Overview / About the Park

Set in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park rises like a painting come to life. The Teton Range towers above alpine lakes and wide valleys, with snow-capped peaks reflected in calm, glacial waters. Just south of Yellowstone, this park protects over 310,000 acres of rugged mountains, rivers, and wildlife.
 The park takes its name from Grand Teton, the highest peak in the range, standing at 13,775 feet. It’s a land shaped by ice, wind, and time where the drama of the Rockies meets the serenity of open sky.

Wildlife & Nature

Grand Teton’s ecosystems blend mountains, meadows, wetlands, and forests home to a remarkable variety of wildlife.

  • Mammals: Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, bison, and pronghorn roam the valleys. Wolves and coyotes move quietly across the sagebrush flats.
  • Birds: Bald eagles, ospreys, trumpeter swans, and sandhill cranes thrive near lakes and rivers.
  • Flora: Wildflowers blanket the meadows in summer, while aspen groves turn golden in fall. Lodgepole pine, spruce, and fir dominate the forests at higher elevations.
  • The park’s pure mountain air and untouched landscapes make it a haven for nature photographers and wildlife lovers alike.

Experiences & Activities

  • Hiking: More than 200 miles of trails from easy lakeside walks to strenuous climbs. Popular routes include Jenny Lake Loop, Cascade Canyon, and Taggart Lake Trail.

  • Scenic Drives: The Teton Park Road offers breathtaking views, especially from Oxbow Bend and Snake River Overlook.

  • Boating & Kayaking: Paddle on Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake for peaceful mountain reflections.

  • Wildlife Watching: Early morning and dusk near Mormon Row and Willow Flats are best for spotting moose and elk.

  • Climbing: The Tetons are a world-class mountaineering destination, with routes for both beginners and experts.

  • Winter Adventures: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife tracking tours continue the magic year-round.

Experiences & Activities

  • Hiking: More than 200 miles of trails from easy lakeside walks to strenuous climbs. Popular routes include Jenny Lake Loop, Cascade Canyon, and Taggart Lake Trail.
  • Scenic Drives: The Teton Park Road offers breathtaking views, especially from Oxbow Bend and Snake River Overlook.
  • Boating & Kayaking: Paddle on Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake for peaceful mountain reflections.
  • Wildlife Watching: Early morning and dusk near Mormon Row and Willow Flats are best for spotting moose and elk.
  • Climbing: The Tetons are a world-class mountaineering destination, with routes for both beginners and experts.
  • Winter Adventures: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife tracking tours continue the magic year-round.

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (June–September): Warm days, full trail access, and active wildlife. The best season for hiking, boating, and photography.

  • Fall (late September–October): Crisp air, brilliant foliage, and bugling elk a quiet, golden time to visit.

  • Winter (November–March): Cold but beautiful, with snow-covered peaks and few crowds. Great for snowshoeing and solitude.

  • Spring (April–May): Melting snow fills rivers, and the first wildflowers appear. Some roads and trails open gradually.

How to Reach & Park Entry

  • Nearest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) the only commercial airport inside a U.S. national park.

  • By Road: The park is easily accessed via U.S. Highway 191/89/26 from Jackson, Wyoming (about 5 miles south).

  • By Air (Alternative): Salt Lake City International Airport (275 miles away) offers more flight options.

  • Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days (also covers entry to Yellowstone if visiting both within that time).

  • Shuttle buses and guided tours are available from Jackson and nearby towns.

Where to Stay / Camping Options

Inside the Park:

  • Jackson Lake Lodge: Iconic views and modern comfort.

  • Jenny Lake Lodge: Cozy cabins with fine dining near scenic trails.

  • Signal Mountain Lodge: Lakeside rooms and relaxed mountain charm.

  • Campgrounds: Jenny Lake, Gros Ventre, Colter Bay, and Signal Mountain all require reservations.

  • Nearby Towns: Jackson, Teton Village, and Moran offer hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals.

Travel Tips / Safety Notes

  • Weather changes fast bring layers, even in summer.

  • Always carry bear spray, and know how to use it. Store food properly in bear-proof containers.

  • Stay on marked trails and keep a safe distance from wildlife (at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other animals).

  • Sunrise and sunset offer the best light and fewer crowds at popular viewpoints.

  • Cell service is limited download maps before entering the park.

Packing List

  • Waterproof hiking boots

  • Layered clothing (including a warm jacket)

  • Hat, gloves, and rain gear

  • Refillable water bottles or hydration system

  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses

  • Bear spray

  • Energy snacks and trail mix

  • Camera or phone for photography

  • Map or GPS device

Visitor Statistics

Grand Teton National Park welcomes around 3.5 million visitors each year.
Most travelers come between June and September, though winter visitation is slowly growing thanks to snowshoeing and wildlife viewing.
Despite its popularity, much of the park remains peaceful step away from the main roads, and you’ll find yourself alone with the Tetons.

Conservation & Responsible Tourism

The park’s beauty depends on respect and care. Grand Teton is home to fragile alpine and riparian ecosystems under threat from climate change and development pressures.
 Visitors can help by:

  • Staying on designated trails to prevent erosion.

  • Using refillable water bottles plastic waste harms local waterways.

  • Respecting wildlife by maintaining safe distances.

  • Supporting conservation programs through park donations or volunteering.

  • Learning about the Shoshone, Bannock, and other Native tribes whose heritage runs deep in this landscape.