The Snake River opens for trout fishing on April 1. But soon the spring run-off starts, and the river rollics until August. The best time to fish the Snake is late August and September. Many of the Snake's tributaries are fishable earlier than August, but several streams are closed until August 1 because they are important spawning areas. Check with park authorities.

But don't forget the lakes—the best high country lakes are Bradley, Taggart, Holly, Surprise and Lake Solitude. Lower down, Jackson Lake is a good bet for lake and cutthroat trout. Anglers at Jackson have pulled out lake trout in the 30 to 40 pound range. Phelps Lake takes a hike to get to: go for a little more solitude and for brook, lake and cutthroat trout. Jenny and Leigh Lakes are both worth a try, though they're not as great fishing lakes; however, you won't be disappointed by the scenery.

Scenic Driving

The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway links West Thumb in Yellowstone with the South Entrance of Grand Teton National Park. This scenic 82-mile corridor runs down the side of Jackson Lake then roughly parallels the Snake River. Along the way you'll have plenty of opportunity to turn off the road and drink in the view: Turnouts include Oxbow Bend, Snake River, Teton Point and Glacier View. This is the route you take to find raft launches and if you want to try your luck at catching trout in the Snake. Also along the way, Cunningham Cabin Historic Site, a log cabin dwarfed by the Teton Range behind it, offers a glimpse into the rustic life of the early European settlers.

The Teton Park Road ranks up there with the greats. As it curves through the park, it skirts Jenny and Jackson lakes, with the peaks of the Tetons always in view. Along the way, you'll pass turnouts with glorious views, trailheads for dayhikes and turnoffs for driving side trips. Signal Mountain Road to the top of Signal Mountain is particularly recommended.

Signal Mountain Summit Road - This 5-mile drive starts one mile south of Signal Mountain Lodge and Campground. The road winds to the top of Signal Mountain, 800 feet above the valley. Summit overlooks provide a panoramic view of the entire Teton Range, Jackson Lake and most of Jackson Hole.

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive - Turn at North Jenny Lake and drive southwest. Stop at the Cathedral Group Turnout for a spectacular view of the Grand Teton (13,770 ft.), Teewinot and Mt. Owen. The road is two way as far as String Lake and Jenny Lake Lodge. South of String Lake, the road becomes one-way and provides a relaxed lakeshore drive with views of Jenny Lake. Rejoin the Teton Park Road near South Jenny Lake.

And how could you pass the Chapel of the Transfiguration?

GORP's Grand Teton biking page gives the rundown on some other roads in the park.