Grand Teton National Park at a Glance
If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park you’ve come to the right place. I was part of a film crew tasked with shooting the most beautiful places in the park and as a result have nearly seen it all in Grand Teton.
Located in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park has a stunning range of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.
This is a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic mountain beauty.
In this article I’ve listed my personal favorite things to do at Grand Teton National Park including the most popular activities as well as somea lesser-known spot.
- Best Things to Do in Grand Teton
- Must See Sites in Grand Teton
- Top Grand Teton Attractions
- Best Things to See in Grand Teton
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Table of Contents: Grand Teton Things to Do
Table of Contents: Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
- Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
- Why Trust Us About Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park?
- Things to Know Before You Visit Grand Teton National Park
- Top 20 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
- Top 15 Best Things to Do Grand Teton National Park
- Top 10 Best Things to Do at Grand Teton National Park
- Top 5 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
- Map of Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
- List of Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park (Summary)
- Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
- Grand Teton Lodging – Hotels & Lodges
- About Our Travels to Grand Teton National Park
- Why Trust Us About the Best Things to Do in Grand Teton?
- Where is Grand Teton National Park?
- Grand Teton National Park – Directions & Location
- Watch Our Award Winning Grand Teton National Park Video
Why Trust Us About Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park?
I’m Will Pattiz and along with my brother Jim, we’re collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle instead of walking. The shuttle cuts 2 miles off each direction to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. That saved energy is better spent continuing up-canyon into Cascade Canyon, where the crowds thin dramatically after the first mile.
15. Blacktail Ponds Overlook
In my opinion, Blacktail Ponds Overlook provides perhaps the most scenic view of Grand Teton National Park. Located off of US Highway 191 which cuts through the park, Blacktail Ponds is a lesser-visited but incredibly beautiful spot to get out of the car, stretch the legs, and behold the epic beauty of the Teton mountains.
Hike The Spur Trail
There is a short spur trail that can be accessed from the overlook if you’re interested in stretching the old legs a bit further.
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 250 feet
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
If you’re looking for more hikes we’ve compiled a list of all the best Grand Teton Hikes.
14. Horseback Riding
While you might not have the pleasure of saddling up with President Jimmy Carter, horseback riding is still one of the most fun things to do in Grand Teton National Park.
There are few experiences that hearken back to the true spirit of the American west than riding on horseback in a grand landscape such as can be found in Grand Teton.
There are several great outfitters that offer horseback riding in Grand Teton National Park including:
Horseback Riding Outfitters at Grand Teton National Park
- Grand Teton Lodge Company
- Swift Creek Outfitters
- Teton Village Trail Rides
Horseback rides in Grand Teton start of just $50 per rider and typically the minimum age for this activity is 8 years old and up.
13. Bison Viewing
As the parks largest animal weighing anywhere from 1,000 pounds to over a ton (2,000 lbs) bison are a sight to behold. Watching these majestic beasts is one of my personal favorite things to do in Grand Teton National Park.
Bison Fun Facts
Here’s a great bison fun fact. A mature adult bison can jump over 6 feet high from a standing position! Do you know how fast bison can run? A mature bison can top speeds of 40 miles per hour!
Some of the best places to see bison in the park are: Antelope Flats Road, Elk Ranch Flats Turnout, and across the street from the JP Cunningham Cabin.
Make sure you give wildlife distance in the park, especially bears. If a bear crosses the road in front of you stay in your car. Your actions not only put yourself at risk but the bear as well. Be sure to go over the National Park Service’s 7 Ways to Safely Watch Wildlife before your visit to Grand Teton.
12. Biking
One cool fact about Grand Teton National Park is that biking is actually allowed on all paved roads within the park making it a popular activity. On top of that, the multi-use pathway is open for bikes as well and represents the best place to ride your bike in the park as you do not have to compete with motorized vehicles (except for e-bikes).
At present, the pathway goes from Jackson to Antelope Flats Road. Where the pathway hits Moose Junction it follows the Teton Park Road all the way to the Jenny Lake area.
Please note that biking is NOT permitted on trails within the park.
11. Rafting the Snake River
One of the coolest and most interactive things to do at Grand Teton National Park is raft down the Snake River. The Snake River is a congressionally designated Wild & Scenic River meaning it is stunningly beautiful and well-protected.
There’s no better way to soak in it’s epic beauty then rafting down it. There are several great outfitters that are licensed to operate within the park boundaries including the following.
Rafting Outfitters
- Teton Whitewater
- Grand Teton Lodge Company
- Barker-Ewing Float Trips
Prices per person start at just $55 for rafting the Snake River.
Drive Antelope Flats Road at dawn or dusk for wildlife. This is where you will find bison herds, pronghorn, and sometimes wolves. The famous Mormon Row barns with the Tetons behind them are here too, and they photograph best in early morning sidelight.
10. Bear Viewing
Grand Teton National Park is home to a very healthy bear population including both black bears and grizzly (or brown) bears. I have personally seen countless of these animals in the park and each time is mesmerizing (and sometimes scary!).
Bear Safety
Make sure you give wildlife distance in the park, especially bears. If a bear crosses the road in front of you stay in your car. Your actions not only put yourself at risk but the bear as well. Be sure to go over the National Park Service’s 7 Ways to Safely Watch Wildlife before your visit to Grand Teton.
For the best places to see bears I recommend Lupine Meadows and Willow Flats.
9. Sunrise at Moulton Barn
The Moulton Barn is part of the area known as Mormon Row in the park which features a few beautiful and historic barns. Located off of the aptly named Antelope Flat Road (lots of pronghorn here), this barn is surrounded by some great wildlife viewing areas.
If you want to see the barn at sunrise I recommend showing up at least 30 minutes early as this is one of the most popular things to do in the park (and most highly sought after photo opportunities). You will not be alone here and parking is limited.
8. String Lake & Leigh Lake
String Lake & Leigh Lake are connected by the same waterway and really part of the same body of water. In fact, String Lake is shallow and features beautiful, crystal clear water that is frequently interrupted by kayakers during Summer.
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Leigh Lake is the larger of the two and is quite stunning as well. Beyond kayaking there is a lovely scenic trail that hugs the shoreline of these two lakes. The trail is one of the more popular activities in Grand Teton given its proximity to the Jenny Lake complex.
7. Moose Watching
One of the largest animals in Grand Teton is the moose which can be found throughout the park. Searching for moose is one of the most popular activities in Grand Teton National Park for wildlife enthusiasts.
The best time of year to see these massive creatures is in the Summer and Spring while park wildlife is more generally on the move.
Make sure you give wildlife distance in the park, especially bears. If a bear crosses the road in front of you stay in your car. Your actions not only put yourself at risk but the bear as well. Be sure to go over the National Park Service’s 7 Ways to Safely Watch Wildlife before your visit to Grand Teton.
A few of the best places to spot moose in the park are off Moose-Wilson Road and the Lupine Meadows area.
6. Phelps Lake
The Phelps Lake Trail is a popular, family-friendly loop hike representing one of the more popular things to do in Grand Teton National Park. The trailhead is located off the heavily trafficked Moose-Wilson Road.
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The views from Phelps Lake are among the most spectacular and dramatic in the park with massive teton peaks reflected in one of the park’s largest lakes.
5. Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake is one of the most lakes in Wyoming and as such makes for one of the best things in Grand Teton National Park. The best views of the lake are from the east side with the Tetons as the backdrop but it is impressive all the way around.
There are many hiking trails around Jenny Lake including the Jenny Lake Loop Trail.
Jenny Lake Loop Trail
- Distance: 7.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Jenny Lake Trail is a great thing to do in Grand Teton for folks of all ages as you can pop on for as long as you’d like and turn around when you’re ready to go. If you’re feeling ambitious you can hike all the way around the lake and even up to Inspiration Point.
Jenny Lake offers kayaking, canoeing, and even scenic ferry rides that transport folks to the far side of the lake where there are access points to a number of great hikes.
4. Schwabacher Landing
As one of the most heavily photographed locations in Grand Teton National Park, Schwabacher Landing is popular due to the mirror reflection of the Tetons in the water creating a stunning photo composition.
This is also one of the best spots to see a sunrise as well as one of the most crowded things to do at Grand Teton National Park.
The landing is actually divided into two areas: Upper Schwabacher Landing & Lower Schwabacher Landing.
Upper Schwabacher Landing
Upper Schwabacher Landing is a beautiful spot to catch a sunset and to see one of the parks most prolific architects, the beaver.
Both of the Schwabacher Landings have been created (or at least in their current state) by the works of these amazing animals. The upper landing represents the best and most accessible area in the park to see them (and their dams) up close.
Lower Schwahacher Landing
The Lower Schwabacher Landing is the more famous and heavily photographed of the two landings (by far) with spectacular mirror reflections and an occasional moose sighting.
Both of them are easily accessed via a road and short trails (less than a half mile).
3. Taggart & Bradley Lakes
The Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake loop is one of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park featuring epic views of the mighty Tetons. This hike offers visitors a great taste of the pristine alpine scenery the park is known for.
- Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 750 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The hike itself can be approached a couple ways starting either at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead or the Taggart Lake Trailhead. The Taggart Lake Trailhead is the shortest and most popular route for this hike.
Hikers will ascend up into the Tetons from the valley floor with the option to do a simple loop at Taggart Lake or pressing on to Bradley Lake if they so choose before heading back.
Looking for more epic hikes in the park? We’ve listed the top 17 hikes in Grand Teton here!
2. Sunset at Snake River Overlook
Perhaps the best place in the park to see sunset, Snake River Overlook is one of the most heavily photographed locations in Grand Teton National Park. This location was actually made famous by Ansel Adams back in the day.
Since Adams famously photographed this spot, the national park service has allowed trees to grow in and obscure this treasured viewpoint. As an avid conservationist I am also for preservation of scenic views like this one and hope that it will be maintained for the view in the future.
Make sure to show up to this spot at least 30 minutes early as the parking area tends to fill up at sunset.
1. Sunrise at Oxbow Bend
Grand Teton National Park is most beautiful during the sunrise hour of the morning (ask anyone). The best place in Grand Teton to catch a sunrise is from Oxbow Bend where the reflection of Mount Moran dazzles on a clear day.
I recommend getting here at least 30 minutes early as the limited roadside parking availability has a tendency to really fill up with photographers!
There is no specific spot to watch but some are more photogenic than others so you’ll want to give yourself some extra time to get oriented while you’re there.
Watch for beautiful Trumpeter Swans in the water as well as other amazing waterfowl the park is known for.
Related: Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point at Grand Teton
List of Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park (Summary)
- Sunrise at Oxbow Bend
- Sunset at Snake River Overlook
- Taggart & Bradley Lakes
- Schwabacher Landing
- Jenny Lake
- Phelps Lake
- Moose Watching
- String Lake & Leigh Lake
- Sunrise at Moulton Barn
- Bear Viewing
- Snake River Rafting
- Biking
- Bison Viewing
- Horseback Riding
- Blacktail Ponds Overlook
- Bridger-Teton National Park
- Signal Mountain
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is late spring and early summer (the end of June & beginning of July). Visitation during this time of year has not yet hit it’s peak, temperatures are warm enough but still mild, and wildlife is on the move.
The downside of visiting during this time of year is precipitation and mosquitoes. It’s difficult to time when exactly the mosquitoes hatch each year but basically the same reasons that make it a great time to visit for you apply to them.
Grand Teton Lodging – Hotels & Lodges
Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most beautiful national park lodges in the world. The Jackson Lake Lodge & Jenny Lake Lodges are considered by many to be among the crown jewels of the entire system. The catch is the price – most of these lodges come with a hefty price tag which makes staying at one of these unattainable for most American families.
Prices at the Jackson Lake Lodge for example start at $356/night for their classic “two queen room” and run all the way up to nearly a thousand dollars for their “Moran Suite”.
If you think that’s steep, just ask for a “Deluxe Suite Cabin” at the Jenny Lake Lodge which sleeps 4. The price? A cool $1,770.00 dollars per night.
When Yellowstone (Grand Teton’s neighbor to the north) was created as the first national park it was done so with the phrase “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” The question today regarding the lodges is which “people” were the legislators referring to?
List of Lodges at Grand Teton National Park (with 2021 prices):
- Jenny Lake Lodge (rooms ranging from $576 – $1,770)
- Jackson Lake Lodge (rooms ranging from $356 – $880)
- Colter Bay Cabins (“tent cabins” starting at $79 – up to $276 for more deluxe options)
- Signal Mountain Lodge ($288 – $528)
- Headwaters Lodge & Cabins (“camper cabins ” starting at $81 – up to $341 for the “premium cabin”)
Best Lodging Options Near Grand Teton National Park
We’ve listed all of the best places to stay near Grand Teton National Park here.
About Our Travels to Grand Teton National Park
My brother Jim and I first visited Grand Teton National Park back in 2016 with a small film crew and were tasked with finding the most beautiful places in the park. What an undertaking! Grand Teton is truly one of those places that anywhere you look seems to be postcard worthy.
Since that trip I have returned almost yearly to bask in the pristine beauty that comprises Grand Teton National Park. I prefer Grand Teton to Yellowstone which is located just north of the park because of the overall scenery, wildlife, and crowds.
Earlier this year we (me & my brother/co-founder Jim – pictured above) ranked all of the national parks and Grand Teton made the #2 spot on the list!
Why Trust Us About the Best Things to Do in Grand Teton?
You should probably know that we didn’t just make this list up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
The Parks Brothers
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers).
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
Where is Grand Teton National Park?
Grand Teton National Park is located on the Western side of Wyoming in Jackson Hole. The park shares a border with the more popular Yellowstone National Park to the north, the less-visited Bridger-Teton National Forest to the east, and the even lesser-visited Caribou-Targhee National Forest to the west.
Grand Teton National Park – Directions & Location
There are many ways to get to Grand Teton. The deciding factors in getting to Grand Teton are cost and time.
Closest Airport: JAC – Jackson Hole, WY (distance 0 miles from the park)
The fastest way to get to Grand Teton National Park is by plane, flying into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). The airport is basically in the park and offers sweeping views of the Tetons from the grounds. If money is no issue and time is paramount this is the way to go. Major airlines such as Delta service this airport so finding a flight shouldn’t be a problem – the price, however is typically steep.
The cheapest way to get to Grand Teton is by simply driving to the park. This is a great, budget friendly option. Depending on your access to a car and the distance you’re willing to drive (see my national park road trips post), you may want to fly somewhere more affordable and rent a car from there.
My recommendation is to check both rental car prices and flight prices at other nearby airports like Salt Lake City (SLC) – 5 hours away and Twin Falls (TWF) – 4.5 hours away. The savings for finding an alternative airport to fly into and rent a car from can sometimes be in the thousands.
Looking for a more comprehensive list of nearby airport options? I’ve got you covered here!
Watch Our Award Winning Grand Teton National Park Video
GRAND TETON 8K is the culmination of nearly a month spent filming in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and the foothills of the Teton Mountain Range. Encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park has a stunning range of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.
Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic beauty. This is Grand Teton. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
To make this film happen we spent nearly a month in Grand Teton during June & July. Of all the films we’ve shot this one features the most wildlife. We captured bison, elk, moose, bears, foxes, beavers, and more.
RELATED: 14 Best National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip
Helpful Related Articles
Grand Teton Hikes: 18 Epic Grand Teton National Park Hikes (Photos + Guide)
Grand Teton Guide: Grand Teton National Park Ultimate Guide
Things to Do Grand Teton: 17 Epic Things to Do Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton Maps: The Best Maps for Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton Facts: 15 Amazing Facts About Grand Teton National Park
Oxbow Bend: Oxbow Bend: Tips on Visiting Grand Teton’s Best Viewpoint
Phelps Lake: Phelps Lake: Expert Visiting Tips
Schwabacher Landing: Visiting Schwabacher Landing – What You Should Know
Snake River Overlook: Visiting Snake River Overlook
Things to Do Yellowstone: 15 Best Things to Do Yellowstone National Park
The Lamar Valley: Lamar Valley: A Trip to Yellowstone’s Best Wildlife Viewing Spot
Where to Stay in Yellowstone: Where to Stay in Yellowstone – Best Hotels + Helpful Guide
Yellowstone Facts: 10 Amazing Yellowstone National Park Facts
Best Airports Near Yellowstone: The Best Airports Near Yellowstone National Park
The Wyoming National Parks: 10 Epic Wyoming National Parks: The Complete Guide (+ Photos)
Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone: Driving Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
A 7-day vehicle pass costs $35. Walk-in or bicycle entry is $20 per person, and motorcycles pay $30. The $80 America the Beautiful pass covers entry.
July and August offer the most access with all roads, trails, and facilities fully open. Mid-September is the real sweet spot when the aspens turn gold across the valley floor, moose activity picks up, and the summer crowds vanish almost overnight.
No timed entry, vehicle reservations, or parking tags required. You can show up whenever you want. Backcountry camping permits are available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. In-park lodging books up months in advance.
Plan for at least 2 days to drive the Teton Park Road, hit Schwabacher Landing at sunrise, take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle to Inspiration Point, and spot wildlife on Antelope Flats. Ideally spend 3 to 4 days for Cascade Canyon, a Snake River float, and sunrise at multiple viewpoints.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is located inside the park, the only commercial airport in the country situated within a national park. Drive time is 10 to 20 minutes to most park destinations. From Salt Lake City, it is roughly 280 miles and 4.5 hours via I-15 North to US-89.
If GTNP is your #2 park, which is #1? I can’t imagine a more beautiful place!
Thanks Cate!
I know, it’s hard to imagine!! Check the #1 national park here 😉
Cheers,
Will
I loved reading about your experience in Grand Teton. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!
So glad to hear it!
It’s such a beautiful place. Happy trails!
Best,
Will