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.

Not field-verifiedUNESCO Biosphere Reserve 1976Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

1,254 km²484 sq mi

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 km²484 sq mi; 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 km²484 sq mi · 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

12-month verdict

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

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Grand Teton National Park
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

How to get there

From Jackson

Drive US 26/89/191 north to Moose Junction, about 21 km; no shuttle from town.Drive US 26/89/191 north to Moose Junction, about 13 mi; 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

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Zones and sectors

Zones of Grand Teton National Park
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

Approximate — not for navigation

Approximate positions along Teton Park Road and US 89/287, for orientation only.

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 ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsModerate2–3 hJenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration PointAbout 8 km round trip on foot; the shuttle boat cuts 3.2 km each way. Start before 9:00 in July–August to beat the queue at the dock.

ViewpointsEasy2–3 hTeton Park Road scenic drive42 km from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction with turnouts at Teton Glacier, Mount Moran and Oxbow Bend; best in the first two hours after sunrise.

Boat tripsEasy3–4 hSnake River floatA 16 km calm-water float from Deadman's Bar; no whitewater, suitable for children.Booking: Book a licensed concessionaire

TrailsHard7–9 hPaintbrush Canyon to Holly Lake20 km round trip with about 840 m of climb from String Lake; the last 3 km are steep and can hold snow into July.

TrailsEasy2–3 hLaurance S. Rockefeller Preserve to Phelps LakeA 5 km loop from the preserve center; the quietest low-elevation walk in the park.

WildlifeEasy1.5–2 hWildlife drive at dawnMoose-Wilson Road and the sage flats north of Moose for elk, bison and moose; stay in the car when animals are close.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

USD ranges · check

Fees for Grand Teton National Park
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

Pay at a staffed entrance station or automated machine at Moose, Moran or the Jackson Hole airport road; keep the receipt on the dashboard.

Backcountry camping permit or guide

Reserve online in advance or ask at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station or Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center; a bear canister is required.

Boating on Jackson Lake or Jenny Lake permit or guide

Buy a boat permit at Colter Bay or Jenny Lake; a Wyoming registration or an inspection is needed for motorboats.

Climbing above the canyons no permit

No permit for day climbs, but check route conditions with a climbing ranger at Jenny Lake before you start.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

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 south of Moose.The closest town with hotels, hostels and restaurants at every price, 13 mi south of Moose.

Near the park

Teton Village

Ski resort lodging southwest of the park, about 20 km from Moose.Ski resort lodging southwest of the park, about 12 mi from Moose.

Safety

Bear encounters medium

Carry bear spray on trails, make noise in blind corners and never run; report sightings to a ranger.

Afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline high

Be off ridges and summits by early afternoon in July and August; lightning is the main hazard on the crest.

Cold water in the lakes medium

Jenny and Jackson lakes stay cold even in August; wear a life jacket on any boat and expect a short swim if you fall in.

Altitude and steep trails medium

Trailheads sit near 2,000 m and climbs go higher; allow a day to adjust and turn back if you feel dizzy.

Wildlife on the road medium

Drive at or below the posted limit at dawn and dusk; bison and moose cross without warning.

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