Here are some quick facts about Grand Teton National Park.
- Established : 1929
- Land Size : 310,000 acres
- Annual Visitors : 3.4 million
- State : Wyoming
- Entrance Fees : $20 per person, $35 per vehicle
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Where is Grand Teton National Park?
Grand Teton National Park is located in Teton County, Wyoming, in the northwesternmost portion of the state.
It is just 5 miles from the city of Jackson, Wyoming; 160 miles from Bozeman, Montana; 280 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah; and 30 miles from nearby Yellowstone National Park.
What is Grand Teton National Park famous for?
Grand Teton National Park is famous for its stunning mountain views.
The park contains the majority of the Teton Range, including its tallest peak, the Grand Teton.
This range is known for being exceptionally rugged and its jagged, glaciated slopes are popular amongst hikers, climbers, skiers, and photographers, alike.
Visitors to Grand Teton can also enjoy the region’s fantastic wildlife sighting opportunities, its pristine alpine lakes, beautiful wildflower meadows, and rich cultural history. The park is the perfect place to get out and enjoy the mountains, so be sure to pack your hiking boots and trekking poles for your trip.
What is the best month to visit Grand Teton National Park?
The best month to visit Grand Teton National Park is in September, when the weather is comfortable, the mountains have their first dusting of snow, and the crowds are substantially smaller.
Plus, while it can get a little chilly at night (don’t forget your winter sleeping bag!) in the mountains during September, there are no mosquitoes or horse flies to contend with. You can also cast your eyes on the spectacular fall foliage of the Teton Range, and, if you’re lucky, you might even get to see the fall elk rut, which is truly a wonderful display of wildlife in action.
What to do in Grand Teton National Park?
How many days do I need in Grand Teton National Park?
If you’re tight on time during your travels, you want to be sure that you make the most of your trip to Grand Teton National Park. In general, 3 days is perfect for a short trip to the park and a week is an excellent choice for a longer visit. Here’s why.
Three days (short trip)
A 3 day trip to Grand Teton is just enough time to see the main sights and attractions. Plan to camp in or near the park to make the most of your time.
Once you’re in the park, you can head out on a day hike around Jenny Lake and or head to Taggart Lake to see the Grand Teton.
You can also take a scenic drive along Teton Park Road or the summit of Signal Mountain to take in the views.
Seven days (long trip)
If you have a week to visit the park, you’ll be well poised to see a good portion of what it has to offer.
A good way to spend your week is to allocate the first few days for day hikes to scenic destinations like Forks of Cascade Canyon or Lake Solitude and for a drive around the park.
Then, for the second half of your trip, it’s worth getting a backpacking permit for a journey into the Grand Teton backcountry to see some of the most remote areas of the park.
Just don’t forget your summer sleeping bag for your adventures!
How to get to Grand Teton National Park?
Grand Teton National Park might be located in one of the most mountainous portions of Wyoming, but it’s fairly easy to get to by air and road.
Here are some of your best options.
Flights
- Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). Technically located within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park, the Jackson Hole Airport is the closest airport for anyone looking to visit the region. It happens to be the busiest airport in Wyoming and it services flights on Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, and United to various major cities around the country.
- Yellowstone Airport (WYS). Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is a very small airport located 2 hours north of the park in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. It only operates during the summer months, offering quick flights on Delta to Salt Lake City.
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). Bozeman’s airport is located about 3.5 hours to the north of Grand Teton in the state of Montana. It is the busiest airport in the state of Montana, offering flights on Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United to major destinations around the US.
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Situated about 5 hours south of Grand Teton, Salt Lake City is one of the largest airports in the Rocky Mountain region. The airport is a hub for Delta and it offers flights to the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe on all major US-based carriers, plus Aeroméxico and KLM.
Drive
- US Highway 191. This highway is the main thoroughfare into the park from the north and the south. The city of Jackson is just a short, 5-minute drive south from Grand Teton National Park along US Highway 191. You can also take 191 directly from Yellowstone National Park, which is just 1.5 hours to the north, or from Bozeman, Montana, which is 3.5 hours to the north.
- I-15, US Hwy 30, Idaho Hwy 34 & US Hwy 89. Salt Lake City is about a 5-hour drive to the south of Grand Teton along with an assortment of different federal and state highways that lead through the city of Jackson before entering the park.
Important Note : If you are staying to the west of the park in Victor, Idaho, or are approaching from points to the northwest, be mindful that nearly all the routes entering from this area crest Teton Pass before descending into Jackson.
Teton Pass is a steep, scenic, and windy road that is often closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. Therefore, plan your travels wisely and check the road’s status on the WYDOT website before leaving home.
Public transport
Public transportation into Jackson, Wyoming is surprisingly easy to come by, given the region’s relative remoteness. Keep in mind that you’ll likely have to arrange a taxi from Jackson to your campground or trailhead in the park.
Here are your shuttle options.
- Mountain States Express. The Mountain States Express bus line offers service from Salt Lake City to Jackson on a regular basis. You need to book this shuttle in advance, so be sure to call or book online to ensure you have a set on the bus during the busy summer months.
- Salt Lake Express. The Salt Lake Express offers regular shuttle service from Salt Lake City to Jackson. However, you can also link up their shuttle routes and travel to Jackson from the cities of Boise, Idaho Falls, Helena, Saint George, or even Las Vegas if you’re up for a long road trip.
What to see in Grand Teton National Park?
Grand Teton National Park offers plenty to see and do. Here are some of the top sights to check out during your visit.
Jenny Lake
The iconic Jenny Lake is a must-visit for anyone venturing to Grand Teton National Park. Jenny Lake is located in the heart of the park and offers some of the best views of the Teton Range.
From the Jenny Lake Trailhead, you can also check out some of the park’s best hikes, including Lake Solitude, Forks of Cascade Canyon, and, of course, the Jenny Lake Loop.
Grand Teton
The park’s namesake peak, the Grand Teton is the tallest mountain in the Teton Range. It’s a rugged, jagged peak that’s known for its beauty so it’s worth getting a good look at the mountain during your visit.
There are plenty of great trails that offer excellent views of the mountain, including the Garnet Canyon Trail, the Taggart Lake Trail, and the Jenny Lake Loop.
Colter Bay Village
Colter Bay Village is a small developed area located on the eastern shores of Jackson Lake. It is home to many of the park’s amenities, including the Colter Bay Campground, a visitor’s center, a general store, and a marina where you can rent kayaks for the day.
Antelope Flats Road & Mormon Row
The scenic drive along Antelope Flats Road provides access to one of the most photographed areas of Grand Teton National Park: Mormon Row. This area is an old dirt road that’s home to the Moulton Barn, which is the stunning log barn you often see in photographs with the Grand Teton rising up dramatically in the background.
As you take your pictures, be mindful that there are often bison and other wildlife on the road, so be sure to keep your distance.
Hidden Falls
One of the tallest waterfalls in the park, Hidden Falls is located on the western side of Jenny Lake and it makes for a quick adventure if you have a free afternoon.
The best way to access the falls is to take the shuttle boat across the lake, which brings your total walk down to just around 1-mile round trip.
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional mountain guide with a master’s degree in outdoor education. She works primarily in the polar regions as an expedition guide, though she can be found hiking, climbing, skiing, sailing, or paddling in some of the world’s most amazing places when not at work.
