20 Unique Things to Do at Grand Teton National Park
Looking for the best things to do at Grand Teton National Park? Grand Teton National Park is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States.
The Tetons are known for their jaw-dropping mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, and gorgeous alpine lakes. You will not be disappointed in choosing to spend some time exploring this National Park!
Grand Teton National Park is often overshadowed by the larger and more well-known national park approximately 25 miles to the north, Yellowstone National Park.
But let us tell you that it would be a mistake to visit just Yellowstone National Park without checking out the Grand Tetons as well.
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1. Drive The Grand Teton Scenic Loop
One of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park is to take the Teton Park Road and Jackson Hole Highway. You will drive a breathtaking 42-mile scenic loop and drive past some of the best stops in the park on this loop so have your camera ready!
Start at the Craig Thomas Visitor Center in Moose and head north on Highway 191 towards Jackson Lake. Once you get to the Moran Junction continue heading north on Highway 191 and then make a left on Teton Park Road. Teton Park Road will bring you back to Moose where you will complete the scenic loop!
Here are some stops along the scenic route that we suggest you stop at:
- Glacier View Turnout (great views of the Tetons)
- Teton Point Turnout (for a great view of the Tetons)
- Schwabacher Landing (A calm section of the Snake River that is known for moose sightings)
- Snake River Overlook (great views & photo opts!)
- Elk Ranch Flats (stop here to see Bison roaming in the field)
- Oxbow Bend Turnout (Mt. Moran reflections & a great place for sunset photos)
- Mount Moran (great views of the Tetons)
- Mountain View (great views of the Tetons)
- Cascade Canyon (great views of the Tetons)
- Teton Glacier (great views of the Tetons)
Insider Tip: Pack a lunch and some lawn chairs and stop at one of the many scenic pull-outs and have lunch with a view! Also, the longer you stay at a pull-out, the higher your chances are of spotting some wildlife. Fingers crossed you see some!
2. Go Hiking
One of the best things to do at Grand Teton National Park is to hike some of the awesome trails in the park. There are dozens of trails that range from super easy all the way to ice-picking your way up the side of a cliff.
If you only have time for one hike, one of the most famous hikes in the park is Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls in the Jenny Lake area. You won’t be disappointed if end up only hiking these trails!
Psst! If you’re looking for an all-encompassing website/app to help you decide which trail to hike, check out All Trails. It’s our favorite app for getting in-the-know information about the best hiking trails!
3. Check Out The Visitor Center
Another great thing to do in Teton National Park is to check out the visitor centers. The park has quite a few visitor centers and each has its own unique exhibits to check out.
The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose is worth it just to see the gorgeous architecture of this brand-new building.
We would also suggest visiting the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and noting how the center is housed in a historical cabin that belonged to the artist Henry Crandall.
Insider Tip: Another place to not miss while you’re visiting the Tetons is the National Museum of Wildlife Art. This museum is built on a dramatic cliff overlooking the National Elk Refuge and the architecture was inspired by the ruins of Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
4. Go on a Boat Tour
One of the most unique things to do at Grand Teton National Park is to go on a boat cruise. Besides having a ton of awesome hiking trails, the Tetons also are known for their picturesque lakes.
You can take a boat cruise at Jackson Lake or Jenny Lake and both are great for mountain views. If you’re looking for something a little fancy, the Jackson Lake cruise can be combined with a meal on-board.
There are two options for boating on Jenny Lake: you can take the shuttle across the lake to significantly reduce your hiking time to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point. Or you can take a scenic cruise around the lake and learn about the history & geology of the area.
Boat tours in Grand Teton National Park are a bucket list item in our books!
Good to Know: The Jenny Lake shuttle does not require reservations as the shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes throughout the day.
5. Look for Wildlife
The Tetons of brimming with all kinds of animals and you’d be hard-pressed to not see something while you’re there.
People come from all over the world to the Grand Teton National Park area to try and spot some wildlife. You can see grizzly bears, black bears, buffalo, wolves, coyotes, moose and so much more!
The best time to spot wildlife is early morning and late evening around dusk. We recommend checking out these areas as you are most likely to see something here at these spots: Blacktail Ponds Overlook, Moose-Wilson Road, Elk Ranch Flats, Willow Flats and Oxbow Bend Turnout.
Good to Know: Taking a wildlife tour of Grand Teton National Park will 100% up your chances of spotting wildlife! The tour guides know where to take you and when, and it’s pretty much guaranteed you will see something.
Another sneaky tip is to stop whenever you see one of these tours around the park and watch where they’re looking and you might just see something on your own.
6. Step Back in Time at Mormon Row
In the 1890s Mormons from Salt Lake Valley were sent to the Teton area in order to establish new communities and support their expanding population.
The Mormon homesteaders that settled in this area build their farms & homes close together in order to share the labor. This was a stark difference compared to other homesteads during this time as they were usually isolated from other settlers.
There were 27 homesteads built in the area during this time and despite the harsh conditions, they grew crops using irrigation.
To this day you can walk around the homesteads and see the historic homes, barns & structures that have been here since the late 1800s.
There are also some great photo ops in the area where you can photograph the historical barns with the Tetons in the background- it’s very #instaworthy if you ask us!
Getting there: Drive north from Jackson on Highway 191 past Moose Junction and turn right onto Antelope Flats Road. The remains of the homesteads are on either side of the road about a 1 ½ miles down.
7. Try Your Luck with Fly Fishing
The Teton & Yellowstone areas are literally a fly fishers paradise and are some of the most well-known places for fly fishing in the entire world. People come from all over the world to fish the pristine rivers with mountain backdrops.
You will need a fishing license and some kinds of tackle, hooks, and lures are restricted. You can get a license in Moose at Snake River Angler or in Jackson at High Country Flies.
Psst! A great way to find all the best spots to fish, what kind of lures to use, and what time of day is best to catch certain fish- is to go on a guided fly fishing tour.
A guided fly-fishing tour in the Grand Tetons is what dreams are made of for people who enjoy fishing!
8. Drive The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
This road is only 3 miles long but is one of the best ways to see the views of the Tetons with the lake without hiking it.
Make sure to stop at Cathedral Group turnout and the Jenny Lake Overlook to get some amazing photos.
The entrance to the scenic drive is about 10 miles north of Moose on the Teton Park road.
9. Drive The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
This road connects Yellowstone National Park to the north part of Grand Teton National Park. It’s also known as Highway 89 or 191 and is a 27-mile-long highway that has some gorgeous scenery along the way.
The Jackson Lake Overlook is one of the best stops along the highway and the Willow Flats Turnout is known for a place to spot herds of elk.
If you plan to visit both Yellowstone & Grand Teton on your trip, spend some time checking out the sights along this beautiful road.
10. Kayak Or Sup on The Beautiful Teton Lakes
One of the best things to do at Grand Teton National Park is to rent a kayak or SUP board and explore one of the beautiful mountain lakes. There are three Authorized Concessionaires where you can rent kayaks/SUP boards and boats to use in the park:
Good to Know: A boating permit is required to launch a boat, kayak, or SUP board on the lakes in Grand Teton National Park. Boat permits are available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and the Colter Bay Visitor Center.
During the summer months, you will find many people out at the lakes swimming, kayaking, or floating around on a SUP. It couldn’t really get any better than having a gorgeous mountain view while enjoying & kayaking Grand Teton National Park!
Insider Tip: The water is cold, so we suggest packing a long-sleeve rash guard to A.) help make the cold water a little more bearable and B.) shield you from the sun!
11. Drive to the Top of Signal Mountain Summit Road
The Signal Mountain Summit Road is a narrow, steep & windy road that takes you up switchbacks and brings you to the top of Signal Mountain, a peak with some pretty jaw-dropping views.
It’s a great spot to take photos as well as spot wildlife in the valley below. Make sure to bring binoculars or you won’t be able to see anything from that high up!
The road is 5 miles long and RVs & trailers aren’t allowed. The entrance to the road is on Teton Park Road just south of the Jackson Lake Dam. Allow some time for stopping at the pull-offs and relaxing in a hammock or having a picnic lunch.
12. Swim in the Crystal Clear Lakes
Since we were just talking about renting a kayak or paddleboard, why not include swimming on this list?
During the summer months, it’s an incredible experience to be able to swim in one of the gorgeous lakes while admiring the towering mountain peaks just above your head.
We visited the Tetons in August and it was the perfect month for taking a dip in the chilly lakes. They are definitely still cold, but not too cold to swim in if you’re feeling brave!
Insider Tip: Take some hammocks or lawn chairs and find a spot along the banks of Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, String Lake, or Leigh Lake. Don’t forget some inflatable rafts or fun-shaped innertubes for your excursion!
13. Explore The Menor’s Ferry District
If you’re into history and being transported back in time, you’ll definitely love the Menor’s Ferry District.
Similar to Mormon Row, the Menor’s Ferry District is a homestead built by Bill Menor in 1892. You can walk along a trail and take a self-guided tour of the historical buildings that were part of the homestead and learn about their historical significance.
Make sure to check out the ferry that Bill Menor built to shuttle people back and forth over the river. The ferry was designed to work by a cable pulley system and Menor charged 50c for a wagon and 25c for a rider and horse to use the ferry!
14. Check out The Chapel of Transfiguration
Make sure to check out the Chapel of Transfiguration, located right next to the Menor’s Ferry District. It is a small log cabin building built specifically to frame the peaks of the Tetons through the window behind the altar.
The chapel is actually still in operation today and you can attend Sunday worship services or mediation services.
Check out their website for service times and days. During the warm months, they also have a labyrinth set up so you can go on a meditative walk with a grand view of the Tetons.
15. Go on a White Water Rafting or Scenic Floating Adventure
Rafting in Grand Teton National Park is a must-add to any bucket list.
The Snake River runs right through Teton National Park and is a great adventure for adrenaline junkies. There are sections of the river that are great for people looking for a thrilling experience navigating white-water rapids.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, there are also sections of the river geared towards people looking for a scenic float.
Our Recommendation: Either way- we recommend checking out Mad River Boat Trips– they offer both white water rafting trips as well as scenic float trips and have an awesome reputation in the Jackson Hole area!
16. Ride Bikes on The Multi-Use Pathway
One of the most popular things to do at Grand Teton National Park is to ride bikes along the multi-use pathway that spans from Jackson all the way to Jenny Lake.
The entire pathway has incredible views of the Tetons – making it understandable why it’s so popular!
If you don’t want to or didn’t bring your own bikes, there are plenty of outfitters where you can rent some in the town of Jackson or Moose.
Don’t Forget! Your America the Beautiful pass when entering the park on bikes- an entrance fee is still required even if you’re not in a car. If you previously purchased a pass, make sure to bring it along.
17. Drive The Moose-Wilson Road
The Moose-Wilson Road is a partially paved, 8-mile scenic road that connects the town of Moose and Wilson together. The road is narrow, windy, and bumpy at times so be prepared before setting out to drive this road.
The road takes you through forests and marshes and is one of the best places to spot wildlife, especially moose.
The road is too narrow for RVs or trailers- so make sure you don’t drive down with one. We even hit our side mirror going down this road- that just shows how narrow it is!
18. Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in Grand Teton National Park is totally one of the top things to do in the Grand Tetons.
Wyoming is cowboy central, so you would totally be missing out if you didn’t spend some time checking out some of the dude ranches all around this area.
Many of the ranches also offer accommodation and can be a pretty luxurious experience complete with meals and daily activities.
You can book a whole trail riding day or half a day depending on how long you have to explore the area. If you’re looking to ride with a view of the Tetons, check out Heart 6 Ranch.
19. Go Camping at Grand Teton National Park
Camping at Grand Teton National Park is a highly sought-after activity and you are a very lucky person if you snag a spot inside the park.
There are 5 campgrounds for camping in Teton National Park and they work on a reservation system and a first-come-first-serve system.
Reservations are usually always booked and not available at every campground, but sometimes you can find a cancelation or a random one-day availability.
Psst! The best way to get a spot inside the park is to show up super early and try and snag a first-come-first-serve spot. To know what time to show up, check out the historical fill-times. But know that getting there at one of those times doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a spot. Good luck!
20. Spend the Day Exploring Jackson
Jackson Hole is the biggest town you’ll find around the Teton area. You’ll find grocery stores, car repair shops, restaurants, breweries, and lots of fun touristy shops.
The town is really cute and has lots to explore so we recommend taking a ½ day and walking around enjoying the town.
Our favorite place in Jackson Hole was Thai Me Up. It’s a cute little Thai restaurant (who doesn’t love Thai food!?) but the best part of the restaurant is they are home to Melvin Brewery- the only place you can get Melvin beers without going to their actual brewery an hour away.
Grand Teton National Park Basics
Where is Grand Teton National Park Located?
The Grand Tetons are located in Wyoming. The National Park is located in the northwestern part of Wyoming just south of Yellowstone National Park.
How to Get to Grand Teton National Park
How to get to Grand Teton National Park depends on what kind of transportation you are going to choose. Grand Teton National Park is located about 500 miles from Denver, 300 miles from Salt Lake City, and 350 miles from Missoula.
Driving is totally doable, but make sure to check road conditions if you plan to drive in the spring or fall. Driving to Grand Teton National Park is not advisable in the winter.
If you plan to fly and rent a car once you get to the park, Jackson Hole (the closest town to the park) has its own airport. However, due to the size of the airport, tickets can be expensive.
A lot of people will fly into Salt Lake City and then drive to the Tetons from there- this is our recommendation if you plan to fly!
Getting Around Grand Teton National Park
There are no public transportation or shuttle options in the Grand Tetons so your only option is to drive yourself. There are also some great tours based out of Jackson if you prefer not to drive.
Insider Hint: If you are keen on scouting out wildlife, check out Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris. They will drive you around the park and take you to all the best areas for wildlife spotting.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee to Grand Teton National Park costs $35 per vehicle, per week. If you plan to visit any other National Parks the same year or visit Yellowstone on your trip, we suggest getting an America the Beautiful annual pass.
Grand Teton National Park Weather
Weather in Grand Teton National Park can be unpredictable and has a mountain climate which usually equals cooler temperatures. Expect temperatures to range from 70-80 degrees during the day and in the 30-40s at night from June-August.
If you decide to visit in the fall be prepared for winter temperatures as the weather can range from the upper 60s during the day in September to the mid-50s in October and then down into the 30s in November.
Weather in Teton National Park in the spring can also be very unpredictable. By April the temperatures usually rise to the high 40s and by May the low 60s.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is either June, July, August, or September. These are the best months to visit if you are looking for ideal weather.
Although, because of the ideal weather, these are the busiest months of the year.
If you are looking for fewer crowds, we suggest going in the off-season. You can still have a very enjoyable time visiting the park in the off-season! Just make sure you are prepared with layers and warm clothes.
We hope this article about the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park helps you plan your trip. We would love to connect with you! You can learn more about us here or read more of our recent blog posts here. Also, follow us on Instagram (@UnearthTheVoyage) and Facebook to see what we are up to next!
