Grand Teton National Park Travel Guide

Grand Teton National Park Travel Guide

It is a sight to behold! The perfectly chiseled majestic peaks of the Grand Tetons rise 7,000 feet, almost straight from the valley floor. This often photographed area, was first chronicled in the 1870s, and preserved for us to enjoy as a national park in 1929. 

Full of beautiful views, abounding wildlife, and hiking trails for all experience levels, you'll love exploring this national treasure.

Get To Know Grand Teton

Region: Rocky Mountain
State: Wyoming
URL https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
Webcams: https://www.nps.gov/grte/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
Established: February 26, 1929
President: Calvin Coolidge
By the numbers: 

  • 3.4million+ visitors per year 
  • 310,000+ acres
  • Lat. 43.65341, Long -110.71855
  • 4 park entrances
  • 6 visitor centers
  • Highest elevation 13,775 ft.
  • Lowest elevation 5,320 ft.

Entrances 

Granite Canyon Entrance - The southernmost entrance on Moose-Wilson Road leads to Laurence S Rockefeller Preserve and the Granite Canyon and Phelps Lake Trailheads. 

Moran Entrance - East of Jackson Lake where Hwy 191 and Hwy 26/287 converge. This entrance leads you to the eastern section of the park. 

Moose Entrance - US Hwy 191 takes you into the middle of the park by the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center.  

Flagg Ranch Information Station - located in the north part of the park, this is the entrance most used by travelers coming from Yellowstone National Park. Hwy 191/287 John D Rockefeller Jr Pkwy, through the Yellowstone south entrance.

grand teton entrance sign

 

Visitor Centers

Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
1 Teton Park Rd, Moose, WY 83012 Phone: 307-739-3399  

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
Jackson, WY 83001 Phone: 307-739-3300 

Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Moose, WY 83012 Phone: 307-739-3392 

Jenny Lake Ranger Station
Grand National Park, Jenny Lake Trail, Moose, WY 83012 Ph: 307-739-3343 

Colter Bay Visitor Center
Moran, WY 83013 Phone: 307-739-3594 

Flagg Ranch Information Station
Moran, WY 83013 Phone: 307-543-2372 

Entrance Fees 

Passes are good for entry for 7 days from the date of purchase.

  • Private, non-commercial vehicle $35.00 
  • Motorcycle or snowmobile $30.00 
  • Hiker / Biker $20.00 
  • Annual pass  $70.00 

Park Hours and Access 

Grand Teton National Park is open daily, 24 hours a day, year-round, although activities and services are limited at night and at certain times of the year. Check the NPS website for details about the season you will be visiting. Link: https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm     

Closest Airports 

Jackson Hole Airport [JAC] - 4.4 miles, 7 min to the Moose Entrance
1250 E Airport Rd #159, Jackson, WY 83001 Phone 307-733-7682  
 
Idaho Falls Airport [IDA] - 90 miles east, 2 hours to the Granite Canyon Entrance
2140 N Skyline Dr, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Phone 208-612-8221 
 
Salt Lake City International Airport [SLC] - 306 miles south, 5 hours to the Granite Canyon or Moose Entrances. 776 N Terminal Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84122  Phone 801-575-2400 

wooden dock jutting out on a lake with mountains in the background

Things to Do in the Park 

Wildlife abounds in Bridger Teton NP. There are opportunities for birding, wildlife viewing, and of course photography of the beauty around you. Some of the best places for wildlife are Oxbow Bend, Timbered Island, Mormon Row, and Blacktail Pond. Learn the rules of the park and be a responsible wildlife observer!

Kids will like the junior ranger program, which gets them involved in hands-on activities. plus there are many areas where swimming and floating are available. Be sure to stop for a picnic in one of the scenic areas.

Enjoy getting around the park with one of the guided tours to experience climbing, skiing, fishing, scenic lake cruises, or river trips. Guides are not necessary though, venture out on your own by choosing a hiking trail, renting a bike, experience horseback riding, backcountry exploration, climbing. fishing, floating, or boating. 

Grand Teton has adventure year-round. Enjoy the park in winter by going cross country skiing, snowmobile riding, or snowshoeing.

My Bucket Journals Top Grand Teton NP Picks

  • Visit Jackson lake Overlook
  • Channel Ansel Adams at Snake River Overlook
  • Visit Jackson Lake Lodge
  • Menors Ferry Historic District
  • Snap a picture of wildlife at Oxbow Bend
  • Christian Pond Loop
  • Signal Mountain Summit Road
  • Heron Pond / Swan Lake Loop

wooden hiking trail sign with green vegetation in the background

Hiking Trails (Front Country)  

Hiking in Grand Teton National Park can be a challenging experience due to the rugged nature of the landscape, including high elevation, steep trails, and extreme and sudden weather changes. Stop by a visitor center to talk to a ranger about recent trail conditions. We’ve included information for “Front Country Hiking” trails below and you can get information about all the trails at Grand Teton at this link https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/hike.htm 

Aspen Ridge-Boulder Ridge Loop - 5.8 miles [9.3 km] roundtrip loop trail. 
This loop trail travels 5.8 miles roundtrip gaining over 700 feet in elevation. The trail passes through a boulder field that can require boulder hopping and small climbs up and down. A seating bench is located at Phelps Lake.  

Christian Pond Loop - 3.3 miles [5.3 km] loop trail that takes hikers through a variety of habitats. Starting from Jackson Lake Lodge, follow the trail as it loops the pond and takes visitors through marsh habitat. The trail then climbs a forested ridge and offers views of the Teton Range. When traveling through dense willows, be alert for wildlife.  

Flagg Canyon - 4 miles [6.4km] roundtrip. The trail follows the Snake River as it winds through Flagg Canyon, offering views of the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway and access to the Snake River.  

Hermitage Point - 9.7 miles [16.6lm] roundtrip. Those looking for a longer, but still relatively easy hike, will enjoy traveling to Hermitage Point. From Colter Bay, take the trail to Heron Pond, but instead of circling back to Swan Lake, continue on towards Hermitage Point. The trail traverses rolling terrain through forests, meadows, and wetlands.  

Heron Pond, Swan Lake Loop Trail - 3 miles [4.8km] roundtrip loop trail. Take an easy loop trail for access to two ponds and views of the Teton Range. From Colter Bay, take the trail to Heron Pond. From there, continue on to Swan Lake before heading back to Colter Bay. The trail winds through forests and wetlands.   

Jenny Lake Loop - 7.6 miles [12.3kn] round trip loop. This hike is a great option for visitors who enjoy mountain and lake views and are looking for a longer trail without too much elevation gain.  

Lake Creek, Woodland Trail Loop - 3 miles [4.8km] round trip loop trail. Take an easy walk along Lake Creek to the shore of Phelps Lake. The trail begins at the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve and winds through the surrounding forest and along the banks of Lake Creek.  

Lakeshore Trail - 2 miles [ 3.2km] round trip loop trail. Take an easy walk down along the Lakeshore Trail with views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. Starting from the Colter Bay Visitor Center, follow signs for the Lakeshore Trail. The trail takes visitors through a forested area and along the shore of Jackson Lake.  

Leigh Lake - 1.8 miles [2.9km] round trip out and back trail. Hiking along the eastern shore of String Lake and beyond brings you to the southern end of Leigh Lake, accessible only by trail or by non-motorized boat. This allows for quieter, less populated lake and mountain views on a relatively flat, easy trail.   

Lunch Tree Hill - 0.5 miles [0.8km] loop trail. This short, interpretive trail takes hikers to the top of a hill with views of Willow Flats and the Teton Range. From Jackson Lake Lodge, follow the signs for Lunch Tree Hill. This easy hike gives visitors some of the more spectacular views in the valley.  

Moose Ponds - 3 miles [4.8km] lollypop loop trail. This easy 3-mile lollipop loop follows the south shore of Jenny Lake. Take the trail just beyond the shuttle boat dock to get started. Hiking the loop takes you out into Lupine Meadows, an open sagebrush area great for spotting pronghorn.  

Murie Ranch Hike - 1 mile [1.6km] out and back trail. Leaving from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, follow the trail as it winds through the woods and ends at the Murie Ranch. From there, visitors can explore the Murie Ranch or head back to the visitor center.  

Phelps Lake Loop - 6.3 miles [10.1km] round trip loop trail. The trail features mild elevation gain, several bridge crossings, and other trail obstacles such as exposed roots and rocks. It provides access to Phelps Lake as well as views into Death Canyon and the southern end of the Teton Range. Start the trail from the Laurence S Rockefeller Preserve.  

Polecat Creek Trail - 2.5 miles [4km] round trip loop trail. The Polecat Creek Loop is an easy trail with views of the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway. From Flagg Ranch, follow the loop as it takes hikers through forest, meadows, and wetlands. Be on the lookout for birds and other wildlife along the way.  

String Lake - 3.7 miles [5.9km] loop trail. Circle around String Lake for views of Mount St. John, Rockchuck Peak, and the Jackson Hole valley. Begin by heading south around the east shore of the lake for a more gradual elevation gain. This trail is mostly covered but passes through an older, open burned area below the peaks before ducking back into the trees.  

Taggart Lake Trail - 3 miles [4.8km] out and back trail - the trail that offers visitors some of the best views of the Teton Range. Leaving from the Taggart Lake Trailhead, hikers will wind up an aspen-covered moraine before the trail opens up to views of the Tetons. 

old barn sitting on green acreage with mountains in the background

Places to Go 

  • Moose and Mormon Row 
  • Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Moose-Wilson Road 
  • Jenny Lake  
  • String and Leigh Lakes  
  • Signal Mountain  
  • Moran and the East  
  • Jackson Lake Lodge  
  • Colter Bay  
  • Leeks Marina and the North  
  • Rockefeller Parkway and Flagg Ranch

Self Guided Tours

Use the NPS App to take one, or all, of these self-guided tours in Grand Teton.  

Stop at seven “Behind the Lens” photo spots in one of the most photographed places in the USA.  

Fire in the Tetons” explores the effects of fire in the park over the years. 

Menors Ferry Historic District” tour takes you through 9 sites visited by the early settlers. 

Take the audio tour for the “Bar BC Ranch” and get a glimpse of a dude ranch in the 1910s and 20s.

a curving road with mountains and white cloudy sky

Scenic Drives 

Driving through Grand Teton National Park offers stunning views of the Teton Range, along with the opportunity to view wildlife. Many turnouts along park roads offer exhibits on park geology, wildlife, and plants. Turnouts also provide safe places to enjoy scenic views, view wildlife, and take photographs.   

Moose-Wilson Road - 7.70 miles- [12.39 km] long, 20-60 minutes 
The Moose-Wilson Road is a corridor road connecting the towns of Moose and Wilson.  
Signal Mountain Summit Road - 5 miles - [8 km] long, 30-60 minutes 
Drive the Signal Mountain Summit Road for panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.  

Teton Park Road - 20 miles - [32 km] long, 30-60 minutes 
The Teton Park Road follows the base of the Teton Range from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction.  

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive - 3 miles [4.8 km] long. 15-30 minutes
The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive skirts the east shore of Jenny Lake and provides spectacular views of the peaks 

Lodging Inside the Park 

Jackson Lake Lodge 

1 Jackson Lake Lodge Rd, Moran, WY 83013. Ph: 307-739-3300 
Open Mid May to Early October
A full-service resort hotel located in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. 348 guest cottage rooms, 37 guest rooms in the main lodge. Rooms have two double beds. Conference facilities available. Activities include floating, fishing, and horseback riding.  

 

Signal Mountain Lodge 

1 Inner Park Rd, Moran, WY 83013. Ph: 307-543-2831 
Open early May to mid-October
Lakefront apartments with kitchenettes. Log cabins, some with fireplaces. Motel-style units. Located beside Jackson Lake with marina adjacent. Other activities include float trips, guided lake fishing, and canoe and boat rentals. Multiple dining and shopping options.

 

Colter Bay Village Log Cabins

Grand Teton National Park, WY. Ph: 307-543-3100
Open late May to late September
Located by the shores of Jackson Lake, Colter Bay offers a variety of units, from 208 snug log cabins to several tent cabins. Call for reservations and descriptions. Nearby activities include horseback riding and a marina. 

 

American Alpine Club Grand Teton Climbers' Ranch

314 Climbers Ranch Road, Moose, WY 83012; Ph 307-733-7271
Open mid-June to mid-September
Rustic style co-ed bunk rooms, guests supply their own sleeping mat and bedding. Bathhouse with showers, potable water, and flush toilets. Community cooking shelter with outlets; guests supply their own food and cooking equipment. No pets allowed. 

 

Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch

100 Grassy Lake Rd, Moran, WY 83013; Ph 800-443-2311
Open early June to late September
Log style lodging units with two queen beds or one king bed. Camper cabins with available rental gear in the campground. Detached lodge with dining, gifts, beverages, and a store. Central to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Horseback riding, fishing, and floating available.

 

Jenny Lake Lodge

Jenny Lake Rd, Moose, WY 83012, Ph 307-543-3100
Open early June to early October
A uniquely rustic yet luxurious vacation setting. 37 adjoining cabins nestled in the seclusion of the surrounding forest. Located adjacent to Jenny and String Lakes. Modified American plan.

 

Triangle X Ranch

2 Triangle X Ranch Rd, Moose WY, 83012 Ph 307-733-2183
Open mid-May to mid-October
A dude ranch, with arrangements weekly on the American Plan. Enjoy horseback riding, hikes, float trips, western cookouts, meals, fishing, dancing, and other western ranch activities. 

signal mountain lodge


Campgrounds Inside the Park 

All park campgrounds are by advanced reservations only. Campsites are reservable on Recreation.gov. Plan ahead and reserve your night under the stars up to six months in advance. 

Most sites offer standard amenities including modern comfort stations, potable water, metal fire grates, picnic tables, and metal bear boxes.

Gros Ventre Campground 
Phone: 307-543-3100 
Standard site (279), Electric hookup (39), Group site (4)
The park's largest campground is in the southeast part of the park, closest to the town of Jackson. 
 
Jenny Lake Campground 
Phone: 307-543-2811 
Standard site (51), Hiker/biker site (10)
This small campground is a few hundred yards from the east shore of Jenny Lake.
 
Signal Mountain Campground 
Phone: 307-543-2831 
Standard site (56), Electric hookup (25)
This campground is in an open lodgepole pine forest near the Signal Mountain Lodge.
 
Colter Bay Campground 
Phone: 307-543-2811 
Standard site (279), Electric hookup (39), Group site (4)
This large campground is in a lodgepole pine forest near Colter Bay Village. While not on the shores of Jackson Lake, a short stroll leads to a spectacular view of Mount Moran and the northern Teton Range.
 
Colter Bay RV Park 
Phone: 307-543-3100 
Full hookup pull-through site (102), Full hookup back-in site (10)
This RV Park provides full hookups for campers in the park. It is in a lodgepole pine forest near Colter Bay Village.
 
Lizard Creek Campground 
Phone: 307-543-2831 
Standard site (60)
This rustic campground is in a remote part of Grand Teton National Park. The campground is 11 miles south of Yellowstone and eight miles north of Colter Bay Village.
 
Headwaters Campground and RV Park 
Phone: 307-543-2861 
Standard site (34), Full hookup pull-through (97), Camper cabins (40)
This campground has facilities for both tent campers and RVs

 

Get Connected

Park App 

The National Park Service App (NPS App) features downloadable information for all the national park sites in the country, including Grand Teton National Park. This includes an interactive map, self-guided audio tours, and information to make your trip smoother and more interesting.   

Visitor TIP 

Cellular service within the park is limited in spots. In order to make use of the app while in Grand Teton, you might consider following these simple steps before you arrive: 

  • Download the app.
  • In the app, select the "Settings" option.
  • Tap the choice "Download Offline Content." 

This gives you access to most of the app content (except alerts, calendar updates, and real-time updates, although accessing those items before leaving service will keep that information available in the app) Even without cellular service, the app will be able to share your location on the map and bring up all site content.

Online Map of the Park

Use our interactive map to plan your trip and view details about visitor centers, campgrounds, lodging, walking tours, and attractions. 

How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. You can click the checkmarks to hide or show layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest.  

If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

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