Top Things to do in Grand Teton National Park
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The 10 Best Things to do in Grand Teton National Park, Grand Teton National Park
Situated near famed Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park's crown jewels include the Cathedral Group of peaks and the majestic Snake River. The dramatic spires that inspired Ansel Adams rise straight from valley floors, providing awe-inducing views. See them at their most compelling from the comparatively gentle Jenny Lake and Hermitage Point's trails or the switchbacks of Death Canyon. Jackson Lake is favored for windsurfing and sailing. Colter Bay Visitor Center contains an Indian Arts Museum.
1. Cascade Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 259 reviews
This uphill trail follows Cascade Creek for 4.5 miles and reaches Hidden Falls.
Reviewed By TravFiend - Laguna Beach, United States
Since we had planned to hike up to Lake Solitude (14.5 mile round trip) we decided to take the first shuttle across the lake (you have the option of tacking on another 4 miles if you plan to hike the southern part of Jenny trail instead of taking the shuttle). We were pleasantly surprised that the first shuttle @ 7am costs $5 RT per person (all later shuttles cost $18 RT pp), so if you want to save some money and want to avoid the crowd, then I would strongly recommend getting up early to catch the first shuttle to hike this trail. Plus early mornings promise better moose sightings. We saw a total of 6-7 moose on our way up to the fork, and then another 3-4 on our way back. In order to see the canyon view, you really have to go past (bear right at the fork) the Canyon fork. You don’t have to hike all the way up to Lake Solitude (which is 2.7 miles past the fork). Just hike another mile past the fork, look back, and you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful scenery. The last mile up to Lake Solitude was more strenuous and tricky given some of the snow pack at certain parts of the trail. So if you’re going to hike up late spring or early summer, I’d recommend hiking boots (not sneakers) and poles. The lake was still partially frozen over in early July, but we managed to dip our feet in the chilly water for a second or two to refresh the legs for our hike back down. The way back got crowded past the fork. A lot of families with kids looking to get a glimpse of moose. The whole hike took us 8 hours to complete, including 1/2 hour lunch break at the top, and a 15 minute “moose jam”, where a bull was blocking the trail as we were hiking up. My advice, start early! It’ll be so much more enjoyable.
2. Grand Teton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,703 reviews
Tallest mountain in the Grand Teton Range.
Reviewed By Vagabonds5358
This is the ninth trip to the Grand Teton National Park I my lifetime. In remains my favorite of all the national parks I have visited. It’s beauty never seems to get old. There are a few roads that gives you access to the east side of the mountains, the the real beauty is hiking the many miles of trails away from the roadside overlooks. This trip we saw elk in rut, a herd of about 200 bison, a number of herds of pronghorn antelope, bald eagles and numerous waterfowl and birds. The fall color with the turning aspen was spectacular. I highly recommend this park to anyone, whether you enjoy the drive, day hiking or backpacking.
3. 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 612 reviews
Reviewed By gillkaribu - Bishops Stortford, United Kingdom
If you have limited time in the park this is the best route to take. Whether you start at Moose Entrance, Moran Entrance or Jackson Lake Junction you will follow the Teton Park Road with close views of the lakes and Teton Mountains and Highway 89 through the open plains along the Snake River. Take as much time as possible to stop for photo shoots of Jackson and Jenny Lakes and it is worth taking the turn-off to Schwabacher Landing just off Highway 89. Dornans at the southern end of the park is good for food and gifts as is Jackson Lake Lodge.
4. Schwabacher Landing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 248 reviews
Reviewed By 0617merS - Columbus, United States
via google maps, you can easily find this place, and there's a parking lot and an outhouse there. What makes this spot picture perfect is when the sun rises, it hits the Teton's and just lights them up. We were there on a cloudless morning, so we didn't see much color variation BUT there was plenty of snow on the Tetons when we were there and the sun shining on them from it's rise was just beautiful...as the day goes on, you won't get that sunlight...So this would only be an early morning stop for me. Ok, here's what I suggest doing. About a 1/2 mile down the path is the "picturesque" spot where the evergreens naturally frame Grand Teton and at sunrise, the river is still and when the sun rises you get that beautiful reflection on Grand Teton on the still river...a great view, there's benches there, it's pretty obvious where it is. HOWEVER we were there at low season and there were still like 6 photographers and their tripods and equipment fighting for space to get the shot. SO, what we did was downloaded the ALL TRAILS app and there's specifically a schwabacher's landing trail. Following it ALL THE WAY to the end. About a mile from the parking lot the trail forks to either a well trafficked trail going up (right) and a horse thin not so trafficked trail going left...take the LEFT, not so trafficked trail, you'll end up crossing a little stream and then it opens up to about a 30 foot dry river bed and you'll be totally lost without the app trail, keep going across the river bed, through the tree line on the opposite side and it opens up on the river's bend to a much grander view of ALL the Teton's, not just Grand Teton, you'll have that huge space to yourself, I'd set up a timelapse go pro and just enjoy the sunrise from there and get some shots with your iphone or other camera, this sunrise is so great that any camera would make brilliant photos. and then on your way back, the photographers will of already gotten their shots and left from the evergreen framed spot and you'll get your shot there too. We also went on from there to Mormon Row (less than a 10 min drive) and the sun was still at a great angle to get great shots of the Mormon Barn. All together you have about 1.5 hrs of good sunrise light to get great shots of both Schwabachers and Mormon Barn...if you're early birds :)
5. Jenny Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,000 reviews
Four miles of flat trail and spectacular mountain scenery.
Reviewed By Roadrunnerfit - Cleveland, United States
We did the Jenny Lake hike in the counter-clockwise direction as suggested by the park ranger at the Visitor Center. Great decision! We arrived early, about 8:50 a.m. on August 7th. The weather was perfect, around 60 degrees, warming up to around 78 by noon. The trail is wide and shaded for the first 3 miles, although somewhat rocky. It is generally quite flat going in this direction, so I would say it is easy-to-moderate in difficulty, only due to the small rocky footpath. We did see some people at the Jenny Lake overlook, but no other hikers until we reached the north side of the Lake. Don’t be fooled by the packed parking lot, as most folks don’t actually hike the lake, and few do it in this direction. Like others have said, the views of the lake and mountain range beyond are stunning, especially with the morning sun from the east side of the lake. When you arrive at the north side, at about mile 2.5, the trail turns sharply to the right and follows along the bank of a rushing stream flowing into Jenny Lake from String Lake. Keep going north to the Paintbrush Canyon trailhead parking lot. This is where you cross the stream over a footbridge. The trail then continues back south along the lakeshore. (There are some portable toilets in the parking lot, but no water.). As you head south on the trail towards the West shore boat dock, the trail is more out in the open, as you follow the path of an old burned out area of the forest. You can hear and see the shuttle boat bringing passengers who just want to see Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The dock is at the 4.5 mile mark of this hike and they usually have drinking water available here to fill up your bottle. From here, you can choose to make the .5 mile moderate climb to Hidden Falls and the beautiful rapids, or to climb another .5 miles up the very steep, rocky climb to the 7010 foot Inspiration Point. We did this, then turned around and caught the shuttle boat back to the Visitor Center. Total distance around 6.7 miles. One way rides are $10. All told, with stops to rest and for pictures, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. The hike in this direction is definitely one you could do with kids or folks who haven’t hiked a lot. Once you get to the boat dock, you have options to go right back on the boat, attempt to climb to the Point, or even continue around the remaining 2 miles of the lake trail. Excellent hike!
6. Jackson Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 475 reviews
Recreational lake especially favored for windsurfing and sailing.
Reviewed By NF2013_13 - Orlando, United States
Peaceful, beautiful and nearly as gorgeous as Yellowstone Lake. It ranks up there with its gorgeous Teton mountain range rising up in the background. Worth going early to have the place to yourself.
7. Chapel of the Transfiguration
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
This small church was built in 1925 and has a great view of the Tetons.
Reviewed By froglag - Spokane, United States
This is such a inspirational place to just stop and enjoy the surroundings and reflect on the beauty surrounding this Chapel. I would love some day to come back and attend a service here. Definitely a place of awe. Presently with Covid the chapel is closed but was still able to enjoy the chapel. The chapel frames a view of the Cathedral Group of peaks in a large window behind the altar. Very fitting location.
8. Moose Wilson Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Reviewed By 906beckyv - Norcross, United States
The Moose Wilson Road is hard to find and very narrow. Well worth the effort though as we saw a bear cub eating / playing all three times we drove on it this week. Beautiful vistas.
9. Chapel of the Sacred Heart
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By froglag - Spokane, United States
Disadvantage of Covid this beautiful Chapel was closed so we were just able to peek into the windows. Little did we know until peeking in is that there was a beautiful stain glass of a Sacred Heart in the middle of the glass. Gorgeous, wish we could have gone in or better yet to attend a service. Maybe next adventure to the Grand Tetons to see this Grand Chapel.
10. Snake River Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By Redleg93 - Maple Grove, United States
Easy stop along the drive around the park. This is a classic view with the river and the Tetons in the distance. There are some placards with information and some wildlife to see.
