Grand Teton National Park
Jagged mountain peaks, lush meadows, scenic lakes, the winding Snake River, wildlife, historical sites, and miles and miles of hiking trails…this is Grand Teton National Park.
There is something here for everyone. Families will love the short, easy, scenic hiking trails, a boat ride across Jenny Lake, plus the possibility to see elk, moose, and bison. Photographers will have a blast capturing the reflections of the mountain range in the lakes and rivers. Active, adventurous travelers can take their pick from hundreds of miles of hiking trails that journey into the Teton range. If you enjoy fishing, this park is world-renowned for its trout fishing.
We have visited Grand Teton National Park multiple times in recent years. The hiking is incredible, the landscapes are extremely photogenic, and this park is a pure joy to explore.
Start Here: Planning Your Trip to Grand Teton
New to Grand Teton? Start with these essential guides:
- Want an overview on what to do? → Here are the Best Things to Do in Grand Teton
- For a complete day-by-day plan → Read our Grand Teton Itinerary
- Want to get out on the trails? → Here are the Best Hikes in Grand Teton
- Combining Grand Teton with other parks? → US National Parks Guide
Grand Teton National Park Stats
Founded: February 26, 1929
Annual Visitors: 3.8 million in 2025, making it the 8th most visited US national park that year.
Size: 310,000 acres
Location: Wyoming
Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days; non-US residents 16 years or older pay an additional $100 fee
Grand Teton Areas Explained
Grand Teton National Park is divided into several distinct areas. Most first-time visitors spend their time around Jenny Lake and Antelope Flats, but the park rewards exploring farther north and south if you have more time.
Jenny Lake & Moose
Jenny Lake is the most popular area of Grand Teton National Park, and it’s where most visitors start. This is where you’ll find the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, the boat shuttle across the lake, and the trailhead for Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls, and Cascade Canyon.
This is also the best area for first-timers who want a mix of easy walks and bigger hikes. Taggart & Bradley Lakes and the Jenny Lake Loop both start nearby, and the Moose entrance area gives you quick access to the park’s main visitor center and the Chapel of the Transfiguration.
Antelope Flats & Mormon Row
Antelope Flats is the historic and wildlife-watching heart of the park. This is where you’ll find the iconic Mormon Row barns, with the Teton Range rising behind them. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Wyoming.
Beyond the barns, the open sagebrush flats here are one of the best places in the park to spot bison and pronghorn. Sunrise is the classic time to visit, both for the light on the barns and for wildlife activity.
Jackson Lake & Colter Bay
Jackson Lake is the largest lake in the park, and the area around it feels noticeably quieter and more spread out than Jenny Lake. Colter Bay has its own visitor center, marina, and access to boating and fishing on the lake.
This area is also your base for some of the park’s best reflection photography. Oxbow Bend and Mount Moran are just south, and Signal Mountain’s summit views are a quick detour off the main road. Leigh Lake’s easy, flat trail starts near here too.
Death Canyon & the Rockefeller Preserve
The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is the quietest corner of the park’s south end, with limited parking that naturally keeps crowds low. This area is a good fit for visitors who want a slower pace, or hikers chasing the park’s more strenuous trails.
Death Canyon and the Static Peak Divide both start from this area, and this is one of the better places in the park to see moose and bear, without the crowds of Jenny Lake.
Top Experiences in Grand Teton
Looking for highlights? These are the must-see experiences:
- Ride the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake to Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls
- Photograph the historic barns at Mormon Row
- Capture Mount Moran’s reflection at Oxbow Bend
- Drive the 42-mile Grand Teton Scenic Loop
- Watch sunrise at Schwabacher Landing
- Hike into Cascade Canyon or Death Canyon
- Take in the view from Snake River Overlook
- Summit Signal Mountain for panoramic views
- Explore the quiet trails of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
For full details, read our complete guide to the Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park ↓
Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
From scenic drives, thrilling hiking trails, and photogenic viewpoints, here are the very best things to do in Grand Teton.ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
For the ultimate adventure in Grand Teton National Park, hike the Teton Crest Trail. This is a 35 to 45-mile (depending on your route) point-to-point trail that traverses the Teton Range. For most of the hike, you will be at or above 8,000 feet with spectacular mountain views. This is done as a multi-day backpacking trip.
Did You Know?
Grand Teton National Park is named for Grand Teton. At 13,775 feet (4,199 meters), this is the highest point in the Teton Range. It’s also the second highest peak in Wyoming (Gannett Peak, at 13,810 feet, is located in the Wind River Range).
There are numerous lakes that sit at the base of the Teton range. Jenny Lake is the most famous and most commonly visited, but other notable lakes include Jackson, Phelps, Taggart, Bradley, and Leigh Lakes.
Grand Teton: One of the Best National Parks for Hiking
Grand Teton National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Trails wind through picturesque canyons, around glacier-fed lakes, and up to the highest peaks, with frequent wildlife sightings along the way. Here are a few favorites to get you started:
- Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls — the essential first-timer hike
- Cascade Canyon — extend it to Lake Solitude for a longer day
- Taggart & Bradley Lakes — great views of the Teton Range for the effort
- String & Leigh Lakes — flat, easy, and great for all ages
- Surprise, Amphitheater & Delta Lakes — a tough climb to three alpine lakes
- Paintbrush Canyon & Cascade Canyon Loop — the 20-mile favorite that combines it all
15 Epic Hikes in Grand Teton National Park (+ Printable Trail Guide)
Hike through picturesque canyons, around glacier-fed lakes, and up to the highest peaks. Wildlife sightings from the hiking trails are frequent, with elk, moose, and bear making regular appearances. If you want to add some adventure to your visit, strap on your hiking shoes and take your pick from this list of unforgettable hikes in Grand Teton.
Detailed Hiking Guides
How to Hike Death Canyon to the Static Peak Divide | Grand Teton National Park
There are several reasons to hike to the Static Peak Divide. Early on in the hike, you have beautiful views over Phelps Lake. The walk through Death Canyon is gorgeous and this is a great place to spot wildlife. Bear and moose are frequently seen here. We didn’t see bear when we did this hike, […]
Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop Trail | Grand Teton National Park
The Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop is one of the best hikes to do in Grand Teton National Park. In just one hike, you can visit a handful of the park’s top spots: Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, Lake Solitude, Cascade Canyon, and Paintbrush Canyon. Throw in panoramic views across the Teton mountain range and […]
One Hike, Three Lakes: Surprise, Amphitheater & Delta Lake Hiking Guide
The hike to Amphitheater and Surprise Lakes is one of the most popular day hikes in Grand Teton National Park. It’s a tough hike, but your reward is two stunning alpine lakes tucked into the mountains. On this hike, you have the option to add on a third lake, Delta Lake. What was once a […]
How Many Days Should You Spend in Grand Teton National Park?
With one day, spend the morning at Mormon Row and Antelope Flats, and in the afternoon, focus on the Jenny Lake area. Take the boat shuttle across the lake to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. This gives you a satisfying introduction to the park’s best-known sights.
One Perfect Day in Grand Teton National Park
Only have one day in Grand Teton? Here’s how to see the highlights in one busy, memorable day.
Two days lets you add Rockefeller Preserve and Jackson Lake/Colter Bay to your Jenny Lake day.
Beyond two days, each additional day gives you room for a longer hike (Paintbrush Canyon–Cascade Canyon Loop, Death Canyon to Static Peak Divide), and some contingency time in case of weather.
We recommend spending at least three days in Grand Teton National Park: one day at Antelope Flats and Jenny Lake, one day for Rockefeller Preserve and Jackson Lake, and a third for a bigger hike. Learn how to plan your time in our Grand Teton Itinerary.
Grand Teton Itinerary: Plan Your Dream Trip to Grand Teton
In this guide, get an overview on the best things to do in the park, when to visit, and get a sample Grand Teton itinerary, depending on your interests and available time.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
We’ve visited Grand Teton National Park multiple times, including two summer trips and a visit during the last week of September.
In summer, early starts are essential. On our most recent summer visit, we found that parking at some of the park’s most popular trailheads was filling before 7 am. If you want to hike Cascade Canyon, Taggart & Bradley Lakes, or Surprise/Amphitheater/Delta Lake without a long walk from an overflow lot, plan to be on the trail at sunrise.
Our favorite visit, though, was the last week of September. Crowds were dramatically lower than summer, the aspens and cottonwoods were turning yellow, and we could hear elk bugling in the mornings, which added an entirely different feel to the park. Most days were sunny, though we did have one day of rain that turned to snow, dusting the upper peaks of the Teton Range with fresh snow by the following morning. I’d love to plan a return visit during the second half of September.
- Summer (June–August) — warmest weather, longest daylight, but the biggest crowds; arrive at trailheads by sunrise
- Fall (September–early October) — fewer crowds, fall colors, elk bugling, cooler and more variable weather with a chance of early snow at elevation
- Spring (mid-May–early June) — snow still lingers at higher elevations; roads and trails open gradually
- Winter (November–mid-May) — Teton Park Road, Moose Wilson Road, and the Signal Mountain summit road are closed; a very different, quieter visit
Grand Teton National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in June, August, and September.
15 Best US National Parks to Visit in June
The list of US national parks to visit in June is wonderfully long and diverse. Visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, go hiking in the Rocky Mountains, spend some time in the tranquil forests in Olympic and Sequoia National Parks, and explore one of the most underrated US national parks, Wrangell-St. Elias. About […]
15 Best US National Parks to Visit in August
Planning a trip to the US national parks in August and don’t know which ones to visit? August is a busy time to visit the national parks, but crowd levels aren’t quite at their peak (that typically happens in July for many parks). In this guide, we list some popular summertime parks to visit plus […]
14 Best US National Parks to Visit in September
September is one of the best months of the year to visit the national parks. The weather is fantastic across much of the USA, the busy summer season is coming to an end, and, in some parks, you can see the first of the fall colors. In this guide, we list 14 of the best […]
How to Plan Your Grand Teton Trip
Planning a trip to Grand Teton can feel like a lot at once. The park is large, the areas are spread out, and there’s a long list of hikes to choose from. These steps will help you decide when to go, how long to stay, and what to prioritize.
Step 1: Decide When to Visit
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is mid-May through October, when the roads and visitor centers are open. June through August are the busiest months, so plan for early starts, with some trailhead parking lots filling before 7 am. For fewer crowds, fall colors, and a shot at hearing elk bugle, consider the last two weeks of September.
Step 2: Choose How Many Days to Spend
Most visitors can see the highlights in a day, but three days lets you properly explore the park.
- 1 day: Focus on Antelope Flats and Jenny Lake
- 2 days: Add Rockefeller Preserve and/or Jackson Lake/Colter Bay
- 3 days: Add a bigger hike
See our Grand Teton itinerary for ideas on how to plan your time.
Step 3: Pick the Areas You Want to Visit
Grand Teton is divided into four main areas: Jenny Lake & Moose, Antelope Flats & Mormon Row, Jackson Lake & Colter Bay, and Death Canyon & the Rockefeller Preserve. Most first-time visitors focus on Jenny Lake and Antelope Flats, but the other two areas are well worth adding if you have the time.
See the Areas Explained section above for what each one offers.
Step 4: Choose Your Hikes
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Grand Teton. Trails range from flat lakeside strolls to strenuous full-day treks into the Teton Range.
For suggestions, read our guide to the 15 best hikes in Grand Teton.
Step 5: Build Your Itinerary
Once you know when you’re visiting and which areas and hikes you want to prioritize, it’s easy to build your daily plan. We outline several ways to organize your visit in our Grand Teton Itinerary, including options for one, two, and three days in the park.
And if Grand Teton is part of a larger trip, don’t miss our road trip ideas below ↓
Road Trip Ideas with Grand Teton
If you are planning a trip to Grand Teton, we have three road trip ideas to share with you. Grand Teton can easily be combined on a trip with Yellowstone National Park and other nearby US destinations.
Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary
This is one of the best road trips in the USA. With 10 days, you can visit Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore, but that’s not all. You also have enough time to visit the highlights of Grand Teton, day trip out to Badlands National Park, spend some time at Wind Cave National Park, and cruise the scenic drives and spot wildlife at Custer State Park.
Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary
Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks are three of the top parks to visit in the United States. With 10 days, you can visit all of them on an epic road trip.
The Perfect Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary for First-Timers
In this guide, we cover how to plan a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, followed by several itineraries, depending on your travel style and the amount of time you have.
The Perfect Yellowstone Day Trip
Yellowstone Day Trip from Jackson Hole & Grand Teton: Our Itinerary
If you are in Grand Teton National Park and have an extra day to spare, why not day trip to Yellowstone National Park? With one day, you have just enough time to hit the highlights…Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the wildlife in Hayden Valley.
Grand Teton National Park Photos
US National Parks List
In our US National Parks List, get information on all of the US national parks, including interesting facts, the most and least visited national parks, and a FREE printable national parks checklist with map.
US National Parks List: All 63 Parks, Map & Free Printable Checklist
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