Towering over the valley of Jackson Hole—the town of Jackson is a serious outdoor hub and ideal basecamp—Grand Teton National Park is the stuff of mountaineer dreams. With 12 peaks over 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) and more than 100 backcountry and alpine lakes, the hiking, wildlife-viewing, and Instagramming ops here reign sublime. Come winter, things to do in Teton National Park revolve around one thing: snow. Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or simply marvel at Jenny Lake or the famous John Moulton Barn—every park scene is worthy of hanging over your mantel.
Summer is the classic answer to “When to visit Grand Teton?” but recent surges in visitation make autumn look more appealing. Once school is back in session, crowds dwindle, warm weather clings on, roads are still open, and Teton’s fiery display of aspens and cottonwoods turns amber and gold—and hotel deals start popping up like wildflowers. Just pack that jacket.
The Grand Teton Lodge Company offers guests complimentary shuttles to and around the park, but if you don’t have a reservation in hand—or want more independence for exploration—you’ll want your own four wheels. The park is built for exploration by car—until you can get out for exploration on foot, that is. Avoid waiting for parking at smaller lots like Taggart Lake Trailhead by arriving before 10am.
The John Moulton Barn—on the park’s historic Mormon Row—is a classic photograph to nab, especially framed against the Tetons at sunrise. But other circa-1900s homesteads still stand in Grand Teton and are just as photogenic, including the Moulton’s pink stucco house, right across from its more-rugged, more-famous next-door neighbor.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MDT (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 8 | Tours 26 | Reviews 456 |
Often, a mid-May or early June visit to Grand Teton National Park offers the best of all worlds. When the snow recedes, the trails and roads are more accessible, wildlife is on the springtime move, and the crowds haven’t skyrocketed. Of course, the weather changes each year—monitor spring snowfall.
...MoreMost visitors enjoy Grand Teton National Park through activities such as hiking, driving, boating, and wildlife viewing. The national park also has lodges, like Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake Lodge, where visitors can unwind by the fireplace, enjoy a warm meal, and take in views of the jagged Teton Mountains.
...MoreYes, you can take a scenic drive through Grand Teton National Park, but you’ll have to pay the entrance fee, regardless of what entrance you use. It’s $35 per private vehicle, and the pass is good for seven days.
...MoreThere are many ways to experience Grand Teton National Park. But to get the most out of one day, start your morning hiking around Jenny Lake. Then, grab lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge, scope for wildlife at Oxbow Bend, and, come sunset, take pictures in the Mormon Row Historic District.
...MoreFact one: Grand Teton National Park is one of few national parks with both grizzly and black bears. Fact two: Elevations vary from 6,300 feet (1,920 meters) to 13,700 feet (4,175 meters). Fact three: the Tetons are the youngest mountains in the Rockies—and are still growing.
...MoreThree days in Grand Teton National Park allows you to see the park’s best sights without feeling too rushed. You’ll be able to hike around Jenny Lake, check out Hidden Falls, watch for wildlife at Oxbow Bend, grab views at the Snake River Overlook, and dine at Jackson Lake Lodge.
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