20 Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park

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While not as well known as its neighboring park, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park should not be skipped when visiting the area! There are so many things to do in Grand Teton National Park, from admiring towering mountain views, crossing crystal clear alpine lakes by shuttle, kayak, or canoe, or spending the day exploring the park’s many hiking trails.

We were amazed at how many kid friendly hiking trails we found in the park, and how easy it was to get to jaw dropping views when we visited the park. Whether you are traveling with toddlers or older children, you will be able to find plenty to do in the park. We have compiled a list of our favorite activities, that we think you should add to your itinerary as well!

About Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located in the Northwestern corner of Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park. The 310,000 acres park includes the Teton Mountain Range and Jackson Hole valley. The area was carved out over millions of years by glaciers passing through the area, but the Teton range is actually one of the youngest mountain ranges in North America.

Grand Teton was officially declared a national park in 1929, and expanded in 1950 to include the valley. The main features of the park include the Snake River, crystal clear alpine lakes, and the Teton Mountain range.

Grand Teton National Park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, bison, bald eagles, and a large variety of bird and small mammal species. Grand Teton National Park is an outdoor lovers’ paradise, with opportunities for hiking, boating, SUP, kayaking, canoeing, biking, and wildlife viewing.

The Best Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park

Explore Mormon Row

The Mormon Row Historic District is home to the barns you undoubtedly have seen in photos of Grand Teton National Park. The barns are set against a stunning mountain backdrop, enough to make your jaw drop. It was the first thing we did in Grand Teton National Park, and we can honestly say the pictures do not do it justice!

Mormon Row was established in the 1890’s by Mormon settlers from Idaho. The community was originally known as Grovont, as named by the U.S. Post Office. Today it is known as Mormon Row. 27 homesteads were built in the area, while 6 remain today. The main homesteads that still remain include the Moulton Barns and Chambers Homestead.

To reach Mormon Row, you will follow highway 191, past Moose Junction, until you reach Antelope Flats Road. About 1.5 miles on the road you will come to a pink stucco house with a small parking area. You can find a trail brochure and sign at the parking area before you begin your visit.

Check Out the Visitor Centers

The visitor center is a good spot to start at any national park. Grand Teton National Park is home to multiple visitor centers and each will give you an overview of the park, help you with planning your visit, and offer restrooms/gift shops.

The visitor centers in Grand Teton National Park include:

• Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center: Located on Discovery Way. Park information, boating permits, backcountry permits, Grand Teton Association Park Store, and ranger programs.
• Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center: Located on Moose-Wilson Road. Features exhibits on Mr. Rockefeller’s vision, a resource room, ranger programs, and access to Phelps Lake hikes. No shop or permits available.
• Jenny Lake Visitor Center: Located on Jenny Lake Drive. Features exhibits, park information, the Grand Teton Association Bookstore, ranger programs, and nearby access to the Jenny Lake boat launch/shuttle.
• Jenny Lake Ranger Station: Located on Jenny Lake Campground Road. Features park information and boating/backcountry permits.
• Colter Bay Visitor Center: Located on Cottonwood Way near Jackson Lake. Features the Indigenous Arts and Cultural Demonstration Program, park information, a bookstore, ranger lead programs, and boating/backcountry permits.
• Flagg Ranch Information Station: Located on Flagg Drive near the Yellowstone border. Features park information, exhibits, and restrooms.
  

Snake River Float

A Snake River Float is a relaxing experience down the Snake River that treats you to stunning views of the Teton Mountain range and the park’s wilderness. It is a good alternative to white water rafting for those with younger children or those who may not be up for the thrill. There are multiple companies that offer scenic floats on the Snake River.

The Signal Mountain Lodge offers scenic floats along a 10 mile stretch of the river past stunning mountain views and the opportunity for wildlife sightings. The trip takes about 3.5 hours. Children must be 6 years old to participate.

Snake River Scenic Float Tours offers a 13 mile scenic tour that is good for most ages (must be 4 years to ride). Their rafts feature cushioned seats, sparkling water, and binoculars. Blankets are also provided for chilly mornings! The tour is guided with information on the area and wildlife. They also offer private tours, so you can enjoy the experience with just your party.

Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park: Go Wildlife Watching

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Wildlife watching is one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park for families. Common wildlife sightings in the park include moose, bison, bears, elk, and smaller mammals. Some of the best spots for viewing include Oxbow Bend, Timbered Island, and Mormon Row.

The slow-moving water of Oxbow Bend attracts fish, which in turn attracts otters, ospreys, bald eagles, and pelicans. Moose are also known to graze along the water’s edge. Timbered Island near Jenny Lake is a common spot for antelope and elk, while bison and pronghorn are common at Mormon Row. Moose, elk, bison, beavers, ospreys, and other bird species are commonly seen along the Snake River.

Yellowstone Day Tours offers guided wildlife safaris through Grand Teton National Park that take you to many of the park’s highlights as well as secluded vantage points to give you the best chance of spotting wildlife. Remember-wildlife can be unpredictable, so a guided tour does not guarantee wildlife sightings.

The best times to spot wildlife in the park are early morning and later in the evening, when wildlife tends to be more active. When viewing wildlife, be sure to follow all wildlife viewing guidelines in the park to protect yourself and the wildlife. Never feed or approach wildlife, observe from a safe distance, and know what to do if an attack occurs (and just as important-how to prevent one!).

Go For a Hike

Hiking is always one of the number one things to do when visiting a USA National Park, and Grand Teton is no exception! From short and easy walks through the woods and along lake shores to more challenging hikes through the park’s canyons, Grand Teton National Park has something for hikers of all abilities.

For an easy hike, check out the Lake Creek-Woodland Trail, a 3 mile round trip hike that takes you along Lake Creek and to Phelps Lake. The Moose Ponds Trail is another great option, is mostly flat, and 2 miles round trip. Located in the Jenny Lake area, it is a great option for trying to catch some wildlife (moose-if you could guess it from the name!).

Other great options for families with younger children are the Schwabacher Landing Trail, one of our favorite trails in the park, the Hidden Falls Trail (with the ferry available to shorten the hike), and the Leigh Lake Trail.

For a longer hike, consider the Jenny Lake Loop at 7.1 miles round trip, or venture into the park’s canyon on the Cascade Canyon Trail or Death Canyon Trail. Hiking in Grand Teton National park is one of the best ways to experience all the park has to offer.

Go For a Swim

Swimming is one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park. While a swim on a hot day can be refreshing, be prepared for cold water! The lakes in the park tend to stay at or below 60 degrees year round.

String Lake is one of the most popular lakes for swimming, as it tends to be the warmest lake because of the shallow waters. The lake also has a sandy bottom, unlike most of the lakes in the park which have rocky bottoms. There is parking at a nearby picnic area with just a short walk to the lake shore.

Jackson Lake (Colter Bay Swim Beach) is another popular swimming area, but the water here tends to be colder. You can also swim in Jenny Lake, but water temperatures tend to be cold here as well. When we visited, we did see several people swimming in Jenny Lake (early July). Swimming is not allowed near the ferry area at Jenny Lake.

The swimming areas in Grand Teton are swim at your own risk, there are no lifeguards. You will also want to watch for signs of hypothermia, due to the colder water temperatures, and don’t spend too much time in the water!

Go Paddleboarding

Paddle boarding is one of the best ways to get out on the water in the Tetons and experience a unique perspective and views of the mountains. The park’s crystal clear lakes create stunning scenery.

Common spots for stand up paddle boarding in Grand Teton National Park include String Lake (perhaps the best option), Leigh Lake, Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake, and the Snake River. Two Ocean Lake or Emma Matilda Lake are great options if you are looking for a less crowded option, but the views at these locations are not as wide open as the other lakes.

 A Wyoming AIS decal and a Grand Teton boat permit are required for all SUPs. You will always want to check the weather before paddle boarding, as a change in the weather can lead to choppy, more dangerous water conditions.

Go For a Scenic Drive

Taking a scenic drive is one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park for families. There are several options in the park, from shorter drives that are only a few miles long to the 42 mile main road in the park. The drives give plenty of opportunities to view the park’s scenic lakes and mountain back drops.

The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is one of the best in the park, following along the East shore of Jenny Lake. You access the road off of the main Teton Park Road. It is a short drive, about 5 miles long, and takes just 20-30 minutes to drive, without stopping.

Moose-Wilson Road is another option for a scenic drive in the park. The road connects the towns of Moose and Wilson, taking you through marshes and forests, with opportunities for wildlife viewing being plentiful.

The road provides access to many hiking trails in the park, including the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Granite and Death Canyon Trailheads. You will also want to make sure you stop at the Moose-Wilson overlook for stunning views and a chance to spot some wildlife. Be aware that Moose-Wilson Road is closed to RV’s and trailers.

Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park: Go Kayaking or Canoeing

Kayaking/Canoeing is another one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park. Many of the park’s lakes are good for kayaking & canoeing, including String Lake, Leigh Lake, Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, Phelps Lake, and the Snake River. The crystal clear alpine lakes and towering mountain range makes the experience unforgettable.

Kayak rentals are available in the park at Colter Bay, Jenny Lake, and the Signal Mountain Lodge, as well as from outside companies. All motorized and non-motorized must have a valid Grand Teton Boat Permit and AIS decal. Privately owned boats must be registered each year with the park.

Go White Water Rafting

Whitewater rafting on the Snake River is a fun and thrilling experience for families. The tours take you down the Snake River, over the class II and III rapids, and past stunning Teton Mountain views.

Teton Whitewater offers both scenic and whitewater rafting tours. The whitewater rafting and scenic float combo tour combines a thrilling experience with a relaxing trip along the Snake River. The combo tour is 7.5 hours long with 13 miles for the scenic float and 8 miles of whitewater rafting.

For the whitewater rafting portion, you can choose a 16 person classic raft or an 8 person small slam boat. Children 6 and up can participate with the classic raft, and children 8 and up can participate in the small slam boat trip. You can also choose to go with just a whitewater rafting trip or just a scenic trip.

The Grand Teton Lodge Company also offers scenic raft trips along the Snake River. These trips go at a slower pace, taking you down a 10 mile stretch of the Snake River. Children 6 and up may participate in the tour. Scenic trips are offered throughout the day and a lunch trip is also available, where you stop at a private section on the shore of the Snake River for a picnic lunch. Trips usually last between 3 and 5 hours.

Go For a Bike Ride

Bike riding is a great way to explore Grand Teton National Park. The Grand Teton Pathway is a 20 mile paved trail that takes you along the base of the Teton Mountain range. The pathway is a multi-use trail perfect for biking, walking, and is wheelchair accessible.

The pathway starts in the town of Jackson before extending down to Antelope Flats Road. The pathway then follows the Teton Park Road to Jenny Lake. There are 6 hubs along that route that have parking and bike racks: Gros Ventre Roundabout, Blacktail Butte, Dornans, Moose, Taggart Lake, and Jenny Lake.

The pathway is open seasonally once all snow has cleared. The section that passes the National Elk Refuge is closed from Nov. 1-Apr. 30th for Elk migration. The pathway is closed from dusk to dawn.

Aside from the Grand Teton Pathway, biking is allowed on all paved roads in the park and on two gravel roads: Two Ocean Lake Road and Grassy Lake Road. Biking is not allowed on hiking trails in the park.

Visit Schwabacher Landing

Schwabacher Landing was one of our favorite stops in the park. The views are stunning, with no real effort required. Schwabacher Landing takes you along the Snake River. The trail is only about a mile round trip and flat, making it an excellent choice for families.

The views in this area are some of the best, with the reflection of the Teton Range reflecting in the crystal clear waters of the Snake River. Wildlife are also commonly spotted in the area, with moose often seen grazing in the willows along the shoreline. Beavers frequent the area, and their dams can be found along the river.

Schwabacher Landing is reached off of Highway 191 on Schwabacher Road. The trail starts right off of the parking area, and is mostly flat with an elevation gain of only about 6 feet. The minimal effort and absolutely stunning views makes this one of the best things to do in Grand Teton national park for families.

Drive to the Signal Mountain Summit

Driving to the Signal Mountain Summit is one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park for stunning views. Signal Mountain is located within Grand Teton National Park, but it is not part of the Teton Mountain Range. It was actually created from ashfall from Yellowstone Hotspot eruptions.

The summit road ascends close to 1,000 feet along a 5 mile long drive to panoramic views of the Teton Mountain range, Jackson Hole, and Jackson Lake. The drive takes about 20 minutes one way. When you reach the summit, take the short walk to the Jackson Point Overlook for the best views and spend some time walking around or relaxing and taking in the views.

The Signal Mountain Summit road is off of Teton Park Road. The road is narrow and winding, so use extra caution when driving it. RV’s and trailers are not allowed on the road. Alternatively, you can choose to hike up to the Signal Mountain Summit. The hike is 6.7 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of about 980 feet.

Jackson Lake Boat Cruises

A Jackson Lake Boat cruise offers a unique experience and perspective of the lake and Teton Mountain range in the background. Cruises are available from Mid-June to Mid-September. Cruises last 1.5-2.5 hours.

You can choose from the Jackson Lake Scenic Cruise that takes you out on the lake and up close to the Teton Mountains while highlighting the history and geology of the area, a scenic breakfast cruise, a scenic lunch cruise, or a scenic dinner cruise. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner cruises take you to Elk Island, where you are able to get off, eat, and soak up the views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons.

Catch the Sunrise/Sunset

Catching a sunrise or sunset in Grand Teton National Park is a memorable experience you won’t want to miss—and it’s perfect for photo taking or just relaxing and spending time with the family. With so many viewpoints, it’s easy to find one that fits your plans.

Schwabacher Landing is a top choice, known for its stunning reflections of the Teton Range in the Snake River, especially in the soft, warm light of sunrise or sunset. The Snake River Overlook is another great option, where the winding river meets a dramatic mountain backdrop, enhanced by vibrant colors at golden hour. Mormon Row is also a favorite, with its iconic barns glowing in the warm light.

Jenny Lake offers beautiful sunrise and sunset views depending on your location around the lake. No matter where you are in the park, experiencing sunrise or sunset only adds to the incredible natural beauty of Grand Teton.

Jenny Lake Boat Ride

Aside from the Jenny Lake shuttle, you can take a Jenny Lake Boat ride with the purpose of seeing the lake/mountains by boat and learning about the history and geology of the area. We chose a Jenny Lake Boat ride on our visit, and the views from the boat were just stunning! At one point, we were able to look right into Cascade Canyon.

Scenic boat tours are 1 hour long. Tours leave from the East dock on Jenny Lake near the visitor center. Scenic boat tours are available from mid-May to late September. Please be aware that the scenic boat tour does not include a drop off for hiking. You will need to take the Jenny Lake shuttle for this.

Jenny Lake is a very popular area of the park. Finding parking can be challenging, so be sure to arrive with plenty of time to ensure you can make it to the dock in time. There is a little bit of a walk from the parking area to the dock (about 100 yards). We made the mistake of not arriving early enough, and although we did make our tour, it was a close call! Don’t make this mistake!

Snake River Overlook

The Snake River Overlook is one of the most iconic scenic viewpoints in Grand Teton National Park, making it a must-see stop for visitors. Conveniently located right off of Highway 191, it requires little to no hiking, making it one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park for families.

From the overlook, you’re treated to a sweeping panorama of the Snake River as it winds gracefully through the valley below, framed by the Teton Range in the distance. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit, when the changing light enhances the colors and adds depth to this already stunning landscape.

Oxbow Bend

Oxbow Bend is one of the best scenic pull outs in Grand Teton National Park. Some of the best views in the park are found here, with Mount Moran in the background reflecting in the Snake River. The area is home to a variety of bird species and other animals, including pelicans, Great Blue Herons, muskrats, otters, moose, and bear.

Oxbow Bend is also a great spot for catching the sunrise/sunset. If you are visiting in the fall months, the already stunning scene will be enhanced by aspens and cottonwoods as they begin to change color.

Explore Jackson Hole, Wyoming

When visiting Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is a good home base. There are plenty of lodging and dining options, as well as nearby access to both indoor and outdoor activities.

Visit the town square, walk under the antler arches and spend some time shopping/dining. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers Aerial Tram rides to stunning views, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities during all seasons.

Jackson Hole is the gateway to tons of outdoor exploration and activities, including access to the Snake River for whitewater rafting tours & scenic floats, mountain coasters, hiking trails, snowboarding and skiing in the winter months, and access to mineral hot springs (Astoria and Granite).

Teton Village

Teton Village is located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It is about 12 miles outside of downtown Jackson and about a mile from the entrance of Grand Teton National Park.

Teton Village is home to the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, a 10 minute ride to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. The views at the top are well worth the trip and one of our favorite things to do when we visited Grand Teton National Park.

If you are a biker, Teton Village offers access to a variety of mountain biking trails, from easy, novice level trails to more advanced trails. Via Ferrata is a guided climbing experience at Teton Village that takes you across suspension bridges and along granite walls. It is definitely an activity for the more adventurous, and participants must be at least 10 years of age.

Other activities at Teton Village include a ropes course, disc golf, para gliding, bungee trampoline, and a climbing wall. You can also find a variety of accommodation options at Teton Village, from traditional suites to bi-level, multi-room suite.

Frequently Asked Questions

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