National parks
Grand Teton National Park: the mountains next door to Yellowstone
- Where
- Northwest Wyoming, below Yellowstone
- Best months
- June to September
- Time needed
- Two days, three with hiking
- Nearest airports
- Jackson Hole
The Tetons rise more than 7,000 feet straight off the valley floor with no foothills to soften the transition, which is a consequence of the fault running along their base. The park is compact, the drive from Yellowstone's south gate takes under an hour, and the two together make one of the best trips in North America.
What to see
- Jenny Lake: take the shuttle boat across, walk up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, and continue into Cascade Canyon as far as the legs allow. This is the day if you only have one.
- Schwabacher Landing and Oxbow Bend at sunrise: still water, reflected peaks and a decent chance of moose.
- Mormon Row: the weathered barns with the range behind, which is one of the most photographed scenes in the country.
- Signal Mountain Road: a short drive to a full valley panorama.
- Teton Park Road at dusk: bison, pronghorn and, in the willow flats, moose.
Location: Grand Teton National Park
Pairing it with Yellowstone
The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway connects the two parks, and one entry fee or annual pass covers both. Most people give Yellowstone four days and the Tetons one, which is backwards if you like mountains and hiking. Two nights in Jackson or Colter Bay is a much better balance.
Jackson, and the money
Jackson is a genuinely expensive town in season. Colter Bay and Signal Mountain inside the park, or Victor and Driggs over the pass in Idaho, are considerably kinder to a budget. Book early either way, because everything within an hour sells out by spring.
Book it and check it
- Official park page Hours, fees, maps and the closure notices that actually matter. https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
- Current conditions and alerts Road, trail and weather status. Read this the morning you go. https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
- Recreation.gov Campsites, timed entry and permits for most federal land. https://www.recreation.gov
- Backcountry permits Early-season lottery plus walk-ups for canyon camping zones. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675319
Common questions
- How far is Grand Teton from Yellowstone?
- About an hour from Yellowstone's south entrance to Jenny Lake, on a connecting parkway. One pass covers both parks.
- How many days do you need in Grand Teton?
- Two covers the scenic drives and one good hike. Three if you want a full canyon day or a boat and paddle day on Jackson Lake.
- What is the best hike in Grand Teton?
- Jenny Lake to Inspiration Point and up Cascade Canyon. Take the shuttle boat across to cut two miles each way, and turn around whenever you like.
- Where can you see moose in Grand Teton?
- The willow flats near Jackson Lake Lodge, Oxbow Bend and Schwabacher Landing, at dawn and dusk. Keep 25 yards away, moose are far more dangerous than they look.
Tip
If you are flying, Jackson Hole airport is inside the park boundary, which is unique in the system and means you get the view on approach.