Grand Teton National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Situated in northwest Wyoming, just below Yellowstone National Park, lies Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Mountain Range, a segment of the Rockies, spans forty miles, and is the youngest range in the Rocky Mountains. With its allure, Grand Teton receives 2.5 million visitors annually, ranking it among the top ten most frequented national parks in the United States.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All recommendations are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

Find more information about National Parks in the United States.

Grand Teton National Park

The establishment of Grand Teton National Park spanned several decades. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., captivated by the mountain landscape, began acquiring private lands in the valley in 1926. By the end of two decades, he had gathered 35,000 acres, intending to donate them to the federal government to create the Grand Teton National Park.

In 1929, Congress established the park to safeguard the Teton Range and the adjacent lakes. Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded the protected area in 1943 by designating more land as the Jackson Hole National Monument. Rockefeller’s land donation followed in 1949, and in 1950, Congress unified the original park, the national monument, and Rockefeller’s lands to form the current Grand Teton National Park. To commemorate Rockefeller’s generosity, Congress created the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway in 1972, linking Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

The park is accessible throughout the year, with the peak visiting months spanning from May to September. During November to April, certain roads and all campgrounds are closed. While vehicle registration is not needed for entry, obtaining a park pass is essential.

Fun Fact: On our journey to the Grand Teton, my daughter asked about the origin of its name. We found out that it was named by French-Canadian fur trappers who were with British expeditions in the mid-1800s. As they came upon the range, the sight of three prominent peaks led them to call it Les Trois Tétons, which translates to “The Three Breasts”. In case your kids ask, now you know.

Table of Contents

Entrances

Grand Teton National Park covers nearly 310,000 acres in Wyoming’s northwestern area and has three entry points: Granite Canyon, Moose, and Moran Junction. It is also connected to Yellowstone National Park by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. When entering from Yellowstone’s south entrance, there is no entrance station. However, traveling from Grand Teton to Yellowstone requires passing through an entrance station at Yellowstone.

Granite Canyon

Access to the southern part of Grand Teton National Park is available north of Teton Village via Moose-Wilson Road. This route offers a slower drive into the park compared to the Moose Entrance or Moran Entrance, which provide quicker access to Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake.

Moose Entrance

The optimal route into the park from Jackson, Wyoming, is via the Moose Entrance. This gateway offers entry to the heart of Grand Teton National Park and the fastest route to both Jenny Lake. The Moose Entrance is the most commonly utilized entry point to the park.

Moran Entrance

When traveling from Denver via Dubois, Wyoming, the Moran Entrance is often the most practical gateway into the park. This entry point provides direct access to the park’s northern section, situating you near the Jackson Lake and Colter Bay areas, and is situated merely 20 miles south of Yellowstone National Park.

Visitor Centers in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park houses three primary visitor centers, along with several smaller information stations.

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

The Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center is situated to the west of Moose Junction on Teton Park Road. This center provides information, as well as backcountry and boating permits. Visitors can shop at the park store, appreciate a range of exhibits and artwork, participate in a ranger-led program, or view a film about the park.

Jenny Lake Visitor Center

The Jenny Lake Visitor Center showcases park art, featuring works by Crandall and other artists. Visitors can browse the Grand Teton Association bookstore or participate in a ranger-led program. Rangers are on hand in the plaza and along the trails. Backcountry permits are obtainable at the near Jenny Lake Ranger Station.

Colter Bay Visitor Center

The Colter Bay Visitor Center offers stunning views of Jackson Lake. Visitors can meet artists, view Indigenous art exhibits, and watch the park film inside. The center serves as an information hub and a place to obtain backcountry and boating permits. Additionally, guests can shop at the Grand Teton Association bookstore, participate in ranger-led programs, or explore the adjacent shops and restaurants.

Additional information centers in Grand Teton are the Jenny Lake Ranger Station, Flagg Ranch Information Station, and the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center.

Best Ways to Get Around the Park

Personal Vehicle: Navigating Grand Teton National Park is best done with a personal vehicle due to its vast size, which makes it impractical to explore solely on foot. For those arriving by air, car rental services are accessible at the Jackson Hole, Idaho Falls, and Salt Lake City airports.

Fun Fact: The Jackson Hole airport is located in the Grand Teton National Park and is the only National Park to have its own airport.

Jackson Hole Alltrans: Shuttle services are available for Grand Teton Park Tours. Jackson Hole Alltrans offers multiple pickup locations and provides vehicles that travel to the Grand Tetons and into Yellowstone.

Must-See Attractions at Grand Teton National Park

Hiking Trails

With more than 250 miles of hiking trails, Grand Teton National Park caters to hikers of all abilities. Given the park’s rugged landscape, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather, preparation is key. Essential items for hikers include water, snacks, a first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a map, layered clothing with a waterproof option, and bear spray. Grand Teton National Park is a habitat for both black and grizzly bears, alongside a diverse array of wildlife. Solo hiking, off-trail hiking, and trail running are not recommended.

Tip: Aim to reach the trailhead before 9 a.m. to secure parking, as the park becomes quite busy in the summer. Arriving early is the best strategy to bypass the crowds.

Trail	Length	Location	Views
Inspiration Point	Easy, 1.8 miles (by boat shuttle), Moderate, 5.7 miles via Jenny Lake Loop Trail	Jenny Lake	The Hidden Falls; View above Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole Valley, Cascade Canyon, and Cathedral Group
Phelps Lake Overlook	Easy, 2-miles	Death Canyon Trailhead	Views of Phelps Lake and the Valley from an overlook
Heron Pond – Swan Lake Loop Trail	Easy, 3.1 miles	Colter Bay	Views of the mountain range reflection on Heron Pond
Jenny Lake Loop	Moderate, 7.1 miles	Jenny Lake	Travels along the edge of Jenny Lake, detours to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Fork of Cascade Canyon	Moderate, 9.4 miles	Jenny Lake	Stunning views of surrounding mountains
Aspen Ridge – Boulder Ridge	Moderate, 6.2-mile loop	Laurence S, Rockefeller Preserve	Views of Death Canyon across Phelps Lake
Marion Lake	Strenuous,14.7-mile loop	Granite Canyon Trailhead or Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead	Visit Marion Lake
Death Canyon – Static Peak Divide Junction	Strenuous, 7.7 miles	Death Canyon Trailhead	Views of the Rocky Mountain peaks and Phelps Lake
Surprise and Amphitheatre Lakes	Strenuous, 9.8 miles	Lupine Meadows Trailhead	Trail to two alpine lakes with vies of surrounding peaks
Lake Solitude	Strenuous, 14.4 miles via shuttle boat, 18.3 miles via Jenny Lake Trail	Jenny Lake	A popular trail with views of surrounding peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife

Scenic Drives

For breathtaking mountain views and the opportunity to observe remarkable wildlife, consider embarking on a scenic drive. With durations varying from 15 minutes to two hours, there’s a range of options to fit your schedule.

Tip: For the best wildlife viewing, take the outer road of the 42-mile loop at sunset. On our drive, we encountered herds of bison, elk, and even spotted two grizzly bears.

Scenic Drive	Duration	Pets	Location	Views
Jenny Lake	15-30 minutes, Paved loop	Yes, with restrictions	Jenny Lake	East shore of Jenny Lake, views of the peaks
Moose-Wilson Road	20-60 minutes, mostly paved, 1.5 miles unpaved	Yes, with restrictions	Moose-Wilson	Wildlife, access to Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Granite and Death Canyon Trailheads
Signal Mountain Summit Road	30-60 minutes, narrow, paved	Yes, with restrictions	Signal Mountain	Panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole and Jackson Lake
Teton Park Road	30-60 minutes, paved with several paved pull-outs, overlooks and parking lots	Yes, with restrictions	Moose-Jackson Lake Junction	Runs along the base of the Teton Range
42-mile Loop	60-120 minutes, paved with several paved pull-outs, overlooks and parking lots	Yes, with restrictions	The 42-mile loop is the Teton Park Road from Moose Junction to Jackson Lake Junction to Moran Junction to Outer Road (Hwy 191/89/26)	Scenic views, historic sites, tailheads and abundant wildlife

Activities in the Grand Teton National Park

In addition to the extensive hiking trails and picturesque drives, Grand Teton National Park offers a variety of activities.

Bicycling/ E-bike: Enjoy 17 miles of pathway dedicated to walking, cycling and skating. Pets are not allowed on the pathway.

Boating: Teton National Park provides a variety of boating experiences, both motorized and non-motorized. Permits and inspections are required. Activities like sailing, waterskiing, and windsurfing are allowed on Jackson Lake. For additional details on boating, please visit:

Get on the Water – Grand Teton National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Shuttle services are offered at Jenny Lake without the need for reservations. Additionally, kayak and canoe rentals are available at Jenny Lake. For further information and to check the prices, please refer to the official website.

Jenny Lake Boating Tours Grand Teton National Park Jackson Hole WY

Swimming: Swimming is allowed in all lakes, though lifeguards are not present. The Snake River, known for its cold and rapid waters, is not recommended for swimming.

Fishing: Fishing is a favored pastime in Grand Teton National Park. To fish here, one must obtain a Wyoming fishing license. The park’s lakes welcome anglers throughout the summer, while its rivers and streams offer fishing opportunities all year. For additional details, please refer to:

Fish – Grand Teton National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Backpacking: Permits are necessary for backcountry camping and are available at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center, or Jenny Lake Ranger Station. You can reserve backcountry campsites from early January to mid-May. The park mandates the use of approved bear-resistant food storage canisters, which are provided at no cost with your permit. For more information, visit the website at:

Backcountry Camping Permits – Grand Teton National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Grand Teton National Park Programs

Ranger Programs: Engage in a ranger-led program to gain a deeper understanding of the park’s diverse aspects. Learn about the roles of plants and animals in the ecosystem, the history of the area’s indigenous people, and the park’s landscape and significant events. Additionally, drop-in programs and audio tours also are available. Learn more about joining a Ranger-led program at:

Ranger Programs – Grand Teton National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Junior Ranger Program: Children eager to discover the wildlife, history, and geology of Grand Teton can earn a Junior Ranger badge. The necessary booklets are available at visitor centers.

Astronomy Program: Participate with a ranger to explore the night sky. Observe the stars using telescopes that are available. Wear warm clothing and bring a flashlight or headlamp. The astronomy program’s schedule is available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center or the Gros Ventre Campground.

Lodging at the Grand Teton National Park

Choose from a variety of accommodations in the park, including cabins, lodges, cottages, and motel-style rooms. Options are available typically from mid-May to October and reservations are required.

Lodge	Amenities	Pet Friendly
American Alpine Club Grand Teton Climbers’ Ranch	The accommodation offers rustic-style co-ed bunk rooms where guests are expected to bring their own sleeping mats and bedding. Facilities include a bathhouse equipped with showers, drinkable water, and flush toilets. There is also a communal cooking shelter with electrical outlets, but guests must provide their own food and cooking gear. Please note that pets are not permitted.	No
Colter Bay Cabins	Colter Bay offers a variety of units, including log cabins and several tent-cabins.	Yes
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch	Log-style units with either two queen beds or one king bed. Camper cabins offer rental gear for a comfortable campground experience. A separate lodge provides dining, gifts, beverages, and a general store.	Yes
Jackson Lake Lodge	Full-service resort hotel offering guest cottage rooms and main lodge guest rooms, each with two double beds. Conference facilities are also available.	Yes
Jenny Lake Lodge	Thirty-seven adjoining cabins are tucked away in the seclusion of the encompassing forest.	No
Signal Mountain Lodge	Lakefront apartments featuring kitchenettes, log cabins with optional fireplaces, and motel-style units are available. These accommodations are situated next to Jackson Lake, with a marina in close proximity.	Yes
Triangle X Ranch	A dude ranch offers weekly arrangements on the American Plan. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, float trips, western-style cookouts, meals, fishing, dancing, and various other ranch activities.	No

Restaurants in Grand Teton National Park

Location	Restaurants
Jenny Lake	Jenny Lake Lodge
Signal Mountain	Trapper Grill, Deadmans Bar
Jackson Lake Lodge	Mural Room, Pioneer Grill, Blue Heron Lounge
Colter Bay	Ranch House, Cafe Court
Leeks Marina	Leeks Pizzeria
Flagg Ranch	Headwaters Lodge

Campgrounds at Grand Teton National Park

Park campgrounds require reservations made in advance. Secure your spot as early as six months prior to your visit. Most sites are equipped with standard amenities, including modern restrooms, drinkable water, metal fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage boxes. The maximum stay is limited to seven days at Jenny Lake and 14 days at other campgrounds, with an overall limit of 30 days within the park per year. Camping along roadsides, at overlooks, or in parking areas within the park is not allowed. Reservations can be made at:

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – Recreation.gov

Campground	Sites	Amenities
Gros Ventre Campground	Standard, Electric, and Group	45-foot length limit
Jenny Lake Campground	Standard, Hiker/Biker	Tents only, pay showers
Signal Mountain Campground	Standard and Electric	Pay showers and laundry, 30-foot length limit
Colter Bay Campground	Standard, Electric, Hiker/Biker, Group Sites	Pay showers and laundry, 45-foot length limit
Colter Bay RV Park	Full Hookups	Pay showers and laundry, no fire grates
Colter Bay Tent Village	Tent Cabins	tent cabins with 4 bunks & wood-stove, pay showers and laundry
Lizard Creek Campground	Standard Sites	30-foot length limit
Headwaters Campground	Standard, Full Hookups, Camper Cabins	showers, 45-foot length limit

Dangers in the Grand Teton National Park

Wildlife: Black and grizzly bears remain active in Grand Teton National Park throughout the year, including winter. Hikers are advised to travel in groups of three or more and to carry bear spray for safety. The park is also home to wolves, bison, and elk. Visitors are reminded to respect these animals’ space and to refrain from touching or feeding any wildlife.

Altitude: Due to the park’s varying elevations, visitors may experience altitude sickness, which can manifest as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. It is recommended that those arriving from lower altitudes take at least one day to acclimatize to the elevation changes before engaging in any strenuous activities.

Weather: In the summer, storms may arrive quickly and unexpectedly. Lightning poses a danger in open, rocky areas devoid of trees. It’s advisable to start hikes early in the day to avoid the mid-afternoon storms. In the winter, accumulating snow can obscure trails rapidly, heightening the likelihood of getting lost and the danger of hypothermia.

Unstable Terrain: Visitors might come across unstable rocks at cliff edges. It’s crucial to stick to designated trails, ensure good physical fitness, and remain alert to one’s surroundings.

Important Information and Regulations

Pets: Pets are required to be leashed at all times. Owners must not leave their pets unattended and are responsible for the proper disposal of their pet’s waste. Pets are prohibited in visitor centers, during ranger-led activities, on the Grand Teton Pathway, beaches, and hiking trails. Pets are only allowed in boats on Jackson Lake.

Campfires: Campfires are permitted in designated areas with fire grates, except when fire restrictions are active. In other areas, fires are not allowed. Additionally, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are banned.

Firearms: In Wyoming, state firearm regulations are enforced. While firearms can be carried within the park, they are prohibited in visitor centers, government buildings, and specific concession facilities. Discharging firearms is not allowed, with the exception of authorized individuals during designated hunting seasons.

Drones: The operation of unmanned aircraft on land or over waters within the park is not permitted.

Crossing into Yellowstone National Park

The journey from Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park spans 31 miles via the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. To travel from Grand Teton to Yellowstone, one must pass through an entrance station at Yellowstone. However, there is no entrance station when entering Grand Teton from the south entrance of Yellowstone. We took advantage of this to explore the southern part of Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake, areas we had not seen during our previous visit to Yellowstone.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, with its extensive hiking trails, breathtaking mountains, beautiful lakes and waterfalls, and dense forests, serves as a perfect retreat. It offers access to Yellowstone National Park, allowing visitors to explore both parks. Attracting 2.5 million visitors annually, it ranks among the top ten most visited national parks in the United States. Arrive early to take advantage of all that the park has to offer.

Take a Virtual Tour Through the Grand Teton National Park

Follow our adventure through the Grand Tetons and learn more about the park and see the sights on YouTube.

Get Insider Information

Receive exclusive insider information, discover our personal favorite accommodations, and learn about hidden gems before they’re featured on our website or YouTube. Subscribe to my newsletter for a behind-the-scenes look with us!