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Grand Teton

Towering peaks and pristine glacial lakes define Grand Teton.

This 310,000-acre park in northwestern Wyoming centers on the Teton Range, a spectacularly rugged mountain chain rising 7,000 feet abruptly from the Jackson Hole valley. Visitors can hike the 7-mile trail around Jenny Lake, photograph historic 1890s Mormon homesteads, and drive the 42-mile scenic loop along the Snake River.

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13,770 feet Highest Peak Elevation
310,000 acres Total Protected Area
235+ miles Hiking Trail Network
2.68 billion years Oldest Rock Formations

About Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a glaciated mountain region in northwestern Wyoming, located just south of Yellowstone National Park. The park covers 310,000 acres of the rugged Teton Range and the fertile Jackson Hole valley. Through this landscape winds the Snake River, passing by morainic glacial lakes like the deep Jenny Lake and the dam-formed Jackson Lake.

The landscape is defined by the abrupt rise of its mountains. The Teton Range towers 7,000 feet directly above the valley floor without any foothills. At its summit, Grand Teton reaches an elevation of 13,770 feet. Geologically, the range is young and actively growing, yet it contains some of the oldest rocks found in any American national park. These ancient metamorphic formations date back 2.68 billion years.

A Protected Ecosystem and Human History

Beyond its striking geology, the park holds immense ecological value. Combined with surrounding protected lands, it forms part of a nearly 18-million-acre intact mid-latitude temperate ecosystem. This vast area preserves critical habitats for local wildlife and maintains pristine glacial watersheds.

Human presence in the region spans 11,000 years, beginning with nomadic Paleo-Indians and later tribes like the Mountain Shoshone. European fur trappers arrived in the early 19th century, naming the peaks "Les Trois Tetons" around 1810. By the 1880s, homesteaders began settling in the valley. Congress officially established the national park in 1929 under President Calvin Coolidge to protect the major peaks. In 1950, the protected area expanded significantly when most of the Jackson Hole National Monument was incorporated, a move largely made possible by land donations from John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Why Visit Grand Teton

Hike the Jenny Lake Loop

Walk the complete 7-mile trail around the pristine waters of Jenny Lake. This popular five-hour route leads directly to the cascading waters of Hidden Falls and continues toward the Inspiration Point turnoff, providing sweeping panoramic views of the towering Teton Range.

Photograph Historic 1890s Homesteads

Visit an early Mormon pioneer settlement established along Antelope Flats Road. Photograph the historic John Moulton and T.A. Moulton barns. These 1890s structures stand in stark contrast against the dramatic, jagged backdrop of the Teton Range, presenting one of the most famous scenes in the American West.

Drive the Teton Scenic Loop

Navigate the combined route of Highway 191/89/26 and Teton Park Road. This 42-mile loop takes one to two hours to complete. The drive features numerous educational turnouts, dramatic alpine vistas, and frequent opportunities to spot local wildlife roaming the flat Jackson Hole valley floor.

Visit Jackson Lake Dam

Walk across the massive concrete dam constructed to control the Snake River. As the park's largest body of water, Jackson Lake draws visitors for excellent birdwatching and water recreation. The site provides unobstructed views of the mountains rising 7,000 feet abruptly above the flat valley floor.

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Grand Teton Visitor Guide

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit Grand Teton National Park is from May through September, when warmer weather permits full access to hiking trails, lakes, and visitor facilities. Between November and April, harsh winter conditions necessitate the closure of all campgrounds and many park roads.

Spring fair
March - May

March and April bring harsh winter weather, keeping campgrounds and roads closed. Conditions improve significantly in May, initiating the busy season as facilities like the Colter Bay Visitor Center open.

Summer best
June - August

These warmer months provide complete access to over 235 miles of hiking trails and kayaking on glacial lakes. Visitors should anticipate busy crowds and intense mosquito activity near water bodies.

Autumn fair
September - November

September maintains excellent conditions with fully open facilities and active ranger programs. By November, severe winter weather sets in, forcing the closure of all campgrounds, visitor centers, and several roads.

Winter poor
December - February

Extreme winter conditions heavily limit park accessibility. Although entry is free, all campgrounds, most visitor facilities, and several roads remain closed, making this a highly restrictive time for general sightseeing.

Hours & Fees

Grand Teton National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Seasonal variations heavily impact accessibility. From November through April, all campgrounds, most visitor facilities, and several park roads are closed or operate with significantly reduced hours due to harsh winter conditions. Full operations resume in the warmer months, with specific facilities like the Colter Bay Visitor Center open from May 8 to September 30.

CategoryPrice
Private, non-commercial vehicle (valid for 7 days)$35.00
Motorcycle (valid for 7 days)$30.00
Individual (16 years and older entering by foot, bicycle, or ski; valid for 7 days)$20.00
Non-US resident surcharge (per person, 16 years and older)$100.00
Grand Teton Annual Pass$70.00
Interagency Annual Pass$80.00
Winter Entry (November through April)Free

As of May 1, 2026, Grand Teton is a strictly cashless park, accepting only electronic payments. If you enter the park when an entrance station is unstaffed, you must pay your entrance fee online or at a visitor center permits desk later. Non-US residents are exempt from the $100 surcharge if they hold an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass.

How to Get There

Visitors can reach Grand Teton National Park by flying directly into the park, driving from major regional hubs like Salt Lake City, or taking a local summer shuttle. The park is located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park.

📍 Highway 89, Moose Entrance, Northwestern Wyoming

Car

Drivers can reach the park by heading north from Salt Lake City International Airport. The 300-mile route passes through rural towns, picturesque farmland, and the scenic Snake River Canyon. Visitors will arrive at the Moose Entrance in the south via Highway 89. A standard private vehicle pass covers the entry fee and remains valid for seven days.

⏱ 05:00 💰 $35.00
Plane

Jackson Hole Airport is the only commercial airport located entirely within a United States National Park. Passengers immediately see stunning views of the Teton Range upon landing. Once on the ground, travelers can easily rent a vehicle from on-site agencies. Alternatively, shuttles provide direct transportation to the nearby town of Jackson.

⏱ 00:00 💰 Varies by airline
Bus

During the busy summer season, Alltrans operates a convenient public shuttle service. The bus departs from downtown Jackson and travels 13 miles to various locations within Grand Teton National Park. The earliest pickup begins at 7:30 AM. Services run several times daily until the final trips conclude at 7:00 PM.

⏱ 00:30 💰 $14.00

Visitor Tips

Jenny Lake Parking Timing

The limited parking lot at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center typically fills by mid-morning. Arrive before 10:00 AM to secure a spot. During the busy summer months, late arrivals are forced to park up to 0.5 miles away along Teton Park Road.

Purchase Bear Spray Beforehand

Purchasing your EPA-registered bear spray is much more cost-effective than renting from local concessioners for trips longer than three days. If you are flying into the area, ship it directly to a nearby Amazon Locker. Always carry it in an easily accessible holster.

Book Accessible Lodging Early

Wheelchair-accessible lodging units within the park are extremely limited. Cabins with accessible features at popular locations like Signal Mountain Lodge tend to book out up to 17 months ahead of time. Plan your trip well in advance to secure these specific accommodations.

Check River Flow Rates

Calm mornings on the Snake River can rapidly transform into windy, dangerous afternoons with strong, unpredictable currents. Before planning any boating trips, call 1-800-658-5771 to check the weekly updated river flow rates. All boaters must wear life jackets and carry patch kits.

Use the Free Shuttle

Take advantage of the free START Bus Town Shuttle to get around the town of Jackson. It runs roughly every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. Using this service helps you save on parking and fuel costs while exploring the local area.

Prepare for Cashless Payments

Grand Teton is an entirely cashless park that only accepts electronic payments. The standard vehicle entrance fee is $35.00. If you arrive when the entrance station is unstaffed, you are required to pay your fee online or at a visitor center permits desk later.

Nearby Attractions

Yellowstone National Park

10 minutes drive

Located directly north of Grand Teton, this world-famous park features incredible geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Visitors can explore deep canyons and view the spectacular Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

National Elk Refuge

Adjoining the southeastern boundary

This protected sanctuary adjoins the park's southeastern boundary and provides critical winter habitat for massive elk herds. The scenic, open landscapes just outside Jackson allow visitors to observe abundant regional wildlife.

Fossil Butte National Monument

3 hours drive

Situated in southwestern Wyoming's cold sagebrush desert, this monument contains some of the world's best-preserved fossils. You can view incredibly detailed fossilized fish, insects, plants, and reptiles that document ancient lake life.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Grand Teton — from practical tips to personal highlights.

D
David L. Canada, May 2026
4.6

"We took the kids to the visitor center for the Junior Ranger program before checking out Jackson Lake Dam. The sheer size of the mountains rising 7,000 feet straight up from the valley blew our minds. Remember to bring a credit card, as the $35 entrance fee is strictly cashless now."

L
Lukas K. Germany, Mar 2026
4.7

"Photographing the T.A. Moulton Barn on Antelope Flats Road was a massive highlight of my trip. The jagged Teton Range in the background makes for an epic shot. I was bummed that drones are completely banned in the park, but it makes sense for protecting the wildlife."

J
Jessica B. USA, Feb 2026
4.5

"Flying right into Jackson Hole Airport with the mountains towering outside the window was unreal. We brought our dog along, which meant we couldn't go on the hiking trails. Sticking to the roadside turnouts and keeping him on a six-foot leash was totally fine though. The views from the car are still top-tier."

M
Mike T. USA, Sep 2025
4.8

"I hit the Jenny Lake trail solo early in the morning to beat the crowds. The 7-mile loop took me about five hours, and the views at Inspiration Point were insane. Just a heads up, buy your bear spray before you get here instead of renting it. It saved me a good chunk of change."

S
Sarah M. UK, Jul 2025
5.0

"My husband and I dragged ourselves out of bed for sunrise at Schwabacher Landing. Seeing the Teton peaks reflect perfectly in the Snake River was totally worth the early alarm. The mosquitoes were absolutely brutal though, so definitely pack heavy-duty bug spray if you visit in the summer."

H
Helen W. Australia, Jun 2025
4.9

"We aren't big hikers anymore, so we spent a couple of hours driving the scenic loop along Teton Park Road. We stopped at the Snake River Overlook and even spotted some elk. Later, we enjoyed a really smooth, flat walk on the paved multi-use path. It was a brilliant, relaxed day out."

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Grand Teton National Park?

A standard 7-day pass costs $35.00 for a private vehicle, $30.00 for a motorcycle, and $20.00 per person entering on foot or bicycle. As of May 1, 2026, the park is entirely cashless and only accepts electronic payments. Non-US residents over 16 must pay an additional $100.00 fee unless they hold a valid interagency pass.

Do I need a reservation to enter Grand Teton?

Vehicle reservations or timed-entry permits are not required to enter the park boundaries. However, all lodging and campgrounds must be reserved in advance. Accessible cabins at popular locations like Signal Mountain Lodge can book out up to 17 months ahead of time.

What is the best time of year to visit Grand Teton?

The best months to visit are May through September. During this summer season, all visitor facilities, campgrounds, and the 235 miles of hiking trails are fully open. From November through April, harsh winter conditions force the closure of most roads and heavily limit accessibility.

How do I get to Grand Teton National Park?

You can fly directly into Jackson Hole Airport, which is the only commercial airport located entirely within a US National Park. If driving, you can travel 300 miles north from Salt Lake City International Airport, a trip that takes about 5 hours. During the summer, a public shuttle also runs from downtown Jackson to the park for $14.00.

What should I pack for a trip to Grand Teton?

Visitors should pack layers for changing weather, extra clothes, and sturdy hiking shoes. You must also carry EPA-registered bear spray in an easily accessible holster, as grizzly and black bears are highly active throughout the park. Buying bear spray before your trip is generally more cost-effective than renting it from local concessioners.

Is Grand Teton National Park wheelchair accessible?

The park provides paved, flat routes and accessible restrooms at the Craig Thomas, Jenny Lake, and Colter Bay visitor centers. Wheelchair users can also access a fully paved multi-use path that runs for over 6 miles along Teton Park Road. Several trail sections, such as the Jackson Lake Dam overview and the Jenny Lake shore trail, feature appropriate grades for mobility devices.

Are dogs or drones allowed in the park?

Launching or operating unmanned aircraft like drones is strictly prohibited throughout the park. Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash of 6 feet or less and remain within 30 feet of roadways. Dogs are strictly forbidden on hiking trails and the multi-use pathway.

What time does Grand Teton National Park open?

The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. If the entrance station is unstaffed when you arrive, you can drive through and pay your $35.00 entrance fee online or at a visitor center later. Keep in mind that migrating wildlife frequently cross roads at night, and the nighttime speed limit drops to 45 mph on the main highway.

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