Grand Teton National Park hiking is WORLD CLASS! There is not a single hike that we have done in the Tetons that we wouldn’t do over and over again. The hikes in Grand Teton are what bring people back time and time again! The trails are endless, and the views are INSANE. To say that it is a hiker’s paradise would truly be an understatement!
We visit the park at least once a year and have pulled together our favorite trails (thus far ;)) to make a quick list for you to reference for your trip! The hikes are organized via length, with the shortest being listed first and onward.
FYI: There really isn’t a ton of “beginner” hiking in the Tetons, so be sure to strap on your boots and do some training hikes before your trip!
Check out: Ten Essentials to Always Pack on a Day Hike
Hidden Falls Trail
1.1 Miles Out and Back (with ferry)
187 ft elevation gain
Hidden fall trail is a classic in GTNP! It is a great hike that everyone in the family can do together! The trail leads you to a “hidden” waterfall behind Jenny Lake. The trail is extremely popular, and you will most likely be sharing the falls with others. You can get to Hidden Falls a few different ways, with the easiest utilizing the ferry service across Jenny Lake to knock off some mileage.
Schwabacher Landing Trail
1.8 miles out and back
22 ft elevation gain
This flat, easy hike meanders along the snake river. You will pass 2 ponds in which the beautiful teton mountain range can be seen in its reflection on a calm day (make sure to continue onward to the second pond). Although short, this hike leads you through the most stunning, lush marshlands, where wildlife can often be seen frequenting! It is best to hike Schwabacher at sunrise, as the water is usually calm, and you can catch that perfect mountain reflection!
Taggart Lake
3.8 miles loop
419 ft elevation gain
A great option for a moderate hike! Taggart Lake is stunning and offers views of the Teton Range. I would highly suggest tagging on Bradley Lake as well! Details below.
Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop
6.0 miles loop
761 ft elevation gain
2 Lakes, one hike… can’t beat that! Bradley is just passed Taggart lake and you MIGHT as well go check it out while you’re back there!
Lake of the Crags
6.1 miles out and back
2,811 ft elevation gain
While the mileage is low, the elevation is NOT! The hike will feel like you’re on a never-ending stair master, but the views are impeccable! I would give yourself plenty of time for this one, because it really is an ass kicker. And be sure to hike to the SECOND lake! You will probably want to call it a day at the first lake, but the second one is even better. I would strongly suggest you download the trail from all trails before setting out, as it is easy to get off trail and it is not always straight forward on where to go.
Phelp's Lake
7.0 mile loop
725 ft elevation gain
Okay if you’re looking for your classic “rock jump into a freezing alpine lake” then THIS IS IT! Phelps lake loop takes you around the perimeter of the lake, offering stunning views of Death Canyon. I would suggest hiking clockwise, which will leave the famous rock jump towards the end of your hike. If you are not looking to jump yourself, you will still want to add in some time to watch people jump! There’s nothing more entertaining then watching people jump into a freezing alpine lake! Helpful tip: there is limited parking at the trailhead, try to go early morning or late afternoon.
Delta Lake
-7.2 miles out and back
-2247 ft elevation gain
Delta Lake used to be one of the Tetons “hidden gems”. These days, the hike is very well known and extremely popular! The hike begins via the lupine meadows trailhead. Eventually you will turn off onto an unmaintained trail (much more noticeable than it used to be) and follow that up a steep boulder field and eventually to the Lake. The trail is not marked on any of the signs in the park, so it is best that you download the alltrails map to help navigate. This is a hard hike but the view at the lake is worth it! Take your time, bring plenty of water and enjoy a snack at the lake. Don’t miss this one!
Surprise and Amphitheater Lake
-10.1 miles out and back
-3000 ft elevation gain
Okay I am mentioning this trail next because it is a super popular trail to combine with delta lake. They both start at the lupine meadows trailhead. You can follow the signs that lead you to surprise and amphitheater first and then tag delta on the way back down. It’s a big day whether you add on delta or not so pack accordingly (water, snacks, sunscreen)! To do all three lakes the mileage is 11.5 mile and 3667 ft elevation. I would highly suggest this combination as the beginning of both hikes is the same, so it would be a bit repetitive to hike them both on separate occasions.
Jenny Lake Loop
7.9 mile loop
623 ft elevation gain
You can’t really go wrong with this one! The Jenny Lake loop takes you around the entire perimeter of Jenny Lake. It is also a great place to start for many other hikes in the park, such as the hidden falls trail mentioned above. Also, if you are into trail running, this is a fun and easy run, not a ton of elevation but beautiful views!
Lake Solitude via Cascade Canyon (using Jenny Lake Shuttle)
-13.7 miles out and back
-2375 ft elevation gain
Hiking to lake solitude begins the same as the hidden falls trail. You will take the Jenny Lake shuttle (or not, depending on how many miles you want to do), pass hidden falls, pass inspiration point and continue through cascade canyon to reach Lake Solitude. This is a high mileage day, but it is popular for a reason! A great classic.
What to Pack for Grand Teton Hiking
Shoes: We LOVE these Salomon’s in women’s and men’s!
Pack: A good day pack makes ALL the difference! We both use this 30L Ortovox pack. It’s the perfect size for day hiking and we love that it unzips all of the way down the front!
Sun protection: a brimmer hat and sun hoodie (women’s and men’s) are essentials for hiking!
Cooler: Keep a few snacks and drinks cool in the car with this affordable soft sided cooler! It’s a game changer on a hot day!
Water: Be sure to bring a water bladder for your daypack. Plus this packable water cube and a reusable water bottle are great to keep in the car!
Snacks: Make sure to pack some trail snacks too! We love these meal replacement bars (although we use them as a snack not a meal!)
First aid kit: Just this standard first aid kit should suffice if anything were to happen on the trail!
Light: A headlamp and extra batteries are important to carry in case you are out hiking later than you suspect.
OF COURSE you should always carry the 10 essentials as appropriate to your hike & environment! 🙂
