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Grand Teton National Park has numerous things to keep visitors engaged, so boredom will not be experienced here. Opportunities abound to hike through pristine nature, float along the Snake River, and view one of the largest elk groups in the country. All those who come to this national park in Wyoming will enjoy their time.
Visiting Grand Teton feels like stepping back in time to the old American West. The majestic peaks of the Teton Range, the roaming wildlife, the undisturbed natural beauty… it’s a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively!
The closest airport to this national park is the Jackson Hole Airport. From there, I recommend renting a vehicle, since this is the best way to explore the scenic drives you will find in Grand Teton.
However, if self-driving is not preferred, this full calendar day tour from Jackson is a splendid choice as an alternative.
To assist you in planning your excursion, this guide outlines the 15 top things to do in Grand Teton. I also advise checking our overview on where to stay in Grand Teton to locate the best accommodations within the park.
Additionally, at the end of this article, there is a map with all the top-rated attractions in Grand Teton that should come in handy when planning your next adventure there.
Table of Contents
1. Visit Jackson Lake, the best thing to do in Grand Teton
Jackson Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Grand Teton National Park. It stretches 15 miles long and sits over 6,770 feet above sea level, making it one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the US.
Inside the large body of water, over a dozen islands can be found, such as Elk Island. From May through September, visitors can take morning or evening boat rides to the islandscape and admire stunning panoramas including Mt. Moran and the surrounding untamed settings. The cruises depart from the marina at Colter Bay, where the Lakeshore Trail loops around for approximately two miles of scenic trails.
While the lake is a must-see in Grand Teton and open year-round, the water remains below 60°F on average even in summer months. Still, it’s one of Grand Teton’s major attractions for windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, and wakeboarding, and the only lake in the park allowing all those activities.
You can also rent a pontoon boat to explore the nearby islands or set out in your own kayak. In winter, visitors like to go ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Jackson Lake’s strategic location makes it easy to get on the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway near the northern tip. Follow it to Yellowstone National Park, and along the way, you’ll pass several marinas and lodges, including Jackson Lake Lodge, one of the best lodging options in Grand Teton.
2. Oxbow Bend, a beautiful place to visit in Grand Teton National Park
Oxbow Bend is one of the Four Favored attractions in Grand Teton, along with the Snake River Overlook, Moulton Barns on Mormon Row, and Schwabacher Landing.
This iconic spot, which boasts stunning mountain views reflected in the Snake River, is the most photographed place in the entire national park. Over the years, erosion caused the water to create an oxbow, a crescent shape lined with beautiful natural scenery.
Moreover, the wildlife at Oxbow Bend is one of the finest things to see in Grand Teton National Park. Here, you can find otters, moose, black bears, and waterfowl like pelicans and great blue herons.
If you visit when winds are light and skies are clear, you’ll be able to capture the coveted photo of Mt. Moran reflected in the river. Note that Oxbow Bend can become crowded, especially around sunrise and sunset, and parking is limited.
This stunning viewpoint is accessed by taking Highway 89/191 and exiting between Jackson Lake Junction and Moran Junction.
3. Snake River Overlook, another lovely place to go to in Grand Teton
One of the most popular points of interest in Grand Teton National Park is the Snake River Overlook. It’s one of the Famous Four sights in the park and has become an iconic image that has graced innumerable postcards.
You’ll likely identify the perspective from Ansel Adams’ photographs, which successfully brought more visitors to the national park. The gorgeous vista depicts the receding Teton Range and the undulating Snake River meandering towards the mountains.
While Adams captured that photo over 70 years ago, the present day view is not precisely the same. The trees have since grown tall enough to partly obscure sections of the river, but it remains magnificent and beautiful throughout the year.
A must-see attraction when in Grand Teton is undoubtedly Snake River Overlook. It merits a quick visit alone, just to soak in the breathtaking scenery and full perspective of the area. The locale is spectacular in the early morning hours thanks to catching the sunrise gradually cresting over the mountain peaks.
4. Visit Schwabacher’s Landing, a great activity in Grand Teton
Just a few miles south of Snake River Overlook, you’ll find Schwabacher’s Landing. This is one of the four access points to the waterway, so you’ll likely see fisherfolk, rafters, and canoers there. It’s another iconic sight in Grand Teton National Park and an easy one to reach.
From I-89, you’ll see breathtaking views of the Teton Range. Drive down the road until you get to the parking lot, and you’ll be just steps away from the Snake River.
As one of the famous four sites, Schwabacher’s Landing is a must-see attraction in Grand Teton National Park. Photographers flock here for the lovely reflection of the grand mountain scenery in the river. The area is particularly stunning in autumn when the foliage takes on golden hues. Visiting in winter is impossible, as the gravel roads become very hazardous.
A 4-mile hiking trail along the edge of the Snake River winds past a beaver pond and dams. While it’s often too crowded and noisy to spot wildlife, stopping here represents a fun thing to do in Grand Teton with kids.
5. Explore Mormon Row, a great thing to do in Grand Teton
Mormon Row is a brief stop but still worth visiting, and it’s a cool thing to do in Grand Teton National Park with youngsters.
This historic community was constructed by Mormon settlers in the 1890s. It’s unique in that the families shared the work and had a communal home rather than isolated farms. Here, you can find old drainage systems, barns, fields, and corrals.
Two of the most significant buildings are the John Moulton Barns and the Andy Chambers Homestead. The former includes a pink stucco house and two-story barn, while the latter is a log cabin and stable that got its electricity from a windmill until the 1950s.
Also known as Antelope Flats, Mormon Row is one of the favorite attractions in Grand Teton National Park among photographers. The humble houses juxtaposed with the dramatic panorama of the mountains makes you feel like you’re part of a postcard. Oh, and be sure to keep your eyes open for herds of bison on the horizon!
6. Wildlife viewing, another must-do in Grand Teton National Park
It is unquestionable that the premier exercise to engage in within Grand Teton National Park is to admire the indigenous wildlife. The park territory is replete with scenic regions where sightings of elk, bison, mule deer, moose, bears, and much more abundant fauna can be experienced.
One locale included is Antelope Flats, which involves 640 acres and protects the migratory routes and natural habitats of local species. Travel along Antelope Flats Road, and you’re sure to see pronghorn, badgers, coyotes, foxes, and nesting grounds for various bird species. You’ll also pass by Mormon Row, Blacktail Butte, and the Gros Ventre Mountains.
I also propose driving along Moose Wilson Road, which runs through forests and wetlands. However, the National Elk Refuge is the prime location in Grand Teton for wildlife observation. I will discuss this excellent spot for nature lovers and wildlife photographers later in this article.
If you wish to visit all the prime locations in a single day, take this four-hour wildlife excursion. It departs in the morning and evening to maximize your chances of sighting local fauna. You’ll climb into a safari vehicle and set out in search of moose, bison, wolves, elk, pronghorn, black bears, eagles, and much more. Your naturalist guide will stop at several areas where you can get out and look through high-powered scopes to view roaming animals in the distance.
7. Signal Mountain, another place you can’t miss in Grand Teton
If you’re looking for more activities in Grand Teton, consider Signal Mountain. Located 7,720 feet above sea level, the mountain offers sweeping panoramas of the Teton Range, the Snake River, and Jackson Hole.
Upon reaching the peak, you can admire the surroundings from East View Overlook and Jackson Point Overlook. Keep an eye out for black bears and deer, and also check out Signal Mountain Marina if you go down there. You can rent watercraft and hit the lake.
Furthermore, the prominent Signal Mountain Trail is a favored hike to undertake in Grand Teton National Park. Measuring 6.8 miles long, it passes through a forest of contorted pines and connects to the Signal Mountain Lodge, where one can enjoy a meal following the excursion. Nearby the lodge exists a campground open during summer months where we stayed on our last trip.
8. Jenny Lake, a spectacular place to visit in Grand Teton
Jenny Lake is one of the primary attractions in Grand Teton National Park, with beautiful scenery, hiking routes, and scenic boat tours. The lake was formed around 12,000 years ago and covers nearly 1,200 acres.
Along with Jackson Lake, it’s one of Grand Teton`s few lakes permitting motorboats. You can also join a boat tour to learn about the lake`s past while cruising.
While you’re there, visit the Jenny Lake Visitor Center situated in the old studio of photographer Harrison Crandall. It serves both as an art gallery and museum, exhibiting photographs of Grand Teton through the years.
From the prominent Jenny Lake Overlook, situated at the eastern shore of the lake, magnificent sights can be witnessed of Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John, and Cascade Canyon. Jenny Lake also provides quick access to some of the top climbing routes in the vicinity, leading to certain of the Teton’s tallest peaks.
The Jenny Lake Trail circumnavigates the lake along a 7-mile loop, ranking among the easiest and most popular treks in the national park. It leads to the more extended Cascade Canyon Trail and Inspiration Point, topics to which I`ll turn in the next section.
For a more compact yet equally scenic hike, I propose heading to String Lake by motoring along the sole scenic Jenny Lake Road. On an unblemished day, it`s simple to glimpse the peaks of Mount Moran and the Tetons glistening on its surface. You can then hike the trail beside the shore or the 5-mile path taking you to the splendid Leigh Lake.
9. Hike in Cascade Canyon, an awesome thing to do in Grand Teton
Cascade Canyon, molded by glaciers around 15,000 years ago, is among Grand Teton National Park’s top 10 attractions.
The Cascade Canyon Trail has some of the finest views in the park and is considered one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park. It follows the 5-mile length of the canyon where Cascade Creek runs before flowing into Jenny Lake.
If you hike, make sure to stop at the 100-foot-tall Hidden Falls which is only 0.6 miles from the trailhead. Then, follow the trail markers up to Inspiration Point for stunning views of beautiful Jenny Lake.
For a longer or multi-day backcountry trip, you can head north to the Lake Solitude Trail, which leads to the tallest peaks, including Grand Teton (13,770 ft). You can also go south on the South Fork Cascade Canyon Trail to Hurricane Pass to see the Schoolroom Glacier.
Cascade Canyon is directly to the west of Jenny Lake, so to reach the trailhead, where the 1935 Cascade Canyon Barn is located, you will need to hike part of the Jenny Lake Trail initially or take a ferry boat that can transport you across the lake.
10. Take the 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive
If time is limited for seeing all the natural scenery and wildlife of the region, taking a ride on the Scenic Loop Drive is one of the best activities to engage in at Grand Teton. The 42-mile loop passes snow-capped peaks, rising cliffs, pristine lakes, and opportunities to view wildlife.
This loop combines the inner roadway (Teton Park Road) and the outer roadway (Highway 191) and is only driveable from May to October since Teton Park Road closes during the winter.
The Scenic Loop Drive offers some of the best photographic opportunities in Grand Teton National Park. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete the drive and views will include Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, Jackson Lake, Signal Mountain and Jenny Lake. Therefore, extra time should be budgeted to pause and take in the sights.
For a similar explanation, I suggest driving counter-clockwise, so you can take a detour on the one-way Jenny Lake Road and stop at the Cathedral Group Turnout. That said, it’s best to take the drive in the morning since you’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife, and the mountain views will be much better. Of course, drive carefully and slowly since you’ll likely come across large animals on the road.
11. National Elk Refuge, an amazing place to visit in Grand Teton
Another primary attraction in Grand Teton National Park involves the National Elk Refuge. Formed over 100 years ago, this wildlife shelter aims to conserve the natural winter habitat for dozens of animal, fish, and bird varieties.
This area consists of over 24,000 acres of meadows, lowlands, and mountainous foothills surrounded by the Teton Range. The panoramic views and scenery will help one forget about the daily challenges of modern life.
A key factor in this locale gaining fame as one of the places to visit in Grand Teton involves the Jackson Elk Herd, among the largest worldwide. Each winter, about 11,000 elk pass through the refuge, with many migrating from Yellowstone National Park.
The refuge also maintains the largest single herd of bison under federal administration. Around 1,000 bison roam across the land each season, creating a picturesque scenery of the American West. You can also see mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, magpies, ravens, trumpeter swans, and red-winged blackbirds at the refuge.
Travel along Refuge Pathway to notice bighorn sheep. If fate smiles upon you, you may notice a coyote, red fox, or wolf, or potentially even a grizzly bear! This place is excellent for wildlife photography, but it is also an engaging thing to do within Grand Teton National Park with youngsters. If you do not desire to drive within the winter months, this excursion with lodging pick-up and drop-off is flawless to spend the day exploring the refuge and gaining knowledge about its history and wildlife.
12. Go rafting, something you must do in Grand Teton
Rafting trips represent one of the top activities available in Grand Teton and something the whole family can enjoy together. During the summer months especially, you won’t want to miss the thrilling adventure along the Snake River.
This whitewater rafting trip takes you along Class 2-3 rapids. It’s an adrenaline-pumping 8-mile stretch, and you’ll also get the chance to swim in the river. An experienced and knowledgeable guide leads the tour, sharing historical information about the area.
For a more relaxed experience, try this extended scenic rafting journey. Photographs of the canyon scenery and local wildlife, like bald eagles, moose, otters, mountain goats, and osprey can be captured. Additionally, it represents a good experience for novice rafters and an enjoyable activity to participate in with children within Grand Teton National Park.
Whichever tour is chosen, a rafting excursion is the ideal way to take in the scenic views of the Tetons while observing the local terrain and ecology.
13. Take a Scenic Air Tour, a wonderful thing to do in Grand Teton National Park
There is no debate that an scenic flight is one of the most thrilling activities in Grand Teton. I recommend this tour, which provides views of the park`s most iconic landscapes from above.
You can opt for either a short 60-minute or extended 90-minute flight experience, both including knowledgeable commentary and impressive views from above. The trip begins from the Jackson Hole Airport and takes you over the Snake River before angling towards Jackson’s ski resorts. Then, you’ll circle back around providing sights of the Teton Pass and Idaho border from the skies.
Along the route, see the Cathedral Group, the tallest peaks in Grand Teton renowned for their distinctive pyramidal form. The more extensive flight also passes the Gros Ventre Range and Sheep Mountain. As one hovers above the Jackson Hole valley, the reason why this is the most memorable activity in Grand Teton National Park will be discovered.
14. Yellowstone National Park, a beautiful place to go near Grand Teton
Considered the first national park in the US, Yellowstone offers an excellent location near Grand Teton National Park for visitors to explore. Situated just 10 miles north of Grand Teton, Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its wildlife viewing opportunities and geothermal features, including the well-known Old Faithful geyser.
The park is also home to Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America, as well as the Yellowstone Caldera, the continent’s largest supervolcano.
It’s also worthwhile viewing the Steamboat Geyser, currently the tallest dynamic geyser on Earth, ejecting 300-400 feet into the atmosphere, and the Midway Geyser Basin, housing the largest hot spring in the country, the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Yellowstone is renowned for its expansive wildlife, which incorporates hundreds of mammal, fish, and bird species. Keep an eye out for grizzly bears, wolves, and freely roaming elk. The park’s bison herd is the oldest and most significant in the USA, so seeing them is essential.
If you are staying in Jackson and do not want to drive there, I advise this full-day excursion. However, if you have additional time available, check out our suggested 25 activities to do in Yellowstone. Visiting this region is one of the coolest things you can do around Grand Teton National Park.
15. Visit Jackson, an awesome place to go in Grand Teton
If you’re searching for additional areas to explore in Grand Teton, do not overlook the city of Jackson. Many visitors who stay overnight in the national park reside in Jackson since it’s under 15 minutes from the park entrance. Also, this charming city offers plenty of fun things to do.
To begin, check out Jackson’s charming small town square. Small and lovely, it’s full of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and elk antler arches that make for nice photo ops. Jackson is also home to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which has a short sculpture path behind the museum. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time here.
Additionally, the town is near some great ski resorts, like Snow King Mountain or Jackson Hole Mountain, where the popular Jackson Hole Aerial Tram is located. It ascends over 4,100 feet to the summit of Rendezvous Peak (10,450 feet) where expansive views of the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole valley can be seen.
The passage details the primary attractions one can engage with in Grand Teton National Park. To begin preparation for your adventure, consult the accompanying map highlighting the key sites within Grand Teton.
I hope you enjoyed reading and you’ll try out some (or all) of these activities available in Grand Teton. If you have any questions about the area, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to help! Safe travels!
