Grand Teton National Park's Natural Wonders
Everything is grand in Grand Teton National Park: majestic peaks, regal wildlife, lake reflections and unmatched opportunities for solitude. Find exhilarating adventure and tranquil solitude in this vast park.
Some of Ansel Adams’ most famous black-and-white photographs were taken in this park in Wyoming. Try to recreate his iconic shot of a bend of the Snake River.
Whatever your photography skill range, pick up a set of recommendations from the visitor center to learn the best times at the best spots for the best photos.
Lodging near Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Compare 2,039 hotels close to Grand Teton National Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOTELMornings are great for observing the park and taking photographs. Capture bright orange colors on the tops of the mountains as the sun rises.
Find the T. A. Moulton barn, a 1913 Mormon farmstead, one of the most photographed barns in the U.S. Take an early morning drive from the National Elk Refuge northward into the park to see elk or possibly moose grazing.
The park also has mule deer, bison, bear and soaring birds of prey. Remember that animals can become aggressive and move more quickly than you can, so follow park requirements for minimum safe distances from wildlife and specific rules for traveling in bear country.
Hike or bike some of the more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) of trails, several leading to beautiful lakes and glacial ravines. A long flat bicycle trail parallels the mountains.
Camp or use the park lodge facilities at several locations for overnight stays and meals with great views. Fish and swim in several reflective lakes.
Grand Teton National Park is just south of Yellowstone National Park. Purchase a multi-park pass and plan a multi-day trip to enjoy both areas. Some of the park’s facilities are staffed only during the summer.
However, the main highway through the park is open year-round and the inner Teton Park Road remains open in winter for non-auto access: biking and rollerblading when the roads are dry and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking when a beautiful blanket of snow covers the ground.
U.S. national parks offer affordable adventure for all travelers. Create your own grand adventure in Grand Teton National Park.
Wildlife Spotting in Grand Teton National Park
Lace up your hiking boots and grab your camera for your next outdoor vacation destination, Grand Teton National Park. The best travel accessory is a good itinerary so check out our list of top places to visit in the park to get started.
From mountain peaks to glacial ravines and reflective lakes, Grand Teton National Park makes for a dramatic geological statement!
Observe the wildlife and their beautiful surroundings here and see why this portion of Wyoming wilderness has been such a magnet for painters and photographers.
Main attractions in Grand Teton National Park
Fill your Grand Teton National Park travel itinerary with all the top attractions in the region for an unforgettable vacation. Explore over 300,000 acres of epic, wild space with enough photo opportunities to fill an album.
Get to know the elk, moose, bison and soaring birds of prey that call this rugged expanse home. This park is located just south of Yellowstone National Park and offers its own unique experiences to visitors.
If you’re in the area for more than a day, look into the multi-park passes with our vacation packages. And remember, you can visit Grand Teton’s peaks, lakes and waterfalls at any time of year – each season offers something unique and wonderful.
12 Must-See Attractions in Grand Teton National Park
1.Mormon Row
Step back in time to the Wild West with a visit to the Mormon Row Historic District. Join a tour to discover how homesteading opened up America’s West to future settlements and eventually.
Don’t miss the T.A. Moulton Barn, which has been often described as America’s most photographed barn. Long before European settlement, this region was home to multiple Native American tribes.
2.Schwabacher’s Landing
Set aside some time in your Grand Teton National Park itinerary to indulge your inner photographer here at Schwabacher’s Landing. Feel the peaceful power emanating from Snake River and its vivid reflection of the snow-capped mountain range.
Capture sunrise from this location as the first rays bounce off the Tetons or witness the magic of dusk as the sun sinks behind the range. Wade into the calm river’s edge to go fishing or launch a raft to spend a lazy afternoon floating on the flat water.
3.Oxbow Bend
Oxbow Bend is a wide and shallow horseshoe-shaped curve in the Snake River and is one of the most visually impressive attractions in Grand Teton National Park. Marvel as conifer forests and mountain peaks reflect dreamily in the tranquil water on clear and sunny days.
Spot animals roaming along the riverbanks and birds flying above the treetops. Come in winter, when snow and ice cover the mountains, river and valleys.
Late September is a great time to witness the vivid orange, red and yellow hues of the fall foliage. Early in the morning is often the best time for watching and photographing wildlife.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks: Small Group 6-Day Tour
We offer personalized small-group “2canGo” Packages with an unparalleled level of flexibility.Enjoy whitewater rafting along the Snake River with its stunning canyon scenery and wildlife.
Gondola-Lift: The summit offers staggering 360-degree views of the Tetons, Jackson Valley surrounding mountain ranges.Camping: Relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Grill BBQ at Comp Grant in Grand Teton National Park.Get up-close views of Wildlife! (Binoculars provided)Scenic drives to key attractions of Yellowstone!
CLICK HERE TO BOOK THE TOUR4.Jackson Lake
Visit Jackson Lake to re-energize and dabble in recreational activities under the mighty gaze of the Tetons. A great way to experience the lake is to rent a boat and explore its 15-mile stretch at your own pace.
From May to September, motorized boats, canoes and sea kayaks are available at Signal Mountain Lodge. Spend a day cruising the calm lake water, exploring nature trails, fishing for trout and visiting islands.
5.Signal Mountain
Looking for panoramic views? Hiking in Grand Teton National Park is one of many great things to do on vacation here. Make the climb, either on foot or by car, up Signal Mountain to enjoy the sweeping views of Jackson Hole and the Teton range.
It’s more than the hike that’ll leave you breathless! At the summit, stop to take in the beauty and majesty of the world before you and beneath your feet.
6.Jenny Lake
Plan a trip to Jenny Lake, a 12,000-year-old glacial lake set at the base of Cascade Canyon. Kick back for a few days here to properly marvel at the serene natural beauty here.
Embark on family-friendly adventures on foot and by boat to get close to the remarkable landscapes of the Teton Range. Spend a day of your itinerary on the Jenny Lake Trail for views of snow-capped mountain peaks and forested valleys.
At the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, plan short hikes or multi-day treks or join a guide on the flatter wheelchair-accessible walk to the lake’s shores.
7.Teton Glacier Turnout
Today, there are around 10 active glaciers in Grand Teton National Park, three of which can be seen from the Teton Glacier turnout on the Teton Park Road.
As temperatures have risen over the decades, summer melts are frequently outpacing winter gains and the glaciers are retreating. The view from Teton Glacier Turnout may feel ageless, but it is ever-evolving.
On your trip, be sure to capture a photo of the snow, ice and rugged earth as it stands in that moment in time.
8.Taggart Lake
Although smaller than Jackson and Jenny lakes, Taggart Lake still serves up some incredible scenery. This natural attraction is easy to reach and offers something for all ages.
The lake sits at the terminus of Avalanche Canyon and is the gateway to this glacier-sculpted region. Allow approximately 2 hours in your Grand Teton National Park itinerary to reach Taggart Lake along the Taggart Lake Trail.
9.Inspiration Point
Speaking of Jenny Lake’s fantastic hiking trails, one of the most famous in all of Grand Teton National Park is Inspiration Point, and for good reason.
A shorter hike at a less drastic elevation, the Inspiration Point trail is a popular option for hikers at all skill levels, and the payoff is nothing short of breathtaking.
Not only does the Point offer a full view of Jenny Lake, but you can also see the Grand Teton, Cascade Canyon, and nearby Jackson Hole. Pack your camera because this is a view you’ll want to take home with you!
10.Snake River Overlook
Calling all photographers: your visit to Wyoming is sure to be packed with natural beauty, and if you’re looking for the right angle to snap that breathtaking shot, why not use a famous one?
As its name suggests, Snake River Overlook provides a beautiful view of the Snake River as it winds through Grand Teton National Park, and the sight is so striking that it has been immortalized by one of art’s biggest and best names.
Ansel Adams, famed photographer specializing in black and white photos, captured “Tetons and the Snake River” right here.
11.42-Mile Scenic Loop Drive
When exploring an area the size of Grand Teton National Park, sometimes the best way to ensure you don’t miss a minute is by utilizing some horsepower.
The 42-Mile Scenic Loop Drive will take you from Moose, WY, to Jackson Lake and back again, spanning many of the lookout points that give you the best views of the Tetons.
However, this route doesn’t just highlight the mountains; you can expect to see glaciers, dams, historical structures, and so much more. You may even catch a glimpse of bison, elk, and bears in their natural habitat.
12.Chapel of the Transfiguration
Your visit to Grand Teton National Park takes a spiritual and historical turn at the Chapel of the Transfiguration near Moose, WY. Since 1925, this quaint log structure has served as a main house of worship for those living in and around the Teton range and visitors to the area.
In addition to being added to the National Register of Historic Places, the Chapel of the Transfiguration is still an active Episcopal church in the summer, providing guests a place to pray with some of the most beautiful views in the country
Exploring the Rich History of Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most scenic national parks in the world, with the magnificent Teton Range being the center of attention. The jagged mountains rise an impressive 7,000 vertical feet above the Town of Jackson.
As the youngest mountain range in the Rocky Mountains, very little erosion has taken place which allows for such an amazing landscape.
Experience the Grand Teton National Park with your professional guide for the best opportunity to see moose, elk, bison, wolves, bears, bald eagles and more. Your guide will suggest frequent stops along the tour for incredible photo opportunities.
Tours can be customized based on your specific interests focusing on wildlife and scenery to the history, geology, thermal activity, ecology, photography and more.
You have far more choices in terms of activities that you can do in the summer, like:
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Boating
- Rafting
- Horseback riding
Organized tours by local operators or ranger-guided walks usually only run during the summer high season, so this is a better time to visit if you are less experienced and would rather have a guide telling you what to do and giving you context for what you are seeing.
The landscape is also at its most beautiful in the summer. The melted snow reveals the grassy slopes and dramatic mountains in all of their glory.
Due to the high elevation, wildflower season comes later here than in many other places, so you’ll get to see alpine wildflowers in all of their glory.
Summer is also the best time to visit in terms of convenience because most of the amenities within the park are only open from mid-May or June until October. Visitor centers, boat launches, campgrounds, and other places just operate for a few months.
Although Grand Teton National Park isn’t as famous as some of Wyoming’s other parks, it’s fast becoming a popular destination as well.
It’s so popular that the park had to implement measures like requiring advanced reservations for camping.
