drive east from Jackson with a scenic stop at Alcova Reservoir for a riverside stretch and a picnic of gluten-free sandwiches while teens scan for waterbirds and practice landscape framing; the wide water and open sky offer a gentle transition from mountain photography to prairie light. Continue into Cheyenne and check in, then walk the family through Cheyenne Depot Plaza to see historic railcars and take candid portraits against vintage architecture before grabbing a late-morning snack at a local café offering gluten-free options and learning about the week's Frontier Days schedule.
After checking in, head to Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum for hands-on exhibits about rodeo life and a teen-friendly scavenger hunt that ties into the weekend's events; the museum's interactive displays are great for comparing mountain-cowboy cultures after your Tetons days. Next, walk the historic Governor Ames Statue plaza and roll through Little America Hotel & Resort grounds to relax by the pool or try the resort's gluten-free café offerings before picking up wristbands and maps at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Box Office to plan evening rodeo and concert spots.
As twilight falls, stroll through the lively vendors and food stalls at Cheyenne Frontier Days Arena Plaza, sampling gluten-free fair treats while teens soak up the carnival atmosphere and live country music. Afterward, catch the family-friendly, early-evening performance at the Prairie Nights Stage (check the schedule for youth-appropriate acts), then finish with a breezy riverside photo walk along the Crow Creek Greenway where teens can practice low-light portraits and capture the glow of rodeo lights reflecting off the water.
Kick off the day with a behind-the-scenes youth-focused experience at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo Arena-teens can join a guided barn tour to see stock preparation, meet rodeo horses and riders, and try on western gear for photos. Follow with a hands-on clinic at the Wrangler Youth Corral, where certified instructors teach safe roping basics and horseback handling (age-appropriate and supervised), then grab gluten-free breakfast burritos at the nearby Frontier Foods Pavilion while trading tips on rodeo photography to link this cowboy immersion to your earlier wildlife and landscape shoots.
Wander the lively vendor alleys around Frontier Park Midway where teens can try hands-on leather-stamping at a western craft booth and sample gluten-free street eats from designated vendors while soaking up rodeo pageantry. Then head to the youth-friendly activity zone at Horseshoe Plaza for a guided meet-and-greet with the Red Clay Strays riders and an interactive hat-decorating station, finishing with a group photo op on the raised bleacher overlooking the practice arenas so everyone can compare action-shot techniques learned earlier in the trip.
As dusk settles, head to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Main Arena for the evening rodeo finale seating-teens will love the pulse of crowd energy, flag ceremonies, and fast-paced events framed by the arena lights. After the rodeo, stroll over to the Frontier Nights Concert Lawn for a family-friendly outdoor show or tribute act, then finish with a relaxed nightcap at the Depot Plaza Overlook, where teens can swap action-shot highlights under string lights while scanning the lit historic depot for silhouette photography.
Start the morning with a hands-on deep dive at the Wyoming State Museum-teens can try interactive exhibits about territorial life and photograph authentic frontier artifacts for a historical-portrait mini-project. Next, stroll over to the Cheyenne Depot Museum for a guided tour of vintage railcars and a rooftop overlook that frames the city's railroad heritage; finish with a gluten-free brunch at the Depot's café while sharing favorite shots and packing for your afternoon departure.
Spend the afternoon at the hands-on Little America Hotel & Resort activity center where teens can try family-friendly archery and western-skill demos, then stroll the adjacent grounds for staged photo ops in period costume available at the on-site rental booth. Follow with a visit to the interactive exhibits and living-history demonstrations at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens' Bloedorn Learning Center, where teens can compare prairie ecology to mountain landscapes and sample gluten-free treats at the garden café before returning to pack and head to the depot for departure.
Wind down your Wyoming adventure with a relaxed visit to Evergreen Cemetery, where teens can read historic grave markers and photograph century-old cowboy memorials framed by prairie light, then stroll the nearby Ivinson Mansion grounds for a short, interpretive walk that links Cheyenne's civic history to the frontier stories you've explored. Finish with an early, gluten-free family dinner at The Albany, enjoying locally inspired fare and a last-round discussion of favorite photos before a final stop at Big Boy Steam Engine #4004 for memorable wide-angle shots of the giant locomotive under evening skies en route to departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| String Lake (stroll/wading) | Free |
| Leigh Lake Trail (hike) | Free |
| Oxbow Bend (viewpoint/photography) | Free |
| Snake River Overlook (viewpoint) | Free |
| Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (boardwalk & visitor center) | $0 |
| Menors Ferry Historic District (boardwalk/photo walk) | Free |
| Jackson Lake Lodge patio / lakeside picnic (dinner costs vary) | $25 |
| Signal Mountain viewpoint (twilight lookout) | Free |
| Schwabacher Landing (golden-hour photography) | Free |
| Mormon Row Historic District (photo stops) | Free |
| Antelope Flats Road (scenic loop) | Free |
| Signal Mountain Summit Road (pullouts & viewpoints) - vehicle fee included | $35 |
| Taggart Lake Trail (hike) | Free |
| Colter Bay Village (marina & lakeside walk) | Free |
| Gros Ventre Road pullouts (wildlife viewing) | Free |
| Gros Ventre Valley Outfitters (guided horseback ride) - teen-friendly group ride estimate | $85 |
| Hoback Junction boardwalk | Free |
| Oxbow Bend Picnic Area (riverside lunch) | Free |
| Teton Trails Guest Ranch (guided meadow trek & tack demo) | $65 |
| Snake River float/wildlife cruise (guided) | $60 |
| Moulton Barn Overlook (photography) | Free |
| Leek's Marina (camp-style dinner / picnic area) | Free |
| Jenny Lake shuttle boat (round-trip) | $18 |
| Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point (hike) | Free |
| Cascade Canyon trail (hiking) | Free |
| String Lake shoreline (swim/photography) | Free |
| Phelps Lake Overlook (viewpoint) | Free |
| Leek's Marina canoe rentals (twilight paddle) - per-person rental | $30 |
| Chapel of the Transfiguration (viewpoint) | Free |
| Alcova Reservoir (scenic stop & picnic) | Free |
| Cheyenne Depot Plaza (railcars & photos) | Free |
| Local café gluten-free snack (Jackson/Cheyenne) - typical per-person snack/coffee | $12 |
| Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum (admission) | $10 |
| Governor Ames Statue plaza (historic plaza) | Free |
| Little America Hotel & Resort (pool / café gluten-free snack) | $15 |
| Cheyenne Frontier Days Box Office (wristbands/maps) - typical daily wristband/ticket varies (estimate per-event) | $40 |
| Frontier Foods Pavilion (gluten-free fair eats) - typical per-person snack/meal | $14 |
| Prairie Nights Stage (evening family-friendly performance) - per-person general admission (estimate) | $20 |
| Crow Creek Greenway (riverside photo walk) | Free |
| Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo Arena barn tour / behind-the-scenes youth experience (guided) - per-teen estimate | $25 |
| Wrangler Youth Corral (roping basics clinic) - per-teen session estimate | $30 |
| Frontier Park Midway (vendors & leather-stamping booth) - craft booth fee estimate | $10 |
| Horseshoe Plaza youth zone / Red Clay Strays meet-and-greet (activity) | Free |
| Cheyenne Frontier Days Main Arena (evening rodeo ticket) - per-person seating estimate | $45 |
| Frontier Nights Concert Lawn (family-friendly outdoor show) - per-person general admission estimate | $25 |
| Wyoming State Museum (admission) | Free |
| Cheyenne Depot Museum (admission) | $6 |
| Little America Hotel & Resort activity center (archery/western demos) - per-person activity fee estimate | $20 |
| Cheyenne Botanic Gardens' Bloedorn Learning Center (admission / demonstrations) | Free |
| Evergreen Cemetery (historic markers / photos) | Free |
| Ivinson Mansion grounds (interpretive walk) | Free |
| The Albany (gluten-free dinner) - typical per-person entree | $28 |
| Big Boy Steam Engine #4004 (viewing at depot) | Free |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $888 |