The Ultimate Guide to Grand Teton National Park: Everything You Need to Know

The Ultimate Guide to Grand Teton National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Grand Teton National Park landscape

The Ultimate Guide to Grand Teton National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Have you always dreamt of exploring the gorgeous terrain of Grand Teton National Park? Grand Teton is a bucket list destination for everyone who adores Mother Nature. The Teton Mountain Range will take your breath away, and the pristine lakes, glaciers, and alpine terrain will blow your mind.

When you can finally travel to this enormous 310,000-acre park, you need to be armed with all the knowledge possible to max out your stay. Read for everything you need to know before your first trip to Grand Teton National Park!

Where Exactly Is Grand Teton National Park?

Driving through scenice roads in Grand Teton
Driving through scenice roads in Grand Teton

You will find this must-see national park just north of the town of Jackson, Wyoming. If you plan on flying, you lucked out; Grand Teton National Park is the only national park with a commercial airport within its borders. The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is not only a convenient feature, but it is one of the most majestic airports you will ever see.

If you plan on driving in:
Salt Lake City, Utah, is about 300 miles and about a 5-6 hour drive.
Denver, Colorado, is about 550 miles away and an 8-10 hour drive.

A Bit of History

In 1929, Grand Teton National Park was established to protect the Teton Range in all of its glory. The Jackson Hole Valley remained in private ownership until the 1930’s when the son of one of America’s wealthiest men, John D. Rockefeller Jr., began purchasing land in Jackson Hole to be added to the existing national park.  

Rockefeller formed the Snake River Land Co. to buy up 32,000 acres of property around the Snake River. He wanted to keep it hush-hush because he tried to pay fair-market prices. If people knew the Rockefellers were purchasing, the costs would’ve skyrocketed!  

Once word had gotten out about the purchases, Wyoming residents were furious. Ultimately, Congress combined the original Grand Teton National Park with the 32,000 acres that the Rockefellers owned to create the 310,000 glorious acres we know today as Grand Teton National Park. 

How Long Does It Take To Visit Grand Teton National Park? 

You could spend a lifetime exploring all that Grand Teton National Park offers!  

Three to five days is a perfect time to spend in Grand Teton National Park not to feel rushed. If you only have one day, you should positively still go, but you will wish you had more time. And if you want to submerge yourself in nature, add on several days to explore nearby Yellowstone National Park, which is the world’s first national park and borders Grand Teton. 

Yellowstone National Park is just 31 miles north of Grand Teton National Park. You would travel from the southern border of Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park via the outer Highway 26/89/191. It should take a little more than one hour without stops. If you have a couple of extra days, you can explore two of the most beautiful destinations in the world to make for a lifetime vacation.  

Best Time to Visit 

Hiker overlooking Grand Teton mountains
Hiker overlooking Grand Teton mountains

Grand Teton National Park is open 24/7, year-round, which makes it a great family vacation spot. The park gets the busiest from May through September when the weather is comfortable, and school is out. 

Traffic can be heavy during these busy summer months, and some of the 9+ parking lots may be full. You may repeatedly circle, waiting for a spot to pull in. Remember, there could be a worse place to be stuck in traffic. Be patient, slow down and enjoy the spectacular views.  

Visit the park before 9 am and after 4 pm to avoid the crowds during peak seasons.  

In the off-season, from November to May, you will find that many of the visitor facilities, all campgrounds, and even some roads will be closed or have reduced hours. The reduced hours are often due to inclement weather, snow storms, or construction.

TETON TIP: Fall season is extra special in Grand Teton National Park. The leaves are changing, and autumn colors shining through make hiking & photography spectacular this time of year.

National Park Pass

You first need to know how to get through the gates! All national parks require you to purchase a pass to enter. 

Buy the 7-day $35 park pass if you know you will only be exploring one national park that year. If you see you will be frequenting Grand Teton National Park only, purchase the $70 annual pass specifically for Grand Teton National Park. 

Hikers/Bikers can enter the park for seven days for $20.00

The best bargain, especially if you know you will go to at least two different parks during the year, is to get the “America the Beautiful Pass” for $80.  

This annual pass will get you into over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. These yearly passes need to be purchased ahead of time at a local REI store or one of the federal recreation area locations listed on their website.  

Budget Travel Tips:

  • If you are currently enrolled in the military, you can get a FREE military park pass.
  • If you have a 4th grader, you can get a FREE annual 4th-grade pass.
  • Seniors can purchase a $20 annual pass or an $80-lifetime pass. 

Where Should I Stay?

A view of Jackson Lake at Grand Teton

There are so many lodging options to suit every style of traveler. For the outdoorsy travelers, there are scenic spots to pitch a tent, rustic cabins to rent, and even hostel-style bunk rooms to share. If you desire less rustic accommodations, you can find modern hotel rooms and gorgeous lodges like the Jackson Lake Lodge or Jenny Lake Lodge to lay down your head after a long day of exploring nature.

Plan, most hotel reservations open a year in advance and often fill up quickly.  

There are eight campgrounds to choose from if you are looking to camp in Grand Teton National Park.  

  1. Gros Ventre Campground (electric hookup, standard site, dump station)
  2. Jenny Lake Campground (hiker/biker site, tents only, showers nearby)
  3. Signal Mountain Campground (electric hookup, normal area, pay showers, and laundry nearby)
  4. Colter Bay Campground (electric hookup, standards site, hiker/biker, pay showers, and laundry nearby)
  5. Colter Bay RV Park (full hookup pull-through site, pay showers, laundry, no fire grates)
  6. Colter Bay Tent Village (tent cabins with four bunks & wood stove, pay showers, and laundry nearby)
  7. Lizard Creek Campground (standard site)
  8. Headwaters Campground (standard site, full hookup pull-through, camper cabins, showers included) 

Pitching a tent under the stars is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Grand Tetons. Some campgrounds will offer pay showers, full hookups for RVs, picnic tables, potable water, and camping cabins.  

Reservations Required

Advanced camping reservations are REQUIRED for all park campgrounds.  

The maximum stay is seven days per person at Jenny Lake and 14 days at all other campgrounds. You may only camp for up to 30 days in Grand Teton annually.

If you can’t secure housing inside Grand Teton National Park, there are plentiful options outside the park in Jackson, Wyoming. You may drive a little farther to get into the park, but you can find various hotels, vacation rentals, and private campgrounds. 

Backcountry Camping

Another option if you want to become one with nature and sleep under the stars truly is backcountry camping. You must have a permit if you want to camp overnight in the backcountry of Grand Teton. The walk-in permits are on a first-come, first-served basis up to one day before the start of your trip.  

$45 for advanced online reservations

$35 for walk-in permits

Backcountry camping requires advanced planning, and prior experience is highly recommended. The ranger station at south Jenny Lake provides information and backcountry permitting for climbing and mountaineering in the park.  

Backcountry Camping Tips:

Reserve your permit early (one-third of each camping zone can be reserved in advance, and two-thirds of each zone are for first-come, first-served permits)

Bear aware! Grand Teton is a bear country. All permit holders can check out a bear canister free of charge. All backpackers must have a bear-resistant container.

Be prepared for rapid weather changes

Leave No Trace – carry out all of your garbage

Hike on established trails; remember, horses have the right of way.

Hiking

With over 250 miles of trails to choose from, there is something for everyone and every fitness level. Stop by a visitor center to speak to a ranger about the best trail for you; they will also have information on the latest trail conditions. 

Climbing permits are NOT required for a day trip, but anything that requires overnight camping requires the permit mentioned above. 

Teton Hiking Tips: 

  • Bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks
  • Make sure to have a map, compass, or other navigation tools
  • Have a first-aid kit
  • Wear lots of layers including a waterproof layer, and the weather changes quickly.
  • Wear sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Be bear aware, don’t go solo, and don’t use headphones
  • Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return

Leave No Trace

Grand Teton National Park hosts almost 4 million visitors each year. That is a lot of traffic and waste that needs to be taken care of to keep Grand Teton in pristine condition.   

Leave No Trace means just that… take out everything you bring in, and leave every campsite, trail, and tree just as you found it. Dispose of waste properly—pack it in, pack it out. 

If you have to use the restroom outdoors, to prevent contamination of waterways, you must bury human waste in holes dug in soil six inches deep if you are at least 100 feet from any water, camp, or trail. Cover and disguise that hole when finished digging. Pack out all toilet paper and hygiene products as well. 

For all you first-timers, the National Park Service has put together this video titled: “How to Poop in the Woods” that you should review before your next hike away from the regular toilets in the more civilized areas of the park.  

Driving in Grand Teton National Park

Bison crossing the road
Bison crossing the road

SLOW DOWN, especially at night, and watch for large animals on the road. Elk, bison, mule deer, and pronghorn frequently migrate at night, and moose use roads as travel corridors. Speed limits range from 25 mph to 45mph and even slower around sunset and sunrise. Slowing down could save a precious life. 

There are four road entrances in Grand Teton National Park. These entrances are far apart and can often take hours to drive between. During the colder months between November and May, some of these entrances will close or have limited vehicle access, which could seriously derail your plans.

Check this link for current closures and road information before your visit. 

A Ranger in Your Pocket

There is an APP for that! Another helpful tool is the NPS APP which includes free self-guided tours and maps. Be sure to load it BEFORE you arrive in the park, as internet service might be spotty once you are inside the park. 

Check out the park’s live road map so you can be in the know about something called “chip sealing.” It occurs every summer and is a preventive measure to preserve the roads to help reduce the risk of loose gravel damaging cars or windshields. You can be strategic and plan your road trip around this to avoid delays of up to 30 minutes. 

Top Things to See 

Oxbow Bend

Don’t forget your camera for this stop! Oxbow Bend is one of the most famous photo spots in Grand Teton National Park. Mt. Moran towers in the background reflect onto the Snake River and make for one of the most epic photographs you will ever take. Oxbow Bend is best visited at sunrise. 

Snake River Outlook

You might recognize this iconic overlook of the Teton Range. Look for the interpretive sign that tells you where to stand to get the same shot that Ansel Adams did years ago. Snake River Outlook is stunning any time of day, but sunrise and sunset are extra special. 

Jenny Lake

One of the most popular destinations in Grand Teton National Park is the Jenny Lake Overlook. This breathtaking overlook will give you spectacular views of Cascade Canyon and the Teton Range across the lake. Enjoy the scenic drive along the east shore of Jenny Lake. 

Mormon Row

The Mormon pioneers built the rustic T.A. Moulton Barn in the Mormon Row Historic District. Fun fact- this late 19th-century homestead community landmark is one of the most photographed barns in the United States.

Moose-Wilson Road

Connecting the towns of Moose and Wilson, this scenic corridor road winds through the forest and marsh habitats and is home to various wildlife. Please keep your eyes open and bring binoculars to experience our Grand Teton wildlife. 

**Construction on this road will begin after Labor Day 2022, and sections of the road will reopen after March 2023. 

The Chapel of Transfiguration

Located in Menors Ferry Historic District, this chapel is full of Grand Teton’s rich history. William Menors and his 1894 Homestead in Teton Valley made this chapel a beautiful place to reflect on the stunning landscape surrounding this beautiful church. 

Drive the Grand Teton 42-mile scenic drive

Don’t miss your chance to drive the Grand Teton 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive. It is one of the best ways to experience the scenery and glory of Grand Teton National Park by car. This drive can only be done from May 1st through October 31st, as Teton Park Road is usually closed to vehicles between November 1st and April 30th. 

**This would be a great thing to do if you only have one day to visit. Start early! 

Taking the “Scenic” Drive

A truck driving through scenice roads at Grand Teton
A truck driving through scenice roads at Grand Teton

As you drive in and around Grand Teton National Park, the views are breathtaking!! Those “scenic” views can sometimes mean a two-lane winding road on a cliffside with no railing. Driving in those conditions might not be for those with a fear of heights, so plan accordingly. If 

If you have a travel buddy, ensure that the person most confident dealing with heights is in the driver’s seat. 

Feel free to pull over when there is a safe overlook space if you feel you are slowing down the traffic behind you or want the other cars to pass ahead. No stress and it will give you more time to enjoy those epic views and take pictures. 

TRAVEL TIP:  The Gypsy Guide for Grand Teton is highly recommended and a great way to have a guided tour while you drive in and around Grand Teton National Park. The guide uses GPS to know exactly where you are, giving directions to some of the top sites and a cheeky guided tour. It is absolutely worth the $6.99 price tag. 

Will I See Wildlife?

One of the coolest parts of visiting any national park is the chance of a memorable encounter with wildlife in its natural habitat. There is a solid chance you will spot a moose, black and grizzly bear, elk, coyote, bison, bald eagle, or other wildlife when you visit Grand Teton National Park, and you are in the great outdoors, after all.   

Keep in mind to watch the speed limits and keep your eyes open while driving. Most animals will keep their distance, and you should always enjoy them from afar.  

Some helpful tips for safety and enjoying wildlife in Grand Teton National Park: 

  1. Bring a pair of binoculars or long photography lenses for closer views of animals while keeping a safe distance. 
  2. Maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from wolves and bears and 25 yards from other wildlife.  
  3. Purchase bear spray and a bear whistle to arm yourself while you hike if it makes you feel better. It can help scare away a bear if you have a close encounter.  
  4. It is not only hazardous but also illegal to feed wildlife, including ground squirrels and birds.

Teton tip: An important thing to note is that you will want to keep the inside of your car VERY clean while you are in the park and never leave food unattended or out on a picnic table. Bears have a VERY keen sense of smell and can smell a dropped french fry hiding under the front seat of your car. If you are camping or hiking with food, you MUST have a bear-proof food storage canister.  

You will also notice unique garbage containers sprinkled around Grand Teton National Park, these are designed in a way that makes it very difficult for a bear, raccoon, or any other wildlife to get into the trash.  

It is dangerous to feed wild animals human food for various reasons, so please keep your distance and enjoy them from afar. 

Unique spots where you might encounter Grand Teton wildlife: 

  • Timbered Island (Pronghorn Antelope)
  • Blacktail Ponds Overlook (Moose, Deer, Elk, Bears, Beavers, Birds)
  • Elk Ranch Flats Overlook (Bison, Antelope, Horses)
  • Oxbow Bend Overlook (Moose, Deer, Bears, Birds)
  • Signal Mountain Summit Drive (Moose, Elk, Bears)

Can I Bring My Pet? 

Pets are allowed inside Grand Teton National Park and are always welcome in campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots. Grand Teton is a wild place, so be careful. To keep you and your pet safe, please follow all the pet regulations to protect you, your pet, the park, and other visitors. 

Your dog must be leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets with that same “leave no trace” mentality. Wildlife may be attracted to your pet, and the park can be a dangerous place for unleashed dogs. 

Dogs are not allowed on most hiking trails. Check the website to see the most updated places they will let your dogs walk with you.   

Weather & Packing Tips

Snowy mountains at Grand Teton
A view of snowy mountains at Grand Teton and a sizeable amount of trees below it

Grand Teton National Park has long and very frigid winters. Heavy snowfall is expected by November 1st and will continue all winter through April. Prepare for sub-zero temperatures by packing multiple layered clothing, gloves, cold weather boots, and hats.

Summer months usually contain mild to warm days and cool nights, often including a thunderstorm. Raingear is highly recommended during spring, summer, and fall. Be prepared for anything!  

Simple Packing List 

  • Tons of drinking water—when you think you have enough, pack more! 
  • Comfortable shoes, raingear & warmer clothes—bring layers!
  • Water shoes—especially if you plan on playing in the water.
  • Sunscreen & sunglasses
  • Hat, umbrella, bandana- cover that head in the heat of the day!
  • Snacks 
  • Map of the park—hard copy if your phone does not get service. 
  • Gear to use the restroom outside (if you plan on venturing off the common areas)
  • Bike- if you want to explore Grand Teton on wheels!
  • Binoculars
  • Do NOT forget your camera!! 

Accessibility in the Park

The National Park Service has been working hard recently to remove as many barriers as possible so that people of all abilities can have the opportunity to experience what our national parks have to offer. 

Check the NPS website for updated information and the latest accessibility additions.

Soak in all of the beauty of Grand Teton National Park, stay safe, stay hydrated and enjoy all that mother nature has to offer! 

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