Introduction
Grand Teton National Park, situated in northwestern Wyoming. This 310,000-acre (1,300 km²) park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife.
The human history of Grand Teton dates back over 11,000 years when the first nomadic hunter-gatherer Paleo-Indians ventured into the region during warmer months. Tribes such as the Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Flathead, Gros Ventre, and Nez Perce harvested the valley’s seasonal riches. These Native Americans hunted, gathered plants, and collected rocks and minerals.
Efforts to preserve this stunning region began in the late 19th century. In 1929, Grand Teton National Park was established, protecting the major peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range. The valley of Jackson Hole remained in private ownership until the 1930's when conservationists led by John D. Rockefeller Jr. started acquiring land to expand the park. The park welcomes over three million visitors annually. People from across the country and around the world come to experience its natural wonders. In 2022, 2.81 million visited the park. Grand Teton spans approximately 310,000 acres (or 484 square miles). Its dimensions stretch 45 miles long and 26 miles wide, encompassing the major peaks of the Teton Range and much of the northern sections of Jackson Hole. Beyond its wildlife, Grand Teton offers awe-inspiring sites including Grand Teton at 13,775 feet (4,199 meters), it dramatically rises over 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above Jackson Hole, dominating the skyline. Jackson Lake is a 15-mile-long (24 km) lake surrounded by majestic peaks.
Wildlife is abundant in Grand Teton. Here, animals thrive in interconnected relationships with their environment. Grizzly and black bears, bison, moose, elk, pronghorn, and more call this park home. Over 300 bird species can be found here, including bald eagles and brilliantly colored western bluebirds.. The park’s lakes and streams teem with native fish, and even snakes (surprisingly, non-venomous) play their part in this intricate ecosystem. For more information, visit the Grand Teton Wikipedia website
Top Hikes
These three hikes are good starting points for planning, with at least one more difficult option. Distances and elevation gain are rounded; check the official park trail page for current closures, permits, weather, and trail conditions.
Taggart Lake Loop (moderate) - 3.8 miles (6.1 km); elevation gain 400 feet (122 m). A popular lake loop with strong Teton Range views.
Cascade Canyon to the Forks (difficult) - 9.0 miles (14.5 km); elevation gain 1,100 feet (335 m). A classic canyon hike starting near Jenny Lake with big mountain scenery.
Paintbrush-Cascade Loop (difficult) - 19.7 miles (31.7 km); elevation gain 3,975 feet (1,212 m). A major high-country loop for strong, prepared hikers.
Top Hikes
These three hikes are good starting points for planning, with at least one more difficult option. Distances and elevation gain are rounded; check the official park trail page for current closures, permits, weather, and trail conditions.
Taggart Lake Loop (moderate) - 3.8 miles (6.1 km); elevation gain 400 feet (122 m). A popular lake loop with strong Teton Range views.
Cascade Canyon to the Forks (difficult) - 9.0 miles (14.5 km); elevation gain 1,100 feet (335 m). A classic canyon hike starting near Jenny Lake with big mountain scenery.
Paintbrush-Cascade Loop (difficult) - 19.7 miles (31.7 km); elevation gain 3,975 feet (1,212 m). A major high-country loop for strong, prepared hikers.
Backpacking
Teton National Park is a backpacker's paradise with a variety of trails that offer stunning views of the mountains, canyons, and lakes. Permits are required for all these hikes. Talk to a park ranger before leaving. They can give you trail conditions, bear advice and weather. Also, a Garmin or something equivalent comes in handy.
Here are some of the top backpacking hikes:
Teton Crest Trail: This trail is a 39.2-mile (63.1 km) point-to-point hike that takes 3 to 5 days to complete. The total ascent is 9,000 feet (2,743 m) and the highest point is 10,695 feet (3260 m). The trail cuts through the Jedadiah Wilderness Area, two national forests, Bridger Teton and Caribou-Targhee, as well as Grand Teton National Park, rarely dropping below 8,000 feet (2,438 m). The trailhead is at Leigh Lake Trailhead, which is the northern trailhead, take Teton Park Road north from Jackson for 12 miles (19.3 km), turn left on Jenny Lake Road, and then turn left on String Lake Road.
Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon: This trail is a 19.7-mile (31.7 km) loop hike that takes 2 to 3 days to complete. The total ascent is 4,000 feet (1,214 m), with an average slope of 9%. The trail starts at String Lake and after 6 miles, the trail reaches Holly Lake, set in a rocky, glacial bowl. The trail then climbs over Paintbrush Divide to Lake Solitude, which offers stunning views of the Grand Teton and Mount Owen. To reach the trailhead from Moose Junction, turn left onto Moose-Wilson Road and drive roughly 3 miles (5 km) south to the turn-off for the Death Canyon Trailhead. Turn right and drive another 2 miles (3.2 km) to the end of the road.
Death Canyon to Static Peak: This trail is a 16.6-mile (26.7 km) out-and-back hike that takes 2 to 3 days to complete. The total ascent is 4,000 feet (1,214 m) with an average slope of 15%. The trail starts at the Death Canyon Trailhead and offers beautiful views over Phelps Lake. The hike into Death Canyon is gorgeous and this is a great place to spot wildlife such as bear and moose. The trail then climbs to the Static Peak Divide, offering panoramic views of the Teton Range. To reach the trailhead from Moose Junction, turn left onto Moose-Wilson Road and drive roughly 3 miles (5 km) south to the turn-off for the Death Canyon Trailhead. Turn right and drive another 2 miles (3.2 km) to the end of the road.
Granite Canyon to Death Canyon: This trail is a 25 mile (40 km) loop hike that takes 2 to 3 days to complete. The total ascent is 4,000 feet (1,214 m). The trail starts at the Granite Canyon Trailhead and offers beautiful views of the mountains. To reach the trailhead from Moose Junction, turn left onto Moose-Wilson Road and drive roughly 3 miles (5 km) south to the turn-off for the Death Canyon Trailhead. Turn right and drive another 2 miles (3.2 km) to the end of the road.
Amphitheater Lake and Garnet Canyon: This trail is a 10.4-mile (16.7 km) out-and-back hike that takes 1 to 2 days to complete. The total ascent is 3,000 feet (914 m), with an average slope of 9%. Incredible views of the mountains and surrounding lakes. To reach the trailhead, turn west off Teton Park Road at Lupine Meadows junction, located 7 miles (11.2 km) north of Moose Junction. The trailhead is located at the end of the gravel road, roughly 1.6 miles (2.6 km) from the junction.
Campgrounds
There are eight campgrounds and camping areas located inside the park. Campground reservations can be made at recreation.gov.
Colter Bay Campground is located near Colter Bay Village and is surrounded by a lodgepole pine forest. The campground is at 6,800 feet (2,072 m). The campground has 324 individual campsites, 10 large group sites, and 13 electric-only ADA-accessible sites. The maximum length of stay is 14 days. The campground offers modern comfort stations, potable water, metal fire grates, picnic tables, and metal bear boxes. Shower and laundry services are available for an additional fee.
Colter Bay RV Park near Colter Bay Village and is surrounded by a lodgepole pine forest. The RV park has 112 RV sites with full hookups, including sewer, water, and 20, 30, and 50-amp electric outlets. The maximum length of RVs and trailers allowed is 45 feet.
Colter Bay Tent Village is located at Colter Bay Village, a short walk from Jackson Lake. The Tent Village has 66 tent cabins with canvas walls and roofs, two log walls, pull-down bunk beds, a wood stove, picnic table, fire pit with metal fire grate, and food storage locker. The cabins do not have electric outlets or private restrooms. Nearby water, flush toilets, laundry, and showers are available seasonally.
Headwaters Campground by in the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The campground sits at 6,700 feet (2,042 m) has 24 individual campsites and is open from June to September. The campground offers modern comfort stations, potable water, metal fire grates, picnic tables, and metal bear boxes. The maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Lizard Creek Campground is in the northern portion of the park and provides a convenient basecamp for campers taking day trips to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The campground is situated on the northern shore of Jackson Lake and offers access to the lake waters and views of the northern Teton Mountain Range. The campground is at 6,827 feet (2,080 m) and has campground has 60 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers (up to 20 feet/6 meters), and RVs (up to 30 feet/9 meters). The maximum length of stay is 14 days. The campground offers modern comfort stations, potable water, metal fire grates, picnic tables, and metal bear boxes.
Signal Mountain Campground is located on the southeast shore of Jackson Lake and offers easy access to the lake waters and short walks to unparalleled views of the Teton Range. The campground has 81 individual campsites and is open from early-June to late-September. The maximum length of an RV or trailer is 30 feet (9 m) The campground offers modern comfort stations, potable water, metal fire grates, picnic tables, and metal bear boxes. Shower and laundry services are available for an additional fee. The maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Jenny Lake Campground is situated within walking distance of the eastern shore of Jenny Lake, with views of Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John, and into Cascade Canyon. The campground offers 51 tent-only individual campsites and 10 hiker-bicycler sites. The campground is open from early-May to late-September and is extremely popular. The campground offers modern comfort stations, potable water, metal fire grates, picnic tables, and metal bear boxes. The maximum length of stay is 7 days.
Gros Ventre Campground is located on the eastern side of the park, near the Gros Ventre River and offers 300 individual campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. The maximum length of RVs is 45 feet (13.7 m). The campground’s elevation is at 6,200 feet (1,890 m). Gros Ventre (Big Stomach in French) was a term to describe refer to a Native American tribe of the same name, who are also known as the A'aninin, Aaniiih, or Haaninin.
Lodges and Hotels
Grand Teton National Park offers a variety of lodging options for visitors. The first one listed, The American Alpine Club, is fantastic, if you do not mind sleeping in bunk house. The lodges and hotels in the park include:
The American Alpine Club Grand Teton Climbers Ranch is a rustic and affordable lodging option for climbers and outdoor adventurers visiting Grand Teton National Park. The ranch is located just south of Jenny Lake and four miles north of the park headquarters in Moose, Wyoming. The ranch offers dormitory-style accommodations in small log cabins that sleep 4-8 people each. The cabins are set up as rustic dormitories with mixed amenities, including wooden bunks, so be sure to pack your own sleeping pad and bag. There is a communal library, cook shelter, bathhouse, and bicycles on site. The ranch is open from early-June to late-September and is extremely popular.
Colter Bay Cabins are located near Jackson Lake. The cabins are rustic and charming, with a Wild West feel while still providing modern amenities. The cabins are nestled amongst the trees along the banks of Jackson Lake with the majestic Grand Teton Mountain range providing a stunning backdrop. All cabins include linens, towels, and coffee makers. Cabins do not include televisions, microwaves, or mini-fridges. Hairdryers and irons are available upon request at the cabin office.
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch is located between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks along the Snake River. The lodge offers log-style lodging units with two queen beds or one king. The lodge is open from early-June to late-September and is conveniently located between both parks along the Snake River. WiFi and limited cellular service are available.
Jackson Lake Lodge is a full-service resort hotel. The lodge features 385 rooms including stunning suites, main lodge hotel rooms, and quiet cottages. The lodge also includes a variety of dining options, outdoor excursions, meeting and event spaces, retail shops, a swimming pool, and an interpretive exhibit featuring authentic Native American artifacts and Western art. The lodge is open from early-May to early-October.
Signal Mountain Lodge is located beside Jackson Lake, Signal Mountain Lodge offers lakefront apartments with kitchenettes, log cabins, and motel-style units.
Jenny Lake Lodge is a AAA Four-Diamond, full-service resort located at the foot of the Teton Range. The lodge offers rustic elegance with a blend of modern comfort and Old West charm. The lodge features 37 cabins nestled in the seclusion of the surrounding forest. Each cabin is uniquely decorated with handmade quilts, down comforters, and authentic Western charm. The lodge is open seasonally from June to early-October. The lodge offers daily complimentary activities, cruiser-style bicycles witheasy access to the scenic multi-use pathway, and horseback riding with wranglers (based on availability).
Restaurants
Grand Teton National Park offers a variety of dining options for visitors. Here are some of the restaurants in the park:
Trapper Grill is a restaurant located at Signal Mountain Lodge. The restaurant offers a variety of American cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is known for its stunning views of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake.
Ranch House Restaurant is located at Colter Bay Village. The restaurant offers delectable rustic comfort food offerings with a world flare. The menu features classics and newly evolved cuisine in a ranch house setting, complete with a generous menu for every age. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Cafe Court Pizzeria is a casual dining restaurant located at Colter Bay Village. The restaurant offers a variety of specialty pizzas, subs, and salads, or build your own pizza. The restaurant is open from the end of May to the end of September.
The Pioneer Grill is a restaurant located in the Jackson Lake Lodge. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a classic 1950's-style diner setting, where diners sit shoulder-to-shoulder at what is rumored to be the longest continual dining counter in the world at over 200 feet! Don't forget to finish with a huckleberry milkshake, slice of pie, or a Huckle-Brownie! Take-out service is also available if you prefer to relax back at your cottage or overlooking the Tetons from the Southwest Terrace. The Pioneer Grill is open seasonally mid-May through early October.
Leek's Marina & Pizzeria, at Jackson Lake, offers a variety of Italian and American cuisine, including pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant is known for its expansive deck with views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. The restaurant is open seasonally from late May to mid-September.
Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room is housed inside a 1930s-era log cabin nestled in the woods at the base of the towering Teton Range. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and a nightly rotating five-course prix fixe dinner menu that justifies its place among the world’s finest restaurants. The restaurant is open seasonally from June to early October. Advance reservations are highly recommended for lunch and are required for dinner, and can be made online at OpenTable.
Grocery Stores
There are two grocery stores located within the park boundaries.
Colter Bay Village General Store is a full-service grocery store located in Colter Bay. The store offers a complete selection of groceries, including fresh pastries, ice cream cones, salads, sandwiches, grab-n-go meals, fresh/organic fruits and vegetables, free-range/natural meats, campfire wood, an ATM, liquor, wine, beer and sundries. The store is open daily from the end of May 25th to the end of September.
Dornan's Trading Post Grocery and Deli is located near Moose and offers groceries, gas, sundries, camping supplies, firewood, baked goods, fresh produce and deli sandwiches. It is open daily from the end of May to the end of September.