Welcome to the breathtaking beauty of Grand Teton National Park! Nestled in the embrace of majestic mountains, this slice of heaven is nature's way of showing off its artistic skills.
With snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and meandering trails that whisper tales of adventure, it's a place where tranquility and awe collide.
So breathe in the crisp mountain air, listen to the symphony of birdsong, and let your worries melt away in this haven of natural wonder. Your adventure awaits!
Millions of visitors to Yellowstone National Park will include a trip to Grand Teton National Park in their plans.
After all, the two parks are connected by a highway! But a visit to Grand Teton National Park can be an amazing experience all on its own.
Here’s what you need to know before you go!
Start Planning!
- Grand Teton National Park is open year-round. But, May, June, July, and August are considered “peak season” at Grand Teton National Park. The daily highs can be in the 80s, which means ideal conditions for swimming, hiking, biking, and boating. Wildlife is also plentiful in the summer months, so if you’re coming to Grand Teton with the hopes of spotting bison, moose, bears, elk, and mountain goats, the odds are in your favor.
- Teton Park Road, on the Western side of the park, is closed from late September to early May because of the weather. This means you will not have access to the Jenny Lake, String Lake, and Leigh Lake recreation areas. Not to worry; there’s still plenty to do!
- The tour has several starting points:
- From Yellowstone National Park’s South Entrance Gate
- From Jackson Hole, WY
- From Moran, WY (east entrance)
- You can purchase a park pass at the entrance gates at Moran or Moose Junction (Jackson Entrance) or purchase the Grand Teton park pass online here.
- The entrance costs $35 per vehicle. Entry fees are credit/debit only.
- All camping and overnight trips require a backcountry permit.
- Cell reception is spotty in some parts of the park.
- Free WiFi is available at Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center, and the Craig Thomas Discovery Center.
- Boating and rafting permits are required and can be purchased at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Dornan’s Village, and Signal Mountain Lodge
Tour Starting Points
What to Expect
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So, what can you expect from a trip to Grand Teton National Park?
To Get an Early Start
Trust us when we say that very little compares to the quiet peace that comes from watching the ghostly Teton range come alive with the morning light.
If you start your adventure before 7 am, you’ll be able to get a choice viewing spot.
At Shaka Guide, our favorite places to view the sunrise are the Snake River Overlook and Mormon Row.
To Spend 8-10 Hours Exploring
…Or more! Between historic buildings, hikes for all skill levels, and amazing wildlife viewing, Grand Teton National Park is jam-packed with fun for the whole family.
To Be Active
Along with hiking, Grand Teton National Park offers a plethora of water activities, too!
There are several lakes ideal for swimming (in the summer months, of course!), boating, kayaking, fishing, and more.
Be sure to check with the visitor centers at Jenny Lake, Colter Bay, and Jackson Lake to get more information about equipment rentals and fees.
But Grand Teton National Park is also one of the best National Parks in the country for winter sports, too! Check out Shaka Guide’s Best Parks for Winter guide.
To Learn
Grand Teton National Park is chock-full of American history.
In the 1920s, the valley of the Teton Range was a mecca for homesteaders hoping to make a profitable life in the West.
Today, many of those homesteads and ranches are still standing, and you can walk among them!
Be sure to check out Mormon Row— home to the most photographed barn in America— and the small village that is Menors Ferry Historic District.
If science is more your speed, be sure to stop in at Craig Thomas Discovery Center at Moose Junction to learn from the interactive exhibits all about how the Teton Mountain Range was formed!
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Budgeting
- $10 per person: Snacks
- $10-15 per person: Lunch
- $20-30 per person: Dinner
- $35.00 per vehicle: Grand Teton Weekly Park Pass
What to Bring With You
As with most national parks, a little preparation can make all the difference in your Grand Teton experience. Check off this list for suggestions on what to bring before you set out on your adventure.
- Headphones
- Car Charger- Very important!
- Layered Clothing - Easy on-and-off layers are a must for changing mountain temperatures.
- Refillable Water Bottles
- Hiking/Walking Sticks
- Good Shoes/Boots
- Crampons/Spikes - Trails may be icy, even in the Spring.
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Hats/Sunglasses
- Camera/Phone Cleanser - Those trails can get pretty dusty!
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We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more information and to check out the Grand Teton Tour, be sure to check out the accompanying itinerary.
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