Things to do in  Grand Teton National Park

The largest of the glacial lakes in Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake sets the scene for some of the park’s best sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and paddling opportunities, all against the backdrop of the towering Teton Range. The Jackson Lake Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, stands on the lake’s eastern shore.

Grand Teton National Park protects the jagged, snowcapped peaks of Wyoming's Teton Range along with glacial lakes, dense forests, 250 miles (400 kilometers) of hiking trails, and a stretch of the Snake River. A must-see for adventure travelers and outdoors enthusiasts, the park also provides excellent opportunities to spot resident elk, black bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles, gray wolves, and moose.

A highlight of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, the Jenny Lake area is characterized by thundering waterfalls, canyons, mountain vistas, and the crystalline expanse of Jenny Lake itself. The lake trail runs 7.1 miles (11.4 kilometers) around the water’s edge and passes by Hidden Falls, Cascade Canyon, and Inspiration Point.

If you’ve seen a photo of Grand Teton National Park, you’ve likely seen Oxbow Bend. Without a doubt, this curved section of the Snake River is the park’s most photographed site, with the river meandering in the foreground reflecting the rugged peaks of Mount Moran. It’s a beautiful setting, and a great place to spot wildlife.

The historic log cabins and barns that make up Mormon Row were constructed by Mormon settlers in the 1980s and still stand against the backdrop of the Teton Mountains in Grand Tetons National Park. Visitors to the site can photograph the historic structures, hike, bike, or snowshoe in the area, and spot the park’s wildlife in the open fields.

The log-cabin-style Chapel of the Transfiguration sits against the backdrop of the jagged Teton Range near the southern entrance of Grand Tetons National Park. The rustic church was built in 1925 with a window above the alter framing the majestic mountains. Today it still offers services and its scenic setting makes it a popular spot for weddings, sightseeing, and photography.

Since 1966, the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram has been whisking guests and locals of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 4,139 vertical feet (1,262 meters) in 15 minutes to an altitude of 10,450 feet (3,185 meters) at the top of Rendezvous Mountain. A ride up for the views or a bite to eat at Corbet’s Cabin has become a quintessential Jackson Hole experience.

On the shores of Jackson Lake, Colter Bay Visitor Center is a useful resource for visitors to Grand Teton National Park. Offering detailed park maps and newspapers, educational exhibits, permits, and a bookstore, the visitor center is also home to 35 pieces from the David T. Vernon collection of rare American Indian artifacts.

Once a landable channel of the Snake River, Schwabacher Landing is one of the most scenic viewpoints in Grand Teton National Park, where you can see the central Teton range, framed by trees and reflected in the calm waters of a beaver pond. The area is also popular for viewing wildlife, including beavers, birds, and moose.

Stretching for 5 miles (8 kilometers) and climbing 800 feet (242 meters), Signal Mountain Summit Road offers an easy way to reach the top of the 7,727-foot (2,355-meter) Signal Mountain. Two overlooks near the summit boast panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Lake, and Jackson Hole.

Just off the highway east of Jackson Lake, Willow Flats Overlook offers one of the best panoramic views in Grand Teton National Park. From here, you’ll see expansive willow-filled wetlands backed by the lake and the Teton Range in the distance. It’s also an excellent location for spotting wildlife.

While next-door Jenny Lake gets the spotlight, in-the-know travelers to Grand Teton National Park love String Lake all the same (or more). Popular for swimming, picnicking, hiking, and beyond, String Lake offers all the fabulous scenery the Teton Range is so famous for, plus it’s easy to access and family-friendly—and did we mention gorgeous?