Grand Teton National Park

Dramatic mountain range in Wyoming offering stunning alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and excellent hiking and mountaineering opportunities. A photographer's paradise with jagged peaks and abundant wildlife in a compact and accessible area.

Things to do

• Hike to Jenny Lake — A popular 7.2-mile loop around the pristine alpine lake offering stunning views of the Cathedral Group peaks and opportunities to spot moose and elk.
• Climb Grand Teton — The park's signature 13,775-foot peak offers a challenging two-day mountaineering expedition with technical climbing sections and breathtaking panoramic views.
• Photograph Oxbow Bend — A scenic viewpoint along the Snake River featuring iconic reflections of Mount Moran and exceptional wildlife photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset.
• Kayak on Jackson Lake — Paddle across the park's largest lake for close-up views of the Teton Range and chances to observe bald eagles, osprey, and cutthroat trout.
• Explore String Lake — A scenic 3.7-mile hike connecting Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake through a narrow, forested valley with occasional moose sightings and pristine mountain vistas.
• Wildlife watching at Oxbow Bend Turnout — Early morning and dusk visits offer excellent opportunities to spot bison, moose, elk, and grizzly bears against the dramatic mountain backdrop.

Food to try

• Snake River Cutthroat Trout — Fresh locally-caught cutthroat trout prepared simply at park restaurants and Jackson lodges, showcasing the pristine waters of the region.
• Elk and Bison Steaks — Local game meats served at Jackson dining establishments near the park, offering hearty mountain cuisine reflecting the region's ranching heritage.
• Huckleberry Pie — A Wyoming regional specialty featuring wild huckleberries foraged from the surrounding mountains, commonly found at park visitor center cafes and nearby Jackson restaurants.
• Sourdough Bread with Creamery Butter — Artisanal sourdough from local Jackson bakeries paired with fresh butter from regional dairies, a staple accompaniment to meals in the area.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive Early and Book Ahead — The park's compact size and popularity mean parking areas fill by mid-morning in summer, and lodging within and near the park requires advance reservations months ahead.
• Respect Wildlife Distance — Wyoming law requires staying at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from bears and wolves; binoculars and telephoto lenses allow safe observation while protecting animals.
• Prepare for Rapid Weather Changes — Mountain weather at 6,000+ feet elevation can shift dramatically within hours, requiring layered clothing even during summer visits and caution during afternoon thunderstorms.
• Embrace the Climbing Culture — Grand Teton is sacred ground for mountaineers; locals respect the tradition of peak-bagging and technical climbing, with many visitors and residents maintaining deep connections to the mountains' climbing heritage.