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.
Explore Grand Teton in winter with a private guide, wildlife viewing, and included park fees and meals
Private 4.5-hour VIP horseback ride with lunch and a cowboy photographer
Photograph winter wildlife with a guide in the Tetons and National Elk Refuge
Drive Yellowstone’s lower loop with a personal guide from Jackson
Cast for trout beneath the Tetons with a private guide
Discover winter ecology on a beginner-friendly outing tailored to your interests
Search for winter wildlife with a guide, picnic lunch, and horse-drawn sleigh ride
Explore winter wildlife with a naturalist guide focused on your private group
An afternoon horseback ride, cocktails, dinner, and scenic travel through Grand Teton National Park
Build photography skills on a private winter safari in Grand Teton
Explore winter wildlife with a naturalist guide and the comfort of a heated vehicle
Drift the Snake River for guided trout fishing and a streamside picnic lunch
Private evening wildlife and photography tour with a lakeside picnic
Explore Wyoming’s Continental Divide on groomed trails and backcountry snowmobile terrain
Track winter wildlife through the Tetons with an expert guide at sunset
Explore Yellowstone's geysers, canyon, and trails with a private nature guide
Cast for trout on a private Jackson Lake trip with a fishing guide
Explore Jackson Hole on snowshoes with a private route tailored to your ability and interests
Search for winter wildlife with a private guide, a Teton picnic, and a horse-drawn sleigh ride
Track winter wildlife with a naturalist in Grand Teton National Park
Explore Grand Teton's winter wildlife habitat with interpretive learning
Search for wildlife with a naturalist guide in Grand Teton’s winter landscapes
Explore Jackson Hole’s winter backcountry on a snowshoe tour tailored to your interests and ability
Private winter wildlife and landscape photo tour in Grand Teton with guide and optics