10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your Visit to Grand Teton National Park
Explore Grand Teton’s hidden gems and scenic views with this mini guide. Featuring 10 things you can’t miss on your visit to Grand Teton National Park.
Grand Teton is located in northwestern Wyoming, tucked in between the charming town of Jackson Hole and the popular Yellowstone National Park. The park is known for the Teton Range, the youngest mountain range in the Rocky Mountains and features breathtaking blue lakes, winding rivers, and ancient glaciers.
The park offers over 200 miles of hiking trails, 1,000 different campsites, boating, wildlife viewing, and nearly 40 miles of scenic roads. Together Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and the surrounding National Forests create The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest mid latitude ecosystems on earth, covering 18 million acres.
Check out our Guide to Grand Teton National Park, for more information about visiting Grand Teton.
#1. SCHWABACHER LANDIING
Schwabacher Landing is a popular spot amongst visitors to Grand Teton National Park for its scenic vistas and wildlife viewing. Its located off HWY 191 and features a short and easy path that runs along a small channel of the Snake River. Because of the channel, Moose and Beavers frequent the area to feast on the aquatic plants. We saw a mama and a baby Moose while we were there on a mid summer day and it was magical to experience.
In the summer, this area can get very hot, humid, and sunny so be sure to pack plenty of water and sun protectant. The calm waters reflecting the towering mountains make for a truly breathtaking Teton view.
Remember to stay at least 75 feet away when viewing wildlife.
#2. STRING LAKE
String Lake is popular hangout spot, nestled in between the popular Jenny and Leigh Lakes. It’s located off the Jenny Lake Road along the Scenic 20 mile Teton Park Drive and features front row seats of the Teton Range. The pristine blue water is shallow and runs around 60 degrees in the summer, making this the most ideal lake in Grand Teton National Park to explore.
You can enjoy this lake on a hike, swim, kayak or just hanging out on the shoreline. If you’re planning to paddle, you must bring your own equipment and purchase a permit which can be picked at Moose or Colter Bay Visitor Centers, as well as, getting an Aquatic Invasive Species Inspection. No kayak or paddle board rentals are available at String Lake.
Bears do frequent this area so be sure to stay by your belongings or keep them in your car. Bags that are left unattended will be taken by a park ranger and placed in a nearby bear box.
TIP| Parking is limited, so, if you can, arrive early.
#3. JENNY LAKE
If you’re coming to the Tetons, then most likely you’ve heard of Jenny Lake. Jenny Lake is, by far, the most popular place to visit in the whole park and for good reason. This picturesque lake sits at the foot of the Tetons and was formed by glaciers about 12,000 years ago. The lake is about 450 feet deep, 2.2 miles long, and 1.2 miles wide with breathtakingly blue water. In the summer, scenic cruises, hiking, camping, and lodging are available. In the winter, the lake freezes over as the park gets covered in snow.
#4. MULTI USE PATH
For a scenic bike ride like no other, hop on the parks multi-use path and ride along the base of the Teton Range. The path runs from Jenny Lake all the way to the town of Jackson with breathtaking views of the glacier covered mountains, expansive fields, and a chance to spot some wildlife. If you have an Ebike or are extremely athletic, this would make a perfect day ride.
For more information about biking in Grand Teton National Park, visit the park website.
#5. MORMON ROW
For those who love being immersed in history, you got to visit Grand Teton’s Mormon Row. Located in the southeast corner of the park, Mormon Row is like a walk back in time to when the settlers first arrived in 1890. The area features 2 Moulton barns built by John and Thomas Moulton and the Chambers Homestead, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. This is also a great spot for photography as the Tetons standing out in the background of the barn make for a remarkable shot.
#6. JACKSON LAKE
Jackson Lake is the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park, spanning 15 miles long, 7 miles wide, and 438 feet deep. The best way to enjoy Jackson Lake is on the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail, the Jackson Lake Scenic Boat Cruise, or on a kayak trip. All activities, lodging, and rentals are available in the summer.
#7. JACKSON HOLE
Jackson Hole is a charming mountain town located on the south side of Grand Teton National Park. It’s known for the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a top ski destination, and Jackson Square, it’s downtown shopping center, offering local cuisine, breweries, and boutiques. For some great pizza and beer, check out Snake River Brewing and Hand Fire Pizza.
#8. RAFT THE SNAKE RIVER
For a national park experience like no other, take a scenic rafting trip down the Snake River on your visit to Grand Teton National Park. This is one of the most popular family friendly adventures and a great way to explore the Tetons. Rafting is available late May to late September and showcases the beauty and history of Grand Teton on a 3 to 4 hour float trip. Pricing ranges from $70 to $120 and departs from the Jackson Lake Lodge.
For more information about rafting in Grand Teton, visit the park website.
#9. TETON PARK ROAD
If you’re not interested in hiking, then you must drive the 20 mile Teton Park Road. This scenic stretch of road winds along the foot of the Teton Range, offering plenty of scenic pullouts, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. On the road, you can’t miss the Jackson Lake Dam Overlook, Ox Bow Bend, and Mount Moran. Other notable scenic drives in Grand Teton is Moose -Wilson Road, Signal Mountain Summit Road, and the Jenny Lake scenic drive.
#10. SOUTH ENTRANCE SIGN
National Parks are known for having great entrance signs and Grand Teton is no different. When you enter the park from Jackson Hole, you get a large rustic sign, perfect for Wyoming, and a stunning backdrop that showcases just how Grand Grand Teton National Park is. Out of the 20 national parks Mike & I have visited, this one might be my favorite.
Let us know in the comments what are your favorite things to do in Grand Teton National Park!
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
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