Reasons to Explore Grand Teton National Park in the Off-Peak Season

Grand Teton National Park and its nearby areas have transformed into a year-round outdoor paradise for everyone. Spring and fall are particularly wonderful times to visit: from March to May, guests can witness the vibrant transition of wildlife from winter to spring. The fall shoulder season also offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, with stunning yellow aspens, unexpected snowfalls for early skiers, and limitless biking and hiking adventures in one of the nation’s youngest mountain ranges.

This part of Wyoming boasts countless itineraries. Read on for more insights on experiencing the region's beauty during the shoulder season—and think about planning your visit.

Glide across the slopes

At the summit beyond the treeline lies Rendezvous Bowl, a must-try trail at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR). From this vantage point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park’s 310,000 acres of mountains, lakes, and plains. These breathtaking landscapes have inspired adventurers like William Henry Jackson, whose photographs of the Tetons and Yellowstone played a pivotal role in the government’s decision to preserve the Yellowstone area in 1872.

For the adventurous, take the plunge down one of North America’s steepest in-bounds chutes, Corbet’s Couloir. But don’t descend without indulging in a waffle from the iconic Corbet’s Cabin. When spring arrives, the base in Teton Village truly comes alive during the Rendezvous Music Festival.

Observe the Wildlife

Throughout the 25-acre National Elk Refuge, thousands of elk traverse a pristine white landscape of snow. Consider making your own tracks on cross-country skis or snowshoes in April or early May for the best views of the migrating elk, along with wolves and coyotes. Spring marks the arrival of newborn bison calves and the awakening of grizzly bears as park roads reopen.

Despite some roads being closed, there’s still a wealth of wildlife to observe from the park’s main thoroughfares. You might spot a greater sage grouse resting along an all-season road or see a hardy moose navigating through deep snowdrifts to cross the river. Plus, you'll have a front-row view of bighorn sheep carefully descending rock cliffs with their lambs—a rare and memorable sight for fortunate visitors.

“Just like with wolves, witnessing bighorn sheep in the park is a special experience. They spend 90 percent of the year at elevations of 10,000 feet or higher, so you’ll only catch a glimpse of them if you’re a climber scaling sheer cliff faces above the treeline,” explained Mark Byall, a guide from Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures.

Reserve a Tour

• Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures; $189 for a half-day excursion
• Jackson Hole Whitewater; starting at $110
• Via Ferrata; starting at $165

Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures provides guided tours focused on wildlife, birdwatching, and photography via van, snowshoe, sleigh, or cross-country skis. These knowledgeable guides function more like park rangers, leading both single- and multi-day excursions throughout Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone.

Looking to elevate your adventure? Explore Jackson Hole Whitewater for exciting rafting experiences, or join a guide to try Via Ferrata climbing on suspended bridges.

Dine, Unwind, Rest

In Jackson and Teton Village, restaurateurs Gavin Fine and Roger Freedman introduced a two-for-one tradition during the fall and spring that many local restaurants have embraced: for each full-price entrée purchased, guests can enjoy a second for just $2, with all proceeds from the second dish benefiting a local nonprofit. Menu highlights include fresh seafood and innovative twists on local classics like bison tartare at The Kitchen, fresh oysters and more at The Bistro, Il Villaggio Osteria, Code Red (a must-try burrito), and delectable ice cream from Cream + Sugar among others.

If you visit in March, don’t miss JHMR’s hot-dog eating contest. This year marked its inaugural event, with hundreds gathering at the mid-mountain Bear Flats Snack Shack to watch the winner devour seven—yes, seven—“bear dogs” served in French bread buns.

No trip to the Tetons is complete without a visit to MADE, showcasing products from over 400 local artisans. Afterwards, enjoy live music and dancing at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Experience a blend of historic charm and luxury at The Wort Hotel and its Silver Dollar Grill, or relax at the outdoor heated pool at the stylish Cloudveil Hotel.

For those preferring proximity to Teton Village, consider slope-side relaxation at Hotel Terra or Gravity Haus, a new mountain lodge now emerging in Colorado locations like Breckenridge, Steamboat, Vail, and Winter Park.