Top Things to See & Do in Grand Teton National Park
The iconic jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons beckon visitors to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to explore the lakes, roaring rivers, lush forests and diverse wildlife found throughout this one-of-a-kind natural landscape.
The smaller of the two nearby national parks, Grand Teton National Park is easily identified by the craggy, snow-capped spine of the Teton mountain range and encompasses over 310,000 acres of forests, shimmering lakes, rivers, waterfalls and mountain trails to explore. Grand Teton National Park is also home to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) — the only airport in the U.S. to operate inside of a national park.
Top Things to See & Do in Grand Teton National Park
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (with reduced hours for some roads and visitor service in the winter months), Grand Teton National Park is a joy to visit in any season. Just a short drive from both Teton Village and the town of Jackson, the accommodations in and around Jackson Hole serve as an ideal base camp for any Grand Teton adventure. Here are a few of our favorite things to see, do and experience during trips through the park.
![](https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/miles-farnsworth-lxgkvnff7sq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b9c9a186b4ef3b9a613da987cbaec22a 320w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/miles-farnsworth-lxgkvnff7sq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a7391f1ad107701ad517af48dad78e4c 540w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/miles-farnsworth-lxgkvnff7sq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c66963c3bfb2bd812942f56fdeb89fd1 768w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/miles-farnsworth-lxgkvnff7sq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=613c0de1839fe3e3cfdb64789fffbcdf 1024w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/miles-farnsworth-lxgkvnff7sq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=19e29c388c71ce1f4b1bfce84659a455 1200w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/miles-farnsworth-lxgkvnff7sq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=6f19017c0bc57c1febc04944531165bf 1440w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/miles-farnsworth-lxgkvnff7sq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=a27e66e99d2bf1676938089c63979195 1920w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/miles-farnsworth-lxgkvnff7sq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=05fdcc3822d6520ae21ccc29248a436d 2560w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/miles-farnsworth-lxgkvnff7sq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=fd5fbdb327e94e2364fe6a1dee3ee4fb 3637w)
1. Jenny Lake
One of several large, pristine lakes found within Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake is popular due to the mirror-like reflection it offers of the Teton Mountains on the horizon — a view coveted by photographers and one of the top spots for photography in Jackson Hole. In fact, the nearby Jenny Lake Visitor Center is housed within a 1920s photography studio. At Jenny Lake, you can venture out onto the lake via a kayak rented from a local outfitter, join a boat tour, relax along the shore, or explore any of the surrounding trails, including several that lead to stunning vantage points within the park.
![](https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/hiddenfalls.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=452bae3183be5fc8cf8c6d89c2380bdc 320w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/hiddenfalls.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=43cb52c8c54591d9a12c7ad27e049253 540w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/hiddenfalls.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1c8262d7a076922fcc83bd2d48785007 713w)
2. Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point
Of the trails located around Jenny Lake, those that lead to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point are among the most popular and with good reason: they present hikers with views that are both charming and secluded, as well as dramatic and panoramic. The Hidden Falls trail is a 4.9 mile round trip route from Jenny Lake that eventually leads adventurers to a beautiful 100-foot waterfall in the middle of a forest. A shuttle boat is available for those looking to shorten the hike by several miles.
By continuing just another half mile along the trail, you will reach Inspiration Point, where you can find a sweeping view of the Jackson Hole Valley, Jenny Lake, Cascade Canyon, and the Teton mountains.
![](https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/seth-cottle-bbrv38m6wt0-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f75fdc8e1123f22b334570e47652a900 320w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/seth-cottle-bbrv38m6wt0-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9df9289084ea9cf4b008368f7b03ce30 540w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/seth-cottle-bbrv38m6wt0-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=41c046812e92e1339214df20a540ea42 768w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/seth-cottle-bbrv38m6wt0-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=14c700af88d484c1c98865fb34c41ccc 1024w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/seth-cottle-bbrv38m6wt0-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c891fbf4f5f1584f8d7636548340b0bd 1200w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/seth-cottle-bbrv38m6wt0-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=3581bece4c0c9b42b5205f979b911bd8 1440w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/seth-cottle-bbrv38m6wt0-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=cf5d1044c4af98cf12258ca41fbe1413 1920w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/seth-cottle-bbrv38m6wt0-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=5d6a7bc4116737c7203e00bdab2c83cb 2560w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/seth-cottle-bbrv38m6wt0-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=bf42661b50505048b208cc5b4248ef3d 3840w)
3. Jackson Lake
One of the largest high altitude lakes in the nation, Jackson Lake is another of Grand Teton National Park’s most popular recreational destinations. Here, visitors can enjoy the lake via waterski, wake board, or a boat tour, cast a line from the shore in an attempt to catch some trout, relax on the beach, or spend the night sleeping under the stars at one of several area campgrounds. The nearby Jackson Lake Lodge — a National Historic Landmark — offers less rugged accommodations as well as a restaurant and horseback riding excursions.
![](https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/raft.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=8c4dd78d0b50dc846b3d357739e6010d 320w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/raft.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=523edbccb4ffdda97ba342a6f838ea6b 540w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/raft.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=0abc1eb4a1454a49e6eb2224d12afa83 768w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/raft.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c265e2e12575d1cabd08e5c6a47d80b7 1024w)
4. Snake River
Kick things up a notch with a thrilling whitewater rafting trip along Snake River. Over 1,000 miles in length and passing through four states — Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming — the Snake River carves its way through the heart of Grand Teton National Park, presenting outdoor enthusiasts a range of water-based activities and a blend of jaw-dropping park vistas. Many local outfitters and tour operators, like Jackson Hole Whitewater, offer heart-pumping whitewater rafting experiences along the river, however adventurous park-goers can opt for casual family-friendly floats along the river’s calmer currents — leaving less time for paddling and more time for sightseeing.
![](https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/taggart_lake_trail_nps_photo_j._bonney.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=8b3a57baea1085d61fccfd7d072337a0 320w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/taggart_lake_trail_nps_photo_j._bonney.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=67130560e3c5b59d356a85c62e1a1116 540w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/taggart_lake_trail_nps_photo_j._bonney.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=35bb627c41523cbb78a2c03862b92f56 768w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/taggart_lake_trail_nps_photo_j._bonney.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=381743da51bc10c61a673208ab121be4 1024w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/taggart_lake_trail_nps_photo_j._bonney.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=0812f69d24d0b973bdf82bb8105d0744 1200w)
5. Taggart Lake Trail
This easy, 3-mile out and back trail is ideal for adventurers looking for a limited elevation gain while also enjoying a hike that rewards you with some of the best views in Grand Teton National Park. The Taggart Lake Trailhead is found just off of Teton Park Road and guides hikers through meadows and forests, eventually reaching the crystal-clear alpine lake with awe-inspiring views of the Tetons in the distance. Those looking for a slightly longer hike can consider the Bradley Lake Loop, which delivers its own set of photo-worthy moments and mountain reflections.
![](https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/nick-dunlap-f2-10ih7nq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b25907b2cfb9fecc38d7a34272432c57 320w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/nick-dunlap-f2-10ih7nq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4fb3a9f1ece1d684b6c97fd2b6ad7e54 540w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/nick-dunlap-f2-10ih7nq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=8b2e702b0e85bff939d7a6c858cf0ebc 768w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/nick-dunlap-f2-10ih7nq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=2eefb4e0e804f1ec286a67609003c3ea 1024w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/nick-dunlap-f2-10ih7nq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=308fd1d45bdbaa3e6d9ad9770e068b30 1200w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/nick-dunlap-f2-10ih7nq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=f7d4b2e283ece7dffd490269d65e30e4 1440w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/nick-dunlap-f2-10ih7nq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=7d4d57605e5cfe8ec8405be6342172d8 1920w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/nick-dunlap-f2-10ih7nq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=aeda33a8d6c77e455c26ebdadbce74b1 2560w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/nick-dunlap-f2-10ih7nq-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=af49281714ae8696185bb8879345a889 3840w)
6. Local Wildlife
The amazing vistas offered by Grand Teton National Park’s signature mountain range, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and meadows are accented by the presence of park’s resident wildlife, many of which you’re sure to spot as you drive, hike, kayak, or raft your way through the park. Though nearby Yellowstone National Park is home to the oldest and largest herd of bison in the U.S., visitors to Grand Teton are likely to catch a glimpse of the symbol of the American west as part of a guided wildlife tour available throughout the year. Early morning spring safaris are an ideal time to spot bears, moose, coyotes and other wildlife, with some of the top wildlife viewing areas including Oxbow Bend, Snake River, Mormon Row and Cascade Canyon.
![](https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/ben-emrick-id9ihryd20s-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b989d2f4a9db7cb1ce3614cdc1815533 320w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/ben-emrick-id9ihryd20s-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=eeeeece2781beb5a83aae768ca7dc4fd 540w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/ben-emrick-id9ihryd20s-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=b1dd1db289349f6ae22a6869d6628926 768w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/ben-emrick-id9ihryd20s-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=b714d36bf679114effff06bcab45a9e1 1024w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/ben-emrick-id9ihryd20s-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=710b2faf365178fd26a326b995f163e0 1200w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/ben-emrick-id9ihryd20s-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=3365a9cc939f6894fe969e06f09fc0f7 1440w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/ben-emrick-id9ihryd20s-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=8e65afd4e5ce376d04c0743955982d05 1920w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/ben-emrick-id9ihryd20s-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=bcff72627a5077807b31d92376b24c26 2560w, https://jhcr.imgix.net/images/ben-emrick-id9ihryd20s-unsplash.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=8d7fc4144353f648e018d76baf15c9ac 3840w)
7. Mormon Row
Once a community for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what is now known as “Mormon Row” consists of several historic structures that remain standing — two barns and a homestead — set against the imposing beauty of the Teton Mountains. This unique juxtaposition of man-made buildings and nature’s splendor make Mormon Row another top photo location in Grand Teton National Park. Trail brochures and an interpretive sign in the nearby parking lot offer additional insights into the history of the community and the landmarks that still stand. Plan your visit accordingly — the access road to Mormon Row (Antelope Flats Road) is closed from November through spring.
Consult our guides for more tips on visiting Grand Teton National Park and to learn more about the key differences between Yellowstone and Grand Teton.