Leave Park City around 7:00 AM and take I-80 W to US-89 N toward Jackson; in normal summer traffic it’s about 4.5–5.5 hours, and you’ll want one quick stop for gas and coffee so you’re not arriving frazzled. The drive is straightforward but long enough that it’s worth keeping snacks in the car and topping off in Kamas, Randolph, or Afton if prices look better than in resort towns. Pull into downtown Jackson with enough time to park once and unload easily—street parking is metered in the core, but the public lots around Town Square are usually the least annoying option for a short stop.
From downtown, head up to Teton Village Commons for a casual late lunch and a stretch before you go into park mode. It’s a good budget reset because you can keep it simple—grab sandwiches, tacos, or a quick bowl, then use the village just to breathe a little mountain air and let the drive wear off. After that, continue to Jenny Lake Visitor Center in the Jenny Lake area; parking fills early in summer, so this mid-afternoon timing works well for checking trail conditions, shuttle/boat info, and whether the lot is still open. If you’re staying flexible, the ranger desk here is also the best place to confirm the easiest way to reach Hidden Falls without wasting time circling for a spot.
Do Hidden Falls via Jenny Lake Trail / Shuttle as the main event of the day. The classic budget-friendly move is to use the lake shuttle if it’s running, or hike the trail if you’re feeling up for the extra mileage; either way, plan on about 2.5–3 hours total once you include the walk, the waterfall stop, and a little time to linger. The trail is popular and very doable, but in early June there can still be muddy patches and lingering snow on shaded sections, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a light layer—the shade by the lake can feel much cooler than Jackson. If the crowds are heavy, go with the flow and don’t rush it; this is one of those places that’s better when you give yourself time to just sit near the water and listen.
Head back into Jackson for dinner at The Virginian Restaurant, which is a solid, no-fuss choice after a long travel day and a hike. Expect hearty plates, western comfort food, and prices that are relatively reasonable for the area—roughly $18–30 per person depending on what you order, with enough variety that nobody has to overthink it. After dinner, if you still have energy, it’s easy to do a quick walk around Town Square before calling it a night. If you’re planning to keep moving tomorrow, try to turn in early; the next day goes better if you’re not dragging.
If you’re coming up from Jackson, get moving very early so you can be at the Moose area around sunrise-adjacent light; the drive to Grand Teton National Park is short but parking fills quickly at the popular trailheads and pullouts. For the first stretch, Phelps Lake Overlook Trail is the right kind of low-effort, high-reward warmup: expect about 1.5 hours total, moderate walking, and big open views without committing to a long backcountry day. The trail is usually free with your park entrance fee, and in early June you’ll want sturdy shoes because the approach can stay damp in shaded spots. After that, swing by the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose for maps, a restroom break, and the excellent geology and wildlife exhibits; it’s a quick 30-minute stop, but it saves time later if you grab current road info and ask about any bear activity or trail conditions before driving north.
Keep the car rolling north to Oxbow Bend, one of those roadside views that looks almost too perfect when the water is calm. Plan on about 45 minutes here so you’re not rushing the light; it’s especially nice for reflections of the Teton Range, and you may spot moose, ducks, or an eagle without even leaving the pullout. From there, continue to Signal Mountain Summit Road for the scenic payoff without having to hike for it — the drive up and back is roughly 1.5 hours round-trip, and the viewpoint gives you a wide-angle look over Jackson Lake and the valley below. It’s a classic “worth the detour” stop, and since you’re trying to keep this budget-friendly, this is the kind of splurge that costs only gas and a little time. For lunch, head to Leeks Marina & Pizzeria near Jackson Lake; it’s casual, good value at about $15–25 per person, and a solid place to sit down after the morning’s driving. Expect about an hour here, especially if you want to linger with lake views instead of grabbing food and bolting.
After lunch, start the drive back to Park City around 2:30–3:00 PM so you’re not arriving too late, and build in one short fuel-and-snack stop on US-89 S or near I-80 W depending on traffic. The full return usually runs about 5–6 hours with a brief break, and leaving at this time is the difference between a smooth evening drive and a tired late-night push. If you’ve got a little energy before heading out of the park, it’s worth one last slow pull-off for photos near the lake corridor, but don’t overdo it — the smart move is to get on the road while you still feel fresh.