South of Yellowstone and in the northwest corner of Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is home to the stunning Teton Mountains. Part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Grand Teton also boasts pristine lakes at the base of the mountains. Many visitors to the area tour Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park on the same trip. Packed with outdoor recreation, you’ll find lots of activities, lodging and dining during your trip. Read on for the top things to do in Grand Teton National Park.
Top Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
-
Stop at a Visitor Center and attend a ranger program.
-
Take a scenic drive along Teton Park Road for views of the Teton Mountain Range.
-
Hike in Grand Teton
-
See its Lakes.
-
Take a horseback ride.
-
See animals near Moose.
-
Earn a Junior Ranger badge.
-
Float the Snake River.
-
Camp in a cabin.
Grand Teton National Park at a Glance
| Year Established: 1929 |
| Located: Wyoming |
| Size: over 310,000 acres |
| Top Features: Jenny Lake, Teton Range and the Snake River |
Why Visit Grand Teton
This is a stunningly beautiful area in Northern Wyoming. The Teton Mountains stand tall in front of a series of lakes with grasslands to the east. During the summer, Grand Teton National Park offers lots of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to water activities and more.
It is close to Yellowstone National Park so many visitors plan a trip to see both national parks. I recommend this. Grand Teton is also convenient to Jackson, Wyoming.
Top Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Top Sites in Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Lake
The largest lake in Grand Teton National Park is Jackson Lake and it’s located on the northern side of the park. The Jackson Lake L,odge offers spectacular v,iews and it’s a National Historic Landmark.
At Jackson Lake, you can take a hike, a guided horseback ride or a scenic cruise. The Snake River is also nearby for guided raft trips.
Jenny Lake
As one of the most popular areas in the Grand Tetons, it has a seasonal visitor center and ranger station, along with seasonal Ranger Programs.
Lots of opportunities for hiking, from the accessible Jenny Lake Discovery Trail to Inspiration Point across Jenny Lake.
Spend some time on the lakes, Jenny Lake or String Lake. Rent a canoe or kayak, or find a boat launch. There’s a shuttle across the lake ($) to see the Hidden Falls.
Moose Area
Moulton Barns along Mormon Row make a stunning photo set against the Teton Mountains. The Moultons built the structures before the area became a national park.
The Menors Ferry historic area features several buildings built in the 1890s, including a general store, smokehouse, storehouse and transportation barn.
The Chapel of Transfiguration is a log chapel built in 1925. Through its windows, see the Cathedral peaks.
Murie Ranch is on the National Register of Historic Places and preserves the area used by conservationists.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway
The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway is located between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It honors his dedication to the national parks, including his donation of land to increase the size of several national parks.
Find Flagg Ranch for lodging and visitor services. This area also provides Snake River access and a frequent departure point for rafting trips.
Moran Area
Visit the Cunningham Cabin Historic Site, one of nearly 400 homesteading claims filed in the 1880s. See the cabin on a self-guided tour.
Oxbow Bend along the Snake River offers a picturesque scenic overlook. Find a turnout along the highway.
How to Visit Wyoming’s Devils Tower National Monument
Stop by a Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park
Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is the largest visitor center with an interpretive area along with a theater. Stop for information, maps, Junior Ranger booklets and information about backcountry exploring.
Located in Moose, just 12 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming. Open seasonally from May 1 until October 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer season.
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center
As a major supporter of the National Parks, the Rockefeller family was instrumental in preserving land for the formation and expansion of several national parks across the U.S. The Rockefeller Family donated land to expand Grand Teton National Park, and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center offers an interpretive area detailing the family’s legacy along with a soundscape room.
Located west of the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, next to Phelps Lake. Open seasonally from early June until end of September. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Inside a 1921 cabin built by Harrison Crandall, see his art along with other artists. Find several hiking paths and the shuttle boat launch nearby.
Located on Jenny Lake. Open seasonally from mid-May to late September from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jenny Lake Ranger Station
Check in at the original Grand Teton visitor center for more information about backcountry exploring along with climbing information. This station also issues boating permits.
Open seasonally from mid-June until early September from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Colter Bay Visitor Center
See views of Jackson Lake along with artifacts from the David T. Vernon Indian Arts collection. It’s one of the remaining Mission 66 Park expansion visitor centers created in the 1950s.
Located in Colter Bay Village. Open seasonally from early May to early October from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer season.
Flagg Ranch Information Center
Visitors traveling south from Yellowstone National Park should first stop at Flagg Ranch Information Center. It’s located on the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and offers information in a small cabin.
Located on Highway 89. Open seasonally from early June until early September from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Top Things to Do at Yellowstone Lake
Take a Scenic Drive in Grand Teton National Park
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive—A 3-mile (4.8 km) drive along the eastern edge of Jenny Lake. A must for every visitor
Teton Park Road—A 20-mile (32 km) road connecting Moose and Jackson Lake. Another must for visitors
Moose Wilson Road—A 15-mile (24.1 km) drive connecting the towns. Part of the road is unpaved, though one of the top drives to find the elusive moose.
Signal Mountain Summit—A 5-mile (8 km) drive for panoramic views of the Tetons and valley. Located off Teton Park Road.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Parkway—A 27-mile (43.4 km) drive from the northern boundary of Grand Teton National Park to the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
One Day in Grand Teton National Park
If one day is all you have, stop at a visitor center first. Get information and watch a movie if a theater is available. Then, take a scenic drive to Jenny Lake along the Teton Park Road and the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.
While at Jenny Lake, hop the boat shuttle to the opposite side of the lake. Hike to the Hidden Falls or Inspiration Point.
Find a picnic table along String Lake for lunch. Then, attend a Ranger Program or go horseback riding at one of the stables.
Finish the day at Jackson Lake Lodge for dinner. The lodge is a National Historic Landmark.
Guide to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful
Take a Hike in Grand Teton National Park
Find 200 miles of hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park.
Jenny Lake Area
Jenny Lake Discovery Trail—an accessible .35-mile (.56 km) paved trail to Jenny Lake
Hidden Falls—A 4.8-mile roundtrip hike (7.7 km) to see the falls. Or take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake and it’s a 1-mile roundtrip hike (1.6 km).
Moose Ponds—A 2-mile round trip (3.21 km) hike starting from the southern portion of Jenny Lake Loop.
Inspiration Point—A 5.8-mile roundtrip hike (9.3 km) from Jenny Lake Loop, or take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, and it’s a 2-mile roundtrip hike (3.21 km).
Jenny Lake Loop—A 7.6-mile (12.2 km) relatively flat trail around Jenny and String lakes
Jackson Lake Area
Christian Pond Loop—A 3.3-mile loop (5.3 km) through a marsh.
Lunch Tree Hill—An easy .5-mile loop (.8 km) with views of the Tetons.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Parkway
Polecat Creek—A 2.5-mile (4 km) level hike along Polecat Creek
Flagg Canyon—A 4-mile (6.4 km) roundtrip hike to Flagg Canyon
Colter Bay Area
Lakeshore Trail—a 2-mile (3.2 km) loop along Jackson Lake at Colter Bay
Heron Pond – Swan Lake Loop—a 3-mile (4.8 km) loop to see both ponds.
Guide to Montana’s Glacier National Park
Boating on Grand Teton’s Lakes
With a string of lakes in the shadow of the Teton mountains, exploring Grand Teton National Park on the water is one of the top activities. Private boats are allowed on the lake, and a yearly permit is available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.
Jenny Lake—Find scenic cruises along with a convenient shuttle to Mount Teewinot on Jenny Lake. Prices start at $8 per person.
Jackson Lake—Find scenic cruises along with breakfast and dinner cruises. Prices start at $20 per person.
Kayak, canoe and motor boat rental—Rent a boat by the hour from marinas at Jenny Lake, Colter Bay Village and Signal Mountain Lodge
Float Trips on Snake River—Find several concessionaires that offer float trips down the Snake River.
Fishing in Grand Teton
Fish on the lakes in Grand Teton year-round (except for Jackson Lake in the month of October). Trout are catch-and-release from November through March.
A valid Wyoming fishing license is required and can be purchased at the Colter Bay Marina, Signal Mountain Lodge or Dorman’s Fly Shop. More information on fishing in Grand Teton is available on the NPS site.
Horseback Riding in Grand Teton
Take a one or two-hour guided horseback from several locations in the park. Find stables at Colter Bay Village, Jackson Lake Lodge, Headwaters Lodge and Flagg Ranch. Prices start at $68 per rider.
The season runs from late May until September. Riders must be 8 years and 4 feet (121 cm) tall and less than 225 lbs (102kg).
Biking in Grand Teton
Find a paved multi-use path from Jackson Hole Visitor Center to Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Road biking is permitted on all roads open for vehicles.
Biking on hiking trails is prohibited. Biking is prohibited from dusk to dawn for safety reasons.
Rock Climbing in Grand Teton
Rock climbing is popular in Grand Teton, though many of the peaks are technical and not for the novice. Climbing permits are not necessary, though backcountry camping permits are required for overnight climbing trips.
Check in with the Jenny Lake Ranger Station for up-to-date climbing information during the summer season. Guided climbing trips are available through authorized concessionaires.
Wildlife Viewing in Grand Teton National Park
With four different zones: alpine, forest, sagebrush flats and wetlands within the park, find a diverse ecosystem. Animal viewing is one of the top activities in the park. Always be on the lookout for bear jams, stopped cars on the side of the road near a bear sighting.
-
- Moose
- Black bear
- Grizzly Bear
- Mule deer
- Elk
- Bison
- Pronghorn
- Beaver
- Mountain goat
- Big-horned sheep
- Wolverines
- Canadian lynx
Tips for animal spotting
Head to the following areas for the most active animal viewing.
-
- Oxbow Bend
- Mormon Row
- Timbered Island
- Snake River
- Cascade Canyon
- Blacktail Pond
Animals are most active at dawn and dusk. For more information, attend a ranger program dedicated to animals. The information desk at visitor centers offers the most up-to-date information on animal locations.
Bears in Grand Teton
Bear spray is available in the park. Or you can attend a Ranger Program about animal safety, including how to use bear spray. Park Rangers offer some guidelines to reduce bear encounters:
- Remain observant.
- Hike in groups.
- Keep campsites clean.
- Make noise while hiking by wearing bear bells and talking.
- Don’t approach bears or let bears approach you.
- If a bear notices you, you are too close. Back away slowly, and if attacked, fight back. Don’t play dead.
Kids at Grand Teton National Park
The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about a National Park Service site. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete. My kids love the badges the Rangers present them with after they complete their booklet.
Check out the park newspaper for special Junior Ranger programs offered during the summer. If your kids don’t complete the Junior Ranger Booklet during your visit, you can mail it back to the visitor center, and you will receive the badge in the mail.
Guide to Junior Ranger Badges
Where to Eat in Grand Teton
Grand Teton National Park’s restaurants are seasonal and open from mid-May until the first week of October. Several picnic spots are also available across the park.
Jackson Lake Lodge
Coffee Cart—Open at 6 a.m. for early morning excursions, serving barista-style coffee along with grab-and-go items.
Pioneer Grill—A 1950s-style diner with counter seating serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The casual atmosphere is great for families and quick bites. Also features a to-go window.
Mural Room—Enjoy panoramic views from the windows overlooking the Tetons and include artist-created murals. The menu focuses on local and sustainable entrees. Breakfast buffet, lunch and reservations for dinner.
Blue Heron Lounge—Indoor and outdoor dining with craft cocktails and grill items for lunch and dinner.
Jenny Lake Lodge
The Dining Room at Jenny Lake Lodge—AAA four-diamond restaurant inside a 1930s cabin. The menu focuses on local ingredients. Dinner reservations required, suggested for breakfast and lunch.
Colter Bay
Coffee Cart—Open at 7 a.m. for early morning excursions, serving barista-style coffee along with grab-and-go items.
John Colter Cafe Court—Enjoy pizzas, subs and salads in the dining room or to-go.
Colter Bay Grocery Store—Full-service grocery store, including fresh produce, meat and ice cream.
Ranch House—Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving American comfort food.
Signal Mountain Lodge
Trapper Grill—Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Peaks Restaurant—Find a menu focusing on sustainable Western bistro fare. Open for dinner only.
Leeks Marina
Leeks Pizzeria—Build-your-own pizza, along with subs, pasta and salads.
Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch
Sheffields Restaurant—Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, focusing on hearty fare in a log cabin dining room.
Dornans
The Chuckwagon–Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1948.
The Pizza and Pasta Company—This restaurant serves salads, sandwiches, pasta, and pizza. It also offers a scenic outdoor deck.
The Deli at the Trading Post–Grab made-to-order sandwiches for a picnic.
The Coffee and Ice Cream Cart–Serves espresso drinks and baked goods along with ice cream.
Picnicking in Grand Teton
Find developed picnic areas with tables and some grills in several areas.
- Cottonwood Creek Overlook
- String Lake
- Catholic Bay
- Jackson Lake Dam
- Two Ocean Lake
- Colter Bay
- Sargents Bay
Lodging in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park offers many lodging options, including luxurious lodge rooms, cozy cabins, and camping. It is slightly different from most national parks since it offers more amenities typically missing at national park lodges. Grant Teton is a great location for families who need more creature comforts in the forest.
Jenny Lake Lodge
As Grand Teton National Park’s only AAA four-diamond option, Jenny Lake Lodge offers rustic refinement paired with activities and locally inspired fine dining.
Each cabin is unique, but it features quilts, a wood-burning stove, WiFi, and a mini refrigerator. Outside, enjoy looking for wildlife from your rocking chair.
Note: All lodging at Jenny Lake Lodge isn’t outfitted with a TV or air-conditioning, though guests rarely miss either.
Jackson Lake Lodge
For traditional lodge rooms, Jackson Lake Lodge offers forest-view and mountain-view options. Located upstairs in the main lodge building, guests are steps away from several dining options.
Jackson Lake also offers cottages, more contemporary than the Jenny Lake Lodge cabin. Find patios outfitted with chairs for wildlife viewing.
Colter Bay Village
Colter Bay Village offers more rustic cabins and camping for those wanting to unplug without a wilderness permit. The cabins offers beds with linens along with electricity.
Shared bathhouses are steps away from cabins without bathrooms. You can also find larger cabins with two bedrooms and private bathrooms.
On of one of my visits to Grand Teton National Park, we stayed in the tent cabins in Colter Bay. They are unique to Grand Teton National Park. It’s elevated camping and not really glamping.
Each unit features two log walls with two canvas walls. Each unit shares walls with another tent cabin.
Inside find four bunks attached to the log walls and a wood-burning stove. Outside each unit features a covered picnic table and a fire pit.
I have stayed in the tent cabins with kids and don’t recommend them for small children. Kids could roll out of their bunk and onto the concrete floor below. Bathhouses are located within walking distance.
Headwaters Lodge and Cabins at Flagg Ranch
Located on the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, it’s ideal for seeing Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The modern-feeling cabins have two queens, some equipped with mini-refrigerators.
Also find a campground at the Headwaters Lodge with tent sites, RV sites with full hook-ups and camper cabins with bunks though no restrooms or electricity.
Signal Mountain Lodge
Signal Mountain Lodge’s new Western Cabins feature air conditioning. This property also features traditional motel rooms and rustic one-room and two-room cabins.
Signal Mountain Lodge also offers bungalows outfitted with kitchenettes. Additionally, a two-bedroom lodge with a full kitchen is available for families or small groups. Signal Mountain Lodge operates a campground with showers and a laundromat.
Dornans
Find a community of services in this area near Moose with several restaurants, a wine shop, a grocery store and a gas station. It also provides one-bedroom and two-bedroom cabins with outfitted kitchens.
Dornans is open for winter lodging.
Triple X Guest Ranch
Located east of the Snake River, the ranch offers a dude ranch experience with lots of opportunities for horseback riding and guided activities. Lodging is provided in free-standing cabins, and dining is at the Main Lodge.
Top National Park Lodges
Camping in Grand Teton National Park
Find National Park Service camping in seven different campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller Parkway. All campsites are by reservation only. RVs have two separate RV areas. Campgrounds open and close at different dates though the season is May until October.
Gros Venture Campground
- Seasonal
- 300 sites, including 36 electric sites with a 45-foot RV limit
- Reservations only
- Seasonal potable water and flush toilets
- Seasonal dump station
Jenny Lake Campground
- Seasonal
- 59 sites, no RVs
- Reservations only
- Seasonal potable water and flush toilets with pay showers
Signal Mountain Campground
- Seasonal
- 81 sites, including 25 electric sites with a 30-foot RV limit
- Reservations only
- Seasonal potable water and flush toilets with paid showers and paid laundry
- Seasonal dump station
Colter Bay Campground
- Seasonal
- 335 sites, including 13 electric sites with a 45-foot RV limit
- Reservations only
- Seasonal potable water and flush toilets with seasonal pay showers and laundry
- Seasonal dump station
RV Park in Colter Bay
- Seasonal
- 94 pull-through sites and 9 back-in sites with full hookups
- Reservations only
- Seasonal potable water and flush toilets with seasonal pay showers and pay laundry
- Seasonal dump station, no fire grates
Colter Bay Tent Village
- Seasonal
- 66 tent cabins
- Reservations only
- Seasonal potable water and flush toilets with seasonal pay showers and pay laundry
Lizard Creek Campground
- Seasonal
- 60 sites with a 30-foot RV limit
- Reservations only
- Seasonal potable water and flush toilets
Headwaters Campground
- Seasonal
- 34 sites and 97 full hook-up sites with a 45-foot RV limit
- Reservations only
- Seasonal potable water and flush toilets with seasonal pay showers and pay laundry
- Seasonal dump station
Winter in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton, covered in a blanket of white snow, offers winter recreation. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available from November 1 to May 1. Teton Park Road is periodically groomed and open for non-vehicular traffic during the winter season.
Snowmobiling is another way to explore the winter landscape. Use Grassy Lake Road in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Snowmobiling in Grand Teton National Park is restricted to Jackson Lake to access ice fishing.
Guided tours are also available from a variety of authorized concessionaires.
Spring in Grand Teton
With over 100 different flower species in the park, wildflowers bloom in the meadows from May to September. Though the peak months are June and July.
Lupine, yarrow, Indian paintbrush, and harebell are all found in Grand Teton National Park. Columbine, larkspur, and alpine forget-me-not are also found throughout the park.
Fall Color in Grand Teton
With a diversified forest, the leaves start to pop from early September and continue until October. Yellow and orange-colored trees include Quaking aspen, narrow-leaf cottonwood, black hawthorn and willow.
The best areas to see fall color are near water, like the numerous lakes.
Top Things to Do in the Teton Valley in Winter
National Elk Refuge
After the first snowstorm of the season, the elk migrate to a valley just north of Jackson for the winter. Established in 1912, 24,700 acres were set aside for the Jackson elk herd after their traditional migration patterns shifted from human settlement.
During the winter, find popular sleigh rides through the preserve along with the elk. During the summer season, the Miller Ranch is open for tours. The Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center is open year-round and located at 532 N. Cache St. within the refuge.
History of Grand Teton National Park
In the early 1800s, trappers explored the region looking for furs, like beaver pelts. While expeditions charted Yellowstone, explorers ventured south into the Teton Range.
Settlers moved into Jackson Hole in the 1880s, just south of the Yellowstone National Park boundaries. As more people moved to the area, interest increased to preserve the land around the Teton range.
Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929. Additional land has been added to the park over the years, creating a large area of protection.
The People of Grand Teton National Park
The Shoshone People
The first people in the Teton area lived there 11,000 years ago. Due to harsh winters, permanent settlements have not been discovered, and the area was primarily used in the summer months for hunting and gathering.
The Shoshone People also used the land for hunting, big horn sheep and elk, as they followed the seasonal animal migrations. They relocated to the Wind River Reservation in the 1860s.
The Rockefeller Family
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. visited the area in the 1920s and wanted to help preserve it from future development. For the next few decades, Rockefeller bought land with the intent to donate it to the National Park Service.
In 1943, President Roosevelt created the Jackson Hole National Monument with land purchased by Rockefeller. The monument and Grand Teton National Park were combined in 1950.
Further land from Rockefeller acquisitions expanded the park at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Parkway honors his continued support of the National Park Service.
Weather in Grand Teton National Park
Winter: Highs low 30sF (0C), Lows single digits F (-10sC)
Spring: Highs mid 40s to mid 50sF (15 to 25C), Lows 20sF (0C)
Summer: Highs mid 70sF (26 to 29C), Lows 40sF (10C)
Fall: Highs 50sF (10sC), Lows 20s (-10C)
Gateway Town to Grand Teton National Park
Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, Jackson offers travelers lodging, dining and shopping, along with the regional airport. It serves as a gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
The commercial airport is located within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the busiest airport in Wyoming. It’s serviced by major air carriers like American, Delta and United.
With a Western vibe, you can find all levels of lodging, from glamping to five-star accommodations. Dining options include casual coffee shops, chuck wagon dinner excursions and locally sourced gourmet meals.
As a hub of outdoor adventure, find seasonal activities like rafting, photography safaris, flight tours and more. In the winter, find snow sports, like skiing, tubing and ice skating, at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort.
Additionally, Idaho Falls (IDA) in eastern Idaho is an option for summertime visits.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Find a curated collection with 5,000 pieces of art from 550 artists, including an outdoor sculpture installation.
Located at 2820 Rungius Rd. Jackson, it is open Tuesday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and has seasonal hours. Admission is free.
Getting to Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, though there may be seasonal road closures from September until May due to snow. Most services are open in the summer and fall color season from early June to October.
Admission is $35 for a 7-day pass for a private vehicle. If Yellowstone National Park is on your itinerary, consider an NPS annual pass.
Find two main roads in Grand Teton National Park, State Highway 191 and Teton Park Road. Find gas stations at Signal Mountain, Flagg Ranch and Colter Bay Village.
National Park Free Days and Annual Passes
Know before you go:
- Reservations are a must for lodging and camping.
- Reservations for national park lodging is available 13 months in advance. Camping is 6 months in advance.
- If your first choice is booked, you can still snag a room through a cancellation. I do. It requires some perseverance by checking in with online reservations but I get my room.
Comments are closed.