Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
Dive into a thrilling outdoor adventure across Grand Teton National Park with a variety of exciting activities.
Home to a striking horizon of mountain peaks, reflective lakes, a variety of living creatures, and sprawling areas of greenery, the Grand Teton National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring spots in the country. Whether you’re looking for fun activities during warmer weather or seeking invigorating things to do during the winter, the Grand Teton offers an array of unforgettable things to do for all visitors.
If you’re landing in the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) within the park, prepare yourself for an action-packed itinerary, featuring kayaking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and more. Operating for 24 hours on a daily basis, the Grand Tetons welcome each part of the year with fresh air, towering trees, and rumbling currents. Experience a sweeping adventure at the Grand Tetons, which is just a short drive from one of our lodgings.
![A kayaker in a blue kayak paddles in Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, with a line of evergreen trees on the horizon.](https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/leslie-cross-dvGmDvWO7BA-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7a55c3f1d45cb93f80190b28e71861a3 320w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/leslie-cross-dvGmDvWO7BA-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4a92d7676ccefeb77746f13db6c83374 540w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/leslie-cross-dvGmDvWO7BA-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=7633e427897f279e3e0d2c4a6241c5f3 768w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/leslie-cross-dvGmDvWO7BA-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=3ee042d6a2b6071625680dd9c8a2b8de 1024w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/leslie-cross-dvGmDvWO7BA-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=2b5348bacf9b28c4d4c3604af543cec2 1200w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/leslie-cross-dvGmDvWO7BA-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=7a5b0e8d6f00804591f7c40b5961770e 1440w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/leslie-cross-dvGmDvWO7BA-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=d1c28c3236728962004fbbedc12d31a9 1920w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/leslie-cross-dvGmDvWO7BA-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=480f53762d2db9e25e0c4c49520de1d8 2560w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/leslie-cross-dvGmDvWO7BA-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=54548eae7bc072a976cb7f72806a4c5e 3840w)
1. Journey Through Pristine Waters and Thrilling Currents
With available kayaking rentals from local outfitters, it’s easy to grab a paddle and travel across the stunning surface of Jenny Lake. Additional water-centered activities in the Grand Tetons include water skiing, wakeboarding, and boat touring. Snake River is one of the park’s most popular attractions, featuring activities such as whitewater rafting and family-friendly scenic floats.
2. Capture Breathtaking Photographs from Popular Vantage Points
Grand Teton National Park offers a variety of stunning locations which can be captured as striking pictures in your scrapbook. Make your way to a spot like Hidden Falls, which is a nearly five-mile trail from Jenny Lake that unveils 100 feet of cascading waterfalls in the middle of surrounding greenery. Nature lovers can continue to walk an additional half mile along the trail to Inspiration Point, which offers panoramic views of the Jackson Hole Valley, the Grand Tetons’ mountains, Jenny Lake, and Cascade Canyon. History buffs will enjoy visiting an area like Mormon Row, which reveals the old architecture of two abandoned barns and a homestead.
![Landscape of the Grand Tetons Mountain range reflecting on the water in Jackson Hole WY](https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-898276__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=8a45eb9018638ddd54ed46aea4272887 320w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-898276__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c3564dbb125cf2b4fb516de8ab6e6a3c 540w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-898276__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=96ed79980e931972e2bd741f3b3f9bb6 768w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-898276__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=72d698f6536ff5dc1d1f02714224f135 1024w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-898276__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=cf6626a61d8d3085dcc33454950aac9b 1200w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-898276__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=8a77f7b2955f7c1e58317d5f460dc55a 1440w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-898276__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=67b64b4f5e93d521f6120426a6dd7a59 1920w)
3. Embark on a Guided Tour Through the Park
Experience a wide assortment of guided tours at Grand Teton National Park, including sunset excursions, and dog sledding adventures. Sunset tours reveal some of the most gorgeous views of Grand Teton National Park, showering the environment in the golden hues of sunshine while providing informative details about local wildlife. Some tours may even include picnics in idyllic surroundings, as well as a journey in a custom car that has a roof hatch for one-of-a-kind viewing opportunities.
4. Cast a Line for Grand Teton-Based Fish
Plan for a day of fishing at Grand Teton National Park and be immersed in a tranquil environment with sun-soaked rays. Park goers with a Wyoming fishing license can cast a line into the clear blue waters of Jackson Lake and Snake River, discovering species such as brown, cutthroat, and lake trout.
5. Enjoy Horseback Riding Through Majestic Scenery
Horseback riding in the park feels like creating your own western movie moment in real life. Beginners are encouraged to take in the striking scenery of the Grand Tetons while riding through wildflower meadows and traveling along the glimmering waters of the park’s lakes. Traverse across creek crossings and routes that are covered with an array of vibrant flowers. Don your finest cowboy hat, climb on top of your horse, and explore the trails with a backdrop of colossal mountains.
![The peaks of the Grand Teton mountain range in the distance, with a large field in the foreground.](https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-in-the-fall__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6837d9af8a51f41e8e9fe5802c7d57ba 320w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-in-the-fall__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6986b878380f1025c2856f64df6ff615 540w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-in-the-fall__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d0f62695f100b15f52a42fbed12d08ba 768w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/grand-tetons-in-the-fall__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=3bed2835da209ce10bde56506e84892a 1024w)
6. Hike Through Winding Trails
Be immersed in the natural beauty of the Grand Tetons with plenty of trails for hikers of all levels. Take a three-mile leisurely hike through the Taggart Lake Trail, which is best suited for explorers who are looking for a slight elevation change. Located off Teton Park Road, Taggart Lake Trailhead starts with gorgeous meadows and forested areas, inevitably leading adventurers toward a crystal-clear lake with a mirror-like surface. Looking for more trails? Visitors often embark on popular routes such as the Static Peak Divide, Lake Solitude, and String Lake Loop.
7. Spot Local Wildlife and a Variety of Different Species
Uncover the diverse array of wildlife that’s nestled across the park, where bison graze among the tall grass and elks huddle close in their herds. It’s recommended to maintain an appropriate distance when watching wildlife, keeping a minimum of 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other animals. Explore an area like Oxbow Bend, which sets the scene for a variety of different species, including bald eagles, river otters, beavers, muskrats, and pelicans. An area like Timbered Island is a sanctuary for the pronghorn antelope, which are the quickest land mammals in the country.
![A moose with antlers walks through tall grass and brush in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.](https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/zachery-perry-tA1Isg4ujHw-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=651762351f3ce43faf9177b953cbd6d7 320w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/zachery-perry-tA1Isg4ujHw-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=bcf25dfea35aa217a42f511a8df706ef 540w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/zachery-perry-tA1Isg4ujHw-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=23d16f28b970c5b80610567015765b8e 768w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/zachery-perry-tA1Isg4ujHw-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c22d48fc0d75fbbabbe46f6502858357 1024w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/zachery-perry-tA1Isg4ujHw-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=d45f0c0f2002c57df30249888169353f 1200w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/zachery-perry-tA1Isg4ujHw-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=5a84435406ebd7d27c55cf542d89e601 1440w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/zachery-perry-tA1Isg4ujHw-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=34765dad2702966058988524b1617e1f 1920w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/zachery-perry-tA1Isg4ujHw-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=056c26598efd79dcbc7c5c7226ce389a 2560w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/zachery-perry-tA1Isg4ujHw-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=9d6d3375c3b9d95a2275d0d617abfa1f 3840w)
8. Reach for the Peaks of Mountains
Mountain climbing in the Grand Tetons is a magnificent journey that inspires perseverance, resilience, and grand sights. While a climbing permit isn’t needed for mountaineering, explorers on overnight excursions are required to carry a backcountry camping permit which allows permission to bivouac or camp. The Grand Tetons feature a variety of terrain that’s perfect for beginner and advanced climbers alike. Guided itineraries are offered with a range of one- to four-day experiences, ensuring a comfortable and safe climbing trip for each participant.
![Trees of golden autumn hues along the base of a mountain and in front of a body of water in Grand Teton National Park.](https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/oxbow-bend__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=9435ae40038567aabe5843e43d4a2036 320w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/oxbow-bend__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=44187421930c0541dcdcd61d7b4ad22a 540w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/oxbow-bend__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=862a8767ac3091088cf479e06bde1be7 768w, https://tsi-2021.imgix.net/images/oxbow-bend__large.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=18200f475198c994939dd1eaa033941a 1024w)
9. Journey Through a Picturesque Drive
Exploring the Grand Tetons behind a wheel? Driving through the park gives way to exceptional views of bucolic scenes. Watch gentle breezes sway a sea of wildflowers in a meadow, gentle laps of water glimmer across a lake, and sunshine cover the environment in a vivid brilliance. Swing by paved paths such as Moose-Wilson Road and Signal Mountain Summit Road for the seemingly endless surroundings of lush greenery.
10. Pedal Your Way Across the Park
Interconnected routes, fresh air, and impressive views of the mountain range are just some of the delightful experiences that you can encounter on a bike ride in the park. With varying levels of easy and hard bike trails, the Grand Tetons feature cycling fun for all ages. Rental services are available in the Jackson Hole area, offering models such as pathway, electric, and road bikes with attachable child trailers. Guided bike tours entail memorable rides to a classic spot like Jenny Lake while taking in the mountainous horizon. Self-guided cycling can be explored on the Grand Teton Pathway, which leads to areas such as the Blacktrail Butte and the Gros Ventre Roundabout.
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