In the northwest corner of Wyoming, the Teton Mountains are the centerpience of Grand Teton National Park, As 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 in the same trip. Packed with outdoor recreation, find lots of activities, lodging and dining during your trip. Read on for the top things to do in Grand Teton National Park.
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 |
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 around one of the lakes.
- See animals near Moose.
- Earn a Junior Ranger badge.
- Take a horseback ride.
- Float the Snake River.
- Camp in a cabin.
Top Sites in Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Lake
The largest lake in Grand Teton National Park, the Jackson Lake Lodge offers spectacular views and it’s a National Historic Landmark.
Take a hike, a guided horseback ride or scenic cruise at Jackson Lake. Also find Snake River close-by for guided raft trips.
Jenny Lake
As one of the most popular areas in the Grand Tetons, find 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 Moulton’s built the structures before the area became a national park.
The Menors Ferry historic area features several buildings built in the 1890s. Find a general store, smokehouse, store house 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
Located between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, find the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. It honors his dedication to the national parks, including the 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.
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Visitor Centers 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 along with information about back country exploring.
Located in Moose, just 12 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming. Open seasonally from April 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 mid-May until mid-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 mid-September from 8 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 9 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, Flagg Ranch Information Center is the first stop. It’s located in 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 4 p.m.
Scenic Drives 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 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 there is, stop at a visitor center first. Get information and watch the movie if a theater is available. 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 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.
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Hiking 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 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—a 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.
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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 $50 per rider.
Season runs from late May until September. Riders must be 8-years-old 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 climbs 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.
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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.
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- 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 following areas for the most active animal viewing.
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- Oxbow Bend
- Mormon Row
- Timbered Island
- Snake River
- Cascade Canyon
- Blacktail Pond
Animals are most active at dawn and dusk. Attend a ranger program dedicated to animals for more information. The information desk at visitor centers offers the most up-to-date information on animals locations.
Bears in Grand Teton
Bear spray is available in the park and 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 that the Rangers present them after completing their booklet.
Check out the park newspaper for special Junior Ranger programs offered during the summer. If your kids don’t get the Junior Ranger Booklet completed during your visit, you can mail it back to the visitor center and you will receive the badge in the mail.
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Where to Eat in Grand Teton
Restaurants are seasonal at Grand Teton National Park and open for the summer season from mid-May until the first week of October. Also find several picnic spots 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—1950s style diner with counter seating serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casual atmosphere great for families and quick bites. Also features a to-go window.
Mural Room—Enjoy panoramic views from the windows overlooking the Tetons and includes artist created murals. The menu focuses 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.
Outdoor Western BBQ—Buffet includes brisket, chicken and burgers along with grilled vegetables and baked potatoes along with desert. Reservations recommended. NOTE: It is closed for the 2022 season.
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 reservation 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.
Cafe Court Pizzeria—Enjoy pizzas, subs along with 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–Find salads, sandwiches along with pasta and pizza. 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, 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 from luxurious lodge rooms, cozy cabins, and camping. Grand Teton 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 though features quilts and wood-burning stove along with 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 a 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 with 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 bath houses are steps away from the cabins without bathrooms. Find larger cabins with two bedrooms and private bathrooms as well.
Tent cabins 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 along with 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 unto the concrete floor below. Bath houses are located within walking distance.
Headwaters Lodge and Cabins at Flagg Ranch
Located in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, it’s an ideal location for seeing both Grand Teton National Park along with Yellowstone National Park. Find modern feeling cabins with two queens, some outfitted 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
Find air conditioning at Signal Mountain Lodge’s new Western Cabins. This property also features traditional motel rooms, rustic one-room and two-room cabins.
Signal Mountain Lodge also offers bungalows outfitted with kitchenettes. Additionally find a two-bedroom lodge with full kitchen for families or small groups. Signal Mountain Lodge operates a campground with showers and laundromat.
Dornans
Find a community of services in this area near Moose with several restaurants, a wine shop, a grocery store and 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, guests enjoy a dude ranch experience, with lots of opportunities for horseback riding along with guided activities. Lodging is provided in free standing cabins and dining is at the Main Lodge.
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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 pay showers and pay 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
Colter Bay RV Park
- Seasonal
- 94 pull through sites and 9 back-in sites with full hook-ups
- 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
Covered in a blanket of white snow, Grand Teton offers winter recreation. Find cross-country skiing and snowshoeing 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, harebell are all found in Grand Teton National Park. Also find columbine, larkspur, alpine forget-me-not throughout the park.
Fall Color in Grand Teton
With a diversified forest, the leaves start to pop from early September and continue to October. With colors of yellow and orange, see Quaking aspen, narrowleaf cottonwood, black hawthorn and willow.
The best areas to see fall color are near water, like the numerous lakes.
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 date back to 11,000 years ago. Primarily used in the summer months for hunting and gathering due to harsh winters, permanent settlements haven’t been discovered.
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 the land 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
Note: The Jackon Airport’s runway is closed until late June 2022 for a runway reconstruction.
Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, Jackson, offers travelers services like 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, find all levels of lodging from glamping to five-star accommodations. The dining options include casual coffeeshops, 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. Open Tuesday to Saturday at 10 a.m. with seasonal hours. Admission.
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.
The 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.
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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.
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