National park · United States
Grand Teton National Park
Pay the $35 vehicle fee once and use it for 7 days: drive Teton Park Road at sunrise for the peaks, walk Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls before 9:00, and skip the midday shuttle crush in July–August.Pay the $35 vehicle fee once and use it for 7 days: drive Teton Park Road at sunrise for the peaks, walk Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls before 9:00 AM, and skip the midday shuttle crush in July–August.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,254 km² (484 sq mi)484 sq mi (1,254 km²)
approximate
Established
1929
Best months
Jun, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 1,254 km² (484 sq mi)484 sq mi (1,254 km²)
- About 1,254 km² (485 sq mi) of valley floor, lakes and the Teton Range; the boundary excludes most of the surrounding national forest (check).
- Established
- 1929
- Best months
- Jun, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Grand Teton is the Teton Range standing straight out of the Jackson Hole valley floor: no foothills, no approach ridge, so the granite wall is in front of you from the first turnout on US 26/89/191. The park is small enough to drive end to end in an hour and deep enough to fill a week — Jenny Lake and the central canyons, Jackson Lake and Colter Bay in the north, the Snake River bottoms in the south, and the high crest behind it all. It shares a boundary with Yellowstone, so most trips give it one or two nights on the way north or south. Winter closes Teton Park Road to cars and turns the valley into a ski and snowshoe area; summer fills the Jenny Lake lot before 8:30.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1976Part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem biosphere reserve (check).
Size and age
1,254 km² (484 sq mi)484 sq mi (1,254 km²) · national park since 1929
About 1,254 km² (485 sq mi) of valley floor, lakes and the Teton Range; the boundary excludes most of the surrounding national forest (check).
Why go
- The Teton Range rises about 2,100 m straight out of the valley floor with no foothills in front of it, so the view is the same from a car window or a summit.
- Jenny Lake, String Lake and Leigh Lake sit within a few km of each other, so you can string three different walks into one day.
- Elk, bison, moose and pronghorn are routinely seen from the roads in the early morning, especially along the Snake River and in the sage flats north of Moose.
- Jackson Hole airport sits inside the park boundary, so you can land and be at a trailhead within 30 minutes.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanDeep snow; most park roads closed to cars
- FebSnow; skiing only, Teton Pass can close
- MarLate snow; valley trails still buried
- AprMud season; many facilities shut
- MayRoads reopen; snow lingers above 2,400 m
- JunWildflowers, full lakes, long days
- JulWarm and busy; high trails melt out mid-month
- AugWarm; afternoon storms; peak crowds
- SepClear, cool, elk rut starts
- OctGolden cottonwoods, far fewer people
- NovFirst heavy snow; some roads close
- DecWinter closure on Teton Park Road
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk, with the rut and buglingSep–Oct · Best heard at dawn in the sage flats and along the Snake River. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Bison and pronghornMay–Jun, Sep–Oct · Often on the roadsides; bison jams are common in summer. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| MooseMay–Jun, Sep · Willow thickets along Moose-Wilson Road and near Oxbow Bend. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | yes | no | no | no |
| Bald eagles and ospreysApr–Aug · Nesting along the Snake River and Jackson Lake. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Black and grizzly bearsMay–Oct · Carry bear spray on any trail away from the lakeshore; never approach for a photo. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Jackson
Drive US 26/89/191 north to Moose Junction, about 21 km (13 mi); no shuttle from town.Drive US 26/89/191 north to Moose Junction, about 13 mi (21 km); no shuttle from town.
25–35 min
From Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
The airport is inside the park; rent a car or take a taxi to Moose or Jackson Lake.
15–30 min
From Yellowstone (South Entrance)
US 89/191/287 south past Flagg Ranch; the road is closed to cars from November to April.
1–1.5 h
From Salt Lake City
Drive I-80 and US 89 via Afton and Alpine; the nearest large airport.
5.5–6.5 h
From Idaho (Ashton)
Grassy Lake Road, gravel, to US 89 near the north end; closed in winter.
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Moose and the south | Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center, Menor's Ferry, Chapel of the Transfiguration and the Snake River overlooks. | Open year-round by road; some paths snow-covered in winter. |
| Jenny Lake and the central canyons | Jenny Lake, String Lake, Leigh Lake and the trailheads for Cascade and Paintbrush canyons. | Teton Park Road open to cars roughly May–October; shuttle boat in summer. |
| Jackson Lake and the north | Colter Bay, Jackson Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain and Oxbow Bend. | US 89/287 open year-round; services late May to early October. |
| Backcountry and the high peaks | The Teton crest, the Grand Teton and the alpine lakes above 2,700 m. | Foot only; backcountry permit and bear canister required for overnight stays. |
Sketch map
- 1Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center (Moose) · Headquarters≈43.653, -110.719Map ↗
- 2Jenny Lake Visitor Center · Gate≈43.752, -110.722Map ↗
- 3Hidden Falls · Trail≈43.764, -110.764Map ↗
- 4Inspiration Point · Viewpoint≈43.767, -110.769Map ↗
- 5Colter Bay Visitor Center · Headquarters≈43.903, -110.644Map ↗
- 6Jackson Lake Lodge · Sleep≈43.877, -110.577Map ↗
- 7Oxbow Bend · Viewpoint≈43.863, -110.549Map ↗
- 8Signal Mountain summit · Summit≈43.849, -110.567Map ↗
- 9Schwabacher's Landing · Viewpoint≈43.729, -110.662Map ↗
- 10Jackson town square · Town≈43.480, -110.762Map ↗
Take the points offline
10 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along Teton Park Road and US 89/287, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$35 | vehicle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$30 | motorcycle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| Entrance, per person on foot or bike | US$20 | person | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | vehicle | Covers Grand Teton, Yellowstone and other federal fee areas for 12 months; 2026 estimate. |
| Jenny Lake shuttle boat, one way | US$12–15 | person | Round trip about $20; saves 3.2 km of walking each way (check). |
| Snake River scenic float, 16 km | US$90–120 | person | Operated by licensed concessionaires; 2026 estimate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Boating on Jackson Lake or Jenny Lake permit or guide
Climbing above the canyons no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$35
- US$30
- US$20
- US$80
- US$12–15
- US$90–120
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on National Park Service — Grand Teton fees and passes before you go.
Park rules
- Wildlife distance
- Stay at least 25 m from elk, moose, bison and pronghorn, and 100 m from bears and wolves; use a zoom, not your feet.
- Drone use
- Launching or landing a drone anywhere in the park is prohibited.
- Backcountry camping
- Permit required; camp only in designated zones and store food in an approved bear canister.
- Fires
- Fires only in provided rings at established campgrounds and picnic areas; no fires in the backcountry.
- Pets
- Not allowed on trails, in the backcountry or on shuttle boats; they may be walked on roads and in parking areas on a leash (check).
- Winter road closure
- Teton Park Road and the road to Yellowstone's South Entrance close to cars in winter; check current status before driving.
Where to stay
In the park
Jackson Lake Lodge
Cabins and rooms with lake and mountain views; open late May to early October.
In the park
Colter Bay Village
Tent cabins and simple cabins, plus a campground; open late May to late September.
In the park
Jenny Lake Lodge
The expensive option, cabins near the lake; open early June to early October.
In the park
Signal Mountain Lodge
Rooms and a marina on Jackson Lake; open May to October (check).
Near the park
Jackson
The closest town with hotels, hostels and restaurants at every price, 21 km (13 mi) south of Moose.The closest town with hotels, hostels and restaurants at every price, 13 mi (21 km) south of Moose.
Near the park
Teton Village
Ski resort lodging southwest of the park, about 20 km (12 mi) from Moose.Ski resort lodging southwest of the park, about 12 mi (20 km) from Moose.
Safety
Bear encounters medium
Afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline high
Cold water in the lakes medium
Altitude and steep trails medium
Wildlife on the road medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center and Jackson Lake Lodge are step-free with accessible restrooms.
- Paved, mostly level paths run at Menor's Ferry, the Chapel of the Transfiguration and the Colter Bay lakeshore.
- Jenny Lake's shuttle boat and the Hidden Falls trail are not wheelchair accessible; the first section to the falls is rough and stepped.
Visiting lightly
- Use the park shuttle or carpool on Teton Park Road in July and August; parking at Jenny Lake fills by 8:30.Use the park shuttle or carpool on Teton Park Road in July and August; parking at Jenny Lake fills by 8:30 AM.
- Carry out all food waste and never feed wildlife; habituated animals are often destroyed.
- Refill bottles at visitor centers instead of buying single-use plastic.
- Stay on established trails in the alpine zone; the growing season above 3,000 m is only a few weeks.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Grand Teton National Park?
A private vehicle pays $35 for a 7-day pass, a motorcycle $30 and a walker or cyclist $20 (2026 estimate). The $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers this park and Yellowstone for 12 months and pays off if you visit both.
What are the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park?
For most visitors: Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point (about 8 km, 2–3 h), the Paintbrush Canyon climb to Holly Lake (20 km, 7–9 h) if you want a hard day, and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve loop to Phelps Lake (5 km) for a quiet low-elevation walk. All three start within 30 minutes of Moose.
When is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park?
June and September–early October. June has full lakes and wildflowers; September and October bring clear air, the elk rut and far fewer cars. July and August are warm but crowded, with afternoon storms above the treeline.
Do I need a reservation to drive into the park?
No. You pay the entrance fee at the gate and drive in. Campgrounds and backcountry sites do need advance reservations in summer, and in-park lodges book out months ahead.
Can I see the park without hiking?
Yes. Teton Park Road runs 42 km from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction with turnouts at Teton Glacier, Mount Moran and Oxbow Bend, and Signal Mountain has a short paved spur to a 360° view. Allow 2–3 hours with stops.
Is Grand Teton close enough to combine with Yellowstone?
Yes. The two parks share a boundary; the drive from Moose to Yellowstone's South Entrance is about 90 minutes when the road is open (roughly May–October). Most people give Grand Teton one or two nights on the way north.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialNational Park Service — Grand Teton National Park
- officialNational Park Service — Grand Teton fees and passes
- officialNational Park Service — Grand Teton visitor centers
- secondaryWikipedia — Grand Teton National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Grand Teton National Park, revision 5236637 (CC BY-SA 4.0)