Grand Teton National Park | Great American Hikes

Grand Teton National Park

Park Overview

Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park protects roughly 310,000 acres of soaring mountains, glacier-carved canyons, alpine lakes, sagebrush flats, wetlands, and the winding Snake River, all dominated by the unmistakable skyline of the Teton Range. The original park was established on February 26, 1929, primarily to protect the Teton Range and several of the glacial lakes along its base. The conservation effort continued for decades, aided significantly by John D. Rockefeller Jr., who purchased and eventually donated more than 30,000 acres in Jackson Hole for preservation. In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Jackson Hole National Monument to protect additional portions of the valley, and in 1950, the monument, Rockefeller lands, and original national park were combined to create Grand Teton National Park largely as it exists today. The centerpiece of the park is the dramatic Teton Range, which rises abruptly from the floor of Jackson Hole without extensive foothills, creating one of the most recognizable mountain landscapes in North America. The range contains numerous peaks exceeding 12,000 feet, including the 13,770-foot Grand Teton, while more than 100 alpine and backcountry lakes are scattered throughout the surrounding mountains. Highlights include Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, String Lake, Leigh Lake, the Snake River, Mormon Row Historic District, Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, Signal Mountain, and scenic drives offering spectacular views of the Tetons. The park is also part of the enormous Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, providing habitat for an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, moose, elk, bison, pronghorn, wolves, and bald eagles. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, world-class mountaineering, paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing, historic ranches, spectacular sunrise and sunset photography, and easy access to neighboring Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton offers an incredible combination of rugged wilderness and easily accessible mountain scenery.

Closest Airports

Jackson Hole Airport - inside the park

Idaho Falls Regional - 90 miles (2 hrs)

Bozeman Yellowstone Int'l - 170 miles (3.5 hrs)

Salt Lake City Int'l - 300 miles (5 hrs)

Lodging

Visitors to Grand Teton National Park have an excellent variety of lodging options both inside the park and throughout the surrounding Jackson Hole valley. Within the park, some of the most popular choices include Jackson Lake Lodge, a full-service property with spectacular views of the Teton Range; Jenny Lake Lodge, which offers a more intimate and upscale experience in rustic cabins near Jenny and String Lakes; Signal Mountain Lodge, with cabins, motel-style rooms, and lakefront accommodations along Jackson Lake; and Colter Bay Village, where historic log cabins provide a simpler and generally more rustic stay. Farther north, Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch sits between Grand Teton and Yellowstone, making it particularly convenient for visitors exploring both national parks. Travelers seeking an inexpensive and unique stay inside the park should also consider the American Alpine Club Grand Teton Climbers’ Ranch near Jenny Lake, which offers seasonal co-ed bunkhouse accommodations with shared facilities and is especially popular with climbers, hikers, and other outdoor travelers. Outside the park, Jackson has by far the largest selection of hotels, motels, inns, vacation rentals, and luxury properties, along with restaurants, shops, and nightlife, making it the most convenient town for travelers who want amenities beyond the park. Budget-conscious travelers can consider Cache House, a hostel in downtown Jackson (no parking), while nearby Teton Village offers everything from upscale mountain resorts to the relatively affordable The Hostel at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Teton Village and Wilson, both west of the park, are particularly convenient for reaching the Moose-Wilson Road and southern portions of Grand Teton. Visitors looking for something more memorable can stay in geodesic domes at Tammah Jackson Hole near Wilson, choose a historic cabin or boutique inn in Jackson, or stay at one of the guest and dude ranches scattered throughout Jackson Hole for a more traditional Western experience. Vacation rentals are also widely available in Jackson, Wilson, Teton Village, and other parts of Jackson Hole, ranging from small condos and cabins to large luxury homes. Because lodging inside Grand Teton and throughout Jackson Hole can be expensive and fills quickly during summer, reservations should be made as early as possible, particularly for stays between June and September.

Camping

Camping in and around Grand Teton National Park provides everything from developed campgrounds beneath the Teton Range to remote backcountry sites and unique tent-cabin experiences. Inside the park and neighboring John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, visitors can choose from major campgrounds including Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, Lizard Creek, and Headwaters, with options ranging from tent-only sites to RV sites with electrical or full hookups. Jenny Lake Campground is particularly desirable for tent campers because of its location just a few hundred yards from Jenny Lake beneath the Teton Range, while Colter Bay is one of the best choices for families and RV travelers thanks to its proximity to Jackson Lake, restaurants, stores, showers, laundry facilities, and a marina. All developed park campgrounds require advance reservations, which can be made up to six months ahead and should be secured early for summer visits. For something more distinctive, Colter Bay Tent Village features rustic canvas tent cabins furnished with bunks and wood-burning stoves, while Headwaters also offers camper cabins for travelers wanting a step up from traditional tent camping. Outside the park, additional developed and dispersed camping can be found in the surrounding Bridger-Teton National Forest, providing good alternatives when park campgrounds are full and opportunities for a more primitive experience. One of the best options for free camping is along Grassy Lake Road in the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway between Grand Teton and Yellowstone, where 14 designated primitive campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis once the road typically opens in mid-June; there is no water, but shared toilets, bear boxes, and trash facilities are provided.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is generally June through September, with July through early September offering the most reliable access to hiking trails, scenic roads, lakes, lodging, and other visitor services. Summer brings warm days, cool nights, abundant wildflowers, and long daylight hours, with average daytime highs around 71°F in June and 80°F in July and August; however, afternoon thunderstorms are common, temperatures can drop considerably at night, and July and August are among the park’s busiest months. Spring, particularly April through May and into early June, is quieter and brings melting snow, flowing rivers, emerging wildflowers, and increased wildlife activity, but conditions can be unpredictable, with rain, snow, and freezing temperatures still possible and many valley trails remaining snow-covered until late May. Fall is arguably one of the most beautiful times to visit, especially from mid-September into early October, when aspens turn brilliant shades of yellow, crowds begin to diminish, and wildlife becomes particularly active; elk bugle during the rut, while elk, bison, and pronghorn begin their seasonal migrations. Visitors should be prepared for cold nights and rapidly changing weather, however, as freezing temperatures and occasional snow become increasingly common and many lodges, campgrounds, restaurants, and visitor facilities begin closing for the season in September and October. Winter, generally from November through April, transforms the Tetons into a snow-covered wilderness ideal for photography, wildlife watching, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, but many park roads and nearly all seasonal visitor services are closed, snowfall is substantial, and nighttime temperatures can fall below zero. For most first-time visitors hoping to hike and experience the park at its most accessible, late June through early September is the best window, while September is an excellent choice for those willing to trade some seasonal services and warmer weather for fall color, active wildlife, and fewer crowds.

Best Hikes

Teton Crest - 35 to 40 miles, 9,000' elevation gain (one of the best multi-day backpacking trips in the US)
Delta, Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes - 11.5 miles, 3,550' elevation gain (turquoise lake, incredible views throughout)
Paintbrush Canyon - 17 miles, 4,800' elevation gain (non-stop views, alpine lakes, abundant wildlife)
Cascade Canyon - 9.5 miles, 1,200' elevation gain (non-stop views, cascades, abundant wildlife, optional boat shuttle)
Hidden Falls via Jenny Lake - 5.3 miles, 600' elevation gain (non-stop views, towering waterfall, optional boat shuttle)

Cascade Canyon Grand Teton National Park

Hike Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park

Hike to Delta, Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes in Grand Teton National Park

Backpack the Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton National Park

More to Do

While hiking may be one of the biggest draws to Grand Teton National Park, there are plenty of other ways to experience its mountains, lakes, wildlife, and history. One of the easiest is simply taking a scenic drive, following Teton Park Road and Highway 26/89/191 and stopping at places such as Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, Schwabacher Landing, Mormon Row, Elk Ranch Flats, and Signal Mountain, many of which rank among the park’s best locations for photography and wildlife viewing. The park is particularly renowned for wildlife watching, with opportunities to spot moose, elk, bison, pronghorn, black and grizzly bears, bald eagles, and other animals, especially during the calmer morning and evening hours. Visitors can also get out on the water by kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or boating on lakes such as Jenny, String, Leigh, and Jackson, while scenic boat cruises provide a more relaxing way to enjoy the mountain scenery. Another quintessential Grand Teton experience is taking a scenic float trip down the Snake River, where guided excursions combine views of the Teton Range with opportunities to see wildlife along the river corridor. Other possibilities include fly-fishing, horseback riding, cycling the paved Grand Teton Pathway, birdwatching, climbing and mountaineering, picnicking beside one of the park’s lakes, or attending a ranger-led program. History and culture are also worth exploring: visitors can photograph the historic barns and homesteads of Mormon Row, stop at Cunningham Cabin, explore visitor centers, and attend the Indigenous Arts and Cultural Demonstration Program at Colter Bay, where Indigenous artists share traditional and contemporary art and culture. Grand Teton is also an exceptional destination for sunrise, sunset, and night-sky photography, with Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, Snake River Overlook, Schwabacher Landing, and the shores of Jackson and Jenny Lakes providing some of the park’s most iconic compositions. During winter, much of the park takes on an entirely different character, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing replacing many of the warm-weather activities and providing a much quieter way to experience the snow-covered Tetons.

Know Before You Go

No timed-entry reservation is required. Grand Teton does not require reservations to enter the park, although lodging and campgrounds can fill months in advance.
There is no general park shuttle. Having your own vehicle is the easiest way to explore Grand Teton, particularly for reaching trailheads, overlooks, Mormon Row, Signal Mountain, Jenny Lake, and the northern portions of the park.
Parking fills early at popular trailheads. Jenny Lake, Taggart Lake, String Lake, and other popular areas can become extremely busy during summer. An early-morning start is one of the best ways to secure parking and avoid crowds.
Carry bear spray. Both grizzly and black bears live throughout Grand Teton. Carry EPA-approved bear spray somewhere immediately accessible—not buried in your backpack—and know how to use it before hiking. The NPS recommends hiking in groups of three or more and making noise, particularly where visibility is limited.
Don't leave bear spray in a hot vehicle. Bear spray canisters can overheat and potentially explode. It also should never be sprayed on tents, clothing, people, or equipment as a preventative repellent.
Follow wildlife-distance rules. Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife. Moose, bison, and elk can be particularly dangerous when approached.
Don't cause a “bear jam.” Wildlife sightings frequently create roadside traffic jams. Pull completely into designated turnouts rather than stopping in the travel lane, and never approach wildlife for a photograph.
The mountains hold snow much longer than the valley. Valley trails may become snow-free by mid-June, but high-elevation trails and passes can retain hazardous snow into late July. Paintbrush Divide, Hurricane Pass, and Static Peak Divide are among the areas where snow can persist well into summer.
Mountain weather changes quickly. Sunny mornings can give way to thunderstorms, strong winds, rain, hail, and dramatically colder temperatures. Start long mountain hikes early and carry rain gear and warm layers regardless of the forecast.
Cell service can be unreliable. Don't depend entirely on your phone for navigation. Download maps, trail information, and important reservations before heading into the mountains.
Backcountry camping requires a permit. Advance reservations for summer backcountry permits begin in early January, while a portion of permits are available as walk-ins no more than one day before a trip.
Backpackers need bear-resistant food storage. Food, garbage, toiletries, medications, sunscreen, and other scented items must be properly stored in approved bear-resistant containers. Hanging food is prohibited. Backcountry permit holders can borrow an approved bear canister from the park at no charge.
Boating requires a permit. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and motorboats all require a Grand Teton boat permit, and privately owned watercraft must also meet Wyoming aquatic invasive species requirements.
Jenny Lake boat rides can save considerable hiking. The seasonal shuttle boat across Jenny Lake is useful for reaching Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon, and longer backcountry routes without hiking around the lake.
Not every road stays open year-round. Several park roads close or have limited access from roughly November through May, so spring, fall, and winter visitors should check road conditions before planning their route.
Grand Teton and Yellowstone are close—but don't underestimate driving time. The parks border one another, making them easy to combine, but Yellowstone is enormous. Trying to explore both parks extensively in a single day generally means spending much of that day driving.
Pets have very limited access. Dogs are generally permitted only where vehicles are allowed, such as roads, parking areas, and campgrounds. They are not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry.
Summer wildfire smoke can affect visibility. Fires elsewhere in Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and the broader West can bring haze or poor air quality into Jackson Hole even when there isn't a wildfire burning inside the park.

Visitor Center

Grand Teton National Park has several visitor centers and ranger facilities, with services spread throughout the park. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, located at Moose Junction about 12 miles north of Jackson, serves as the park’s primary visitor center and is an excellent first stop for trip planning. Rangers provide information about trails, wildlife, road conditions, boating, and the backcountry, while the impressive facility features exhibits exploring the park’s landscapes, people, Indigenous cultures, mountaineering, and conservation history, along with artwork, ranger programs, a park film, a Grand Teton Association store, and backcountry and boating permits. The Jenny Lake Visitor Center, located in the park’s extremely popular South Jenny Lake area, occupies the historic Harrison Crandall photography studio and functions partly as an art gallery and museum, with exhibits explaining how photography and art helped inspire conservation of the Teton Range. Visitors can speak with rangers about trails and current conditions, attend ranger programs, and visit the bookstore; nearby, the Jenny Lake Ranger Station specializes in climbing information, mountain safety, and backcountry and boat permits. Jenny Lake Visitor Center is seasonal, generally operating from late spring into fall. Farther north, the Colter Bay Visitor Center serves the Jackson Lake and northern portions of the park and provides ranger assistance, visitor information, exhibits, permits, a bookstore, restrooms, and drinking water; it is also seasonal and is particularly convenient for visitors staying around Colter Bay and Jackson Lake. The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, located along Moose-Wilson Road, is quite different from a traditional visitor center, offering a quieter experience focused on conservation, nature, sensory exhibits, and the legacy of Laurance S. Rockefeller, with direct access to trails leading toward Phelps Lake. Because Grand Teton stretches roughly 45 miles from north to south, visitors do not necessarily need to stop at every facility—Craig Thomas is the best all-around stop for general park information, Jenny Lake is particularly useful for hikers and climbers, Colter Bay is most convenient for exploring the northern park and Jackson Lake, and the Rockefeller Preserve Center is a destination in its own right for visitors interested in a quieter introduction to the park’s natural environment and conservation history.