Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, named after the Grand Tetons, the tallest mountain in the Teton Range, is a wonderful but often-overlooked park in northwestern Wyoming (mostly because Yellowstone is a very short drive away).

Grand Teton National Park’s best features are its luxuriant forests and glistening lakes.

When you visit, make sure to follow this Mammoth Cave National Park Adventure Guide to maximize your time here.

Recommended Duration of Visit

3 days (ideal), 2 days (doable), 1 day (difficult)

Recommendations: Before Arriving

Download an offline map of the entire Grand Teton National Park region, check the weather, prepare all your gear, and finalize nearby lodging. This place is notorious for having bad cell service and unpredictable weather in the winter.

Recommendations: Adventure Gear

Weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes, among others.
A light jacket is also helpful since this national park tends to be cold year-round.

Click for some interesting facts about Grand Teton National Park

The Grand Teton mountain range was formed due to earthquakes over millions of years.
Grand Teton National Park has its own airport. The Jackson Hole Airport is the only commercial airport in the United States located within a national park.
The parks’ native pronghorns are the fastest land mammals in the western hemisphere (up to 60 miles/hour (96 kilometers/hour).
The Grand Teton mountain range consists of some of the oldest rocks in the world (over 2 billion years old).

PEAK SEASONS

Summer (June to August) is the peak season.

MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK’S STORY

Formed via earthquakes millions of years ago and established as a park in 1929.

ATTRACTIONS

Jenny Lake, Oxbow Bend, and Glacier View Turnout, among others.

LANDSCAPE

Over 484 miles² (1250 kilometers²) of mountains, rivers, forests, and lakes.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Throughout the year, the park features a wide variety of aquatic activities (fishing, boating, kayaking, etc.).

PLANNING

Although Grand Teton National Park opens year-round, the park closes some routes after 10/31, regardless of snow conditions. So, for the best experience, make sure to visit before that date.

There are lodging options located toward the south in Jackson. There are also lodging options within the town of West Yellowstone.

MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK’S STORY

Formed via earthquakes millions of years ago and established as a park in 1929.

PEAK SEASONS

Summer (June to August) is the peak season.

LANDSCAPE

Over 484 miles² (1250 kilometers²) of mountains, rivers, forests, and lakes.

ATTRACTIONS

Jenny Lake, Oxbow Bend, and Glacier View Turnout, among others.

PLANNING

Although Grand Teton National Park opens year-round, the park closes some routes after 10/31, regardless of snow conditions. So, for the best experience, make sure to visit before that date.

There are lodging options located toward the south in Jackson. There are also lodging options within the town of West Yellowstone.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Throughout the year, the park features a wide variety of aquatic activities (fishing, boating, kayaking, etc.).

Attractions and Activities

Attractions Overview

Almost Closed For the Winter: As previously mentioned in the Planning section, some routes (arguably some of the best routes) are closed after 10/31. Ideally, visit well before the closing date.
A Little Chilly: Grand Teton National Park is a naturally cold place and tends to be slightly chilly even during the warm months. A light jacket would be useful even during the summer. Naturally, dedicated winter clothing is necessary for winter visits.

Attractions Overview

Almost Closed For the Winter: As previously mentioned in the Planning section, some routes (arguably some of the best routes) are closed on 10/31. Ideally, visit well before the closing date.
A Little Chilly: Grand Teton National Park is a naturally cold place and tends to be slightly chilly even during the warm months. A light jacket would be useful even during the summer. Naturally, dedicated winter clothing is necessary for winter visits.

Chapel of the Transfiguration: With a history reaching back to 1925, this rural Episcopal church would draw worshippers from the nearby town of Jackson.

The chapel still draws people to this day and is open for service on Sundays during the summer. Even without service, it’s open to visitors year-round.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.

Mormon Row Historic District: A series of homestead complexes along the Jackson-Moran Road comprise this historic district.

In addition to the history, the surrounding scenery is quite nice and distinct from the rest of the national park. The road to the historic district will be closed after October 31.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

If you're visiting during the peak season, make sure to visit early in the morning because the parking lot is quite small."

The drive from the church to this place is about 30 minutes one-way, so only see it if you have plenty of time.

Jenny Lake: As one of the premier lakes in the entire region (including those found in Yellowstone), Jenny Lake against the snow-capped peak backdrop is arguably the most stunning and picturesque attraction in Grand Teton National Park.

Nearby, the Jenny Lake Visitor Center acts as the main information hub for the entire park.

There are also shuttle boats running every 15 minutes (for a fee).

The vehicle access road to the lake is closed after October 31.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

Glacier View Turnout: Among the numerous spectacular turnouts along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive, the Glacier View Turnout stands out as one of the best. With the snow-capped peak Grand Tetons in full view, it is the quintessential embodiment of the entire park.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 15 minutes.

You can still technically bike to the lake after October 31, but walking the 7 – 8 miles is inadvisable.

Other popular turnouts on the scenic drive include the Teton Point Turnout and Snake River Overlook.

Oxbow Bend: Oxbow Bend lies at the junction of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It features one of the first few glimpses into Yellowstone, and, due to its incredibly picturesque nature, is one of the best photography attractions in the region.

This major attraction is about as far as you can get into Yellowstone National Park after October 31.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 30 minutes.

Jackson Lake: As the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake is the main source of aquatic entertainment.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

Badgers tend to wander near the river below. If you're very lucky, you might see one.

Althought there are many access points during the summer, the best access point after October 31 is near the Jackson Lake Dam.