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Wyoming • mountain panoramas, lakes and trails

Grand Teton National Park

The Teton Range rises above a valley of lakes and open views. Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake are natural starting points for a visit, from a gentle lakeside walk to a mountain hike. On a trip that also includes Yellowstone, I recommend giving Grand Teton its own day instead of treating it only as a drive-through.

Travel here with meColorado, Black Hills & Utah · 18-day version · early September 2027See the itinerary →Ask about the trip →
Grand Teton National Park
Wyoming — mountain panoramas, lakes and scenic trails

Current weather

Jenny Lake area

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Modelled weather for this area; elevation is approximate. Conditions higher in the mountains may differ significantly.

The park in photos

Click a thumbnail to see the full image. Photos: National Park Service.

Jenny Lake beneath the Teton Range
Jenny Lake beneath the Teton RangeNPS / J. Bonney ↗ · public domain
Jackson Lake from the Lakeshore Trail
Jackson Lake from the Lakeshore TrailNPS / A. Falgoust ↗ · public domain
The Teton Range from Teton Park Road
The Teton Range from Teton Park RoadNPS / J. Bonney ↗ · public domain
The Teton Range in the clouds above the sagebrush flats
The Teton Range in the clouds above the sagebrush flatsVista Travel
Sources checked: . Check current closures before travelling.
My suggested time1 day for highlights; 2 days with a longer hike.Getting aroundA drive between viewpoints, with walks at selected stops.Season planningIn late May and early June, allow for snow on trails.

First visit: my one-day suggestion

Adapt the order to your accommodation, weather and open roads. Leave room for parking and photo stops.

  1. Moose / Craig Thomas Visitor Center: check trail conditions and choose the day’s walk.
  2. Jenny Lake: enjoy the lake, then choose a short shore walk or Hidden Falls.
  3. Snake River Overlook / Jackson Lake: finish with mountain views; if time allows, add a walk at Colter Bay.

With a second day, leave more time for a hike and a quiet return to your favourite viewpoint.

NPS — places to explore ↗

Entry and fees

A private vehicle pass costs $35 for seven days. Grand Teton and Yellowstone have separate entrance fees. No reservation is required for ordinary park entry; lodging and activities are separate.

In 2026, an additional $100 fee applies to non-US residents aged 16 and over unless covered by an eligible pass. See park fees and passes before buying tickets.

NPS ↗

Season and trail preparation

Snow can remain on valley trails until mid-June and on higher trails until late July. For a late-May or early-June visit, plan lower routes and check conditions at the visitor centre.

Take layers, water and bear spray, and learn how to use it. Popular trailhead parking fills early; choose a backup walk before setting out.

NPS ↗

Scenic driving

Teton Park Road offers views of the range. Use designated turnouts for photographs and wildlife watching. Roadworks can cause delays in 2026, so check current road information before departure.

NPS ↗

Choose a walk

Jenny Lake — Hidden Falls / Inspiration PointChoose the starting point

From the west boat dock, Hidden Falls is a 1 mi / 1.6 km round trip and Inspiration Point a 2 mi / 3.2 km round trip. From the visitor centre without the boat, the respective round trips are 5 mi / 8 km and 6 mi / 9.6 km. These are alternative destinations, not distances to add together.

The shuttle boat costs extra; check its operating hours and allow time for the return crossing.

NPS ↗
Colter Bay — Lakeshore Trail2.2 mi / 3.5 km loop · easy · 1–2 h

An easy loop from the Colter Bay Visitor Center, through forest and along Jackson Lake. Elevation gain: about 100 ft / 30 m. A good choice for lake views without a long mountain climb.

NPS ↗
Taggart Lake2026: changed access · 4.25 mi / 6.8 km round trip

During 2026 construction, the northern trail is closed. NPS lists the southern approach as a 4.25 mi / 6.8 km round trip with 770 ft / 235 m of elevation gain. Check the current route before walking; older descriptions of a shorter loop do not reflect this detour.

NPS ↗

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