Grand Teton National Park is a breathtaking destination that boasts stunning mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park is named for the iconic Teton Range, which features the 13,770-foot-tall Grand Teton, the highest peak in the range. With over 300,000 acres of protected wilderness, Grand Teton National Park offers visitors an unforgettable experience immersed in natural beauty and outdoor adventure.

Grand Teton National Park Location

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park. The park is easily accessible by car, with the main entrance at Moose, Wyoming, approximately 12 miles north of the town of Jackson. The nearest airports are Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located within the park boundaries, and Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), about 90 miles to the west.

Grand Teton National Park Things to Do

Visitors to Grand Teton National Park can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including:

Hiking

The park offers over 200 miles of trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly walks to challenging backcountry treks. Popular hikes include the Cascade Canyon Trail, Jenny Lake Loop, and the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop.

Wildlife Viewing

Grand Teton is home to an array of wildlife, including moose, elk, bison, black and grizzly bears, and numerous bird species. The best places to spot wildlife are along the Moose-Wilson Road, Willow Flats, and Oxbow Bend.

Scenic Drives

Take in the park’s stunning landscapes by car on the 42-mile scenic loop drive, which includes the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, and the Signal Mountain Summit Road.

Boating and Fishing

Grand Teton’s numerous lakes and rivers provide opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Permits are required for fishing and boating, which can be obtained at park visitor centers.

Mountain Climbing

Experienced climbers can tackle the park’s numerous peaks, including the challenging ascent of the Grand Teton. Climbing permits are required for overnight stays in the backcountry.

Winter Sports

During the winter months, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife tracking in the park’s snow-covered landscapes.

Grand Teton National Park Itineraries

Whether you have a single day or an entire week, Grand Teton National Park has plenty to offer. Here are some suggested itineraries for different durations:

1-Day Itinerary

Begin your day with a scenic drive along Teton Park Road, stopping at overlooks like the Snake River Overlook and Schwabacher Landing. Explore the trails around Jenny Lake, such as the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point hike. Finish your day with a visit to the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose.

3-Day Itinerary

In addition to the activities listed for the 1-day itinerary, spend a day exploring the trails around Colter Bay, such as the Heron Pond and Swan Lake Loop or the Lakeshore Trail. Dedicate another day to a more challenging hike, like the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop or the hike to Amphithe theater Lake. Be sure to watch for wildlife during your time in the park, especially around dawn and dusk.

7-Day Itinerary

With a full week in Grand Teton National Park, you can take a deeper dive into the park’s offerings. In addition to the activities listed in the shorter itineraries, consider taking a boat tour on Jackson Lake, going horseback riding, or attending a ranger-led program. You might also choose to spend a day exploring nearby Yellowstone National Park or the town of Jackson, Wyoming.

Best Season to Visit Grand Teton National Park

While Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, the best time to visit depends on your preferred activities and tolerance for crowds. Summer (June to August) offers the warmest temperatures and the most access to park facilities, but it’s also the busiest time of year. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) can be less crowded and offer beautiful wildflower blooms or fall foliage, respectively. However, some park facilities and roads may be closed during these shoulder seasons. Winter (November to March) is ideal for those interested in snow sports and offers a serene, snowy landscape with fewer visitors, but many park facilities are closed.

Grand Teton National Park Weather

Weather in Grand Teton National Park can be unpredictable, with rapidly changing conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F to 80°F, while winter temperatures can dip well below freezing. Spring and fall can experience a wide range of temperatures, with chilly nights and warmer days. Snow can fall at any time of year in the higher elevations, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer months. It’s essential to check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.

Grand Teton National Park Hotels and Camping

Grand Teton National Park offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds.

Hotels and Cabins

There are several hotels and cabin resorts within the park, including Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain Lodge, and Colter Bay Village. Reservations are recommended, particularly during the busy summer season.

Camping

There are six campgrounds within the park, including Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, Lizard Creek, and Headwaters. Some campgrounds accept reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. Be aware that campgrounds can fill quickly during the summer months.

Grand Teton National Park Restaurants

There are several dining options within Grand Teton National Park, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining. Some options include the Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room, Signal Mountain Lodge’s Peaks Restaurant, and the Colter Bay Village Cafeteria. Additionally, grocery stores and picnic areas are available for those who prefer to prepare their own meals.

Grand Teton National Park Wildlife and Plants

Grand Teton National Park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. The park’s habitats include alpine meadows, forests, wetlands, and sagebrush flats, each supporting a unique community of plants and animals. Notable wildlife species include bison, moose, elk, pronghorn, black and grizzly bears, wolves, and a variety of bird species such as bald eagles, ospreys, and trumpeter swans. The park is also known for its wildflowers, with over 1,000 different species blooming throughout the spring and summer months.

Grand Teton National Park History

The history of Grand Teton National Park is rich and varied, with evidence of human habitation dating back at least 11,000 years. Native American tribes, such as the Shoshone, Crow, and Blackfoot, have long called the area home, relying on its abundant resources for their subsistence and cultural practices.

European trappers and explorers first arrived in the early 19th century, drawn by the region’s lucrative fur trade. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, homesteaders began to settle the area, establishing ranches and small communities. The early 20th century also saw the growth of tourism in the region, as visitors flocked to experience the area’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Conservation efforts in the Teton Range began in the early 20th century, led by local residents and visiting conservationists who recognized the need to protect the area’s unique landscapes and wildlife. In 1929, President Calvin Coolidge signed a bill establishing Grand Teton National Park, initially protecting the Teton Range and several glacial lakes. Over the years, the park has expanded through additional legislation and land acquisitions, eventually incorporating the Jackson Hole valley and other significant features.

Today, Grand Teton National Park is an important symbol of America’s conservation legacy, drawing millions of visitors each year and providing critical habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species.

Grand Teton National Park Geology

Grand Teton National Park’s spectacular landscape is the result of millions of years of geological processes, including the formation of the Teton Range, glacial activity, and erosion. The Teton Range is part of the larger Rocky Mountain system and is one of the youngest mountain ranges in North America. The range was formed by a series of fault movements, with the most recent activity occurring approximately 10 million years ago. These fault movements caused the uplift of the Teton Range and the subsidence of the adjacent Jackson Hole valley, creating the dramatic landscape we see today.

During the last ice age, approximately 14,000 to 15,000 years ago, glaciers carved the Teton Range’s distinctive jagged peaks and U-shaped valleys. The park’s numerous lakes, including Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake, are the remnants of these glacial activities. The Snake River, which flows through the park, also plays a significant role in shaping the landscape, as it continues to erode and deposit sediments throughout the region.

Conclusion

Grand Teton National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. With its striking mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended vacation, this comprehensive visitor’s guide will help you make the most of your time in this remarkable national treasure.