Grand Teton National Park
4.9(22K)google
4.9(241)yelp
LakeWildlife
Overview
Grand Teton National Park showcases some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the United States, dominated by the jagged, glacier-carved peaks of the Teton Range. Rising abruptly without foothills above Jackson Hole valley, the mountains overlook pristine alpine lakes, vibrant wildflower meadows, and abundant wildlife, including moose, elk, and grizzly bears, creating an absolute paradise for photographers and hikers.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration1-3 days
Best TimeMid-to-late September is widely considered the ultimate season when aspen trees turn brilliant gold and bull moose are active. Sunrise is the absolute best time for photography when the first rays paint the rugged peaks in shades of pink and orange.
Getting ThereFrom the town of Jackson, drive north on US-191/89/26 for approximately 12 miles to the Moose Entrance. Inside the park, the Inner Loop Road and Outer Highway run parallel and provide seamless navigation for road trips.
Travel Tips
- Entrance stations (Moose and Moran) experience severe traffic backups between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM in summer. Purchase an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass beforehand to utilize expedited lanes or pass through before 8:00 AM.
- The entire park is prime grizzly and black bear habitat. Law requires carrying bear spray in an immediately accessible holster (not inside a backpack). Hikers must maintain a strict minimum safety distance of 100 yards (91 meters) from bears.
- All park campgrounds (including Colter Bay and Jenny Lake) operate strictly on an advanced online reservation system via Recreation.gov. The historical first-come, first-served policy has been abolished; summer slots fill up 6 months out.
Reviews
Positive
- The jagged peaks rise directly from the valley floor without foothills, offering a visual grandness that arguably surpasses Yellowstone.
- The combination of alpine lakes and jagged mountains is flawless, with a trail system ranging from easy lakeside strolls to hardcore climbing.
- Wildlife is abundant; you can frequently spot massive moose and grizzly bears near the roads or brush during early mornings or evenings.
- The park's shuttle boats, visitor centers, and accessibility infrastructure at major scenic overlooks are highly developed and maintained.
Heads up
- After 9 AM in July and August, parking lots at prime spots like Jenny Lake get completely packed, requiring you to circle for a long time.
- In-park lodging and campsites are incredibly competitive—hard to secure even 6 months ahead—and the prices are staggeringly high.
- Commercial dining in the park is overpriced, with simple fast food costing a fortune and restaurant lines often exceeding an hour in peak season.
- Some core high-altitude trails remain buried under thick snow until July, and real-time updates on trail conditions can be lacking.