Hiking Grand Tetons National Park

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is a paradise for nature outdoor enthusiasts. With its rugged mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, the park offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States.

Often ranked the most beautiful or fan-favorite national park in America, if you’re short on time or would prefer a more relaxing vacation, you could realistically get a lot of the iconic scenery by car without much effort, but if you’re keen on fully immersing yourself in the experience and exploring the backcountry, hiking Grand Tetons National Park isn’t for the faint of heart.

Here’s everything you need to know about the best hikes, how to combine your visit with a trip to Yellowstone and beyond, lodging options, where to fuel up, and essential travel tips for exploring the Mountain West region.

Grand Tetons National Park Hikes – Top Trails for Serious Outdoor Enthusiasts

Jenny Lake Trail

• Distance: 7.1 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: The full Jenny Lake Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning views of the Teton Range, waterfalls, and pristine lakes, hike around the lake or take a boat shuttle across to shorten the trek and explore the beautiful Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Just be sure to get there as early as possible the parking lot fills up quick and there will be a line for the shuttle.

Need to Know: Jenny Lake Boating—In season, boat shuttle service runs every 10-15 minutes continuously throughout the day. Reservations are not taken with $20 roundtrip or $12 one-way tickets. They also offer guided scenic cruises as another way to see the sights.

Cascade Canyon Trail

• Distance: 9.1 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Highlights: Another hike that starts from Jenny Lake, venture into the stunning Cascade Canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear streams. Keep an eye out for moose and black bears that frequent this area.

 Teton Crest Trail

• Distance: 39 miles (one-way)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: For experienced hikers, the Teton Crest Trail is a multi-day adventure that traverses the park’s most dramatic terrain. Expect jaw-dropping scenery, from high mountain passes and wildflower meadows to glacial lakes and breathtaking views of the Teton Range.

Lake Solitude Trail

• Distance: 15 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: A longer day hike or an overnight option, the Lake Solitude Trail takes you deep into the backcountry, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning alpine views. This trail starts at the Cascade Canyon trailhead and winds up to a beautiful, secluded lake.

Easiest Hikes in Grand Teton National Park with the Biggest Payoffs

Hiking in Grand Teton National Park is accessible to all abilities. Here are some of the best trails with big rewards that are perfect for a quick nature jaunt or family outing.

Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

• Distance: 2 miles (round trip) from the boat dock
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: The abbreviated version of the full Jenny Lake hike, this route offers a two-for-one of Grand Tetons National Park highlights with minimal effort. If you only have time to do one hike in the park, this is it. Start by taking the Jenny Lake Water Shuttle across Jenny Lake, which cuts off 2.5 miles of hiking each way. From the boat dock, it’s a short but scenic (and mostly shaded) 1-mile hike to Hidden Falls, a cascading 100-foot waterfall. Continue another half-mile uphill to Inspiration Point for breathtaking views over Jenny Lake and the surrounding mountains.

String Lake Loop

• Distance: 3.8 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: This gentle loop trail around String Lake offers incredible views of the Teton Range and Mount Moran, along with opportunities for swimming or a relaxing lakeside picnic. The flat, well-maintained path is perfect for families or anyone looking for a scenic, low-impact hike.

Schwabacher Landing Trail

• Distance: 1.8 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: A short, flat trail that follows the Snake River, Schwabacher Landing is known for its reflective views of the Tetons in the water, especially during sunrise and sunset. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and wildlife watchers in Grand Teton.

Leigh Lake Trail

• Distance: 2 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: This easy, flat trail leads to the pristine Leigh Lake, with stunning views of Mount Moran and the Tetons. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy a picnic, or go for a swim.

Taggart Lake Loop

• Distance: 3.9 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: A great choice for families or those seeking a shorter hike, the Taggart Lake Loop offers magnificent views of the Tetons, lush forests, and a serene lake.

Getting There: Combining a Grand Tetons Visit with Yellowstone National Park

Grand Teton National Park is conveniently located just south of Yellowstone National Park, making it an ideal addition to any Yellowstone itinerary. Here’s how to get there and make the most of both parks:

• By Air: The closest airport to the Grand Tetons is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located just five miles from the park’s entrance. Major airlines offer flights to Jackson Hole, making it an easy starting point for your adventure, albeit it can be pricy as it is a regional, not international, hub. The closest large airport is Salt Lake City (SLC), which is 306 miles/5 hours south of the park, or you can start north in Bozeman (BOZ), which is 165 miles/4 hours) and do Yellowstone first, which is what we did.

• By Road: If you’re already visiting Yellowstone, take U.S. Highway 89/191 south from Yellowstone’s South Entrance. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Yellowstone to the northern entrance of Grand Teton, offering scenic views along the way.

• Rental Car: Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore both parks. You can easily pick up a car at whatever airport you fly into to enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace. While it is “mountain driving,” SUVs are not super necessary as the roads are fairly flat and well-marked.

Grand Tetons National Park Lodging

Where to Stay Inside the Park:

Staying inside the park offers the advantage of easy access to trails and stunning views so you can get going quicker albeit these tend to book up quickly and can be a bit pricy for what they are.

Popular options include:

• Jackson Lake Lodge: Located in the heart of the park, offering comfortable rooms, cabins, and spectacular views of Mount Moran.
• Signal Mountain Lodge: Cozy cabins and campsites on the shores of Jackson Lake are perfect for those seeking a more rustic experience.
• Jenny Lake Lodge: A luxury option with upscale cabins, fine dining, and proximity to popular trailheads.

Where to Stay Outside the Park:

The nearby town of Jackson offers a range of accommodations, mostly on the higher end. There are also some hotels right across the border in Idaho.

• Heart Six Ranch – Cabins and Conestoga wagons, the sunrise photos are absolutely stunning at this family ranch which also boasts bookable day trips like horseback riding, fly fishing, and float trips in summer and dogsledding and snowmobiling in winter.
• Rustic Inn Creekside Resort: A charming resort with cozy cabins and suites located near Jackson’s town square.
• Hotel Jackson: A luxury boutique hotel with modern amenities, perfect for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.

Campgrounds: Several campgrounds are available both inside and outside the park, such as Gros Ventre Campground and Colter Bay Campground, offering a more budget-friendly and nature-immersive experience.

Where to Eat in Grand Teton National Park

Inside the Park:

• The Mural Room: Located at Jackson Lake Lodge, this upscale restaurant offers panoramic views of the Teton Range and a menu featuring locally sourced meats and sustainable seafood.
• Signal Mountain Lodge: Casual, centrally located dining with a focus on local ingredients. Enjoy a bison burger or fresh trout tacos with an insane view of the lake.
• Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room: For a more refined meal, the lodge offers a seasonal menu with gourmet dishes.

Outside the Park in Jackson:

• Cowboy Coffee: Voted Best Coffee Shop in Wyoming by Business Insider, get caffeinated and fuel up for the day.
• Nora’s Fish Creek Inn: You’d never know this approachable home cooked spot was a James Beard award winner and featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
• Million Dollar Cowboy Bar – Saddle up in one of the iconic sandle stools and whet your whistle at this true Western spot which has been an iconic honky-tonk for nearly a century.

Travel Tips for Visiting Grand Teton National Park

Time Your Trip Right:

To avoid the summer crowds and enjoy cooler weather, consider visiting during shoulder seasons in late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October), when the weather is ideal for hiking. Due to snowy and icy conditions, many parts of the park are inaccessible November through May.

Be Wary of Wildlife:

Don’t be the person who selfies with a buffalo. You’re in their home; view them from a safe distance. Stay Bear aware – Grand Teton is home to both black and grizzly bears, and if you’re so inclined, bear spray is available at most shops. If you do encounter one, make noise while hiking, and be familiar with bear safety protocols.

Pack Layers:

Dress in layers, as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and much cooler at night. Be prepared for sudden temperature changes by packing layers, including a waterproof puffy jacket, thermal, hat, and gloves. You’ll often start in three shirts in the morning and end in a tank top.

Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks:

Whether you’re embarking on a short hike or a multi-day trek, staying hydrated is essential. Carry a reusable water bottle and bring snacks or a packed lunch for longer hikes, as restaurants are few and far between.

Start Early:

Start your hikes early in the morning to avoid crowds on trails, fights for parking, and increase your chances of spotting wildlife. Plus, the sunrise photos are incredible, as you can often get that coveted mountain reflection photo when the lake is calmer.

Get a National Parks Pass:

If you plan to visit both Grand Teton and Yellowstone or spend multiple days in either park, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass for $80. The annual pass covers entrance fees for all U.S. national parks for a year and is a great value for multi-park trips. It pays for itself in just three days, considering each vehicle entry is $35 a day.