25 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

Are you planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park but aren’t sure where to begin?

Located only a short distance from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton offers a unique mountain-filled experience. The jagged peaks of the Teton Range and all the adventures found here are well worth a trip to this stunning national park.

There are endless miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and history-rich landmarks, so how do you prioritize your time in the park?

This guide covers the 25 best things to do in Grand Teton National Park. From hikes to scenic drives, you’ll easily be able to fill your Grand Teton itinerary with spectacular activities.

You’ll also find tips in this guide on when to visit, getting to Grand Teton, where to stay, and recommended itineraries.

Are you looking for more ideas for your trip to Grand Teton National Park? Then, don’t miss these posts!

• 7-Day Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary
• 18 Best Hikes in Grand Teton
• 35 Best Places to Stay in Grand Teton

This post may contain affiliate links, where I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read more in this disclosure policy.

How many days should you spend in Grand Teton National Park?

To see the highlights of Grand Teton and visit the most popular attractions, you’ll need at least two days. However, spending several days in the park gives you enough time to take a scenic drive and do popular hikes.

If you have more time, I recommend spending at least 3 to 5 days in Grand Teton to get the whole experience and explore off-the-beaten-path.

At the end of this post, I’ve laid out some recommendations on spending 1 to 5 days in Grand Teton based on the top attractions in this guide. So keep reading for those tips!

Read More: Grand Teton & Yellowstone Itinerary

What is the best time of year to visit Grand Teton National Park?

While parts of Grand Teton are open year-round, the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is from late May to early October. Unfortunately, Grand Teton experiences cold temperatures and heavy snow from late fall through spring, making many of the park’s best attractions inaccessible.

Visiting in the summer or early fall allows you to see the most popular attractions in Grand Teton and access all park amenities, like visitors centers and lodges.

Plus, if you choose to visit in September or October, you’ll be rewarded with stunning fall colors and wildlife!

To avoid crowds, visit in June or September. These months are on either end of the busy season and tend to see fewer visitors than July and August. However, the weather is lovely, and park amenities are still fully operational.

How to Get to the Best Things to Do in the Grand Tetons

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. However, 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 and popular attractions before 9 AM.

I use Expedia to find the best flight prices and compare routes. Once you find your flight, you can book directly through Expedia to save money, but still enter your frequent flyer numbers to get points!

If you need a rental car, I also recommend using Expedia to find the best deals across brands like Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, and more.

Where to Stay Near Things to Do in Grand Teton

At Grand Teton National Park, you have several options when choosing where to stay, including lodges inside the park and hotels and Airbnbs nearby.

Staying inside the park will save you driving time each day, but that location often comes at a premium. Alternatively, staying outside the park is a more budget-friendly option, as long as you don’t mind a bit more driving.

Plan to book roughly a year in advance for lodges inside the parks. I recommend booking as soon as reservations are available for campgrounds, six months in advance.

For hotels outside the park, plan to book around 3 to 6 months in advance for the best selection.

There are seven lodges in Grand Teton National Park and numerous hotels nearby in Jackson, Wyoming. These are my top picks for where to stay during your time in Grand Teton:

• Jackson Lake Lodge, located inside Grand Teton, is one of the most spectacular national park lodges with jaw-dropping views of the Tetons, an excellent cocktail bar, and several restaurants.
• Headwaters Lodge and Cabins at Flagg Ranch, located inside Grand Teton, is a rustic mountain lodge with a restaurant located in the far northern part of Grand Teton along John D. Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway. Headwaters Lodge is the perfect place to stay between Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
• Colter Bay Village, located inside Grand Teton, is a community with budget-friendly log cabins and several restaurants, perfect for families exploring Grand Teton.
• Fireside Resort has modern mountain cabins with kitchens in Wilson, WY, near Grand Teton.
• The Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole is a mountain hotel with a restaurant near Jackson Town Square.

If you’re looking for more ideas on where to stay near Grand Teton, check out these posts: 35 Best Places to Stay in Grand Teton and 7 Best Campgrounds in Grand Teton

The Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park has excellent activities for all types of travelers, from experienced hikers to casual road trippers.

This section covers the 25 best things to do in Grand Teton National Park, including hikes, scenic drives, wildlife, historic sites, and more!

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. Mormon Row Historic District

In the 1890s, several Mormon families moved to the Jackson Hole area from Salt Lake City, establishing homesteads in Grand Teton National Park. The now-abandoned settlement on Mormon Row is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The iconic view found in this area features the wooden barns with the Teton Range in the background. Mormon Row is a popular spot amongst photographers and tourists alike. 

The two most popular sites here are the T.A. Moulton Barn and the John Moulton Barn, named for the family that built the structures.

A visit to Mormon Row Historic District is the perfect way to start a day in Grand Teton. The early morning glow just after sunrise illuminates the photo-famous barns and the majestic Tetons behind.

2. Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Trail

One of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park is the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Trail. This short but steep route has incredible views of the Jenny Lake area.

To reach the start of the hike, you’ll either need to take the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle or hike an additional 2.4 miles each way from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center parking lot. I highly recommend opting for the Jenny Lake boat!

The Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle runs every 15 minutes during the summer and costs $18 roundtrip or $10 one-way. The shuttle is first-come, first-served, and is worth cutting off 5 miles of hiking.

From the boat dock on the west side of Jenny Lake, the hike is 2 miles roundtrip.

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.

Read More: 18 Best Hikes in Grand Teton

3. See Wildlife in Grand Teton

There are endless opportunities to spot wildlife in Grand Teton National Park. There are over 60 mammal species living in Grand Teton and countless more non-mammals!

In Grand Teton, you can see grizzly bears, black bears, elk, pronghorn, moose, beavers, bald eagles, mule deer, and more!

Best of all, you don’t have to venture into the backcountry to see wildlife.

The best places to see wildlife in Grand Teton include:

• Oxbow Bend
• Cattleman’s Bridge Site (an excellent, less-crowded alternative to Oxbox Bend)
• Moose-Wilson Road
• Willow Flats Overlook
• Blacktail Pond Overlook
• Schwabacher Landing Road
• Moose Pond near Jenny Lake
• Elk Ranch Flats Turnout
• Antelope Flats Road

The best time to see wildlife is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. The dusk and dawn hours are when wildlife comes out to feed in the plentiful rivers, creeks, and lakes in Grand Teton.

I highly recommend investing in a good-quality pair of binoculars. I bought the Vortex Diamondback binoculars during my trip to Grand Teton and can’t recommend them enough.

However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, consider this pair from Amazon instead.

4. 42-Mile Scenic Drive

One of the best ways to see Grand Teton National Park is on the 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive. This loop connects Highway 191 and Teton Park Road, passing many of the park’s top attractions.

Don’t miss these scenic stops along the scenic drive (many of which are their own item on this list!):

• Chapel of the Transfiguration
• Teton Glacier Turnout
• Jenny Lake Overlook
• Cathedral Group Turnout
• Mountain View Turnout
• Signal Mountain Summit Road
• Willow Flats Overlook
• Oxbow Bend
• Elk Ranch Flats Turnout
• Snake River Overlook
• Teton Point Turnout
• Glacier View Turnout
• Blacktail Ponds Overlook

It’s important to note that Teton Park Road is only open from May through October, so this scenic drive is best done in the spring or early fall.

One of my favorite ways to see the national parks is with GyPSy Guide. It’s a self-guided audio tour that shares stories, local tips & directions. It’s great for national park trips because it works on GPS, not cell phone signals. And it plays automatically based on your location. It’s like having a tour guide, with the hassle of being on a group tour. Learn more about GyPSy Guide here.

5. Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

An excellent detour off the 42-mile scenic drive, this quick drive through the Jenny Lake area provides incredible views without needing to hike. 

The 3-mile Jenny Lake Scenic Drive starts off Teton Park Road and is one-way. You’ll come across Cathedral Group Turnout first, which provides excellent views of the tallest mountains in the Tetons.

The pinnacle of the quick detour is the Jenny Lake Overlook. A break in the trees reveals Cascade Canyon and the magnificent Teton peaks.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs, you can also hike around Jenny Lake, String Lake, or Leigh Lake from the parking lot along this scenic drive.

6. Schwabacher Landing

Schwabacher Landing provides one of the best views of the Tetons at sunrise. The still waters of the Snake River perfectly reflect the early morning glow of the mountain peaks, making this spot a favorite amongst photographers.

To get here, you’ll need to drive to the end of Schwabacher’s Landing Road (it’s bumpy and unpaved, so AWD or a high-clearance vehicle at a minimum is recommended). 

While the view from the parking lot is spectacular, walk to the end of the trail for an incredible sunrise view of the Grand Tetons reflected in a section of Snake River dammed by beavers.

After sunrise, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, like moose, at the Snake River along Schwabacher’s Landing Road.

7. Cascade Canyon Trail

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!

Like the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Trail, this hike starts at the Jenny Lake West Shore Boat Dock and requires 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 9-mile round trip hike through Cascade Canyon is long but 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.

The best views are about 2 miles past Inspiration Point.

Read More: Best Hikes in Grand Teton

8. Taggart Lake Trail

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 one!

The 4-mile round trip 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 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 way back to the trailhead.

9. Jackson Lake Lodge

The Jackson Lake Lodge is easily one of the most impressive national park lodges in the United States. Initially built in 1950, this exquisite lodge seamlessly blends picturesque views with a modern mountain feel.

The best feature of the lodge is its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. You can grab a drink at the Blue Heron Lounge and enjoy the views from the sitting area in front of the windows or the back deck.

The Mural Room offers incredible views and a high-quality dining experience. If you want to dine here, be sure to make reservations at least a month in advance.

Read More: Where to Stay in Grand Teton

10. Snake River Overlook

Famous landscape photographer Ansel Adams popularized the Snake River Overlook. A photograph he took back in 1942 captured the winding, leading line of the Snake River towards the Tetons.

Today, this viewpoint is an excellent place to stop for sunrise or sunset and makes a quick detour off the 42-Mile Scenic Drive along Highway 191.

11. Oxbow Bend

Another favored viewpoint of the Tetons, specifically Mt. Moran, is Oxbow Bend. The turnout located along Highway 191 overlooks a sharp bend in the Snake River. The water is stiller here than in other areas of the park, providing beautiful reflections of the mountains.

Oxbow Bend is also a popular place to see wildlife at sunrise or sunset. Here you may see moose, bears, birds, beavers, elk, and more!

12. Signal Mountain Summit Road

Drive Signal Mountain Summit Road for a panoramic view of Grand Teton National Park. From the peak, you’ll be able to see all of the park, including Jackson Lake and the Teton Range.

The 5-mile long drive climbs tight switchbacks up 800 feet and takes roughly 15 minutes to drive. Because of the elevation and tight corners, RVs and trailers aren’t allowed on Signal Mountain Summit Road.

There are two excellent viewpoints here:

• Jackson Lake Overlook – the first viewpoint you’ll come to provides expansive views facing west towards the Tetons
• Signal Mountain Summit  – the road dead-ends at this viewpoint and provides panoramic views of Grand Teton as well as Jackson Hole to the east

13. Menor’s Ferry Historic District and the Chapel of the Transfiguration

Another history-rich area of Grand Teton National Park is the Menor’s Ferry Historic District. Around the same time as the Mormon Row settlers, Bill Menor came to Jackson Hole and began operating a ferry across the Snake River.

Today, you can see the remaining buildings and ferry structures. Don’t miss the General Store and Maud Noble’s Cabin, a quaint cabin where influential locals met to form Grand Teton National Park.

Before leaving this historic area, stop at the Chapel of the Transfiguration. This small, log cabin church offers perfectly framed views of the Tetons from the altar and services every Sunday.

14. Horseback Riding in Grand Teton

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Grand Teton, consider taking a guided horseback riding tour. Many hiking trails in the Tetons are authorized for equestrian use.

To horseback ride inside the park, you’ll have to use one of the park’s authorized horseback ride concessioners:

• Grand Teton Lodge Company – offers 1-hour and 2-hour guided horseback tours from Colter Bay, Jackson Lake Lodge, and Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch
• Triangle X Ranch – provides a unique stay at a dude ranch with horseback rides

15. Teton Village Gondola

The Teton Village Gondola is most commonly used during ski season but is also worth a trip during the summer! The gondola is located outside Grand Teton National Park at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village.

Visitors can ride the gondola into the Tetons for incredible views of the surrounding area in the summer. You can choose to hike nearby trails, take a multi-day trip on the Teton Crest Trail, or enjoy drinks and a view from the lodge at the top.

16. Moose-Wilson Road

Moose-Wilson Road is a partially-paved route in the southern part of Grand Teton National Park that offers plentiful opportunities to see wildlife like moose and bears. In addition, the marshes along the road are excellent spots to stop and look for wildlife.

The 15-mile road starts off Teton Park Road near the Craig Thomas Discovery Center. The first section of the road is paved and accessible for most vehicles (RVs and trailers aren’t allowed).

After that, however, the road becomes unpaved, best for SUVs or AWD vehicles.

It’s important to note that the road is only open from May to October and is subject to closure due to grizzly bear activity in the summer and fall.

17. String Lake Trail

If you’re looking for a quick hike while driving the scenic loop along Jenny Lake, hike the String Lake Trail! 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 4-mile 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.

18. Phelps Lake Trail

Another scenic lake in Grand Teton is Phelps Lake. A longer 7-mile 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. Then, you’ll follow a clockwise loop around Phelps Lake. Finally, you’ll return on the Woodland Trail on the eastern side of the lake.

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 and has incredible views of Death Canyon.

If you want a shorter hike, consider the 2-mile hike to Phelps Lake Overlook instead. This vantage point provides one of the best panoramic views in Grand Teton. The trail starts at the Death Canyon Trailhead and requires an all-wheel-drive vehicle to get there.

19. Jenny Lake Trail

If you want the ultimate tour of Jenny Lake, consider hiking the 8-mile Jenny Lake Loop. This hike highlights the ultra-scenic lake at the center of most Grand Teton itineraries. 

You’ll follow the 8-mile 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 going clockwise, first heading along the lake’s southern shore.

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. 

20. Rent a Kayak or Canoe on Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake

One of the best ways to escape crowds in Grand Teton is renting a kayak or canoe and paddling out onto one of the many lakes. The two most popular places to rent boats are Jenny Lake or Colter Bay on Jackson Lake.

If you genuinely want to avoid crowds, pick up your rental before 9 AM and paddle the scenic lakes in peace.

21. Boat Tour of Jenny Lake

If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to see Jenny Lake, consider taking a boat tour instead! Jenny Lake Boating offers scenic cruises and shuttle services. Hikers typically use the shuttle while the scenic cruise provides narration and knowledgeable guides.

Jenny Lake Boating offers three scenic cruises at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM during the summer. The 1-hour tour is an excellent way to see this ultra-scenic lake and learn more about the park.

22. Jenny Lake Visitor Center

The Jenny Lake Visitor Center is a popular stop for those visiting this area of Grand Teton. Here, you can find information about the park and exhibits, a bookstore, and various ranger-led programs.

There’s also a historical photography exhibit in the Crandall Studio across from the visitor center.

23. Craig Thomas Discovery Center

The Craig Thomas Discovery Center and Visitor Center is a brand new, state-of-the-art building near the park entrance in Moose, Wyoming.

Unlike other visitor centers in the park, the Craig Thomas Discovery Center offers impressive exhibits and displays detailing the indigenous history of the area and the ecosystems found in Grand Teton.

It’s also an excellent place to shop for national park souvenirs, talk to park rangers, or apply for backcountry permits.

25. Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Visitor Center

The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve was built in 2008 on a plot of land donated by the Rockefeller family. The 1,100-acre refuge highlights Rockefeller’s dedication to conservation.

The jewel of the Preserve is the visitor center, designed to be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and architecturally stunning. The center offers several exhibits focusing on preserving plants and wildlife in Grand Teton.

The parking lot is small and fills very early. If you want to visit the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, I recommend arriving before 9 AM.

How to Plan What to Do in Grand Teton National Park

How much you’ll be able to accomplish in Grand Teton will depend on how many days you have to spend here. Below are some recommendations on how to prioritize your time with different trip lengths.

What to Do in Grand Teton National Park in One Day

With only one day, visit Mormon Row just after sunrise. Then head to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and hike the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Trail. Continue along the 42-Mile Scenic Drive, adding Menor’s Ferry Historic District, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, and Signal Mountain Summit Road. Be sure to stop at Oxbow Bend and Snake River Overlook.

What to Do in Grand Teton in 2 Days

In addition to the one-day itinerary above, start your second day with sunrise at Schwabacher Landing and hike the Taggart Lake Trail in the morning. Look for wildlife along Moose-Wilson Road or the 42-Mile Scenic Drive in the afternoon. End your day at Jackson Lake Lodge.

Things to Do in Grand Teton in 3 Days

With more time in Grand Teton, spend your first day hiking to String Lake instead of Inspiration Point. Then, on your third day, do the entire Cascade Canyon Trail, stopping at Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point along the way.

Things to Do in Grand Teton With 4 or More Days

If you have more time to spend in Grand Teton, consider hiking Phelps Lake or the Jenny Lake Trail, taking the Teton Village Gondola, or renting a kayak or canoe. However, with four or more days, I recommend you consider visiting Yellowstone National Park nearby.

Check out this 7-Day Grand Teton and Yellowstone itinerary for more ideas.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in the Grand Tetons

While Grand Teton National Park is filled with incredible things to do, you can use this guide to prioritize your time in the park.

If you only have a few days, I recommend focusing on these ten best things to do in Grand Teton National Park:

1. Visit Mormon Row Historic District
2. Hike Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point
3. See wildlife around the park
4. Make the 42-Mile Scenic Loop through Grand Teton
5. Drive the Jenny Lake Scenic Loop
6. See Schwabacher Landing at sunrise
7. Visit Oxbow Bend
8. Visit Snake River Overlook
9. Stop by Jackson Lake Lodge
10. Hike the Taggart Lake Trail

Are you looking for more ideas for your trip to Grand Teton National Park? Then, don’t miss these posts!

• Hikes: 18 Best Hikes in Grand Teton
• Itinerary: 7-Day Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary
• Where to Stay: 35 Best Places to Stay in Grand Teton
• Camping: 7 Best Campgrounds 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.

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