The Ultimate Guide to Grand Teton National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Grand Teton National Park is surrounded by thick miles of national forests in the rugged, beautiful state of Wyoming. The Tetons were carved by ancient glaciers and stretch nearly 40 miles long. These mountains and valleys are filled with alpine lakes, many miles of hiking trails, ancient buildings by the park’s first settlers, and an incredible variety of wildlife.

How To Get to Grand Teton National Park

Where Is Grand Teton National Park?

Grand Teton National Park is in northwestern Wyoming, just north of Jackson, Wyoming. This American national park encompasses most of the Teton Range and the majority of Jackson Hole. Grand Teton lies just south of Yellowstone National Park — these 2 parks are joined by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.

The Airports Nearest to Grand Teton National Park

While some visitors love a long road trip, there are many who prefer spending as little time as possible traveling to their vacation destination. Flying to Grand Teton National Park is the best travel option for those who want to maximize their time exploring this magnificent park.

Several airports can get travelers close to Grand Teton, and there is one located on the park property.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

The closest airport to Grand Teton National Park is Jackson Hole Airport located right inside the park. While this option is more expensive than others, it’s a major time saver.

Jackson Hole Airport is serviced by popular airlines such as American, Delta, and United, with connections to big cities all around the U.S., including Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), and Salt Lake City (SLC).

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)

Idaho Falls Regional Airport will get you very close to Grand Teton National Park. The airport is a little over an hour and a half from the south entrance.

Airlines served by Idaho Falls include Allegiant Air, Delta, Horizon Air, and United. These flights conveniently connect to many major U.S. cities such as Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Minneapolis (MSP), and San Francisco (SFO).

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City International Airport is about 4.5 hours from the south entrance to Grand Teton National Park. While this option is a long drive to the park, there are several budget-friendly flights available flying into this airport. SLC is the choice to make if you are hoping to save money while traveling.

This airport is served by many airlines, including JetBlue, Southwest, and United, and offers affordable flights from several domestic and international airports.

Driving to Grand Teton National Park

A road trip to Grand Teton National Park is the ultimate experience for those who want to explore the park and make memories each step of the way. Drivers can get to the park from any direction, as there are several entrances to Grand Teton.

If you are coming from the west, utilizing I-15, then Highway 89 is the best route to take. For those coming from the east, I-80, followed by Highway 287, is the preferred route. Finally, for visitors coming from the north, take Highway 89 South through Yellowstone will get you right to Grand Teton National Park.

Trains to Grand Teton National Park

Amtrak is an incredible option to take advantage of for those who want a scenic trip to Grand Teton National Park without the stress of driving. Amtrak has a route that travels through the beautiful landscapes that stretch through the West. Taking Amtrak allows travelers to view the stunning scenery and wildlife along the journey to the park.

Getting Around Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is filled with gorgeous mountain scenery and wildlife that will take your breath away. This park is definitely grand, as it stretches over approximately 310,000 acres, but there are free maps to help you get around. There is much to see and do in Grand Teton. To discover the beauty of the park, you will need to select the transportation option that fits your needs best.

Driving your own vehicle through the park offers reassurance that you should be able to visit each attraction on your wish list. Taking your own car also allows you to spend as much or as little time at those attractions so you don’t feel rushed and hurried.

Another way to explore the park is on foot, by hiking or climbing. It is recommended that you take your car to the beginning of your adventure, should you decide to hike or climb. Since the park is so large, driving to the trailhead will help to conserve your energy for the trails.

A final way to explore the park is by booking a private narrated bus tour. Outside companies offer these tours, and they are a great way to learn about the wildlife, history, and formation of the park. These tours typically last about 4 hours and highlight many of the top attractions in Grand Teton National Park.

What To See and Do in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is brimming with natural wonders to discover, including majestic mountains, shimmering lakes, and historic settlements. Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions in the park that you won’t want to miss.

42-Mile Scenic Drive

The 42-Mile Scenic Drive is a loop that takes visitors through the heart of Grand Teton National Park. This drive will take you down the length of the Teton mountain range, near Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake, and has stops at countless scenic overlooks.

Begin the drive in the early morning hours to avoid crowds, catch a glimpse of the wildlife, and capture spectacular photographs.

Driving this scenic route could take about 2 hours, but it could be longer depending on how many stops you decide to make and how long you spend exploring each stop.

Craig Thomas Discovery Center

Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitors Center, also called the Moose Visitor Center, was built to spread wonder about the grandeur of the Teton Mountains. These beautiful mountains are showcased in the center by giant floor-to-ceiling windows.

This center has maps and information about the park, trails, and ranger programs for guests while exploring the park, and also features an in-house theater that shows an incredible documentary of the park.

Bottom Line: Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor’s Center is an attraction that provides great information and learning opportunities, and you can even grab souvenirs from the bookstore while you are there.

Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Trail

Inspiration Point is one of the most popular trails in Grand Teton National Park. This hike is approximately 1.8 miles round-trip and offers breathtaking views along the way.

Inspiration Point gives guests a 7,200-foot vantage point to admire the surrounding beauty, including Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls waterfall, and the surrounding mountains and trees.

Hidden Falls is a spectacular waterfall that has a 100-foot drop. This waterfall will leave you in awe and is a beautiful place for taking photographs. Since this is such a desired trail, it is wise to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake is a 2-mile long, 250-foot-deep stunning lake that is often described as the prettiest lake in the country. This lake is a favorite of many artists and photographers because of its stunning beauty.

The lake is a great area for beginning your Grand Teton National Park experience. It’s fun for fishing, boating, and swimming in the lake on warm days. Several hiking trails lead to beautiful places, such as Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Visitor Center

Another amazing stop to make in Grand Teton National Park is the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center. This building was established in 2008 and built on the 1,100 acres of land donated by the notorious Rockefeller family. It’s a beautiful tribute to the Rockefeller family and their dedication to conservation.

The Visitor Center is in the spotlight of this preserve. Its design is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and a true architectural sight to behold. Travelers enjoy coming to the area to see the many exhibits that teach how plants and wildlife are preserved in Grand Teton National Park.

Menor’s Ferry Historic District and the Chapel of Transfiguration

Travel back in time to the Wild West when visiting Menor’s Ferry Historic District. This part of Grand Teton National Park is filled with rich history and amazing relics from the past.

Menor’s Ferry District was settled at the turn of the century by William Menor, who settled next to the Snake River. While living here, Menor built a ferry that helped others across the river. Menor’s ferry was unique in that it would move sideways across the river.

This area of Grand Teton has many preserved barns and cabins from the 19th century, a working general store, and a log chapel from the 1920s called the Chapel of the Transfiguration, where you can admire breathtaking views of Grand Teton.

The Chapel of Transfiguration holds Sunday services throughout the summer and is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Many travelers say stopping to explore this chapel is a must.

Mormon Row Historic District

Mormon Row Historic District is another area in Grand Teton National Park that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area was used as a Mormon ranch settlement in the 1890s and has been preserved so others can visit the homes and barns and appreciate the history and stories from the past.

The area is a popular location for photographers, wildlife lovers, and history enthusiasts. This is the place where so many iconic photos of the Teton Range have been captured. Arriving at sunset or sunrise is an ideal time for capturing the beauty of this place, and you may catch a glimpse of antelope or other grazing animals in this location.

The Best Times To Visit Grand Teton National Park

While Grand Teton National Park is officially open year-round, there are some times for visiting that are preferred over others. Let’s explore the best times to plan a trip to Grand Teton.

The Best Time To Visit Grand Teton National Park in the Winter

If you want to plan a winter trip to Grand Teton National Park, the best time to visit this park is in December.

Numerous winter activities are available in Grand Teton, including skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and dog sledding. The park has several roads professionally groomed for winter activities.

Another great aspect of visiting the park in the winter is that it’s the best time to see the elk at the National Elk Refuge. Sleigh rides take visitors into the refuge for an up-close view of these mighty animals.

There are some things to keep in mind for winter travel to Grand Teton. Winter weather can often lead to road closures, which can greatly impact your trip. All campgrounds, lodges, and visitor centers located on the park property are also closed throughout the winter months. Planning ahead is a crucial part of mapping out your winter park adventure.

The Best Time To Visit Grand Teton National Park To Avoid the Crowds

Crowded attractions and trails can often put a damper on a national park vacation. If you want to avoid crowds at Grand Teton National Park, it’s a good idea to visit the park before the middle of June or after mid-September.

In the past, Labor Day used to bring about a much slower season, but in recent years, people have continued visiting into the fall season.

If you must visit the park during the peak season, you’re advised to get out early to visit your must-see attractions. The park is open 24 hours a day, so taking advantage of these early hours is a great way to visit without feeling crowded.

The Best Time To Visit Grand Teton National Park for Wildlife

Grand Teton National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Depending on when you visit the park, you can see incredible animals such as grizzly bears, elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, and coyote.

Early mornings and late afternoons are when visitors see the most wildlife during the day, as the animals are most active at these times. You can rest assured that no matter which part of the year you visit, you’re likely to see a variety of animals that make their homes in the park.

If you enjoy birdwatching, the spring and fall provide guests with a wonderful opportunity to see birds migrating to and from the park. The spring is also a great time to see wildlife with their new babies.

Hot Tip: For those who desire to see large animals in the park, the fall is a great time to catch a glimpse of moose and elk.

The Best Time To Visit Grand Teton National Park for Photography

There are several times during the year to visit Grand Teton National Park to capture the beauty of the park. May, June, and September are incredible months for photographing the wildlife and scenery of Grand Teton.

May and June bring the births of baby animals, which in turn brings out predators such as wolves and bears. However, these times also have beautiful wildflowers blooming, and the mountains are still capped in snow.

In September, big game, including moose and elk, are out competing for females. You can capture photos of these massive animals with the fall colors as an amazing backdrop.

The Cheapest Time To Visit Grand Teton National Park

If you want to explore Grand Teton National Park affordably, visiting in September is a great idea. The crowds die down in September, and there is still plenty to discover during your stay. Most campgrounds, visitor centers, park roads, and lodges are still open during the month of September, which means you will have plenty to see and do during your stay.

Hotel prices and activities are also drastically reduced during the off-season, so these savings can really add up. Visiting Grand Teton National Park in September provides visitors with a trifecta of amazing benefits, including lower prices, fewer crowds, and a great chance to see wildlife.

Where To Stay in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park has countless lodging options, both inside and near the park. Visitors can choose from camping in a tent or RV, staying in a rustic cabin or grand lodge, or even booking an experience stay at one of the dude ranches.

Whether you stay inside or near the park and in a rustic or luxury accommodation, expect an amazing stay and leave with special memories that will last forever.

Inside the Park

There are 7 lodges inside the park and several campgrounds found throughout Grand Teton National Park. Each lodge or campsite offers unique experiences and opportunities. Let’s take a look at some of the incredible accommodations found in Grand Teton National Park.

Colter Bay Village

Colter Bay Village is a wonderful option for those vacationing in Grand Teton National Park. This affordable accommodation is found on the shores of Jackson Lake and is perfect for families and friends seeking a true mountain experience with lots of outdoor activities. You’ll want to return year after year to this incredible location.

Colter Bay Village offers authentic log cabins, tent cabins, campsites, and an RV park for guests to choose from.

Nearby, guests can find horseback riding, lake cruises, picnic areas, and horseback riding. In addition, there are 2 restaurants on the property, as well as a gift shop, a service station, and a marina.

Headwaters Lodge and Cabins at Flagg Ranch

Headwaters Lodge and Cabins at Flagg Ranch is located between the entrances of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. This location is nestled right in the trees, where you won’t have cell services or Wi-Fi and can truly unplug from all the distractions of life.

Several adventure activities are available at Headwaters Lodge, including hiking, fly fishing, and scenic horseback riding. The lodge also has complimentary on-site activities such as nature talks, s’mores by the campfire, games, river rafting, and guided lake cruises.

Other features of Headwaters Lodge and Cabins include a gift shop, a convenience store, and dining options. A favorite restaurant for those seeking a true western experience is Sheffields Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day and has a saloon that serves local brews and spirits at lunch and dinner.

Jackson Lake Lodge

If you are looking for a central location and a wide variety of amenities, Jackson Lake Lodge is an incredible option. This lodge is found in the heart of Grand Teton on a bluff that overlooks Jackson Lake, the Teton Range, and Willow Flats.

The lodge has massive windows that beautifully frame the mountains and surrounding area. Guests can choose one of the 385 rooms on the property, which includes standard rooms, luxury suites, or charming cottages.

Jackson Lake Lodge also has a wonderful dining room that showcases the gorgeous view from every table. This restaurant has a menu with a wide variety of sustainable, organic, free-range, and hormone-free meats and seafood.

Jenny Lake Lodge

Jenny Lake Lodge is a dream location for lodging during your Grand Teton vacation. This exclusive lodge is located at the foot of the Grand Tetons, practically hidden under the giant spruces.

This lodge began as a dude ranch and evolved into a AAA 4-Diamond eco-resort that offers superior services and lodging. Jenny Lake Lodge is a semi-inclusive property with amenities such as cruiser-style bicycle rentals, horseback rides, croquet on the lawn, complimentary wine, and interpretive tours.

Jenny Lake Lodge’s cabins are equally rustic and charming and offer guests an authentic national park experience. The cabins have handmade quilts, down comforters, and attention to detail to give everything a special western touch.

On top of incredible accommodations, Jenny Lake Lodge also has a phenomenal dining room restaurant. This restaurant is famous for its award-winning menu that includes a 5-course dining experience made with sustainable, local ingredients. The Dining Room at Jenny Lake Lodge has a rustic, elegant atmosphere and breathtaking views.

Triangle X Ranch

Triangle X Ranch is located in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. This guest ranch is a premier dude ranch in Wyoming and allows visitors to experience an authentic western stay.

Visitors to Triangle X can choose from staying in rustic log cabins or in the Main House, where they can enjoy dining and gathering with friends and family around the big, wood-burning fireplace.

Triangle X offers unforgettable opportunities for guests with river floating and fishing trips, wilderness adventures like hunting for big game, and true dude ranch experiences like horseback riding.

Campgrounds

Camping is one of the best ways to experience Grand Teton National Park. There are 7 campgrounds scattered throughout the park, and if you plan to camp during your stay, you must make a reservation.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Grand Teton National Park by staying at one of the campgrounds. Most sites welcome tents and RVs, and standard amenities such as modern comfort stations, picnic tables, bear boxes, and metal fire grates are provided.

Towns Near Grand Teton National Park

Several nearby towns serve as gateways to Grand Teton. Each town has its own unique atmosphere, lodging, entertainment, and restaurants.

Cooke City

Cooke City is a lovely, hidden, and remote town in the Beartooth Mountain area. This town always has a possibility of snowing in its guests, so that is good to keep in mind during trip planning.

Here you’ll find several rustic hotels and campgrounds available for lodging. There are also incredibly charming cafes that serve local meats and mountain-caught fish. For entertainment, guests enjoy the art community, which is a big draw to the area.

Gardiner

Gardiner is a small mountain town in Montana famous for its stone arch marking the north entrance to Yellowstone.

While Gardiner is a small town, there are several chain hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for setting up a home base while exploring Grand Teton. In addition, several local and chain restaurants are also available for refueling after a long day exploring the park.

Gardiner is a prime location for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as rafting, canoeing, and white-water rafting. There are also many opportunities to hunt for elk and moose in the nearby mountains.

Jackson

Jackson is south of Grand Teton and is also known as Jackson Hole. This town is well known for winter sports and the homes of the elite. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a notorious lodging facility that teaches skiing and offers excellent opportunities to participate in winter activities.

Hot Tip: Along with winter fun, the area has many lakes, streams, and mountains, which makes it an area loved by hikers, fishermen, and hunters.

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is a Montana town that is an ideal place to set up a home base while visiting Grand Teton. West Yellowstone has a wide variety of lodging options, including cabins and chain hotels. There are countless dining facilities, should hunger strike.

On top of excellent options for dining and lodging, West Yellowstone has an abundance of activities for those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. Anglers enjoy fishing in the lakes and rivers that are brimming with trout.

Winter sports are a big draw to West Yellowstone. Each year, the town hosts the Rendezvous Ski Race, and there are hundreds of miles of trails for snowmobiling in the area.

Where To Eat in Grand Teton National Park

There are several restaurants and dining rooms located in the park to help visitors refuel from their days of exploring. Most of the lodges have exceptional dining rooms, and there are several grab-and-go food options throughout the park as well.

Jenny Lake Lodge

Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room is located in the woods at the base of the Teton Range. This restaurant is open seasonally for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The culinary team for Jenny Lake Lodge uses high-quality, sustainable ingredients that feature local produce and meats. As a result, not only does this facility have an incredible menu, but it also features an award-winning wine list.

The Mural Room

Jackson Lake Lodge has a delightful restaurant on its campus called The Mural Room. This restaurant offers gorgeous views of the Teton Range that can be seen from every table in the facility.

The restaurant is filled with stunning murals painted by Carl Roters, the late 20th-century American artist. The murals depict historic moments, including the 1837 Rendezvous, a yearly gathering of fur trappers in traders from the Old West.

The menu includes delicious local entrees featuring local beef, wild game, and seafood. The restaurant also has a host of fresh bakery items that are made in the on-site bakery.

Pioneer Grill

The Pioneer Grill is a 1950s-style diner that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This diner is located in the Jackson Lake Lodge.

It is said that the counter in the diner is the oldest and longest in the world. These long counters allow guests to chat with other travelers and employees from all over the world. Pioneer is famous for its huckleberry milkshakes, so be sure to grab one before you head back out to explore the park.

Ranch House

Ranch House is a restaurant in Colter Bay Village that gives diners an authentic western experience. This restaurant displays images of historic locations found in Grand Teton National Park and has a large bar featuring brands that represent different ranches originally found in the area.

Ranch House features a menu of classic dishes as well as meals with a unique flair. The chef uses local, all-natural beef, local produce, and sustainable seafood for each dish.

Sheffields

Sheffields is located in Headwaters Lodge and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So step back in time and experience genuine western hospitality when dining at Sheffields.

In the mornings, guests are able to visit the saloon, which offers a coffee bar, take-out sandwiches, and other lunch items. In the evenings, the saloon is a perfect place to grab a drink from the local brew and spirits menu and relax while chatting with others.

Grand Teton National Park Facts

1. It’s the Only National Park With an Airport

Grand Teton National Park is the only national park in America with an airport onsite. Jackson Hole Airport was founded in 1930 and brings millions of visitors into Grand Teton each year.

2. It Was Established by President Coolidge

In 1929, Grand Teton National Park was first established by President Calvin Coolidge. However, Coolidge’s decision to let the park stay in its natural state went against the wishes of a large number of contingents.

3. The Park Was Expanded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded Grand Teton National Park by adding 210,000 more acres to the park’s property.

4. It Was Formed by Hard-working Glaciers

Glaciers have done the hard work of forming the land of Glacier National Park into incredible U-shaped mountains and jagged peaks. The infamous Grand Teton Mountain was perfectly formed by these glaciers.

This mountain range still contains 12 glaciers, with half of them located in the Cathedral Group, which makes up the tallest mountains of the Grand Tetons.

5. The First Colonization Was Over 11,000 Years Ago

There is evidence that the first humans settled in Grand Teton more than 11,000 years ago. Native Americans lived throughout the valleys in the park during the spring, summer, and fall, but migrated to warmer areas during the harsh winters.

6. Teton is the Youngest Mountain Range

The Teton Range is the youngest of the Rocky Mountains. Conservationists and scientists also state that this mountain range consists of some of the youngest mountains in the world.

7. The Park Contains Native American Artifacts

When the glaciers started to withdraw, nomadic tribes of Paleo-Indians began to settle in the valleys of Grand Teton. These tribes left behind numerous artifacts, including tipi rings, tools made of stone, and fire pits. These artifacts have given us a glimpse into the history of the area and the people who originally inhabited the area.

8. The Lakes and Rivers Are Made by Glacier Water

There are several lakes and rivers in Grand Teton National Park. These bodies of water are filled with clear, sparkling waters that are filled by glacial runoff.

9. Wealthy Mountain Men Settled in Grand Teton

Between 1810 and 1840, the land of Grand Teton National Park attracted many fur trappers. These trappers were called Mountain Men. These men sought beaver from the area to sell and trade and became very wealthy and very quickly.

Some notorious Mountain Men of this time included Davey Jackson, William Sublette, and John Colter. Unfortunately, because this became such a popular business, the Mountain Men era ended in 1840.

10. Grand Teton Contains Clues to the John Colter Mystery

John Colter is an infamous mountain man who was a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s. He disappeared long ago from his settlement and was never found. There is a stone shaped like a human head that was found along the west side of the Teton Range.

This stone has been named the Colter Stone, as his name and the date of 1808 are etched into the stone. Although not authenticated by science, many think that the stone gives a clue to the mystery of John Colter’s route and disappearance.

11. The Park Features a Variety of Wildlife

Grand Teton National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. There are 61 mammal species, 17 carnivore species, 6 amphibian species, 6 bat species, and 4 reptile species. There are over 10,000 different types of insects found in the park, and over 300 bird species are present in the area.

12. Grand Teton is a Film Star

Many movies have been filmed in the Grand Teton area. The area provides the perfect setting for filming. Famous westerns such as John Wayne’s debut film “The Big Trail” were filmed here in 1930, and the classic western “Shane” was filmed at the park in 1953.

Final Thoughts

Grand Teton National Park is the ultimate location for a vacation of a lifetime. This park offers something for everyone. Adventurers of all ages love scenic hiking trails, breathtaking mountains, historical sites, and abundant wildlife.