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Grand Teton National Park Travel Guide

The best vacation you'll never forget.
Last Updated
:
February 17, 2024
by
Editorial Staff
A Sunrise of Moulton Barn in the Grand Teton National Park, WY
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As spectacular as Chris Hemsworth emerging from the ocean in a tight wetsuit, Grand Teton National Park rises majestically from the Wyoming plains to tower over visitors with its rugged, saw-toothed peaks. And while ogling the chiseled ridges of the Tetons may inspire similar awestruck gaping, you’ve got better chances of snapping a selfie with an umbrella-toting moose than Thor himself in this little slice of alpine heaven.

In this Grand Teton guide, we’ll let you know how to maximize your precious time in the park without needing superhuman abilities (but x-ray vision would be nice for spotting bears!). Whether you’re yearning to scream “Adventure awaits!” as you scramble up craggy trails, longing to whisper sweet nothings as you paddle across mirror-like mountain lakes, or simply crave injuring your neck from getting snap-happy with the iconic views, we’ve got you covered.

From essential permits for getting your wilderness adventure badges to where to fill your growling stomach after burning bazillions of calories hiking, you’ll find everything needed to plan your Grand Teton escape. Sure, a trip here may not help you rule Asgard, but the storied peaks, abundance of wildlife, and crystal-clear night skies will have you feeling on top of the world. And who knows? Maybe you’ll get lucky and spot the glowing outlines of Thor and Loki roasting marshmallows at Jenny Lake. But no promises.

Now let’s get to the good stuff—how to plan the Grand Teton adventure of your dreams! Insert majestic trumpet fanfare here.

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About Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
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Unlike its bigger cousin, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park is less crowded and has fewer visitors. Yet it is just as beautiful, with rugged mountains, clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. Listed below are some interesting facts about the park. You’ll find the details you need to make your trip an unforgettable one.

The park is a hiking enthusiast’s paradise, with over 240 miles of trails and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The park is home to more than 100 lakes, including six morainal lakes at the base of the Teton Range. The park is home to more than a thousand waterfalls, and hiking trails can provide beautiful views of many of these.

The park was created in 1929 by President Calvin Coolidge and covers 96,000 acres. It has a varied terrain and elevation, ranging from 6.400 feet to 13,775 feet. It is also the only national park in the United States with its own commercial airport. Visitors can fly into the park’s airport, which makes it more accessible to people living in the area. The park also boasts twelve glaciers, including the famous Teton Glacier.

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Why Go to Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park entrance sign
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If you are a nature lover, Grand Teton National Park is the place to go. The park is home to jagged peaks, vibrantly colored wildflowers, and alpine lakes in all shades of blue. And it’s an amazing place for families to visit, with numerous activities to choose from.

When to go: Grand Teton National Park is open from mid-May to late-September. It has a relatively short peak season, though the park is more popular in the summer and fall. While it can get quite busy during these months, traffic isn’t as bad, and the weather doesn’t change as quickly as in Yellowstone.

Grand Teton National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking. The park is known for its raft-worthy river, beautiful mountain trails, and pristine lakes. It’s also close to Jackson, which features unique lodging options and easy access to Yellowstone National Park and the National Elk Refuge.

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Best Time to Go

Road in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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When to go: The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is whenever it is not crowded. The park has over 200 miles of hiking trails. There are easy hikes around the lakes, moderate hikes into the high mountains, and more challenging backcountry hikes. Visitors can use topographic maps to plan their hikes. There are also tours available to help you decide which trails to take.

The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is during the summer and mid-summer. In July and August, temperatures can reach 80°F. But winter is much colder, with lows dipping to the teens. In addition, snowfall can close roads and lodges. However, if you don’t mind cold weather, you can explore the park by cross-country skiing or sledding through the snowy landscape.

You can also visit Oxbow Bend and see the sunrise. The sunrise can be spectacular, so make sure to get up half an hour early. When the sun rises, the Teton Range starts to light up in an incredible pink hue. As the day progresses, the golden hour sets in, and the view is spectacular.

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How to Get Around

Girl reading map in Grand Teton National Park
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The landscape at Grand Teton National Park is breathtaking. It is a beautiful section of the Rockies, and many people compare it to the entire range. This park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re planning a trip to the area, there are a few ways to get around.

You can take an ATV or UTV tour of the park. These tours take you to unreachable parts of the park and offer unique views. You can choose to take a one-day or two-day excursion. You can plan your trip to allow yourself the full day to explore the park.

You can also rent a car to get around the park. While Grand Teton does not have an official shuttle service, there are many rental car companies in Jackson and nearby gateway towns. If you plan to drive to Grand Teton, you should make sure that you rent a car before you leave your home. If you want to see more of the park, you can also use Google Maps. You can access Google Maps on your computer or phone.

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Best Restaurants

Restaurant view of Gamefish Restaurant
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There are dozens of great restaurants in Grand Teton National Park, most of which have breathtaking views. One of the best restaurants in the park is the Signal Mountain Lodge, which offers great views and delicious food. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat-lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

One of the most popular restaurants in Grand Teton is Dornan’s Café, which serves a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. This restaurant is located in the heart of Teton Village, which is a ski and hiking destination. The Handle Bar, owned by celebrity chef Michael Mina, serves modern-day mountain fare and artisan coffee drinks. It also features a heated outdoor terrace.

If you’re staying at a resort in Jackson Hole, you might want to try the award-winning Gamefish Restaurant, located one mile from the park. It’s also near the famous Jackson Hole Mountain Aerial Tram. It offers award-winning fare, as well as an indoor/outdoor pool and a full-service spa. The restaurant’s ambiance and cuisine are inspired by the indigenous flavors of the region.

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Things to Do

Hiking through Cascade Canyon Trail to Hidden Falls of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming USA
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One of the things to do in Grand Teton National Park is to explore the park’s historic Chapel of the Transfiguration. Located next to the Snake River, this chapel was originally built in 1925. Today, the chapel still holds Sunday services. It has a capacity of 65 people.

Hiking is another popular activity in the park. There are several different hikes that visitors can take in order to experience the park’s natural beauty. Some take a full day while others are shorter. Some hikes are best done early in the morning. You can also take a guided tour of the park.

One of the most popular hiking trails in Grand Teton is the Hidden Falls trail. This trail leads to a 100-foot waterfall that is perfect for families. Hikers can also enjoy boat rides across Jenny Lake to get to the waterfall.

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Neighborhoods to Know

Teton Village in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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In addition to the Grand Teton National Park itself, there are also several neighborhoods nearby that are worth checking out. These include the Jackson Hole area, which is located just north of the park’s entrance. This area offers a quiet and private vibe and is conveniently close to the park’s attractions, such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Teton Village is an up-and-coming neighborhood that saw a resurgence since 2009. Previously a ski resort, this area has been viewed as a top summer destination. It is near the Grand Teton National Park, the Walk Hall, and a variety of fine restaurants. Single-family homes in the older south part of the Village start at around $2.5 million. Meanwhile, homes in the Granite Ridge section regularly sell for $5 million or more.

If you’re looking for a home within the park’s boundaries, consider one of the neighborhoods near the park. The town of Jackson itself has a thriving downtown area, and housing options range from trailer parks to new homes. Most properties are priced under $2 million, and only a handful of homes are priced over $3 million.

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Weather

Mount Moran view from Oxbow Bend beside Snake River of Grand Teton, Wyoming
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The weather in the park can be unpredictable, but that is part of the charm. Here is a guide to the weather at Grand Teton National Park.

The summers in Grand Teton National Park are warm and sunny. The average high temperature in July is 85°F (29°C). However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to reach into the 90s°F (32°C). There are also occasional thunderstorms in the summer months.

The winters in Grand Teton National Park are cold and snowy. The average low temperature in January is 10°F (-12°C). However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to dip below zero (-18°C).

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Editorial Staff
Editorial Staff at TravelMasta is a team of travel knowers led by Tengku Adam with over 6 years of experience. We have been learning about travel since 2017, and we are optimistic about becoming the largest travel resource site in the industry.

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