5 Amazing Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park
Most people who are visiting Yellowstone National Park will also make time to visit Grand Teton National Park. Be sure to check out my Guide to Yellowstone here! With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of 5 amazing adventures for you when you visit the park.
5 Amazing Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park has so much to offer, here are my top 5 things to do if you’re only visiting for a short time.
- Hike the Cascade Canyon Trail
Arguably the most popular hike in the park, Cascade Canyon offers stunning views during the 9 mile trek. The trailhead is 2 miles away from the Jenny Lake parking area. If you want to save your legs the extra mileage, you can hop on the Jenny Lake boat shuttle.
This trail is notorious for wildlife sightings. Be sure to have bear spray on you in addition to your hiking essentials. Most importantly, have your camera ready and enjoy the views!
2. Spend time at Mormon Row District
Visiting the Mormon Row District feels like stepping back in time. The homestead was established in the 1890’s by members of the Mormon community. Members of this community lived here until the mid 1900’s.
Today, it is one of the most popular visited spots for photographers.
Shan’s tip, visit Mormon Row at sunrise to catch the light and mountains at their finest.
3. Hike the Taggart Lake Loop
Taggart Lake is located in the south part of the park. Be sure to get to the trailhead as early in the morning as you can to guarantee parking. The parking area near Taggart is not as big as Jenny Lake, so the earlier you get there the better.
The loop trail is just under 3.5 miles and can be hiked within a couple of hours. Be sure to come prepared with plenty of water and snacks as there are no stops nearby to replenish.
4. Visit Snake River Overlook
The Snake River Overlook became famous after Ansel Adams took his iconic photo. While the photo cannot be recreated due to Mother Nature living her best life, it’s still an incredible place to see the Grand Teton range. This is another fantastic spot to photograph during sunrise or sunset!
5. Have dinner at Jenny Lake Lodge
Dust off your hiking boots and get dolled up for a lovely meal at Jenny Lake Lodge. The restaurant offers meals throughout the day, including a five course dinner menu. Lunch reservations are strongly encouraged and dinner reservations are required.
Grand Teton FAQs
Here’s a quick breakdown of some helpful tips for your trip to Grand Teton 🙂
How close is Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park?
The parks are essentially neighbors within Wyoming. If you start your trip in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you can drive directly north on highway 191 and make your way to Yellowstone. The drive itself is around 140 miles and will take about two and half hours, assuming there is no traffic or wildlife to slow things down.
Shan’s tip, if you are planning on flying into Jackson Hole airport, be sure to snag a window seat as you’ll be flying into the only commercial airport in the U.S. that is in a National Park.
Can I bring my dog to Grand Teton National Park?
Technically, you can bring your dog to the park. However, the dog must be on a leash at all times and cannot be on any of the hiking trails. Some of the designated picnic areas and campgrounds do allow dogs, but again they must be on a leash.
Do you need reservations to visit Grand Teton National Park?
Since the pandemic, some of the National Parks have continued to implement their reservation policy. Luckily, Grand Teton does not require reservations to enter the park. However, it is strongly encouraged to plan your day accordingly when going to the park.
From June to through August the line to get into the park can be very long so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get into the park.
Current fees to access the park can be found here.
Where to stay when visiting Grand Teton
Jackson Hole offers plenty of places to stay for tourists. My top three recommendations of places to stay during the summer months are listed below:
- Mountain Modern Motel Some of their larger rooms include kitchens and plenty of space if you are with a larger group and/or like to save money by eating in.
- Hotel Jackson A family owned business that offers first class service in a boutique style setting.
- Hampton Inn Jackson Hole Wyoming Located in the heart of downtown Jackson Hole and they offer free breakfast!
Shan’s tip: If you have extra time to spare when you’re in town, be sure to grab a stack of pancakes at the Bunnery. The Bunnery has been a staple for locals since the 1970’s. Their seating is first-come-first-serve. Be sure to check out their pastry display case on your way out if you need a roadie.
Final Thoughts
While Grand Teton is not one of the largest National Parks, it’s easy to spend an entire week there whether it’s in the summer or winter months. The 5 amazing things to do listed above in Grand Teton National Park are just a small glimpse into all the Park has to offer.
Now it’s time to start planning your own adventure, Cheers!
