Top Things to do in Grand Teton National Park
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Things to do in Grand Teton National Park, Grand Teton National Park: The Best Nature & Parks
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Scenic canyon excellent for hiking.
Reviewed By ThreeWiseMen1998 - Columbus, United States
Awesome views during spring runoff. The Cascade Creek is full of water running down the mountain. The photos speak 1000 words. To get to this canyon, you either have to hike the Jenny Lake trail or take the ferry. Hike is about 40 mins, 1.9 miles, at about a 40 foot incline. Ferry costs about
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Polecat Creek Loop Trail
5. Amphitheater Lake
6. Lake Solitude
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
A scenic lake popular with hikers and located in Grand Teton National Park.
Reviewed By PatrickRU92
7/27/18 Took the ferry across Jenny Lake and by the time we were done we were VERY glad we did. This is a LONG hike 15+ miles with about 3000 ft elevation gain, and goes up to 9000ft elevation so oxygen is not as plentiful! If you are in decent shape do this hike. As beautiful as Cascade Canyon is (and it IS beautiful) easily the better views are along the North Fork ascending to Lake Solitude. End of July and there was almost no snow at all, only one very small area near the top. Lake was all water too. LOTS of mosquitoes around the lake but that was the only place we ran into them. You will be exhausted but exhilarated!
7. Death Canyon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Desertguy426 - Carson City, United States
What a super trail. Its about 7 miles RT to the patrol hut. You hike through lush forest to a scenic overlook of Phelps lake, down switchbacks to near the lake and then head west into the canyon. Up a fairly gentle grade up onto a ledge type trail on broken rock and somewhat exposed to sun then back into a sparse forest with a raging creek down on your left in the canyon. We had to cross a few snow drifts...a couple were quite large on steep slopes and a bit dicey. BE CAREFUL...use treking poles on snow! Overall a strenuous hike but not a killer. Also not for the weekend warrior...elevation gain total is 2200 feet. We saw moose and marmots on this trail. The marmots want food so watch out...they'll darn near end up in your lap.
8. Taggart Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By kellir - Boise, United States
This is a moderate hike with pretty views of Tetons and areas of forest and meadow. Many pretty places to stop for photos. The Taggart Lake parking lot is full by 9:00. Recommend arriving by 8:00
9. Cathedral Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By csac1900 - Wilton Manors, United States
No mountain scenery comes close to the views afforded from highways 191 and 390. This drive should be part of anyones road trip through the American West.
10. Lakeshore Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By NatParkHikerJess - Peoria, United States
I'm a bit surprised this hike doesn't have more reviews on TA. It is SUCH a fun hike with amazing views of the lake and the Tetons. You pick up this trailhead behind the Colter Bay visitor center. It's a loop, about 2 miles RT but fairly easy (there are some ups and downs but nothing major). The benefit is the drop-dead gorgeous views of the Tetons as you hike along the shore. There are parts of the trail that go inward into the woods, but for many stretches, you're hiking right along Jackson Lake and have uninterrupted views of those majestic peaks. There is a nice little sandbar area not too far into the hike which would be nice to sit and read on if you brought out some lawn chairs as well. It's a quick hike and a great intro to GTNP. It's the first one we did and was a great introduction to this amazing national park. If you've got questions about the trail, stop into the Colter Bay visitor center and talk to a ranger.
