Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Grand Teton National Park, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Wyoming, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Rocky Mountain alpine + sagebrush valley
- Best season
- June – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Canoeing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Rocky Mountain alpine + sagebrush valley
- Best season: June – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: hiking
Topic summary
The Teton Range rising 7,000 feet straight from the valley floor — alpine lakes, moose meadows, and classic mountaineering.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: June – September
Intended uses
- hiking
- camping
- backpacking
Climate suitability
Rocky Mountain alpine + sagebrush valley
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Bear Country Food StorageBear country: canister, Ursack or hang, and the local rules.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
Plan with verified data
Grand Teton National Park trip tools
How to get there
Grand Teton National Park is in northwestern Wyoming. Jackson is near the park's south end and serves as a gateway. From Yellowstone, the regional connection is the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway; Grand Teton lies 10 miles south of Yellowstone.
- Moose Entrance Station
A park entrance where private-vehicle entrance passes can be purchased. Payment is by credit or debit card only.
- Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
A visitor-center stop with a permit desk where entrance passes are available.
- Colter Bay Visitor Center
A National Park Service visitor center with a permit desk that sells entrance passes.
Sources: nps.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Grand Teton National Park
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
Animals around Grand Teton National Park
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Grand Teton National ParkAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Grand Teton National Park
Planning to fish Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Wyoming are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Grand Teton National Park?
- A Wyoming fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Wyoming fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
- Grand Teton National Park may add its own fishing rules on top of Wyoming law — check the managing agency too.
Hunting near Grand Teton National Park
Thinking about hunting Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Wyoming are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Grand Teton National Park?
- Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Grand Teton National Park land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.
What do I need to hunt in Wyoming?
- A Wyoming hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
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 contrast between mountain and valley defines the place: Grand Teton reaches 13,775 feet, rising more than 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole. Lakes, streams and the upper Snake River broaden the landscape beyond the peaks, while small glaciers persist at high elevations. Jackson Lake alone stretches 15 miles. Some park rocks date back nearly 2.7 billion years. For trip planning, treat valley recreation and high-mountain travel as different undertakings rather than interchangeable outings. The park supports hiking, mountaineering and fishing, so choose an objective that fits the group's experience and equipment rather than building a day around the highest summit.
Trails, Water and Wildlife
More than 200 miles of hiking trails provide access to Grand Teton's backcountry, and the park has more than 1,000 drive-in campsites. Lodges, motels, gas stations and marinas offer other ways to organize a stay. Hiking and mountaineering are major activities, but the lakes and upper Snake River also make water a central part of the park. Anglers can find Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout here. Confirm current fishing requirements and backcountry arrangements with the National Park Service before committing to an outing. The park belongs to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and supports dozens of mammal species and roughly 300 bird species. Give wildlife space and keep food secured. With terrain ranging from valley watercourses to glaciated peaks, match clothing, supplies and ambitions to the specific outing.
Entry and Regional Trip Planning
Jackson, near the park's south end, is a useful gateway for a Grand Teton visit. Yellowstone lies 10 miles north of Grand Teton National Park, connected by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Allow each park its own planning rather than treating the connection as a substitute for choosing activities. Grand Teton is cashless, and a standard private, non-commercial vehicle entrance pass costs $35 for seven days. Non-US residents aged 16 and older must pay an additional $100 per person unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. Bring photo identification when entering with a pass. Passes are available at park entrances and permit desks at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and Colter Bay Visitor Center. Confirm activity-specific requirements separately with the National Park Service.
Route options
- John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
Use this road connection for travel between Grand Teton and Yellowstone. It suits a trip combining the two parks, with activities in each planned separately.
- Upper Snake River fishing outing
Plan a fishing-focused outing around the upper Snake River within the park, which is known for Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout. Confirm suitable access and current fishing requirements with the National Park Service before choosing a specific itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- Jackson Hole and Jackson Lake · 2 days
Start with park orientation at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and time in Jackson Hole beneath the Teton Range. Devote the second day to Jackson Lake and the Colter Bay Visitor Center. Choose hikes after checking current conditions and matching terrain to the group's ability.
- Teton Hiking and Snake River Exploration · 3 days
Spend the first day getting oriented and selecting suitable hikes. Reserve the second for hiking beneath the Teton Range, with distance determined by conditions and fitness. Use the third to explore the Snake River area or pursue trout fishing after confirming current rules with park staff.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Elevation-dependent transition
Do not assume valley conditions reflect those high in the Teton Range. Check snow and trail conditions before choosing hikes, and keep a lower-elevation alternative available.
Summer
Check conditions for the intended elevation
Plan hiking and lake outings around current mountain weather. High peaks and persistent glaciers make preparation important even when Jackson Hole feels mild. Carry layers and choose objectives within the group's ability.
Fall
Weather-dependent mountain travel
Build flexibility into hiking plans and prepare for cold conditions. Check the forecast and trail status rather than assuming summer conditions continue at higher elevations.
Winter
Confirm current access before travel
Prepare for cold-weather travel and verify access with the park. Do not treat a summer hiking plan as a winter itinerary; match equipment and objectives to current snow conditions and experience.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Elevation-dependent transition | Do not assume valley conditions reflect those high in the Teton Range. Check snow and trail conditions before choosing hikes, and keep a lower-elevation alternative available. |
| Summer | Check conditions for the intended elevation | Plan hiking and lake outings around current mountain weather. High peaks and persistent glaciers make preparation important even when Jackson Hole feels mild. Carry layers and choose objectives within the group's ability. |
| Fall | Weather-dependent mountain travel | Build flexibility into hiking plans and prepare for cold conditions. Check the forecast and trail status rather than assuming summer conditions continue at higher elevations. |
| Winter | Confirm current access before travel | Prepare for cold-weather travel and verify access with the park. Do not treat a summer hiking plan as a winter itinerary; match equipment and objectives to current snow conditions and experience. |
Permits, fees & closures
An entrance pass is required. Confirm activity-specific permit requirements with Grand Teton National Park before planning backcountry camping, fishing, or other specialized activities.
Fees: Seven-day entrance: private vehicle $35; motorcycle $30; individual entering without a vehicle, age 16 or older, $20. Non-US residents age 16 or older pay an additional $100 per person unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. Park annual pass: $70. Cash is not accepted.
Official source: Fees & Passes - Grand Teton National Park (U.S. National Park Service) · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- High elevation: Grand Teton reaches 13,775 feet, more than 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole. Allow time to adjust and scale back objectives if feeling unwell.
- Glaciated mountain terrain: small glaciers persist near the highest peaks. Ordinary hiking equipment and experience are not enough for glacier travel.
- Mountain weather: conditions at the Teton Range's high elevations may differ substantially from the valley. Carry protective layers and be willing to turn back.
- Water safety: Jackson Lake, streams, and the Snake River require caution. Avoid entering unfamiliar water and use appropriate flotation for boating.
What to pack for Grand Teton National Park
- Navigation tools and a current park map
- Supportive footwear
- Drinking water and snacks
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Insulating layers
- Waterproof outer layer
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun protection
- Properly fitted flotation device for boating
- Fishing equipment suited to trout
- Specialized equipment and training for mountaineering objectives
Wildlife you may see
- Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout
- The park supports dozens of mammal species and about 300 bird species. Observe animals without approaching or feeding them.
- Native fish receive conservation attention. Confirm current fishing rules before casting.
Grand Teton National Park FAQ
- Where is Grand Teton National Park?
- The park is in northwestern Wyoming, covering major peaks of the Teton Range and much of northern Jackson Hole. Jackson lies near its southern end and serves as a gateway town.
- Where can entrance passes be purchased?
- Passes are available at park entrances and permit desks at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and Colter Bay Visitor Center. Bring photo identification when entering with a pass and a cashless payment method.
- What hiking opportunities are available?
- The park has more than 200 miles of hiking trails and access to backcountry camping. Select a route with park staff using current conditions, fitness, and experience rather than treating all Teton terrain as suitable for casual hiking.
- Can a visit include Yellowstone?
- Yellowstone National Park is 10 miles north of Grand Teton National Park, connected by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Check current travel conditions before combining the parks.
- What camping and lodging options exist?
- The park has more than 1,000 drive-in campsites, backcountry camping opportunities, and privately operated motels and lodges. Confirm availability, booking procedures, and any activity-specific requirements before committing to an overnight plan.
- What makes the landscape distinctive?
- Grand Teton rises sharply above Jackson Hole, with lakes, the upper Snake River, and small glaciers below the range's highest peaks. Some park rocks are nearly 2.7 billion years old.