Source 2026 Wyoming Official Travel Guide - Wyoming Official Travel Guide
Teton Tactics in Grand Teton National Park
2025-12-29 02:58:13
TETON TACTICS
HIGHLIGHTS & EXTENDED-STAY TIPS FOR GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
With majestic mountains as your backdrop and forested trails, roaring rivers and more than 100 alpine and backcountry lakes beckoning for exploration, this wild wonderland is just a few miles from the town of Jackson.
PARK HIGHLIGHTS
IF YOU HAVE A WEEKEND ...
Whether you’re on the way to Yellowstone or a road trip farther afield, there’s still ample time to soak up some sights at Grand Teton, especially if you have a couple days. Here are three focal points to prioritize in this quieter park:
TETON PARK ROAD
Known as the 42-Mile scenic Loop Drive , the thoroughfare offers a great overview of the park, with stunning vistas of the toothy Tetons and plenty of wildlife-viewing opportunities. Pick up a map at Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, then choose destinations along the loop to explore.
MORMON ROW HISTORIC DISTRICT
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this photogenic tract of land was founded as a ranch settlement in the 1890s. Many of the original homesteads have been preserved, providing a slew of glorious photo ops with the majestic Tetons looming in the distance.
TAGGART LAKE TRAIL
The moderate route’s short length (about 3 miles round trip) and minor elevation gain (roughly 300 feet) make it ideal for quick visits, big groups and little hikers. A handful of stream crossings and pretty views of Taggart Lake are sure to please any crew.
BEST THINGS TO DO …
FOR SIGHTSEERS
Capture Insta-worthy images of the reflective Jenny Lake, beloved by amateur and professional photogs alike.
FOR FAMILIES
Take in dramatic panoramas from the comfort of a raft. A kidfriendly float trip along the Snake River creates lasting memories.
FOR ADVENTURERS
Tackle the park’s most challenging hikes, like the Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail for ruggedly scenic vistas and a 3,000-foot elevation gain.
“Wyoming is a landlocked state, but water is our lifeblood. It connects everything and everyone. The beautiful thing is how clearly you can see that water start as a snowflake; you can see that water start as a spring, and you can follow it as far as it goes.”
— ELYSE GUARINO Co-Founder & Guide for Wyoming Rivers Cooperative, elyseguarino.com & instagram.com/elyseguarino
Learn more about both national parks at nps.gov/yell and nps.gov/grte.
TOP PLACES TO STAY
With seven lodges, six campgrounds, one RV park and one tent village within park boundaries, there are no bad choices for accommodations in Grand Teton. Jenny Lake is the most popular campground; its 49 conifer-shaded tent sites require a reservation, so plan accordingly. Jackson Lake Lodge is the place for views from every window, so it’s also a top choice. Overnight spots fill up early, so be sure to book ahead of time. To learn more about places to camp — in and near Wyoming’s national parks — visit travelwy.com/campsites.
EXTENDED STAY
ADVENTURES TO ADD ON IF YOU HAVE A WEEK ...
Have more time to explore? Seeing all of Grand Teton’s nooks and crannies will be a chance-of-a-lifetime experience. Mix and match from this list of Teton to-dos for your quintessential park getaway.
STRING LAKE LOOP HIKING
Just under 4 miles round-trip, the easy String Lake Loop offers outstanding views of the iconic Cathedral Group peaks. Mountain vistas and lake reflections are particularly breathtaking in morning light, so set that alarm.
MENORS FERRY HISTORIC DISTRICT
A self-guided walking tour through Menors Ferry, a well-preserved 1894 ghost town, provides a mellow and informative trip back in time to the Old West.
LAURANCE S. ROCKEFELLER PRESERVE
Beat the crowds with a scenic morning hike in the preserve, a specially designated area of the park with limited traffic.
SNAKE RIVER RAFTING
About 50 miles of the 1,056-mile-long snake River are within the park, and every inch of the area is brimming with beauty. Hit schwabacher Landing, a starting point for fishing and wildlife watching.
COLTER BAY KAYAKING
After visiting the colter bay Visitor center , Colter Bay Marina is a great place to rent a kayak. Paddle around for a few hours, then adjourn to Jackson Lake Lodge for a meal.
JACKSON LAKE DINNER CRUISE
There’s no better way to end your day than with a little reflection on Jackson Lake . Cruise to Elk Island for al fresco dining in the shadow of the peaks.
SUNSET VIEW AT OXBOW BEND
Drive to Oxbow Bend to capture Mount Moran’s reflection shimmering in the Snake River — then head into Moose for a bite at Dornan’s Chuckwagon.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Explore more things to do at Grand Teton National Park, plus tips for mapping out your visit: travelwy.com/grand-teton. Browse listings for places to stay starting on p. 81 and find outfitters starting on p. 94.
The icon marks areas where accessible parking, trails and/or viewpoints are located.
Most walkways and self-guiding trails have at least one accessible route. Visit TravelWY.com/GTNP-Accessibility for detailed maps & More accessibility information.
GRAND TETON ROADS
Grand Teton’s weather can change quickly and this map’s features are subject to change. Check for road closures and for real-time status updates at nps.gov/grte. Drive times seen on this map are approximate, and delays — depending on season, weather and wildlife — can be expected.
©Wyoming. View All Articles.