Be sure to check out our Wyoming and South Dakota 2 Week Itinerary and the Rocky Mountain Region page for other ideas around the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park!
*Last updated March 9, 2024
Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
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How Long to Stay at Grand Teton National Park
We spent 3 days in Grand Teton, but could easily have stayed longer. There are so many hiking trails and the two big lakes, Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake. Additionally, there is nearby Jackson Hole and the town of Jackson, which deserve a stop. However many days you can spend at Grand Teton, be sure not to overlook the beautiful neighbor to Yellowstone National Park.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is the nearby neighbor to Yellowstone National Park and a visit to one wouldn’t be complete with a stop to the other.
If you get good weather, the views of the mountains framed by the lake and the sky are simply beautiful. Below, I’ve listed some of the sights and attractions we did while visiting.
Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls
Jenny Lake is the smaller of the two main lakes in Grand Teton NP. You have the option of hiking around the lake, which is a 7 mile loop around. Also, there is the option of Jenny Lake Boating shuttle, which is a pay ferry that can take you round trip.
Once you arrive on the far side of Jenny Lake, there are a few hiking options. The most popular is Hidden Falls trail, which is a 1 mile round trip hike to the waterfall. Additionally, you can hike up to Inspiration Point, which is an additional 1 mile round trip hike.
Be aware that the ferry line can get very long, requiring an hour or more wait. So it can pay to arrive early and beat the crowd.
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake is the larger lake in Grand Teton NP. We stayed in the cabins at Colter Bay campground. Additionally, it is located within walking distance of Jackson Lake. Also, there are RV hookup sites, but be aware that they book quickly a year in advance. If you are looking for the nicest (and most expensive) option, there is also Jackson Lake Lodge.
We had planned a day to swim and rent kayaks on Lake Jackson, but it looked like a thunderstorm in the distance so we decided no to kayak. However, we were able to get some swimming time in before lightning appeared on the distance. I will say it is easily the prettiest backdrop for a swim that I have ever experienced!
Rafting the Snake River
There are a few options for rafting the Snake River in and around Grand Teton NP. You can raft through the park (the pictures look amazing) and there are both scenic and whitewater. However, both have an age limit.
We chose to do a scenic raft trip using Teton Scenic Float Tours, since they allowed all ages and we had some younger children (the youngest was 2). This would also be a great trip for older travelers as they have seats mounted on the raft. Additionally, there tours are outside the park, closer to the city of Jackson. We counted the bald eagles and saw over 20!
Grand Teton Wildlife
There are numerous wildlife viewing opportunities, in addition to the bald eagles we saw on the Snake River. We also saw a yellow-bellied marmot on that rafting trip. Additionally, I saw a moose while driving through the park. Unfortunately, before I could a picture or show anyone else, he decided to sit down in the grass and just like that, he was out of sight. Some of the animals you can see are listed here.
- Grizzly Bear
- Black Bear
- Bison
- Moose
- Elk
- Pronghorn
- Marmot
- Otter
Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is worth a stop to grab lunch or dinner, do some shopping or walk around the town. During the summer there is the free (donations highly recommended) Jackson Square Shootout. The show runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, everyday except Sundays, beginning at 6pm. You may want to arrive a early to get a good viewing spot.
Jackson Hole Ski Resort
If you are in the Jackson Hole area in the winter, there is a good chance you are there for some of the most legendary skiing in the world! Even during the summer, it could be a fun spot to stop into Teton Village and take the aerial tram to the top of the mountain for some spectacular views.
Also Consider Nearby
Make sure to visit Yellowstone National Park and these other sites in the Rocky Mountain Region.