21 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

In Jackson Hole Valley, there are two spectacular national parks to explore: Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The Grand Teton National Park is one of the most popular and scenic national parks in the United States. If you haven’t yet visited, then immediately add it to your bucket list.

Here you will find impressive mountain views, epic alpine lakes, and majestic wildlife. You could spend several days in both parks, so be sure to book plenty of time to see them. Driving time is always longer than you think it will be in this part of Wyoming. 

Eating lunch in the sun at Bradley Lake and the Grand Teton Range reflecting in the clear water was only one of the many highlights of exploring this park. As we drove away, I couldn’t help but continue to turn around to get the last glimpses of the Teton Mountains and their snow-capped peaks.

The Shoshone and Arapaho Native Americans are a couple of the tribes that made this beautiful landscape their home. Religious groups, fur trappers, and those wanting to start a new life started to make their way out West. Due to the abundance of land space and river water sources, European-Americans started to settle in the area in the 1800s. 

The Jackson Hole Valley was originally named for fur trapper Davey Jackson as “Davey Jackson’s Hole” and the name kind of stuck. Most people know the Grand Teton’s more risqué French background translating as “large teat,” and etymologists think this name came from a French-Canadian expedition. Either way, the Grand Tetons are the name today and “Grand” is surely one word to describe them!

If you are visiting Grand Teton National Park, then consider taking the scenic routes from neighboring states. You can get to Jackson and the Grand Teton National Park in about five hours from Salt Lake City, Utah, and about 6 hours from Boise, Idaho.

However, if you need to fly, then Jackson Hole Airport is your final destination. Make sure you look out the plane window as you land to get an aerial view of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. 

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – Mormon Row Historic District
• Best lookout – Oxbow Bend Turnout
• Best free activity – Jackson Lake Dam
• Best activity for kids – Boating on Jenny Lake
• Best activity for adults – Scenic Cruise on Jenny Lake
• Best hike – Taggart Lake Trailhead
• Best lake – Jenny Lake
• Best all-around accommodation – Jenny Lake Lodge 

Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

1. Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center

Address: 1 Teton Park Rd, Moose, WY 83012

Your first stop coming into the Grand Teton National Park should be at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Here they can help you decide what to add to your Grand Teton itinerary based on the number of days you have to explore. The Visitor Center also provides the latest on road closings, safety tips, permits, and propane recycling. 

Built in 2007, the 22,000-square-foot building is beautiful in its own right with floor-to-ceiling windows and modern architecture. It aims to educate visitors on Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and on the park itself. It even has a movie area where you can watch related short films about the area.

If it wasn’t for President Theodore Roosevelt and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the area may have succumbed to overpopulation and tourism. In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the first national park, and President Roosevelt wanted to do the same with the Grand Teton area. He worked with Congress to establish it as a national park in 1929. 

Working with the other President Roosevelt (Franklin D. Roosevelt), Rockefeller donated his Wyoming ranches and farms to the federal government. The lands were marked as part of Jackson Hole National Monument in 1949 and eventually became part of the Grand Teton National Park.

If you are traveling during the winter, keep in mind that the Visitor Center is closed from November to mid-April. Summer months are prime for access to the various trails and wildlife sightings, but the late fall and winter landscape also has its charm and activities worth experiencing.

See Related: Most Beautiful Valleys in the US

2. Jackson Lake Dam

Jackson Lake formed due to glacial erosion from the last Ice Age and is mostly fed by the winding Snake River. Located on Teton Park Road, the dam is north of the Brinkerhoff lodge. 

In 1906-07, what was meant to be a temporary log dam was constructed to help with farm irrigation and prevent spring floods. As one can expect, the log dam did not hold for long and gave out in 1910.

A new and improved concrete version was built in 1916 by the Bureau of Reclamation. Improvements have been made since then with the lake even being drained in the 1980s to help reinforce the base in case of significant earthquakes.

Today, you can walk the length of Jackson Lake Dam and get amazing photos of Mount Moran in the distance. Since water activities are allowed on Jackson Lake, then I recommend going in the morning for the calm waters to see Mount Moran in the reflection.

There are areas to pull off on the south side and have a picnic with your family or head over to the rocky shores below the dam for a popular spot to fish. Travel through Jackson Lake Junction and make a pit stop for bathrooms and lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge. Also, close by is the Jackson Lake Ranger Station where you can pick up some Grand Teton National Park tips from the rangers. 

3. Mormon Row Historic District

Address: 13040 Antelope Flats Rd, Moose, WY 83012

Mormon Row Historic District is a must see in Grand Teton National Park. Today, six homesteads remain. The Grand Teton National Park Foundation maintains the buildings with help from volunteers. Mormon Row is part of the National Register of Historic Places and shows visitors a glimpse of what it was like to live in the area in the early 1900s.

Mormons (also known as Latter-Day Saints) followed Brigham Young to the Utah territory in the 1800s, and they began to expand into neighboring lands to grow their communities. They moved to states like Idaho, Arizona, and eventually Wyoming by the 1890s.

In total there were 27 known homesteads in the Antelope Flats area known as the Mormon Row Historic District. The spot got the name due to how close the homes were built next to one another compared to how spread out homesteads were in the city of Jackson. This helped foster a tight-knit community and also helped with farm irrigation practices. 

Get out your camera and snap one of the more famous shots of Grand Teton National Park. The Moulton Barn is one of the more popular Grand Teton attractions and is often photographed because of the majestic Teton Range looming in the background.

It will have you feeling like you have stepped back in time to the Old West. You can explore the site on a private tour.

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4. Chapel of the Transfiguration

Address: Off Menors Ferry Road, Moose, WY 83012

The Chapel of the Transfiguration is one of the more popular Grand Teton National Park attractions. The small church is part of St. John’s Episcopal Church and is located next to the Snake River.

The small, log cabin was a spiritual haven for ranchers and trail travelers. Built in 1925, visitors and locals would come to the tiny church to worship and appreciate the beautiful nature around them. 

The Chapel of the Transfiguration is still active today. The church holds Sunday services in the summer season and can seat up to 65 people.

If you have time, visit its sister property, St. John’s Chapel, which is also a log cabin and was built in 1915. Located in the city of Jackson, the St. John’s Chapel offers services on Sundays and Wednesdays if you aren’t able to get into the Chapel of the Transfiguration for worship.

Grand Teton National Park also has a Catholic log cabin chapel, which was built in the 1930s and features views of Jackson Lake. Chapel of the Sacred Heart does summer Mass on the weekends from June through September. 

5. Scenic Cruise on Jenny Lake

Add this one to your Grand Teton Itinerary! The Jenny Lake scenic cruise is one of the top things to do in Grand Teton National Park. 

A guide accompanies the boat and provides all kinds of fun facts about the history of the Jenny Lake area and Grand Teton National Park. Do you like rocks, flowers, and animals? They can teach you all about the geological features, plants, and wildlife of the area. Questions are encouraged!

The cruise season typically runs from mid-May through September. However, bring a sweater or jacket as the cool mountain air can be felt on the lake more than on the shore, even in the summer! I also advise wearing sunscreen and bringing bug spray. The cost can add up if you’re bringing the whole family as tickets range from $25 – $30 per person, but it is worth it!

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6. Horseback Riding

One of the more fun things to do in Grand Teton National Park is to see the mountain ranges via horseback riding. Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl and take your steed through mountain trails and meadows as they did back in the 1800 – 1900s. If you haven’t ridden before, or it’s been a while, don’t fret, as the wranglers will teach you how to properly handle your horse.

Some popular trails for horseback riding are Taggart Lake Loop and Bearpaw, and Trapper Lake Trail. Several trails may not be accessible for various reasons, even if they were in the past. So always check the National Park Service site for the latest on what trails are open for horseback riding. 

If you prefer a longer ride, then consider booking horses for a backcountry camping excursion. Five campsites allow stock (horses, mules, llamas, etc) in Grand Teton National Park. Yee-haw!

See Related: Where To Stay In Jackson Hole: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

7. Backcountry Camping

If you’re up for a little more adventure, then backcountry camping allows for stunning views without the everyday crowds. To avoid snow and ice, you have a short window in the summer months, but July is typically a safe bet to camp. Always check with the Visitor Centers for the latest trail accessibility. 

Due to increased popularity, permits are required for overnight backcountry camping. You can make a reservation online and they are encouraged for camping from June – October.

Grand Teton National Park releases the reserved sites from January through May 15th. Still, there are permits also available on a first-come-first-serve basis if you miss the reservation window. Permits are provided at the Craig Thomas Discovery, Jenny Lake Visitor Center, or Colter Bay Visitor Center.

As Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz would say, “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” In the Grand Teton National Park, your main concern is bears, though you should keep a wide berth around any large animal. Grand Teton National Park does require bear spray when backcountry camping, which they provide for free.

A food canister is also offered to campers when they pick up their permit. I also recommend having bear spray for any of your hikes, as you can encounter a bear anywhere in the Jackson Hole Valley.

See Related: What to Bring on a Camping Trip with Friends

8. Bridger-Teton National Forest

Located east of Jackson Lake and north of the town of Moran, the Bridger-Teton National Forest is considered a Grand Teton area must see. It makes up 3.4 million acres and includes plenty of outdoor recreation activities. The National Forest splits the area up into six different districts, and you can participate in activities like camping, skiing, and horseback riding to name a few. 

Teton Pass in the Jackson Ranger District of Bridger-Teton National Forest is a key spot to see vibrant wildflowers in the summer season or check out mountain biking paths. In the winter, it’s a great spot for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling. 

If you’re looking for a challenging hiking route, consider the Highline Trail in the Pinedale Ranger District. Here you get views of Squaretop Mountain and the Green River Lakes. You likely will see a various variety of birds and mammals on this trail. Be sure to bring a jacket for unexpected snow or rain, as the weather can be unpredictable.

There are several campsites around to get the most out of your visit, but pitch your tent early! The sites are first-come-first-serve and in the summer they are often full by mid-day.

9. Water Activities on the Alpine Lakes

If you have time, boating or kayaking on one of the alpine lakes is one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park. You can admire the peaks while getting Instagram-worthy photos and experiencing the peace of being on the water.

Buy a boating permit from the Visitor Centers or order one through the mail. To be eligible for the permit, you must have a valid AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) permit and be willing to display decal proof on the port side stern of the boat. A fee is also included for all motorized and non-motorized devices (kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, drift boats).

Depending on which device you will be using or renting will tell you which lakes are accessible. Motor boats are restricted to Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake.

Sailboats, water skiing, and windsurfing are permissible only on Jackson Lake. Any other non-motorized vessels like kayaks and paddleboards are allowed on most lakes, though you may want to avoid Jackson and Jenny to experience more tranquil waters!

See Related: Best Whitewater Rafting in the World

10. Whitewater Rafting

If you are looking for a little bit of adventure in the Grand Teton National Park, then book a whitewater rafting trip that will take you on the Snake River. A guide will teach you how to paddle the Class II and III rapids as you get epic views of the Grand Teton Range.

You will get wet on the journey, so wear water shoes that won’t slip off and attire that will dry quickly. Cotton is not recommended.

August typically has lower water levels, so July is the best month to go with the best weather and water levels. However, that means there will be crowds, so consider booking during the week instead of the weekend. 

If you have time to take your eyes off the rapids and look around, then you may see some wildlife on your journey. America’s great bird, the bald eagle, has a large population in the Grand Teton area, so keep a weathered eye out for one when the rapids are a little less intense.

11. Fly Fishing in Grand Teton

Grand Teton National Park is the ideal spot for anglers interested in fly fishing activities with the miles of Snake River and alpine lakes. The grizzly and black bears would, of course, agree! Pack up your poles and waders and enjoy the scenery while catching several fish species like salmon or trout.

Snake River, Jenny Lake, and Jackson Lake are going to be the most popular spots for fishing, and you can rent a boat or fish from the shores of the two lakes. For more seclusion, you will want to check out nearby Leigh Lake, where you can either hike via String and Leigh Lake Trails or use a non-motorized boat to make your way up the narrow waterways to reach Leigh Lake. Ask which spots are accessible when you pick up your permit at Colter Bay Marina, Flagg Ranch, Signal Mountain Lodge, or online.

Learn about the Wyoming fishing regulations, as there are limits to how many fish you can keep, the type of bait, lures, and the count of hooks. The park takes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) seriously and personal boats must have an AIS decal. Help prevent the spread of invasive species by keeping the rivers and lakes clean!

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12. Snake River Overlook

The Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend Turnout are a Grand Teton must see when visiting Grand Teton National Park. Famous landscape photographer, Ansel Adams, aimed to capture the details and impressive size of the Grand Teton Mountain Range in his black and white photos.

He was inspired to capture the western National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons as they were instead of over-colorizing or over-editing his photos. The stark contrast of the photos compared to his predecessors and contemporaries helped gain him recognition, and his photographs are still shared today. 

One of Ansel Adams’ famous shots features the steep Grand Teton peaks jutting in the sky with the winding Snake River in the foreground. The photo was taken from the Snake River Overlook, an easy spot to get to with a high view reward. Take Highway 89/191 north from Jackson, and the pull-off for Snake River Overlook is on the left after you pass Lost Creek Ranch and Spa on your right.

You may even spot some water rafters enjoying the currents. To head to the river’s rocky banks where the water rafters put in, take the Deadman’s Bar Road slightly north of the Snake River Overlook.

13. Oxbow Bend Turnout

Keep following the Snake River north past the small town of Moran to get to the Oxbow Bend Overlook. Due to natural erosion, the Snake River oxbow formed to create an off-shoot point of the river.

The Oxbow Bend Turnout is a great spot for wildlife safari, and you may see birds like pelicans or Great Blue Herons. You may even spot the river otters and muskrats if you get lucky! Mount Moran is a prominent peak and offers a unique view of the river and Teton Mountains every season. The golden aspen trees dotted along the water make for a special photo.

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14. Signal Mountain Summit Road

Sometimes you need a break from hiking but don’t want to miss out on the panoramic views. What’s great about Grand Teton National Park is that you can get beautiful views from almost anywhere in the park!

Check out the Signal Mountain Summit Road to get to the Jackson Lake overlook and see sweeping views of the Teton Valley and the glistening Jackson Lake. In the distance, you can spot the city of Jackson.

Follow the narrow, winding road for about seven miles to get to the top, about 800 feet of elevation gain from Teton Park Road. Both roads are closed for the winter/spring season, lasting from November to May. RVs and Trailers, unfortunately are prohibited from taking the Signal Mountain Summit Road.

15. Moose Wilson Road

Take a scenic drive up Moose Wilson Road that follows the Snake River. The road is aptly named since it connects the towns of Moose and Wilson.

The road totals 15 miles, half being part of Grand Teton National Park. There is a small unpaved section, and the road is narrow and winding once you get into the Grand Teton National Park, so RVs and trailers are prohibited.

Moose Wilson Road allows you to access the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Granite Canyon, Phelps Lake Trail, and Death Canyon Trailheads. Like most roads, this is closed from November through May to vehicles, and recent construction may also limit access. Though in the winter, the road becomes a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The drive will take you through forests and wetlands where wildlife is abundant. It takes about 45 minutes to drive the road length between the two cities.

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16. Elk Ranch Flats Turnout

To learn about cattle ranching, head to the Elk Ranch Flats Turnout. This section of the park is the “last operating irrigated cattle and hay ranch” according to the National Park Service website.

At one point it was considered one of the largest individually owned cattle ranches in the area. Due to the complications from the Great Depression, the land was sold to the Snake River Land Company (owned by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.) before becoming part of Grand Teton National Park. 

Today you can see the expansive grasslands with the backdrop of the Grand Teton Mountains. You may catch glimpses of elk, bison, and pronghorn herds in the distance.

17. Antelope Flats Road

Take a sunrise or sunset drive on the Antelope Flats Road to get picturesque views of the Grand Tetons as the pioneers saw it. The Antelope Flats are preserved plains that keep migration paths intact for animals like bison and elk herds. The land is home to many animals, which makes it a great location to spot all the different kinds of native Wyoming wildlife.

From Jackson Hole Airport, take Highway 89 north and turn right onto Antelope Flats Road. The loop will take you through Mormon Row District where you can take pictures of the famous Moulton Barn, Blacktail Butte, and Gros Ventre Mountains. 

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18. Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

It’s all about Jenny. Though she is not the largest or deepest of the lakes, Jenny Lake is probably the most popular lake in Grand Teton National Park. There are several hiking trails, a nearby waterfall, and water activities that make her a key attraction in the park.

The lake is thought to have formed about 12,000 years ago and was named after Shoshone Native, Jenny Leigh. As the wife of fur trapper Richard Leigh, the original Jenny helped with the Hayden Survey of 1871.

The Jenny Lake Loop takes you around the lake, but you can also see the eastern shores during the Jenny Lake scenic drive. Stop at the Jenny Lake Overlook to get the best views from the car. 

Other stops worth checking out are the Jenny Lake Lodge and Cathedral Group Turnout before it loops back to Teton Park Road. The Jenny Lake Road will also take you to String Lake Road where you can access the String Lake Trailhead and Hidden Falls Trail if you decide to do some day hiking. 

19. Taggart-Bradley Lake Loop

Hiking this loop with snow on the ground and pine trees all around is still one of my favorite hiking trails. It’s an easy hike with several spots for mountain views and should be added to your Grand Teton Itinerary. We went in early November when most trails were closed but got lucky enough to see two moose across Taggart Lake. We watched as the moose delicately meandered around the water’s edge.

Start at the Taggart Lake Trailhead, just 3 miles north of the Chapel of the Transfiguration. The parking lot can get crowded, so go early in the morning for less crowd. The trail follows Taggart Creek where you will have a short crossing over a waterfall before increasing elevation to get to the lake. The trail takes you to the eastern shore of the lake, where you will get some great views of the Grand Teton Mountain, the highest peak of the Teton range.

Keep heading north, following along Taggart Lake to eventually get to the Bradley Lake split. Bradley Lake provides just as impressive Teton views, so seeing both lakes is worth the short hike. If you want to keep going, the trail continues north, but head back the way you came and take the left split to head back down to the trailhead. The loop is about 5.6 miles round trip.

See Related: Best Hiking Trails in the World You Must Visit

20. Inspiration Point via Cascade Canyon Trail

Address: Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Moose, WY 83012

One of the more popular spots due to all you can see from its vantage point is Inspiration Point, which you can access via the Jenny Lake Trail. The trail eventually merges into Cascade Canyon Trail. From Inspiration Point you can see Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, and the Gros Ventre Mountains.

The trail is six miles round trip, but if you are in a rush then consider the shuttle boats in Jenny Lake to cut down on time. You can book with Jenny Lake Boating on a first-come-first-serve basis for $12 one-way and $20 roundtrip for adults.

This is also a great alternative if you don’t want to pay for the $30 scenic cruise, but still want to experience being on the water. Be sure to know when the last shuttle is, or you may be hiking back to the car!

You may come across some huckleberry patches and bears frequent Cascade Canyon, so keep an eye out for hungry bears and don’t hike alone! It’s worth it to make a side stop at the 100-foot waterfall called Hidden Falls.

After the waterfall, the trail turns into a granite path where hikers should take extra precautions due to the steep, rocky ledges. From here, you will reach Inspiration Point where you can take in the mountain and lake views.

If you have time, continue on the rest of Cascade Canyon Trail that follows Cascade Creek. The creek eventually feeds into Lake Solitude where you get views of three mountain peaks and alpine trees lining the landscape. The hike from Jenny Lake Trailhead is about 18 miles round trip.

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21. Valley Trail to Phelps Lake Overlook

Address: 3395 Cody Ln, Teton Village, WY 83025

If you are looking for a full-day strenuous hike to challenge yourself, then check out the Valley Trail. The trail starts in Teton Village where you enjoy a hot air balloon ride or take the first 1.5 miles to get to the trailhead.

After traversing through the green hills you will come to Phelps Lake Overlook where you of course get a spectacular view of Phelps Lake. The elevation is no joke though, and you will gain almost 2,400 feet in the close to seven-mile hike it takes to get to the overlook.

Follow the switchbacks to get down to Phelps Lake itself. If you really want to push yourself, you can take the Phelps Lake Trail to get views of all sides before making the climb back up to the overlook. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks on this scenic hike!

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Grand Teton Area Lodging

Jenny Lake Lodge

Address: Jenny Lake Rd, Moose, WY 83012

Book a night or two in the park and wake up with a cup of coffee during sunrise to get some photo-worthy Teton Range views. Decorated with rustic vibes, the resort offers amenities like gourmet meals, cruiser bikes, daily free activities, and horseback riding. Some of their past daily activities included “Limoncello and Bocce” and “Craftbeer and Cornhole,” which sounds like a good western time to me!

Signal Mountain Lodge

Address: 1 Inner Park Rd, Moran, WY 83013

Stay at the historic Signal Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park to get lakefront views of the popular Jackson Lake. Starting in the 1920s, the property has cabins, bungalows, western-themed rooms, as well as nearby campsites. There are three eateries at the lodge, and those camping can take advantage of the public showers and laundromat on site. 

Downtown Jackson Condo

Address: Between Pearl and Simpson Ave (Jackson, WY)

There are several hotels in the Jackson Hole Valley, but the city of Jackson gives visitors that Old West feel with its quaint downtown and saloons. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on getting photos under the elk antler arch! Stay at this convenient condo where you can be close to all the town’s amenities while still within driving distance of Grand Teton National Park.

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