18 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

From the majestic mountain peaks to the alpine lakes, one of the best ways to see the natural beauty of Grand Teton National Park is on a hike.

But with over 200 miles of trails and 50+ incredible hikes, how do you decide what to add to your Grand Teton itinerary?

That’s where this guide comes in!

In this post, you’ll find all the details on the 18 best hikes in Grand Teton National Park, including everything from easy hikes to alpine lakes to challenging summit trails and multi-day adventures.

Plus, I’m sharing need-to-know tips for hiking in Grand Teton, including getting to the trailhead, when to hike in the Tetons, and how to avoid crowds.

Are you looking for more ideas for your trip to Grand Teton? Don’t miss these posts!

• 25 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton
• 35 Best Places to Stay in Grand Teton
• 7-Day Grand Teton to Yellowstone Road Trip
• 8-Day Salt Lake City to Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary

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Best Time for Hiking in Grand Teton National Park

While parts of Grand Teton are open year-round, the best time to visit is from late May to early October. Grand Teton experiences cold temperatures and heavy snow from late fall through spring, making many hiking trails inaccessible.

I recommend visiting in June or September to avoid crowds. July and August bring heavy crowds, causing parking at trailheads to fill by early morning.

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect during each season in Grand Teton:

• Spring: Temperatures are cold, with daytime highs in the 40s and overnight temperatures below freezing. In the spring, crowds are low, with less than 3,000 people visiting per day. Most trails are still snow-covered or muddy through May, making spring a less than desirable time for hiking in Grand Teton.
• Summer: By early summer, temperatures are in the upper 70s but drop to the 30s or 40s overnight. Hiking trails are snow-free and well-maintained. However, summer is peak season in Grand Teton, with an average of more than 25,000 visitors. Avoid summer crowds by visiting on weekdays or around sunrise or sunset.
• Fall: Both temperatures and crowds begin to decline after Labor Day in September. Daytime temperatures remain in the 50s and 60s through October. Visiting in the fall is excellent for spotting wildlife and chasing the stunning fall colors. If you don’t mind chillier days, hiking in Grand Teton in the fall is a perfect way to avoid crowds.
• Winter: The winter months in Grand Teton are harsh, with temperatures rarely reaching above freezing and heavy snow blanketing the park. If you can brave the snow and cold, you’re rewarded with solitude and excellent opportunities for snow sports, like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Getting to the Best Grand Teton Hikes

Grand Teton National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, tucked between Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park.

Given the park’s remote location, the best way to get to Grand Teton is by flying (unless you live within driving distance!)

The closest airports to Grand Teton National Park are:

• Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – Located inside Grand Teton National Park
• Yellowstone Airport (WYS) – 2 hours to the North Entrance
• Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) – 2 hours to the South Entrance
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 4.5 Hours to the South Entrance

The regional airports (Jackson, Yellowstone, and Idaho Falls) tend to be more expensive but save hours of drive time. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly flight and don’t mind a longer drive, fly into Salt Lake City instead!

You can read more here about the best airports to fly into for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

If you choose to fly into Salt Lake City, don’t miss this 8-day Salt Lake City to Grand Teton and Yellowstone road trip itinerary!

There are four entrances to Grand Teton National Park. You’ll need to stop and pay the park entrance fee at these entrance stations. To save time (especially if you’re also visiting Yellowstone), consider getting an annual national park pass ahead of time.

While there are several entrances, Grand Teton is relatively small and it is easy to get anywhere in the park within an hour or two.

Once inside the park, the best way to get around is by car. There is no park shuttle. To avoid crowds and find parking, I recommend starting your day early and arriving at trailheads before 9 AM.

Tips for Grand Teton National Park Hiking

Before diving into the details of the best trails in Grand Teton, I wanted to share a few essential tips and reminders for your trip.

• Grand Teton National Park charges an entry fee. However, you can use an annual national park pass to save time. The pass gets you into Grand Teton and Yellowstone, plus 400 national park sites. Get your annual national park pass here for $80.
• Avoid crowds and find parking by starting hikes in the early morning. Parking at trailheads often fills up in the peak summer season by 8 or 9 AM. Avoid crowds by starting your hike shortly after sunrise or visiting on weekdays, particularly at busy trailheads like Laurance S. Rockefeller Center and Lupine Meadows.
• Take the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle to shave off mileage. Taking the ferry across Jenny Lake saves time and distance for trails in the Jenny Lake area. The boat shuttle runs throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis in the summer. Read more about the Jenny Lake shuttle.
• Cell service is limited in most areas of the park. Be sure to download the trail details before arriving at the park or bring a physical trail map. I highly recommend AllTrails Pro to download your hike details and navigate without cell service.
• Always check the national park website and weather forecast. Before you step on the trail, check the latest conditions in Grand Teton for trail closures and weather alerts.
• Grand Teton National Park is in bear country. You should always carry bear spray when hiking in Grand Teton. Be sure to make noise on less crowded trails to alert animals and hike in small groups. Stay at least 100 yards away from any bears and 25 yards away from other wildlife. Read more about safety in bear country.
• Avoid altitude sickness by acclimating to the elevation. The valley in Grand Teton sits at 6,800 feet. Many hikes on this list add significant elevation to that number, taking you up to nearly 10,000 feet. Avoid altitude sickness by taking a day or two to acclimate to the base elevation in the Tetons, particularly if you are coming from sea level. The best way to do this is to put shorter, easier trails at the beginning of your trip and save strenuous hikes later.
• Pets are not allowed on hiking trails. Due to wildlife activity and sensitive ecosystems, you cannot have any pets on hiking trails. Read more about pets in Grand Teton National Park.
• Pack a hiking backpack and the ten essentials. It’s crucial to carry safety gear every time you hike. So be sure to pack the ten hiking essentials and bring a hiking backpack with plenty of room for water, extra equipment, and additional layers. You should carry at least 0.5 L of water for every hour you plan to hike.

Looking for more tips on what to pack for your trip? Check out my guides on the best hiking gear, what to pack for a road trip, and essential camping gear for all my favorite gear picks and tips to make packing for your trip a breeze!

Best Grand Teton National Park Hikes

This post covers the 18 best hikes in Grand Teton, with hikes of all difficulty levels and in all areas of the park. 

These hikes are ranked in my order of preference, starting with the best hikes. 

If you’re short on time, start by picking a few of these top-rated hiking trails. Then, if you have more time to spend in Grand Teton, continue to work your way down this list of hikes!

Keep in mind all of these hikes are fantastic, providing unprecedented access to the incredible landscapes. You really can’t go wrong with any hike in Grand Teton.

Are you planning a national park trip but don’t know where to start? Get my free 28-page national park ebook where I break down everything you need to know to visit all 63 USA national parks.

Download your free ebook here.

1. Cascade Canyon Trail

• Distance: 9.1 miles
• Elevation: 1,102 feet
• Time: 5 to 7 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Jenny Lake West Shore Boat Dock

The Cascade Canyon Trail is easily one of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton – for a good reason! With incredible views of the Tetons, the babbling Cascade Creek along the trail, and wildflowers galore, it’s one of the most scenic and serene hikes in the country!

This route starts at the Jenny Lake West Shore Boat Dock, requiring you to take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle from the visitor center. If you choose to skip the boat shuttle, you’ll add 5 miles round trip to your hike.

From the boat dock, you’ll climb to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, the latter providing incredible views overlooking Jenny Lake. The trail then winds into the canyon, taking you past the Cathedral Group in the Teton Range.

The hike through Cascade Canyon is long but still rated as moderate. While there is decent elevation gain, most of it is spent getting to Inspiration Point. After that, the elevation gain is very gentle.

Thanks to the Cascade Creek that runs parallel to the trail, the Cascade Canyon hike provides plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like moose, bears, and pika.

The trail eventually ends at the Forks of Cascade Canyon. If you want to keep hiking, continue on another 5 miles round trip to Lake Solitude. The Cascade Canyon trail is out-and-back, making it easy to turn around whenever you’d like.

The best views are about 2 miles past Inspiration Point.

2. Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Trail

• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Elevation: 410 feet
• Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Jenny Lake West Shore Boat Dock

The short route to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is the most popular hike in Grand Teton. Its short distance and incredible views make this trail an essential hike for any Grand Teton itinerary. 

Like the Cascade Canyon Trail, the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point hike starts at the Jenny Lake West Shore Boat Dock. If you choose to skip the Jenny Lake shuttle, you’ll add another 5 miles round trip to your hike from the visitor center.

The trail starts with a moderate ascent to Hidden Falls, a beautiful waterfall tucked into the mountainside. After the waterfall, the trail climbs another 0.5-miles to Inspiration Point. The elevation is steep and features some sharp drop-offs. 

From Inspiration Point, you’re rewarded with incredible views of Jenny Lake and the eastern half of Grand Teton National Park.

To make this hike easier, you could only hike to Hidden Falls, avoiding most elevation gain.

Read More: 25 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton

3. Lake Solitude Trail

• Distance: 16.6 miles
• Elevation: 2,670 feet
• Time: 8 to 12 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: String Lake Trailhead

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding hike in Grand Teton, don’t miss Lake Solitude! This trail is one of the best national park hikes.

There are several ways to access Lake Solitude. The best (and easiest) route takes you through Cascade Canyon. 

The official start is at the String Lake Trailhead, but you may instead opt for the Jenny Lake boat shuttle to cut off some distance. If you take the boat, you’ll start instead of the Jenny Lake West Shore Boat Dock and cut off around 3 miles roundtrip.

From the String Lake Trailhead, you’ll wrap around the shores of Jenny Lake until reaching the boat dock. Then, I recommend looping past Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point before heading into Cascade Canyon.

The detour adds about 0.4 miles roundtrip to your hike but is well worth it!

You’ll follow the trail nearly 4 miles through the picturesque Cascade Canyon, filled with beautiful colors, mountain views, and a babbling creek!

At the fork at the end of Cascade Canyon, you’ll head right towards Lake Solitude. After several more miles, including some decent elevation gain, you’ll reach the pristine alpine lake. The shores of Lake Solitude are serene, perfect for a relaxing picnic lunch.

The hike takes roughly 10 hours, so it’s crucial to start it early. I recommend starting by 7 AM to give yourself plenty of time before sunset.

There are several backcountry campgrounds as part of the Teton Crest Trail. With a backcountry permit, you could split this hike into two days.

4. Jenny Lake Loop

• Distance: 7.9 miles
• Elevation: 623 feet
• Time: 3 to 5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Jenny Lake Visitor Center

The Jenny Lake Loop highlights the ultra-scenic lake at the center of most Grand Teton itineraries. You’ll follow the trail as it takes you through open brush and dense woodland landscapes surrounding the expansive lake.

The loop starts at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. While you can hike the trail in either direction, I recommend hiking clockwise, heading along the lake’s southern shore first.

You can add a 2-mile round trip detour on Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for panoramic views near the West Shore Boat Dock. You’ll then continue around Jenny Lake, passing the junction to String Lake before reaching the Jenny Lake Overlook on the lake’s eastern shore. 

While lengthy, this trail is excellent for those looking for a day hike without much elevation gain. The trail is primarily flat, with some gradual elevation gain, and provides incredible views the entire way.

5. Taggart Lake Trail

• Distance: 3.8 miles
• Elevation: 419 feet
• Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Taggart Lake Trailhead

Taggart Lake is a popular, easy hike in Grand Teton. If you’re looking for a shorter trail that is great for families and low-impact hikers, don’t miss this hike!

The hike starts at the Taggart Lake Trailhead, just off Teton Park Road. Then, you’ll gradually climb through a picturesque forest following Taggart Creek. The quiet babbling of the creek makes this part of the hike incredibly serene.

The aspens along the trail provide beautiful splashes of color in the fall.

After nearly 2 miles, the trail reaches Taggart Lake. With breathtaking views of the Tetons, Taggart Lake is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch along the beach.

You can choose to hike this trail as out-and-back or as a loop. Hiking in a counterclockwise loop allows for new, scenic views on the hike back to the trailhead.

6. Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop

• Distance: 6.0 miles
• Elevation: 761 feet
• Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Taggart Lake Trailhead

If you’re looking for a longer hike in the Taggart Lake area, add Bradley Lake to your hike!

You’ll start from the Taggart Lake Trailhead, passing through the same wooded area before reaching the Bradley Lake junction. Head to Bradley Lake first, enjoying views of the Tetons along the way.

Bradley Lake is quieter and more picturesque than Taggart Lake. When you reach the junction of the trail at Bradley Lake, be sure to head to the right for a few hundred yards. Several spots along this spur trail allow you beach access with incredible views.

Afterward, continue to Taggart Lake. You’ll notice that Taggart Lake is much more crowded than Bradley Lake. However, there are several quiet spots along the northeastern shores of Taggart Lake that you pass on your way from Bradley Lake.

The remainder of the loop takes you past Taggart Lake and meadows back to the Taggart Lake Trailhead.

7. Phelps Lake Loop

• Distance: 7.0 miles
• Elevation: 725 feet
• Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve

Another popular lake in Grand Teton is Phelps Lake. This hike takes you around the calm lake, providing incredible mountain views and must-see Teton reflections in the still water.

The trail starts at Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve off Moose-Wilson Road. This road is known for moose and bear sightings, so keep your eyes peeled on your way to the trailhead!

You’ll follow a clockwise loop around the shores of Phelps Lake. Finally, you’ll return on the Woodland Trail on the eastern side of the lake. This return hike is incredibly scenic. 

Don’t miss the Jumping Rock on the eastern shore of Phelps Lake! This spot is used as a diving board for brave swimmers in the summer. The rock also has incredible views of Death Canyon.

Parking is extremely limited at the Preserve, so I recommend arriving before 8 AM and or after 4 PM. After your hike, you can stop in to visit the visitor center. Here you can learn about the Rockefeller family and their historical ranch.

8. Phelps Lake Overlook

• Distance: 2.0 miles
• Elevation: 413 feet
• Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Death Canyon Trailhead

Phelps Lake Overlook provides one of the best panoramic views in Grand Teton (second only to Inspiration Point). This short, easy hike is perfect for those looking for a family-friendly hike or quick leg stretch during a Grand Teton scenic drive.

The hike starts at the Death Canyon Trailhead. Getting here requires an AWD or high-clearance vehicle as you’ll have to traverse the partially unpaved Whitegrass Ranch Road.

You’ll climb about 1 mile to a scenic vista. You can see all of Phelps Lake plus distant mount views from here. 

If you don’t have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, you can detour to Phelps Lake Overlook via the Phelps Lake Loop hike, adding about 1.5 miles round trip.

9. String Lake Loop

• Distance: 4.4 miles
• Elevation: 291 feet
• Time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: String Lake Trailhead

Another excellent hike in the Jenny Lake area is the String Lake Loop. This scenic trail provides impressive morning reflections of the Grand Tetons in the still water.

In addition to being beautiful, this trail offers excellent opportunities to spot moose feeding near the shore.

The trail starts at the String Lake Trailhead, making a counterclockwise loop around the lake. The hike features plenty of Teton views, including views of Mount Moran.

Compared to the nearby Jenny Lake Loop, the String Lake Loop sees fewer crowds, making it more serene. This trail is perfect for those looking for a relaxing hike with opportunities to see wildlife.

10. Leigh Lake Trail

• Distance: 2.9 miles
• Elevation: 42 feet
• Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Leigh Lake Trailhead

Don’t miss nearby Leigh Lake if you want to add distance to your hike around String Lake. These two lakes are connected through a smaller creek. However, Leigh Lake is much larger (and just as stunning!) than String Lake.

If you’re also hiking the String Lake Trail, you can simply continue to the Leigh Lake trail when you reach the junction of the lakes. 

If you’re only hiking Leigh Lake, start your hike at the Leigh Lake Trailhead instead, a bit further down String Lake Road from the String Lake Trailhead.

The walk along the shores of Leigh Lake is flat and easy, perfect for those looking for a low-impact hike. Since this trail is out-and-back, you can simply turn back whenever you’d like.

Like the String Lake trail, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, like moose, and incredible views of Mount Moran. 

11. Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail

• Distance: 10.1 miles
• Elevation: 3,001 feet
• Time: 6 to 7 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Lupine Meadows Trailhead

For a challenging but rewarding hike in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, don’t miss this out-and-back trail to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes!

On the shores of these lakes, you’re rewarded with incredible Teton views, including Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot Mountain.

The hike starts at the Lupine Meadow Trailhead. I recommend arriving before 8 AM to secure parking as many popular hikes start from this trailhead.

The trail climbs into a dense forest where it is common to spot black bears along the way (don’t forget your bear spray!). You’ll then reach an opening with views of both Taggart and Bradley Lakes to the south.

To reach the lakes, you’ll climb a series of steep switchbacks, covering 2,000 feet in just over 3 miles. You’re rewarded with Jackson Hole and Sheep Mountain views as you gain elevation.

Beneath Disappointment Peak, you’ll find two incredible alpine lakes: Surprise Lake, which you’ll come to first, and Amphitheater Lake. The two lakes are only a quarter-mile apart, and both offer incredible views of the Tetons.

12. Delta Lake Trail

• Distance: 7.2 miles
• Elevation: 2,247 feet
• Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Lupine Meadows Trailhead

This blue glacial lake was once a well-kept secret in Grand Teton. Today, the Delta Lake Trail is a popular, rigorous hike to one of the most scenic vantage points in the national park. However, you won’t find this hike on any park maps.

Delta Lake is an unmaintained and unmarked trail popularized on Instagram for its incredible teal water and mountain views. To hike this trail, you’ll need to be comfortable hiking without clear trail markers and traversing unmaintained paths.

Like the Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail, you’ll start at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead. But, again, I recommend arriving before 8 AM!

As you climb the steep switchbacks (after the 6th switchback, to be precise), you’ll reach a junction in the trail. This unmarked offshoot takes you off the path to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes and detours to Delta Lake. 

The final mile out to Delta Lake is challenging, requiring hikers to cross fallen trees and a boulder field. Finally, after a last, steep climb, you’ll arrive at Delta Lake.

From the shores of the lake, you’re rewarded with incredible, photogenic views of the Tetons.

Read More: 25 Things to Do in Grand Teton

13. Surprise, Amphitheater, and Delta Lakes Trail

• Distance: 11.5 miles
• Elevation: 3,667 feet
• Time: 7 to 8 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Lupine Meadows Trailhead

If you’re looking for the ultimate challenge, combine the two previous hikes into one long day hike! Since both trails start at the same trailhead and share paths, you can connect your trips to Surprise, Amphitheater, and Delta Lakes.

However, this route is only for advanced hikers. Hiking these three alpine lakes requires steep elevation gains, rugged terrain, and navigating the unmarked trail to Delta Lake.

As you climb the steep switchbacks, head to Delta Lake first. It’s the most picturesque of the three lakes. So, if you decide to bail on the last half of the hike, at least you made it to Delta Lake first!

After visiting Delta Lake, head back down through the boulder field and back to the switchbacks. Next, you’ll finish your climb to Surprise Lake, followed by Amphitheater Lake.

After all that elevation, I recommend spending some time relaxing on the shores of the ultra-scenic Amphitheater Lake.

14. Death Canyon to Patrol Cabin

• Distance: 9.1 miles
• Elevation: 2,122 feet
• Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Death Canyon Trailhead

Another hike off of wildlife-filled Moose-Wilson Road, the popular Death Canyon Trail, starts at the same trailhead as the Phelps Lake Overlook trail. This hike is a must for adventurous types with dramatic canyon views and cliffsides.

Compared to other hikes like Cascade Canyon, Death Canyon has fewer visitors, rewarding hikers with a peaceful, quiet trail. There are immense opportunities to spot wildlife as well – keep your eyes peeled for moose!

Starting from the Death Canyon Trailhead (you’ll need AWD to reach this unpaved area), you’ll climb up past Phelps Lake Overlook, providing excellent panoramic views.

You’ll then pass closer to Phelps Lake before climbing further into Death Canyon on a rocky trail.

After a strenuous elevation gain, you’ll come to the Patrol Cabin, an excellent turnaround point located about 4 miles from the trailhead. From here, you can explore the historic cabin and get views of the canyon.

15. Static Peak Divide

• Distance: 16.8 miles
• Elevation: 5,423 feet
• Time: 9 to 11 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Death Canyon Trailhead

This ultra-challenging hike provides incredible scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife. However, the Static Peak Divide Trail is not for the faint of heart, a continuation of the Death Canyon to Patrol Cabin hike.

The Static Peak Divide Trail starts at the Death Canyon Trailhead and follows the Death Canyon Trail past Phelps Lake Overlook and to the historic Patrol Cabin.

Upon reaching the cabin (the turnaround point for the previous hike), you’ll continue along the right fork on the Alaska Basin Trail. From here, it is a long, strenuous hike to reach Static Peak Divide.

While incredibly challenging, this trail provides epic views of Grand Teton National Park and surrounding Jackson Hole. At nearly 11,000 feet, you’ll have one of the best views in the Tetons.

16. Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail

• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Elevation: 85 feet
• Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Colter Bay Visitor Center

This easy trail on the shores of Jackson Lake is perfect for those looking for a low-impact or family-friendly activity in Grand Teton. The primarily flat Lakeshore Trail offers views of the Teton Range across the expansive Jackson Lake. 

The trail starts behind the Colter Bay Visitor Center located in the northern part of Grand Teton National Park. The loop trail winds along the shores of a small peninsula jutting into Jackson Lake.

Compared to other trails in the park, you’ll find solitude and seclusion along the Lakeshore Trail. 

It’s important to note that water levels on Jackson Lake have been low in recent years. The water levels are controlled by the Jackson Lake Dam and have been lowered to provide water to irrigators experiencing drought conditions in other parts of the state.

However, even when water levels are low, this easy trail still offers beautiful mountain views and a peaceful crowd escape.

17. Paintbrush Divide via the Paintbrush Canyon Trail

• Distance: 15.9 miles
• Elevation: 4,137 feet
• Time: 9-11 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: String Lake Trailhead

If you’re looking for another challenging, long hike in the Jenny Lake area, don’t miss the Paintbrush Canyon Trail. This hike is strenuous, with lots of elevation gain, but provides incredible, panoramic views of Grand Teton National Park.

The hike starts at the String Lake Trailhead along Jenny Lake. You’ll first pass scenic String Lake and Leigh Lake before heading into Paintbrush Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for moose feeding along the lake in the early morning!

Similar to Cascade Canyon, Paintbrush Canyon offers colorful vegetation and towering canyon walls. This trail is illuminated with yellow, red, and orange fall foliage in the fall.

Just over 6 miles into the hike, you’ll reach Holly Lake, a stunning alpine lake in Paintbrush Canyon. It’s well worth the slight detour to rest along the shores of the lake.

It’s another 1.5 miles of a steep climb to reach Paintbrush Divide. This viewpoint located at 10,700 feet provides epic views of the surrounding Teton Range, including Mount Moran and Jackson Lake.

If you’re looking to extend your hike, you can hike this path as a loop. The Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop is roughly 20 miles but provides unprecedented access to Grand Teton National Park’s most beautiful landscapes.

Many hikers choose this hike as a 2-3 day backpacking trip as backcountry campgrounds are scattered along the trail.

18. Teton Crest Trail

• Distance: 25.7 miles (one-way)
• Elevation: 3,828 feet
• Time: Multi-day
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trailhead: Teton Village Aerial Tram

The final hike on this list is the longest and arguably most scenic. The Teton Crest Trail is the cream of the crop when it comes to national park backpacking trails.

This 25+ mile trail covers alpine lakes, high-altitude divides and passes, and incredible scenery at every turn.

While you can hike this trail in either direction, I recommend hiking south to north, starting at the Teton Village Aerial Tram. This tram was originally built for the popular ski season in Jackson Hole but also operates in the summer.

Backpackers can take the tram to the trailhead, saving thousands of feet of elevation.

The trail follows the Teton Range, littered with backcountry campsites and alpine lakes. Hikers can choose to end their hike on the Cascade Canyon Trail or continue to Lake Solitude, finishing out on the Paintbrush Canyon Trail instead.

Due to snowy conditions, the Teton Crest Trail is only accessible from mid-July to mid-September. The short season makes it difficult to get permits for this hike. You can read more about backcountry permits for the Teton Crest Trail here.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is filled with incredible hikes, ranging from short lakeside walks to longer, multi-day trails. There’s no shortage of places to explore in Grand Teton, and getting out on the hiking trail is the best way to explore this mountainous national park.

These are the 18 best hikes in Grand Teton National Park, ranked:

1. Cascade Canyon Trail
2. Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point Trail
3. Lake Solitude Trail
4. Jenny Lake Loop
5. Taggart Lake Trail
6. Taggart and Bradley Lakes Loop
7. Phelps Lake Loop
8. Phelps Lake Overlook
9. String Lake Loop
10. Leigh Lake Trail
11. Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail
12. Delta Lake Trail
13. Surprise, Amphitheater, and Delta Lakes Loop
14. Death Canyon to Patrol Cabin Loop
15. Static Peak Divide
16. Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail
17. Paintbrush Divide via the Paintbrush Canyon Trail
18. Teton Crest Trail

If you want to learn more about Grand Teton National Park, check out these posts!

• Things to Do: 25 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton
• Where to Stay: 35 Best Places to Stay in Grand Teton
• Camping: 7 Best Campgrounds in Grand Teton
• Itinerary: 7-Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Itinerary
• Road Trip: 8-Day Salt Lake City to Grand Teton & Yellowstone Road Trip

Are you planning a national park trip but don’t know where to start? Get my free 28-page national park ebook where I break down everything you need to know to visit all 63 USA national parks.

Download your free ebook here.

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