Grand Teton National Park is probably our all-time favorite park to visit! It is one of those parks that we keep coming back to time and time again in the hopes of exploring every single corner that our legs will take us to. Between the towering Teton Mountain range, the perfectly clear emerald lakes, the innumerable wildlife spotting’s, and the endlessly beautiful and diverse landscape, the Tetons are 100% worthy of a visit!
Whether you’re a first timer headed to the Tetons, or you are going back for more and looking to dive deeper into the park, then you have come to the right place. Below, we’ve provided you with a comprehensive guide packed full of all our favorite things to do. And as always, we welcome any suggestions that you think we may have missed down in the comment section!
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When to Visit Grand Teton National Park?
August-September
The BEST months to visit the Tetons would be August and September. The temperatures are mild, with warm days and cool nights- perfect hiking weather and even better camping weather! Fall will be starting to approach, and the mountain tops may even get a gorgeous dusting of snow.
June-July
Early June some of the trails will still have some snow but overall visiting in June and July is a safe bet. Again, temperatures are mild, and the rivers will be raging from winter snowmelt!
May & October
Visiting in May or October is a gamble. May could be a nice time to visit to avoid crowds, but if it was a heavy snow year then most of the trails will still have snow on them. October again is a nice time to avoid crowds, but you NEVER know when winter will decide to make its presence, and once it does there’s no stopping it!
November-April
If you decide to visit in winter, then you better come strapped with some snowshoes or skis! In winter, the park will still be open, but the road conditions will vary.
Camping in Grand Teton National Park
When picking which campground to stay at, there’s not a “wrong” choice! The park itself is small and therefore easily drivable from any camp you choose to stay. There are 6 campgrounds scattered throughout the park, each of which are reservable in advance on recreation.gov. I would suggest reserving MONTHS in advance as each of these will fill up quickly once released.
Jenny Lake Campground
Jenny lake is by far the best campground in the park due to its central location! It is a tent only campground that sits right on the edge of… Jenny Lake of course, which is right below the towering Teton range. From the campground, you can easily access some of the most popular hikes in the area. You will also have access to the Jenny Lake store which sells camping/hiking essentials plus snacks and firewood! It has recently converted to a reservation system (it used to be first come/first serve) which makes it easier to snag a spot at this well-loved campground!
Season: May-September
Sites: 51 tent, 10 hiker/biker
Price: Tent $41, hiker/biker $13
Water/Toilet/Shower: water spigots with potable water, flush toilets, coin operated showers
Amenities: gravel parking spot, tent pad, picnic table, fire pit, bear box
Signal Mountain Campground
Further up Teton Park Rd is Signal Mountain Campground. This campground sits in another centrally located area and is a close runner up to Jenny Lake. It lies on the southern end of Jackson Lake and adjacent to Signal Mountain Lodge, which provides a general store for any camping needs you may have. The best part about Signal Mountain is that it stays open through October, making it one of the last campgrounds to close during the year (usually).
Season: May-October
Sites: 56 tent, 24 RV electric
Price: Tent $45, RV electric $68
Water/Toilet/Shower: water spigots with potable water, flush toilets, coin operated showers
Amenities: gravel parking spot, tent pad, picnic table, fire pit, bear box, laundry facilities, dump station
Colter Bay Campground
Colter bay campground is a part of the larger Colter Bay village and is located on Jackson Lake. It is the largest campground in the park having 373 sites with options for both tent and RV dry camping. If you are looking to enjoy a more “summer camp” vibe, then this is the campground for you! The Village has restaurants, stores, a marina, and an activities desk right at your fingertips.
Season: May-September
Sites: 338 tent/dry camping, 12 group, 10 hiker/biker, 13 ADA electric
Price: Tent/dry camping $45, group $15/person, hiker/biker $13, ADA electric $71
Water/Toilet/Shower: water spigots with potable water, flush toilets, coin operated showers
Amenities: gravel parking spot, tent pad, picnic table, fire pit, bear box, laundry facilities, dump station, propane
Lizard Creek Campground
Lizard creek is located on the northern tip of Jackson Lake as well as the northern part of GTNP. The biggest draw for staying at lizard creek is that it is a perfect mid-way “basecamp” between Gt and Yellowstone. If you are looking to visit both parks, then this is a great option! The campground is a little bit more “campy” than other campgrounds in the park. Some of the tent sites are a short walk from your parking spot so be aware of that when booking. The campground office has ice and firewood to purchase but other than that you are on your own.
Season: June-September
Sites: 60 tent
Price: Tent $61
Water/Toilet/Shower: water spigots with potable water, flush toilets, no showers
Amenities: gravel parking spot, tent pad, picnic table, fire pit, bear box
Headwaters Campground
Headwaters is another campground right in between GT and Yellowstone. It offers tent, RV full hookups, and cabin rentals. There is a gift shop, convenience store, and a restaurant on the grounds. Headwaters is in a little woodsy area with no cell service for miles! A perfect place to relax and unwind while visiting your favorite parks.
Season: May-October
Sites: 34 tent, 97 RV full hookup, 40 camper cabins (no electricity)
Price: Tent $47, RV $93, Camper cabin $90
Water/Toilet/Shower: water spigots with potable water, flush toilets, no showers
Amenities: gravel parking spot, tent pad, picnic table, fire pit, bear box, camp store, propane, payphone
Gros Ventre Campground
Located on the southernmost end of GTNP, Gros Ventre is a mere 12 miles from the town of Jackson. It offers tent camping and dry RV camping. There are no showers or camp store but being so close to Jackson, that shouldn’t be an issue.
Season: April-October
Sites: 279 tent, 4 group, 39 RV electric
Price: Tent $42, Group $15/person, RV $71
Water/Toilet/Shower: water spigots with potable water, flush toilets, no showers
Amenities: gravel parking spot, tent pad, picnic table, fire pit, bear box, payphone, dump station
Dispersed Camping in Grand Teton
My favorite kind of camping. The free kind! There are a few worthy dispersed campsites near Grand Teton National Park. I always point people in the direction of ioverlander.com or freecampsites.net as they have way more information on the exact location of any dispersed camping in the area! But I just wanted to make sure to mention that this is an option for Tetons.
Hiking in Grand Teton National Park
The hiking in GTNP is what brings 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 what to pack for a day hike for gear recs!
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 & 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
-2811 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
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.
Fun Experiences in Grand Teton National Park
Go Backpacking!
Backpacking in the Tetons is a liberating experience! It allows you the opportunity to hike deeper into the mountains and spend some time in nature. There are so many backpacking adventures to enjoy, but I would recommend going to Lake Solitude. Check out our backpacking gear guide for all the gear recs you need!
Wildlife Viewing in Grand Teton
No doubt the wildlife is one of the highlights of Grand Teton! These mountains are home to a variety of animals including grizzly and black bears, bison, moose, elk, river otters, pronghorn antelope, coyotes and more! Some of the best places to catch wildlife would be Oxbow bend, Schwabacher Landing, willow flats, timbered island OR just anywhere in the park! Do not forget your binoculars or your long lens camera as you will want to maintain a safe distance from any wildlife. Do not feed, harass, or disturb the wildlife in any way… remember, we’re in THEIR home.
Kayak or Paddleboard Jenny Lake
It’s the perfect way to escape the crowds! Bring your own or rent a kayak/ canoe and enjoy the day paddling on one of the crystal-clear lakes. Pack a picnic and cooler and pull off onto whatever beach you want and just enjoy a slow day!
Drive Signal Mountain
Drive up to this epic panoramic viewpoint for sunrise or sunset and enjoy the start or end of a day. Signal mountain road is narrow but paved, making it an easily accessible drive for most vehicles.
Visit Jackson
No trip to the Tetons is complete without a stop in the quaint little town of Jackson! From walking, to shopping, to eating, to drinking, Jackson is a fun town to explore! Maybe even take a visit to the famous Cowboy Bar and enjoy some music and drinks!
Raft the Snake River
Take a scenic rafting trip down the Snake River! While we have never experienced it ourselves, we have heard great things about this adventure. It is also another wonderful opportunity to see some wildlife!
Climb the Grand Teton
Yep, you read it correctly! There are multiple guiding services that will take you to the top of the most prominent towering peak in the Teton Range. Of course, if you have the technical skill and fitness level then you can climb it without a guiding service.
What to Pack for Grand Teton National Park
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! 🙂
Grand Teton National Park Travel Tips
- Remember that GTNP sits at elevation, therefore it will take your body at least of couple of days to acclimate. During this time you will want to take it slow, stay hydrated, and know the signs of high altitude sickness
- Guide along: We recommend this for every single national park! Guide along is a location-based audio tour that gives you tips and stories about the location your driving along. The tour operates totally offline and hands free! Check it out here!
- ALWAYS carry raingear! Even on a sunny day, the weather can shift rapidly. It’s better to have it and not use it, than not have it and need it
- Carry bear spray AND know how to use it properly. The Tetons are home to both black bears and grizzly’s. It’s important that you know how to stay safe when you encounter one. Check out our post on bear safety so that you are prepared!
- Stay up and watch the stars! You might even be lucky enough to catch the milky way!
- Combine your trip with Yellowstone National Park. They are neighbors and it is easy to travel from one to another.
- And finally, please remember to LEAVE NO TRACE!
Happy Tetons!
2 thoughts on “Ultimate Grand Teton National Park Travel Guide”
Wow! This is unbelievably helpful. My fiancé and I are going for a whole week next year for our wedding and will definitely be leaning on this as our guide.
Glad you enjoyed it! Let us know if you have any questions, and congrats on your wedding!