Grand Teton National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.
This is a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic mountain beauty. The park derives it’s name from the mighty Teton Range popularly known as simply the Tetons, or the Grand Tetons. The park’s creation and eventual scale (in terms of acreage) was largely made possible by John D. Rockefeller Jr., son of the famous oil tycoon.
Grand Teton 8K is the culmination of nearly a month spent filming in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and the foothills of the Teton Mountain Range.
Encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.
Journey with More Than Just Parks as we explore a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic beauty. This is Grand Teton. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
To make this film happen we spent nearly a month in Grand Teton during June & July. Of all the films we’ve shot this one features the most wildlife. We captured bison, elk, moose, bears, foxes, beavers, and more.
Details About Grand Teton National Park
- Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Established: February 26, 1929
- Size: 310,000 acres
- Native Land: Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Flathead, Gros Ventre, Nez Perce, Shoshone
- Visitors: 3,289,638 (in 2020)
- Entrance Fees: $35 per vehicle; $70 annual pass (or $80 for America the Beautiful Pass)
Where is Grand Teton National Park?
Grand Teton National Park is located on the Western side of Wyoming in Jackson Hole. The park shares a border with the more popular Yellowstone National Park to the north, the less-visited Bridger-Teton National Forest to the east, and the even lesser-visited Caribou-Targhee National Forest to the west.
Olympic National Park | Where nature is at its most awe-inspiring
Grand Teton Weather & Seasons
Weather in Grand Teton can be fairly unpredictable so always come prepared for a range of weather regardless of what time of year you plan to visit.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is late spring and early summer (the end of June & beginning of July).
Visitation during this time of year has not yet hit it’s peak, temperatures are warm enough but still mild, and wildlife is on the move.
The downside of visiting during this time of year is precipitation and mosquitoes.
It’s difficult to time when exactly the mosquitoes hatch each year but basically the same reasons that make it a great time to visit for you apply to them.
Grand Teton National Park Seasons
Spring can be a great time to visit Grand Teton National Park as crowds are down and temperatures are on the rise.
Late June can bring mosquitoes so pack bug spray.
Summer is the best time of year to visit Grand Teton National Park as temperatures are pleasant reaching the upper 70s with lows in the mid 40s.
Wildflowers pop all over the park during July creating some dazzling displays. Wildlife is out and about with bears coming down from the mountains, wolves rearing pups, and more.
The major downside to summer is the crowds. Popular places like Jenny Lake will be at capacity by mid-morning with lines and traffic.
Fall can be a great time to visit Grand Teton National Park as visitation plummets with kids going back to school.
Peak fall foliage in the park can be spectacular but happens earlier than most of the country, typically in mid to late September.
Winter is a favorite time of year to visit the park for snow enthusiasts. There are great skiing opportunities and all sorts of breathtaking scenery to take in with none of the crowds.
Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
Schwabacher Landing
As one of the most heavily photographed locations in Grand Teton National Park, Lower Scwabacher Landing is popular due to the mirror reflection of the tetons in the water creating a stunning photo composition. This is one of the best spots in the park to see a sunrise.
Sunset at Snake River Overlook
Perhaps the best place in the park to see sunset, Snake River Overlook is one of the most heavily photographed locations in Grand Teton National Park. This location was actually made famous by Ansel Adams back in the day.
Since Adams famously photographed this spot, the national park service has allowed trees to grow in and obscure this treasured viewpoint.
Wildlife Viewing
Grand Teton is home to an incredible array of wildlife, much of which can be viewed safely and easily when following best practices. Bison, Elk, Beavers, Wolves, Black Bears, Brown Bears, Moose, Deer, Pikas, Marmots, and so many more animals can be seen here thriving in their natural habitat.
Hiking
Some of the most beautiful hiking trails in America happen to be in Grand Teton. A few of our favorite hikes include:
- Taggart Lake Loop
- String Lake Loop
- Death Canyon
- Cascade Canyon Trail
- Jenny Lake Loop
- Amphitheater Lake Loop
Rafting the Snake River
The Snake River is a congressionally designated Wild & Scenic River meaning it is stunningly beautiful. There’s no better way to soak it in then rafting down it.
Moulton Barn
The Moulton Barn is part of the area known as Mormon Row in the park which features a few beautiful and historic barns.
Located off of the aptly named Antelope Flat Road, this barn is surrounded by some great wildlife viewing areas.
Oxbow Bend
Grand Teton is most beautiful during the sunrise hour of the morning. The best place in Grand Teton to catch a sunrise is from Oxbow Bend where the reflection of Mount Moran dazzles on a clear day.
Camping & Lodging in Grand Teton
Grand Teton is home to 6 campgrounds containing 1052 individual campsites (including standard, hiker/biker, electric, full hook up pull through, and group) and an RV park with an additional 122 sites.
That may sound like a lot but these sites fill up fast, especially during the peak summer season.
Grand Teton Lodging – Hotels & Lodges
Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most beautiful national park lodges in the world.
The Jackson Lake Lodge & Jenny Lake Lodges are considered by many to be among the crown jewels of the entire system.
The catch is the price – most of these lodges come with a hefty price tag which makes staying at one of these unattainable for most American families.
Prices at the Jackson Lake Lodge for example start at $356/night for their classic “two queen room” and run all the way up to nearly a thousand dollars for their “Moran Suite”.
If you think that’s steep, just ask for a “Deluxe Suite Cabin” at the Jenny Lake Lodge which sleeps 4. The price? A cool $1,770.00 dollars per night.
When Yellowstone (Grand Teton’s neighbor to the north) was created as the first national park it was done so with the phrase “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.
Where to See Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton is the best national park to view wildlife within the lower 48 states. So many of our favorite and most iconic animals call Grand Teton home.
Make sure you give wildlife distance in the park, especially bears. If a bear crosses the road in front of you stay in your car. Your actions not only put yourself at risk but the bear as well. Be sure to go over the National Park Service’s 7 Ways to Safely Watch Wildlife before your visit to Grand Teton.
More Places to See Near Grand Teton
- Yellowstone National Park is located just 10 minutes north of the Grand Teton Northern Entrance. In the words of Andy Dusfresne, if you’ve come this far you might as well go a little further! Just be prepared for lots of humans and traffic.
- Bridger-Teton National Forest is a must-see while you’re visiting Grand Teton. It’s literally right next to the park and offers more solitude and equally amazing scenery. Odds are you’ll cross in at some point and not even realize it.
- Jackson, Wyoming is a great place to stop in and grab a bite while you’re in the park. If you forgot something at home, odds are they’ll have it somewhere in town
Getting To The Park – Directions & Location
There are many ways to get to Grand Teton. The deciding factors in getting to Grand Teton are cost and time.
Closest Airport: JAC – Jackson Hole, WY (distance 0 miles from the park)
The fastest way to get to Grand Teton National Park is by plane, flying into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). The airport is basically in the park and offers sweeping views of the Tetons from the grounds.
If money is no issue and time is paramount this is the way to go. Major airlines such as Delta service this airport so finding a flight shouldn’t be a problem – the price, however is typically steep.
The cheapest way to get to Grand Teton is by simply driving to the park. This is a great, budget friendly option. Depending on your access to a car and the distance you’re willing to drive (see my national park road trips post), you may want to fly somewhere more affordable and rent a car from there.