Best trails in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is named for the tallest peak in the Teton Range, standing at %{13775_feet}. Located in northwestern Wyoming about an hour south of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton encompasses dramatic jagged peaks, most of Jackson Hole valley, cerulean alpine lakes fed by glacial melt, waterfalls, and abundant wildflowers and wildlife. As one of the best parks for wildlife viewing, it's common to spot bears, moose, elk, and much more. With more than %{230_miles} of hiking trails in the park, there's a hike for everyone to enjoy, from family-friendly paths overlooking alpine lakes to epic backpacking treks.
Because the park sits at high altitude, don't forget to acclimate! Take an easier stroll on your first day. If you're hiking in the Jenny Lake area, don't forget about the boat shuttle. Taking a ride across the lake can save you some hiking distance and some elevation gain. Remember that Grand Teton is bear country. Know what to do if you encounter a bear and review when and how to use bear spray.
The best time to visit Grand Teton is from late May to early October. While the summer months bring the best weather, it's also peak visiting time. You may want to visit in June or September for a quieter experience in the park.
There is an entrance fee to visit the park, which you can pay online in advance or in person at the entrance stations.
Top trails
- (4166)•Moderate•6.6 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis is a hike along the creek and around Phelps Lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife along this trail - bears and moose are frequently sighted in this area. Most of the hike is flat with occasional inclines. Trail is well marked and easy to navigate. Some great spots for pics along the hike, including Huckleberry Point and the giant rock in the opposite side.
- (2860)•Hard•9.9 miThe Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail is one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park, offering great views of the Teton Range. Several additional alpine lakes, such as Delta Lake, Bradley Lake, and Taggart Lake, are also in the area. The route starts at the Lupine Meadows trailhead, and is a popular day hike for hikers coming from Jackson Hole. The switchbacks can be tough, but the views and lakes are worth the work. Keep an eye out for Disappointment Peak towering in the...
- (4534)•Easy•2.6 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Lakeshore Trail at Jackson Lake offers an enchanting and easily accessible hiking experience in the breathtaking Grand Teton National Park. This trail treats hikers to awe-inspiring views of Jackson Lake, complemented by the majestic Teton Range as a backdrop. It's ideal for families and those who are short on time. The trail is maintained and mostly level with some rocks and roots. It takes you through a mix of wooded areas and open spaces along the lakeshore.
- (2466)•Easy•3.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThe Lake Creek Trail begins by crossing a bridge to the opposite side of the river. The trail initially has rocky sections. As you hike, the views get better as you climb towards Phelps Lake. The trail then runs alongside the creek, leading you to Phelps Lake. On the lake's southern shore, there is a small viewing spot with great views of the surrounding mountains and the glacier-carved lake, Phelps Lake. This spot is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun, with large boulders and a few...
- (1334)•Moderate•4.3 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThe sixth-largest lake in Grand Teton National Park, Phelps Lake, is 750 acres and was sculpted by glaciers. The Phelps Lake can be accessed through the Valley Trail. The trail has excellent markings. There is an ascent on the trail. A stunning waterfall cascading down the rocks above the meadow is revealed as the trail winds through meadows and a sizable aspen tree grove. Along this area, red columbine wildflowers are frequently in bloom. As hikers progress, the trail comes to a fantastic...
- (1857)•Moderate•8.5 mi•Est. 5–5.5 hrThis trail starts at the parking lot off White Grass Trailhead Road and leads to the Patrol Cabin via Death Canyon in Grand Teton National Park. It winds through the forest along Death Canyon Creek, offering stunning views of Phelps Lake and the surrounding mountains. Be prepared for steep sections and rocky terrain—sturdy footwear and hiking poles are recommended. The trailhead is accessible via a rough road, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
- (1494)•Hard•10.1 mi•Est. 6.5–7 hrThe Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail is one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park with great views of the Teton Range. There are several additional alpine lakes in the area such as the Delta Lake, and Bradley and Taggart lakes. The route starts at the Lupine Meadows trailhead, and is a popular day hike for hikers coming from Jackson Hole. The switchbacks can be tough, but the views and lakes are worth the work. Keep an eye out for Disappointment Peak towering in the distance...
- (1317)•Moderate•2.0 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis is a short, family-friendly hike to a viewpoint that overlooks Phelps Lake. During winter months, the road is closed at Moose Wilson road so there is an additional 1.6 miles (each-way) to get to Death Canyon Trailhead. Pay attention to follow trail closely as some skiing tracks easily lead off trail. Snow is well-packed on the trail, but deep and hard to scramble otherwise even with snowshoes.
- (1487)•Easy•3.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrStarting from the Hermitage Point trailhead, this hike skirts Colter Bay's eastern shore and heads south on Hermitage Service Road. At the next trail intersection, turn right onto Jackson Lake Overlook Trail. continue south, bypass Hermitage Point Cutoff on your left, and follow the eastern shore of Heron Pond to an intersection with Hermitage Point Trail. Turn right at this intersection. After departing from Heron Pond, the trail continues south. Eventually, the trail enters an open sage...
- (1089)•Moderate•7.8 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis loop takes you around Phelps Lake in Grand Teton National Park. At 750 acres, Phelps Lake is the sixth-largest lake in the park and was sculpted by glaciers. The lake is accessed via the Valley Trail, which winds through meadows and a sizable aspen tree grove, revealing a stunning waterfall cascading down the rocks above. You'll enjoy excellent views of the Gros Ventre Range, Phelps Lake, and the surrounding valley, along with great swimming opportunities and plentiful wildlife. The...
Visitor info
Schools or other bona fide educational institutions (accredited, officially recognized, or tax exempt for educational purposes) may request an educational fee waiver. The fee waiver will allow qualifying groups free entry into the park for educational or scientific purposes. Prior approval required before entry to park. See additional Education Fee Waiver page.
Park entrance for 7 days per private motorcycle.
Park entrance fee for 7 days for each visitor 16 years and older entering by foot, bicycle, ski, etc.
Park entrance fee for 7 days for a private, non-commercial vehicle.
Pass is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Park Annual Pass provides entrance to pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single private non-commercial vehicle to Grand Teton National Park. Purchase your pass at one of Grand Teton's park entrances and permits desks at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and the Colter Bay Visitor Center.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and the Flagg Ranch Information Station are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Jenny Lake and Colter Bay Visitor Center have wheelchair accessible restrooms, but visitors may need assistance to access the exhibits.
Loaner wheelchairs are available at Craig Thomas and Discovery and Visitor Center, Jenny Lake Visitor Center, and Colter Bay Visitor Center. Orientation films include open captioning. Tactile exhibits and large print materials are available.
Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please call 307-739-3301 or email in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.
Additional information about accessibility at Grand Teton National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and the Flagg Ranch Information Station are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Jenny Lake and Colter Bay Visitor Center have wheelchair accessible restrooms, but visitors may need assistance to access the exhibits.
Every lodge, except the American Alpine Club Climber’s Ranch, has wheelchair accessible rooms. Flagg Ranch, Leeks Marina, Colter Bay, Signal Mountain Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, and Jenny Lake Lodge have wheelchair accessible restaurants.
The String Lake Picnic Area is wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible vault toilets.
There are accessible restrooms at Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center.
Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake, and Colter Bay campgrounds have level surfaces and partially accessible restrooms.
There are 8 accessible campsites along Grassy Lake Road, all of which can be accessed by vehicle and have accessible vault toilets.
The Headwaters Lodge and Cabins at Flagg Ranch have options for tent and RV camping, plus accessible facilities.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park. Please complete a Service Animal Acknowledgment Form at a visitor center when you arrive.
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Frequently asked questions
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Grand Teton National Park
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Attractions
- Beach trails in Grand Teton National Park
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- Scenic viewpoint trails in Grand Teton National Park
- Waterfall trails in Grand Teton National Park
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