Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming offers dramatic mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and pristine alpine lakes that draw visitors from around the world.
Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929, though the surrounding lands were not fully incorporated into its present boundaries until 1950 following years of local debate over land use and ranching rights. The park encompasses roughly 310,000 acres in northwestern Wyoming, anchored by the Cathedral Group of peaks, where the Grand Teton itself rises to nearly 14,000 feet. The abrupt vertical profile of the range is the result of geological faulting rather than glacial carving alone, giving the mountains their distinctive sheer faces.
Jackson Lake, the largest body of water in the park, sits at the northern end of the valley known as Jackson Hole and offers boating, fishing for native cutthroat trout, and sweeping views toward the highest summits. Wildlife viewing is one of the park's defining draws, with pronghorn, bison, gray wolves, and bald eagles all present in notable numbers. The Mormon Row Historic District, a collection of early twentieth century homestead barns near Antelope Flats, provides a rare glimpse into the ranching history that shaped this valley long before it became protected land.
Climbers from around the world come to test themselves on the technical routes of the Grand Teton, while hikers of all skill levels find satisfying trails ranging from the flat Potholes Turnout walk to the demanding ascent toward the Lower Saddle. The nearby town of Jackson serves as a base with a range of dining and lodging options, but the park itself contains several historic lodges that place guests directly within the landscape. Few places in the American West offer such an immediate and unobstructed encounter with mountain wilderness.
Visit during late September and early October for fall foliage, cooler crowds, and the elk rut in the valleys below the peaks.
Try the Oxbow Bend pullout at sunrise for some of the most reliably stunning reflections of Mount Moran in still water.
Bring bear spray and know how to use it before entering any backcountry trail, as both black bears and grizzlies are active throughout the park.
Hike the Cascade Canyon Trail for a manageable route that delivers close-up views of the central Teton peaks and frequent wildlife sightings.
Stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center near Moose for detailed trail maps, ranger talks, and current wildlife activity reports.
Ride through Grand Teton National Park with a veteran guide and photo stops
Ride through Bridger-Teton National Forest and enjoy breakfast on the trail
Ride Willow Creek trails with lunch included
Experience diverse trout waters with expert guides and scenic wildlife encounters
Explore Grand Teton for half a day with a private naturalist guide at sunrise or sunset
Kayak past geothermal wonders and hike to remote Shoshone Lake in one seamless full-day adventure.
Search for Grand Teton wildlife with an expert guide at sunrise or sunset
Stargaze with a private astronomer and telescope in Grand Teton National Park
Explore Grand Teton in winter with a private guide, wildlife viewing, and included park fees and meals
Private Grand Teton sunset tour with picnic dinner and binoculars
Private winter wildlife and landscape photo tour in Grand Teton with guide and optics
Catch sunrise views with a private guide, spot wildlife, and enjoy a picnic brunch
Explore Grand Teton on a private guided day tour with photo stops and binoculars
See the Tetons at sunrise on a group hot air balloon flight
Private 4.5-hour VIP horseback ride with lunch and a cowboy photographer
Private sunset horseback ride with a cowboy photographer in Bridger-Teton National Forest
Customize a large-group stargazing program with telescopes and expert guides in Jackson
Drive Yellowstone’s lower loop with a private guide from Jackson
Tour Yellowstone’s highlights, then stargaze with a telescope
Drive Yellowstone’s lower loop with a personal guide from Jackson
Watch Grand Teton shift from sunset safari to guided stargazing with dinner included
Private sunrise wildlife safari in Grand Teton National Park
Private sunset safari in Grand Teton with a knowledgeable guide
Track wildlife on a private, kid-focused Grand Teton safari
Private wildlife safari in Grand Teton with a guide who tailors the focus to you
Search for wildlife on a guided Grand Teton National Park safari
Sunset safari through Grand Teton National Park with a local guide
Explore Jackson Hole with a naturalist on an easy-to-moderate half-day hike
Spot wildlife in Grand Teton with a naturalist guide on a small-group half-day safari
Track Grand Teton wildlife with a private naturalist guide
Ride an e-bike through Grand Teton National Park with a guide