Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park protects one of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in North America. Located in northwestern Wyoming just south of Yellowstone National Park, the park is known for the towering peaks of the Teton Range, pristine alpine lakes, wildlife-rich valleys, and iconic views along the Snake River. The park offers outstanding hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and boating opportunities surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
Park Data & Statistics
- State: Wyoming
- Established: February 26, 1929
- Park Size: ~310,000 acres
- Annual Visitors: ~3.3 million
- Highest Peak: Grand Teton (13,775 ft)
- Major River: Snake River
- Number of Lakes: Over 100
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–September)
Best weather for hiking and exploring.
Fall (September–October)
Beautiful foliage and active wildlife.
Winter
Popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Spring
Wildlife activity increases as snow melts.
Best Photography Locations
- Oxbow Bend reflections of Mount Moran
- Schwabacher Landing sunrise reflections
- Snake River Overlook
- Jenny Lake viewpoints
- Mormon Row historic barns
Camping & Lodging Options
Popular campgrounds include:
Jenny Lake Campground
Great location near hiking trails.
Colter Bay Campground
Large campground with lake access.
Gros Ventre Campground
One of the largest campgrounds in the park.
Lodging options include historic lodges such as Jackson Lake Lodge.
Indigenous / Cultural Significance
The area surrounding Grand Teton has long been used by Indigenous peoples including the Shoshone Tribe and the Bannock Tribe, who traveled through the region for hunting and seasonal activities.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
- Private vehicle: Yes
- Motorcycle: Yes
- Individual: Yes
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Taggart Lake early morning hike
- String Lake quiet shoreline
- Two Ocean Lake scenic drive
- Mormon Row sunrise photography
- Phelps Lake trails
Additional Resources (1)
• Official Grand Teton National Park Website (National Park Service) – Official park information, alerts, and visitor planning resources.
• Grand Teton National Park Maps – Download official park maps including trails and scenic drives.
• Grand Teton Hiking Guide – Trail descriptions and safety information.
• Grand Teton Current Conditions & Alerts – Weather updates, closures, and park alerts.
• Grand Teton Camping Information – Information about campgrounds and backcountry camping.
Popular Hiking Trails
- Jenny Lake Loop Trail
7.5 miles – Scenic trail around one of the park’s most beautiful lakes. - Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point Trail
2 miles round trip – Short hike to waterfalls and panoramic views. - Cascade Canyon Trail
9 miles round trip – Stunning hike into a glacial canyon. - Taggart Lake Trail
3 miles round trip – Easy hike with incredible mountain views. - Delta Lake Trail
7.5 miles round trip – Challenging hike to a brilliant turquoise alpine lake.
Top Scenic Viewpoints
- Snake River Overlook
- Oxbow Bend
- Schwabacher Landing
- Signal Mountain Summit
- Jenny Lake shoreline
Beginner-Friendly Activities
- Scenic drives through the valley
- Jenny Lake boat shuttle and short hikes
- Wildlife viewing along park roads
- Visitor center exhibits
Nearby Getaway Towns
Jackson – Primary gateway town south of the park.
Moose – Small community located near park headquarters.
Waterfalls, Lakes, or Natural Highlights
- Jenny Lake
- Jackson Lake
- Cascade Canyon
- Hidden Falls
- Grand Teton peak
Scenic Drives
Teton Park Road
A scenic route offering incredible views of the Teton Range and access to popular areas such as:
- Jenny Lake
- Signal Mountain
- Moose area
Maps & Navigation Resources
Visitors can use:
- Official NPS park maps
- onX Backcountry App
- AllTrails hiking maps
- Printed visitor center maps
- GPS navigation hiking apps
One Day Itinerary
Morning
- Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing
- Visit Oxbow Bend
Midday
- Boat across Jenny Lake
- Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Afternoon
- Scenic drive along Teton Park Road
- Wildlife viewing in the valley
Evening
- Sunset photography at Snake River Overlook
- Dinner in Jackson
Popular Flora
Grand Teton ecosystems range from valley sagebrush to alpine tundra.
Common plants include:
- Lodgepole pine
- Aspen trees
- Sagebrush
- Wildflowers such as lupine and Indian paintbrush
- Alpine tundra vegetation
Popular Fauna
Large mammals:
- Moose
- Elk
- Bison
- Black bears
- Grizzly bears
Birds:
- Bald eagles
- Trumpeter swans
- Ospreys
Other wildlife:
- Marmots
- Pikas
Advanced/Backcountry Activites
- Backpacking in Cascade Canyon
- Climbing the Grand Teton
- Multi-day wilderness treks
- Alpine mountaineering
Park History
Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 to protect the dramatic Teton Range and surrounding landscapes. Conservation efforts led by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. helped expand the park in the mid-20th century.
Visitor Tips and Safety
- Carry bear spray while hiking.
- Wildlife is abundant—maintain safe distances.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
- Start hikes early to avoid crowds.
Top 5 Bucket List Experiences
- Photograph sunrise at Schwabacher Landing
- Visit Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls
- Watch wildlife at Oxbow Bend
- Drive Teton Park Road
- Hike Cascade Canyon
Fun Facts
- The Teton Range rises over 7,000 feet above the valley floor.
- Grand Teton is the second-highest peak in Wyoming.
- The park contains more than 100 alpine and glacial lakes.
- The Tetons are among the youngest mountain ranges in North America.
- Grand Teton and Yellowstone form part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Additional Resources (2)
• Jackson Hole Tourism Guide – Visitor information and travel planning for the region.
• AllTrails – Grand Teton National Park Trails – Hiking maps, reviews, and GPS navigation.
• National Park Foundation – Grand Teton Overview – Conservation information and park highlights.
• Wyoming Tourism – Grand Teton Guide – Regional visitor information and travel tips.
• Grand Teton National Park Wikipedia Overview – Background on park history, geography, and wildlife.