- Region
- Wyoming, USA
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit, reservation, and a…
- Managed by
- National Park Service
Plan with verified data
Grand Teton National Park trip tools
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Photos of Grand Teton National Park
How to get there
Jackson, in the Jackson Hole valley, is the town gateway near the park’s southern end. From the Yellowstone side, the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects the two parks. Grand Teton National Park lies 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park.
- Jackson
The largest town in Jackson Hole sits close to the southern end of Grand Teton National Park and serves as a gateway for a visit.
- John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
The connecting corridor between Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, useful for planning a visit that includes both.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Wyoming, USA · Season: Best: Jul – early Oct
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
The country
The Tetons rise straight out of Jackson Hole with no foothills — 7,000 ft of relief across a few horizontal miles. Alpine cirques, granite spires, and hanging glaciers sit above meadow-floored canyons and glacial lakes.
Why enthusiasts come
The Teton Crest Trail is one of the finest 3–5 day traverses on the continent, with permits controlled by camping zones. Climbers work the Grand and its neighbors from Garnet Canyon.
Planner-relevant notes
Zone permits reserve broadly, not a specific site — plan mileage for daylight, not a specific tarn. Afternoon convective storms are almost daily; be off exposed shelf traverses by noon.
Top experiences
The Teton Crest Trail (35–40 miles, 3–5 days) is the classic traverse. Cascade-Paintbrush loop is the standard 2-nighter. Table Mountain gives you a Grand Teton headwall view for a day hike. Climbers work Garnet Canyon for the Grand and Middle Teton.
Planning essentials
Zone-based backcountry permits (not site-specific) open in Jan on recreation.gov. Aerial tram from Teton Village to Rendezvous Peak is a legitimate crest-trail shortcut. Afternoon convective storms build daily — off shelves by noon.
Field notes
- Static Peak Divide can hold snow through July — carry microspikes if traversing early.
- Moose along Cascade Creek — give aggressive space, especially cows with calves.
- Aerial tram at Rendezvous is a legitimate shortcut onto the crest.
- Death Canyon Shelf water can dry in Aug; refill in Alaska Basin.
- Moose sightings along Cascade Creek — give aggressive space especially cows with calves.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 43.7400, -110.8000
- Latitude (DMS)
- 43° 44′ 24.0″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 110° 47′ 60.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Grand Teton National Park, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Vertical granite over sagebrush flats — the fastest-rising range in the Rockies, right off the road.
Key takeaways
- Region: Wyoming, USA
- Best season: Best: Jul – early Oct
- Coordinates: 43.740, -110.800
Climate suitability
Best: Jul – early Oct
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Grand Teton National Park
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Grand Teton National Park
The Teton Range and Jackson Hole
Grand Teton National Park protects approximately 310,000 acres in northwestern Wyoming, including the major peaks of the Teton Range and much of northern Jackson Hole. The defining feature is the height difference between valley and mountains: Grand Teton reaches 13,775 feet and rises more than 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole. That contrast matters when choosing an outing. A valley-based visit and a mountain objective require different preparation, equipment, and expectations. Lakes, streams, and the upper Snake River give the park a strong water-based character alongside its peaks. Jackson Lake stretches 15 miles, while small glaciers persist near the range’s highest summits. Some park rocks are nearly 2.7 billion years old, adding a much longer geological perspective to the sharp mountain skyline.
Choosing an Outdoor Trip
Hiking, mountaineering, fishing, and camping are established ways to explore the park. More than 200 miles of hiking trails provide access to the backcountry, but the scale of that network is a reason to choose a specific objective rather than arrive with only a general hiking plan. Match the terrain to the group’s experience, and prepare for changing mountain weather and the demands of elevation. The park has more than 1,000 drive-in campsites, along with privately operated lodging, gas stations, and marinas. National Park Service visitor centers are useful places to confirm access and discuss suitable outings. Confirm permit requirements with the managing agency before committing to plans. Anglers have a particular reason to visit: the park’s waters support Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout.
Wildlife, Conservation, and Human History
Grand Teton belongs to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a protected landscape encompassing the park, Yellowstone, the connecting parkway, and surrounding national forests. Its variety of habitats supports more than 1,000 species of vascular plants, dozens of mammal species, and roughly 300 bird species. Give wildlife space, keep food secure, and avoid treating an animal encounter as a reason to approach. Conservation work includes enhanced protection for native fish and whitebark pine. Human history here extends back at least 11,000 years; eastern Shoshone people were present when European colonizers arrived in the early nineteenth century. The park was established in 1929 around the major peaks. Much of the protected Jackson Hole land joined it in 1950, making the valley an essential part of the park rather than simply a foreground to the mountains.
Route options
- Teton Range hiking
Make hiking the focus of a mountain visit, selecting a specific itinerary with the National Park Service before setting out. The park’s trail network provides backcountry access; individual trail distances and conditions need confirmation.
- Grand Teton mountaineering
Grand Teton is the park’s highest peak and a mountaineering objective, not a substitute for a general hiking plan. Choose an ascent itinerary and equipment appropriate to the group’s climbing experience, and confirm conditions before committing.
- Snake River fishing outing
Consider a fishing-focused outing on the upper Snake River, which runs through the park. Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout are a distinctive local species. Confirm suitable fishing access and current requirements with the managing agency.
Sample itineraries
- Jackson Hole and Jackson Lake · 1 day
Start from Jackson, near the park’s southern end. Visit a National Park Service visitor center, then focus on Jackson Hole and Jackson Lake. Choose a short hike suited to current conditions rather than trying to combine valley sightseeing with a high-mountain objective.
- Valley and Mountain Hiking · 2 days
Spend the first day exploring the valley and lakes. Reserve the second for a longer hike on the park’s extensive trail network, choosing terrain appropriate to experience and conditions. Use established lodging or confirm camping arrangements before arrival.
- Grand Teton to Yellowstone · 3 days
Allow two days for Grand Teton’s lakes, hiking, and visitor centers. On the third, continue toward Yellowstone via the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Keep mountaineering separate from this sightseeing plan; the Teton Range’s elevation and relief require different preparation.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; conditions vary with elevation
Treat valley outings and high-mountain travel as different undertakings. Check snow and trail conditions before choosing a hike, and keep a lower-elevation alternative available.
Summer
Summer; check mountain conditions
Plan hiking and lake outings around the day’s weather. Do not assume high terrain is snow-free: small glaciers persist near the highest peaks. Carry layers even when starting in the valley.
Fall
Fall; reassess conditions before departure
Prepare for cold weather and changing mountain conditions. Match hiking ambitions to available daylight, and verify camping and lodging arrangements rather than assuming availability.
Winter
Winter; confirm access before travel
Plan conservatively for cold and snow in this Wyoming mountain setting. Confirm current access with the National Park Service rather than relying on a warm-season itinerary.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; conditions vary with elevation | Treat valley outings and high-mountain travel as different undertakings. Check snow and trail conditions before choosing a hike, and keep a lower-elevation alternative available. |
| Summer | Summer; check mountain conditions | Plan hiking and lake outings around the day’s weather. Do not assume high terrain is snow-free: small glaciers persist near the highest peaks. Carry layers even when starting in the valley. |
| Fall | Fall; reassess conditions before departure | Prepare for cold weather and changing mountain conditions. Match hiking ambitions to available daylight, and verify camping and lodging arrangements rather than assuming availability. |
| Winter | Winter; confirm access before travel | Plan conservatively for cold and snow in this Wyoming mountain setting. Confirm current access with the National Park Service rather than relying on a warm-season itinerary. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, reservation, and activity requirements with the National Park Service before camping, fishing, or undertaking a backcountry trip.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- High elevation and substantial mountain relief: Grand Teton reaches 13,775 feet and rises more than 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole. Match objectives to fitness and mountain experience.
- Glaciated high terrain: small glaciers persist near the highest peaks. Do not treat glacier travel as an ordinary hike.
- Mountain weather and cold exposure: carry protective layers and change plans when conditions exceed the group’s preparation.
- Lake and river travel require water-safety preparation. Use appropriate flotation when boating on Jackson Lake or the Snake River.
- Wildlife encounters: observe animals from a distance, avoid feeding them, and secure food according to current park guidance.
What to pack for Grand Teton National Park
- Map and navigation tools
- Water and food
- Sturdy footwear
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Insulating layers
- Waterproof outer layer
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun protection
- Properly fitted flotation for boating
- Fishing equipment suited to trout
- Camping shelter and temperature-appropriate sleep system
- Technical equipment and training for mountaineering or glacier travel
Grand Teton National Park FAQ
- Where is Grand Teton National Park?
- The park is in northwestern Wyoming. It protects the major peaks of the Teton Range and much of northern Jackson Hole. Jackson lies near the park’s southern end and serves as a gateway town.
- How does Grand Teton connect to Yellowstone?
- Grand Teton is 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park. The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects them.
- Does a visit require mountaineering experience?
- No. Hiking, fishing, lake recreation, and visitor centers offer alternatives to climbing. The park has more than 200 miles of hiking trails, but routes should be selected for the group’s ability and current conditions.
- What overnight options are available?
- The park has more than 1,000 drive-in campsites, access to backcountry camping, and privately operated motels and lodges. Confirm current requirements and availability before building an overnight itinerary.
- What makes the park notable for fishing?
- The park’s lakes, streams, and upper Snake River support trout fishing. It is one of the places where Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout can be caught. Confirm current fishing requirements before heading out.
- What is distinctive about the landscape?
- The Teton Range rises sharply above Jackson Hole. Jackson Lake stretches 15 miles, small glaciers remain near the highest peaks, and some park rocks date to nearly 2.7 billion years ago.