Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

Nestled in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is a breathtaking destination known for its rugged mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Covering over 310,000 acres, the park offers a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking and wildlife spotting to scenic drives and historic sites.

Whether you're looking for adventure, photography spots, or peaceful moments in nature, this guide covers the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park.

1. Drive the Scenic Teton Park Road

• Distance: 42 miles (loop from Moose to Jackson Lake)

• Best For: Sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and photography

• Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for the best lighting

One of the best ways to experience the majestic beauty of the Tetons is by taking a scenic drive along Teton Park Road. This 42-mile loop takes visitors through some of the most iconic views in the park, including Signal Mountain, Jenny Lake, and Snake River Overlook.

Along the way, be sure to stop at:
✔️ Schwabacher Landing – One of the best places to photograph the Tetons reflected in the water.
✔️ Snake River Overlook – Made famous by Ansel Adams' legendary photo.
✔️ Oxbow Bend – A prime location for spotting moose, otters, and bald eagles.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Start early to avoid traffic and maximize wildlife sightings.
✔️ Bring binoculars for spotting bears, elk, and pronghorn.
✔️ The road is closed from November to May due to snowfall.

2. Explore Jenny Lake – The Heart of the Park

• Best For: Hiking, boat tours, and photography

• Top Hikes: Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon

Jenny Lake is one of the most visited and picturesque locations in the park. Surrounded by towering peaks, the lake provides stunning reflections, crystal-clear waters, and excellent hiking opportunities.

Top Things to Do at Jenny Lake:

✔️ Take the Scenic Boat Ride – A short shuttle boat cuts hiking time to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point.
✔️ Hike to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point – A moderate 2.2-mile hike to a spectacular 100-foot waterfall and an overlook with panoramic views.
✔️ Paddle or Kayak – Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the peaceful waters up close.

Insider Tips:

✔️ The boat shuttle runs from mid-May to September.
✔️ Arrive before 9 AM to get parking (Jenny Lake lots fill up fast).
✔️ The hike to Cascade Canyon is one of the best ways to escape crowds.

3. Hike the Taggart Lake Trail

• Hike Distance: 3 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Best For: Families, photographers, and casual hikers

For those seeking a quieter hike with breathtaking views, the Taggart Lake Trail is a must-do. This scenic, family-friendly hike leads to a serene alpine lake framed by the Tetons, offering some of the best reflections in the park.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Go in the early morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
✔️ Bring bear spray – this is grizzly territory!
✔️ Pack a snack and enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lake.

4. Visit Mormon Row & Capture Iconic Barn Photos

• Best For: Photography, history, and sunrise views

• Top Spot: The Moulton Barn

Mormon Row is home to some of the most photographed barns in the world, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tetons. These historic homesteads date back to the late 1800s, when Mormon settlers built them as part of a farming community.

✔️ The Moulton Barn is the most famous barn in the U.S. – a must-visit for photographers.
✔️ Visit at sunrise for the best lighting and golden hour glow.

Insider Tips:

✔️ This is a great spot to see bison grazing nearby.
✔️ Early morning is best to avoid tourist crowds.

5. Watch Wildlife at Willow Flats & Oxbow Bend

• Best For: Wildlife watching and photography

• Best Time: Early morning or late evening

Grand Teton National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, wolves, and bald eagles. The best places to spot wildlife are:

✔️ Willow Flats (near Jackson Lake Lodge) – One of the best places to see moose and elk.
✔️ Oxbow Bend – A prime location for spotting bears, otters, and trumpeter swans.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens for better wildlife viewing.
✔️ Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from other animals.

6. Float or Raft the Snake River

• Best For: Scenic views and adventure

• Best Time: Summer (June–August)

For an unforgettable experience, take a scenic float trip or whitewater rafting adventure on the Snake River. These excursions offer incredible views of the Tetons, as well as the chance to spot bald eagles, beavers, and moose along the riverbanks.

✔️ Scenic Float Trips – Perfect for families and photography.
✔️ Whitewater Rafting – For those looking for a thrilling ride through the Snake River Canyon.

7. Hike to Delta Lake – A Hidden Gem

• Hike Distance: 8 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Strenuous (steep elevation gain, boulder scrambling)

If you're up for a challenging yet rewarding hike, the trek to Delta Lake is one of the park’s most breathtaking hikes. This turquoise alpine lake, sitting at the base of Teewinot Mountain, is a hidden gem with stunning glacier-fed waters.

Insider Tips:

✔️ This is not an official trail—expect rough terrain.
✔️ Start early and bring lots of water.
✔️ Be bear aware and carry bear spray.

8. Stay Overnight and Stargaze

• Best For: Night photography and camping

• Best Time: Summer and early fall

Grand Teton National Park has some of the darkest skies in the U.S., making it a perfect place for stargazing. The Milky Way, constellations, and even the Northern Lights (on rare occasions) can be seen from places like:

✔️ Signal Mountain Summit
✔️ Jenny Lake
✔️ Colter Bay