Essential Tips for Visiting Grand Teton National Park, According to Experts

Few national parks are as iconic or picturesque as Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The jagged, often snow-draped peaks of the northern Teton Range loom over stunning alpine lakes, flowing rivers, and a diverse wildlife population that includes moose, grizzly bears, bison, and wolves.

Although the park was officially established in 1929, it wasn’t until 1950 that it expanded to its current size. This region has been attracting visitors for millennia. Spend just a couple of hours soaking in the breathtaking views—whether it's taking a refreshing swim in Jenny Lake or witnessing a spectacular sunrise at Schwabacher Landing—and you’ll quickly see why.

Thanks to ongoing dialogue efforts, Grand Teton National Park has preserved its natural, rugged charm, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. It’s also a prime destination for travelers heading to Jackson Hole, which is just a 10-minute drive from the Moose Entrance Station. Given the park’s popularity and its closeness to vast expanses of untamed wilderness, it’s essential for visitors to enter well-prepared. This involves not only knowing where to explore and how to ensure their safety but also recognizing the need to respect the ecosystem and fellow adventurers. "In the end, we all share the responsibility of caring for the natural world," says Cathy Shill, founder of The Hole Hiking Experience. "We must act as mindful guests in the landscape."

To create a thorough guide outlining what to consider before your visit, we consulted Shill and Monica Robinson, a naturalist guide with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, to provide insights on everything you should know about visiting Grand Teton National Park.

Directions to Reach the Park

Jackson Hole Airport is nestled within Grand Teton National Park, making it the only commercial airport located inside a national park in the country. This means you might catch your first view of Wyoming's wilderness before you even land. To truly experience the park, however, you’ll likely enter through one of the three main roadways. Most visitors travel north from Jackson on Highway 89 and access the park via the Moose Entrance Station on the eastern side, where the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center is located. The Moran Entrance Station is also accessible from Highway 89, further north, often serving as a route to Jackson Lake. The Granite Canyon Entrance, just 1.5 miles north of Teton Village, typically offers the slowest (but most picturesque) entry into the park.

From any entrance, you can embark on Grand Teton National Park’s scenic 42-mile drive. This loop takes you along Highway 89 and Teton Park Road, known as the park's "Outer Road" and "Inner Road," leading you to major attractions like Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, Jackson Lake Dam, Jenny Lake, Moulton Barns on Mormon Row, Elk Ranch Flats Overlook, Signal Mountain Lodge, and the Chapel of Transfiguration.

It’s crucial to remember that while Grand Teton National Park remains open year-round, certain sections of Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road are off-limits to vehicles during the winter months; additionally, construction and maintenance can lead to closures and delays. Always check the National Park Service website or app before finalizing your travel plans.

Essential Information Before Your Visit

Except for a few designated national holidays when entry is free, visitors must obtain an entrance pass. The standard one-time fees are $20 for cyclists and pedestrians, while vehicles are charged $35. Alternatively, you can opt for the $70 annual pass or the $80 America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which permits one private vehicle (or up to four people on foot or bike) to enter the park for an entire year.

If you’re considering a morning flight to Jackson Hole that leaves you with the whole afternoon to hike in the park, you might want to rethink that. Elevations in Grand Teton National Park range from 6,320 feet at the valley floor to 13,770 feet at the peak of Grand Teton. Travelers unaccustomed to such heights may suffer from headaches, nausea, or shortness of breath. "It's wise to take it easy at first," advises Shill, recommending that you save challenging hikes for your second or third day. To help your body adjust, she suggests the principle of “climb high, sleep low,” staying hydrated, eating well, and avoiding alcohol.

Weather is a critical factor to consider when visiting the park, as it can influence your packing list and travel plans. "Be ready for sudden shifts in weather," Shill warns. "Conditions can change rapidly here. Given the Tetons' orientation from north to south in Jackson Hole, weather typically approaches from the west and sweeps over them." Therefore, it's best to “hope for the best but prepare for the worst,” so always carry a raincoat, extra layers, a light hat, gloves, and appropriate footwear. Essential items also include ample drinking water and bear spray, regardless of the season.

While it's essential to know what to pack, it's equally important to understand what to leave behind. "Drones are prohibited in national parks. Although it might seem like an ideal spot for drone use, they can distress wildlife, become lost in inaccessible areas, create litter, and disrupt the experience for other visitors," notes Robinson. Additionally, consider leaving your dog at home. "Dogs are permitted in the park but with restrictions," she explains. "They aren’t allowed on trails or boardwalks and must stay within 30 feet of the road. In essence, dogs can only go where vehicles can go."

Grand Teton National Park boasts over 60 species of mammals, making it a prime location for incredible wildlife viewing. "Wildlife is wild," notes Robinson. "It's essential to understand wildlife etiquette and adhere to viewing guidelines for both your safety and that of the animals, maintaining the necessary distance from them." The required distances are at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Especially for first-time visitors, it’s often wise to go with a guide; local companies like Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris offer various half-day and full-day tours. Their knowledgeable naturalists not only ensure your safety but also know the best times and locations to spot elk, moose, pronghorn, and even bears.

Optimal Times to Visit

Grand Teton National Park is a year-round destination, with each season presenting unique experiences. If your focus is wildlife observation, the shoulder seasons are ideal. "Ask any wildlife guide, and they’ll affirm that both spring and fall are the prime times for animal sightings," shares Robinson. Interestingly, these times are also generally more budget-friendly for booking stays at Jackson Hole's top hotels. Regardless of your travel dates, Shill advises to "arrive early" and to "avoid weekends" if you wish to escape the crowds.

Springtime in Grand Teton National Park

As the snow begins to melt, the park's bear population emerges. "Spring is one of the prime times to spot grizzly and black bears... They are just awakening from hibernation and are on the hunt for food. Additionally, unlike many other animals, spring marks their breeding season, so they will be more active and covering larger areas in search of mates," explains Robinson. This is also the time when elk, moose, and bison prepare to give birth to their calves. "If you're fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of them," she adds.

Summer in Grand Teton National Park

Calving season continues into June, providing opportunities to see bison, elk, and moose with their young. As temperatures rise, wildlife, aside from bison and pronghorn, may become harder to spot. "Some animals retreat to higher elevations to escape the heat and find better grazing," Robinson notes, adding that summer sightings are more likely during the early morning at sunrise and later in the evening before sunset.

Summer is the park's busiest season; in 2023, approximately 18,000 visitors entered the park each day. If you can handle the traffic, you'll be rewarded with delightful weather and expansive fields of wildflowers. "Summer generally features warm days and cool nights. When rain does occur, it typically passes quickly," says Robinson. These favorable conditions lead to wildflowers blooming across the park's various ecosystems: the sagebrush valley, forest floor, and alpine zone. "Mid to late July is when you can enjoy that stunning mixed meadow beauty," Shill advises. Depending on your location, you might encounter plants like yellow balsamroot, blue lupine, red gilia, sunflowers, and mountain bluebells.

Autumn in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park truly shines in the fall, showcasing fewer visitors, cooler temperatures, vibrant yellow leaves, and the breeding season. "Elk take the spotlight during their rut, with impressive bulls gathering large harems of females. Hearing their bugle is one of the thrilling aspects of fall in the Tetons," Robinson shares. Not to be overshadowed, bull moose make their appearance later in the season to flaunt their size and seek out female moose. This time of year also sees an increase in bear sightings: "Bears are intensely fattening up during this period (a behavior known as hyperphagia) and can often be spotted feasting on berries along some roadsides," she explains.

Winter in Grand Teton National Park

In winter, Jackson Hole is blanketed in thick snow, transforming Grand Teton National Park into a paradise for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Local businesses like Teton Backcountry Rentals and Skinny Skis provide equipment rentals if you don't have your own.

While bears may be in hibernation during the colder months, opportunities for wildlife viewing continue. "Coyotes and foxes are fascinating to watch as they hunt for rodents beneath the snow, and bald eagles thrive in the winter landscape," notes Robinson. "However, the most thrilling species to observe during this season is the gray wolf. It requires good timing, keen observation, and a bit of luck, but winter is the prime time for wolf watching."

Top Activities to Experience

Embark on a wildlife tour.

Locally-owned Jackson Hole tour companies specialize in guiding you to the best wildlife viewing opportunities. With a guide's expertise and connections with other local guides, your chances of spotting a grizzly bear, elk, or a great gray owl greatly increase. It’s advisable to book tours well in advance, and always check with your hotel concierge for partnerships with local companies. For example, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole collaborates with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, while The Cloudveil partners with Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures for their tours.

Experience a float on the Snake River.

"There are several sections of the Snake River suitable for scenic floats in Jackson Hole, including one that runs through the park," notes Shill. If you prefer to float with a guide—who can navigate the river and share insights about the area's history and geology—make sure to book with a company that holds a specific permit to operate within the park. Shill recommends Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips or Solitude Float Trips.

Witness the sunrise.

Grand Teton National Park offers a picturesque backdrop for photographers, especially during the early morning hours. "I often tell people that sunrise in Grand Teton is usually more spectacular than sunset," says Robinson. "Every moment of the sunrise alters the light in fascinating ways, and the mountains provide a stunning canvas. You’ll witness breathtaking alpenglow on the Tetons' peaks, perfect for capturing incredible photographs."

Take a dip in an alpine lake.

If you're willing to brave the cold, taking a plunge in the frigid waters of Jenny Lake, String Lake, Leigh Lake, or any of the remote alpine lakes can be a refreshing and unforgettable experience during the summer. Be sure to wear water shoes for better grip on the rocky bottom, pack a change of dry clothes, and limit your time in the chilly water. The National Park Service also advises wearing a life jacket for extra safety.

Top Hiking Trails

Preparation is key before embarking on any hike in Grand Teton National Park. Shill emphasizes that the first step is to “inform someone of your plans.” Make sure to check in with a friend or family member at the start and end of your hike. She also suggests downloading the app BackcountrySOS—which can relay your status and location to emergency services if necessary—before you reach the trailhead. With bear spray, plenty of water, and all the necessary backpacking essentials as outlined by the NPS, you're ready to hit the trails.

Hidden Falls via the Jenny Lake Trail

You can tackle the full 7.2-mile Jenny Lake Trail that circles this stunning alpine lake, or you can opt for the shorter 4.9-mile round-trip hike to Hidden Falls, a beautiful 100-foot waterfall. "This hike can be significantly shortened by taking the ferry from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, which is a great choice for families with children. From the ferry drop-off point, it's just a one-mile easy round-trip hike with a 300-foot elevation gain to reach Hidden Falls," explains Robinson. She also advises hikers to start their journey before 9 a.m. to "avoid crowds, find parking easily, and enjoy the trail during the best part of the day."

Phelps Lake

For what Robinson describes as a "fun and relatively easy outdoor adventure" that's "flat, accessible, and full of interesting sights," consider hiking from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve to Phelps Lake. This route stretches about 1.3 miles one way and features creeks, wildlife, and vibrant wildflowers. Like many trails in the park, you can decide how long to hike: "After taking in the stunning views of this glacial lake and the surrounding mountains, you can either return the way you came or continue around the lake for a more challenging 6.4-mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,060 feet," she adds.

Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes

For those eager to challenge their endurance, the strenuous 10-mile round-trip hike from Lupin Meadows Trailhead to Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake is an excellent choice. "This trailhead serves as the starting point for numerous hikes throughout the mountain trail system," notes Robinson, who emphasizes that after conquering the tough switchbacks, hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking views from both lakes of the surrounding peaks.

Please note: Commercially guided day hikes are not permitted in Grand Teton National Park.

Places to Stay

Hotels and Lodges

The options for accommodation in and around the park are plentiful. For a rustic, summer camp vibe, consider staying at Colter Bay Cabins, Jackson Lake Lodge, Dornan’s Spur Ranch Cabins, or Signal Mountain Lodge, all situated within the park. If you prefer a more upscale experience, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole in Teton Village is a fantastic choice, located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. From there, you can take the Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Mountain and access the Granite Canyon Loop into the national park. For those wanting the convenience of staying in Jackson and the luxury of a 9,000-square-foot spa ideal for post-hike relaxation, check out Snow King Resort.

Campgrounds

Camping is a beloved activity in Grand Teton National Park, which boasts over 1,000 campsites across seven campgrounds: Jenny Lake Campground, Gros Ventre Campground, Signal Mountain Campground, Colter Bay Campground, Colter Bay RV Park, Colter Bay Tent Village, Lizard Creek Campground, and Headwaters Campground. You can stay a maximum of seven days at Jenny Lake, while the other campgrounds permit stays of up to 14 days (but no more than 30 days in total per year). Reservations are required and can be made up to six months ahead; these spots tend to fill quickly during peak season.

Places to Eat

Both Robinson and Shill suggest packing a picnic for your adventure in the national park. For Shill, a local favorite, Creekside Market, is the ideal spot to grab picnic essentials (the sandwiches are legendary) on your way out of town. If you're already in Wilson or Teton Village, consider visiting Aspens Market for ready-to-eat items or gourmet groceries.

In addition, there are several sit-down dining options within Grand Teton National Park. At Dornans, a family-run resort inside the park, you can enjoy meals at the Chuckwagon, open from June to September, or at the Pizza & Pasta Company, which operates year-round and offers “unbelievably stunning views of the Teton Mountains from their bar and upper deck,” according to Robinson. You’ll find incredible scenery at Signal Mountain Lodge’s Trapper Grill and Jackson Lake Lodge’s Mural Room, where, as Robinson notes, “Every table boasts a view of the mountains. You might even see some wildlife while you dine.”