Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park: 20 Terrific Hiking Trails

Picture this, snow-capped mountain peaks, alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, and sparkling rivers winding through lush meadows. If that sounds like your cup of tea, the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park are set to give you an outdoor experience like no other.

Covering about 310,000 acres of the stunning Jackson Hole valley in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is home to a large portion of the majestic Teton Range. The park boasts some of the best US national park hikes and more alpine lakes than you would care to count.

Whether you’re looking for an easy or a strenuous hike, this round-up of the best Grand Teton hikes has got you covered. You’ll also find out when to visit, how to get there, how much time you’ll need, and where to stay.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Best Time to Go Hiking in Grand Teton National Park

May through September is the park’s peak season, with July and August being the busiest months. But the most ideal time to take on Grand Teton’s best hikes is from early June to October because many scenic roads and all visitor centers will be fully operational. 

And if crowds aren’t your thing, September is the best month to experience the park’s beautiful fall foliage in solitude. You may find that some hiking trails are still closed in late May due to snow.

Read More: Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park: Season by Season

Tours Of Grand Teton National Park

How to Get to Grand Teton National Park

The closest airport to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), is about a seven-minute drive away and less than five miles south of the park. This is a great place to land if you’re not keen on spending too much time on the road. 

However, you’ll find that flight tickets to JAC may be a little more on the expensive side due to the airport’s small size and low number of incoming flights. Luckily, there’s an alternative — landing at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). 

From here, you can rent a car and drive approximately 285 miles for about five hours to get to Grand Teton National Park.  

Map Of Best Hikes In Grand Teton National Park

What to Pack For Hiking Grand Teton National Park

1. Sunscreen: Super important and it is part of the ten essentials!  >Buy Sunscreen
2. Chapstick: This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned! >Check Out This Chapstick
3. Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before). >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
4. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. >Buy Hiking Socks
5. Water Reservoir: Water reservoirs help prevent dehydration while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have a plastic taste. >Here Is My Water Reservoir
6. Water: Stay nice and hydrated. It was soooooo hot when hiking here. Bring water to every hike.
7. Sunglasses: It can get sunny in the summer, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. >Check Out These Sunglasses
8. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars. >>>Check Out These Snacks
9. Camera: The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
11. Day Pack to carry all your things: To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack. Osprey is known to have some of the best backpacks in the market. >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
12. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
13. Leggings or Hiking Pants: I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with! >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
14. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts: Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable. >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
15. Sports Bra: For women. >Check This One Here
16. Jacket: I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency. It did get cold while hiking so I am glad I had this. >Buy My Favorite Jacket
17. Rain Jacket: The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking. You can get hypothermia, so always carry a poncho or a rain jacket when you hike Wyoming. There was a time that it started pouring on us while hiking Delta Lake. >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
18. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
19. Knife: I always carry a knife in my backpack just in case. >Check Out My Knife Here
20. Bear Spray: There are so many bears here! Stay safe and hike with some spray. Everyone should carry one. >Check It Out Here
21. National Park Pass:  I highly recommend getting a year-long America The Beautiful Pass so you can get into both parks with ease. >Get It Here
22. Map And Trail Guide: Start planning your trip with this. >Buy One Here

How Much Time Is Needed for Grand Teton’s Best Hikes?

To fully immerse yourself in Grand Teton’s extraordinary natural scenery, plan to spend about two to three full days in the park. With over 240 miles of scenic hiking trails, ranging from easy treks to strenuous climbs, 72 hours may not be enough to do it all, but it will suffice.

You can spend the first couple of days winding through the park’s best hikes, like the Jenny Lake Loop, and enjoying the most famous Grand Teton National Park activities. Leave the last day to explore the park’s hidden gems like the Lupine Meadows Trailhead.   

Where to Stay When Hiking Grand Teton National Park

If you’ll be spending two to three days exploring the best Grand Teton hikes, you’ll need a place to stay. Luckily for you, there are plenty of excellent places to stay in Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding areas.

Below, you’ll find options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury accommodation — for those who appreciate the softer side of life.

Luxury: Elk Country Inn

If you appreciate the finer things in life, then Elk Country Inn is right up your alley. The hotel inundates you with rustic elegance and luxury from one room to the next. You can stay in a standalone cabin where you’ll enjoy all the hotel’s mod-cons in uninterrupted seclusion. 

Elk Country Inn is only four blocks away from Jackson Hole Town Center, giving you access to the city’s best boutiques and nightlife. You’ll also have access to a hotel shuttle, which makes exploring the area so much easier. >>> Check Availability

Mid-Range: Mountain Modern Motel

Located about 10 miles from the heart of Jackson Hole, Mountain Modern Motel is a superb option for those looking for all the modern comforts without having to break the bank. This 3-star hotel offers clean, sophisticated rooms with access to air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Mountain Modern Motel’s ideal location doesn’t only put you within close distance of shops, restaurants, and bars, but it also puts you close to three ski lifts and many outdoor activities. >>>Check Availability 

Budget: Camping in Grand Teton National Park

With eight available campgrounds, there is plenty of room for you to stay within Grand Teton National Park. These campsites accommodate RVs, tents, and camper cabins. You’ll also find some with electric hook-ups, as well as pay showers and laundry facilities nearby.

Although it’s small, Jenny Lake Campground is the most popular campsite in the park for tent camping. This is thanks to its proximity to important facilities like the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and Ranger Station. For RV camping, Colter Bay Campground is your best bet. 

Note: All campsites require reservation beforehand. To be safe, book your reservation for up to six months in advance on Recreation.gov. 

Read More: Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park

20 Best Hikes Grand Teton National Park Has to Offer

Here are the 20 best hikes in Grand Teton National Park that you should definitely take on.

1. Jenny Lake Trail

• Elevation Gain: 456 feet
• Mileage: 7.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Jenny Lake Loop is one of the most famous hikes in Grand Teton National Park and for good reason. This is a moderately strenuous hike taking you through a few of the park’s famous attractions while giving you breathtaking views of Jenny Lake and the Teton Range.

You’ll find the Jenny Lake Trailhead just a skip away from the visitor center. Whether you trek this hike clockwise or anticlockwise is up to you, but most people take the clockwise route to save the best views for last. 

The Jenny Lake Loop distance is quite long, but it’s relatively flat. Its minimal elevation makes it a hit with many first-time visitors. But if you’d like to shave off a few miles from this hike, you can take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle across the lake and go clockwise towards the spectacular Jenny Lake Overlook.

2. Hidden Falls And Inspiration Point Hike

• Elevation Gain: 420 feet
• Mileage: 1.8 to 5 miles extended
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is one of the most popular outings in Grand Teton National Park, and it’s easy to see why. The trail boasts incredible views of Jenny Lake and the mighty Teton Range as a picturesque backdrop.

Depending on your preference, this can be a short or long hike. To get to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, take the boat shuttle from Jenny Lake to the West Shore Boat Dock. 

From there, the trail climbs up to Hidden Falls before continuing on to the breathtaking Inspiration Point. Otherwise, you can skip the boat shuttle and trek the entire five-mile out-and-back trail from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.

3. Cascade Canyon Trail

• Elevation Gain: 1,102 feet
• Mileage: 9.1 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Cascade Canyon hike is one of the best hikes in Teton National Park. Why? This trail takes you through some of the most popular attractions in the park, from Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. 

The hike is long but not strenuous, so you might not even notice you’re going uphill until you’re hit with sweeping views of Cascade Creek. To trek the Cascade Canyon hike, you’ll have to take the boat shuttle to the West Shore Boat Dock. 

From there, you’ll take the Cascade Canyon Trail to Hidden Falls, then to Inspiration Point. Continue hiking until you meet the stunning views at Cascade Canyon. 

4. Delta Lake

• Elevation Gain: 2,297 feet
• Mileage: 7.4 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Often trekked in tandem with hikes to the Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, this out-and-back trail to Delta Lake used to be a Grand Teton hiking secret.

The walk to Delta Lake is a tough hike, but it’s equally as rewarding. You’ll begin your trek at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead. From there, you’ll wander through several switchbacks before reaching an unmarked offshoot to Delta Lake. 

5. Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes

• Elevation Gain: 2,953 feet
• Mileage: 9.9 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

The trek to the Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes is one of the best day hikes in Grand Teton National Park. It’s a tough hike, yes, but the stunning views of lakes make up for the long, strenuous walk — not to mention the pristine glacial lakes.

To get here, you’ll traverse switchbacks on the Lupine Meadows Trail and continue uphill along the Amphitheater Lake Trail until you reach the Surprise/Amphitheater Lakes Trailhead. Expect amazing views of the Middle Teton, Grand Teton, and Teewinot Mountain.

6. Taggart and Bradley Lakes Loop

• Elevation Gain: 761 feet
• Mileage: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The hike to Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake is a perfect way to immerse yourself in all the natural wonders of the Grand Tetons. This moderate hike takes you uphill through a dense, evergreen forest along the astonishing Taggart Creek.

First, you’ll take the Taggart Lake Trailhead from Teton Park Road. Enjoy the gradual uphill trek along the Taggart Lake Trail, and don’t forget to take in the incredible views. Next, you’ll press on to Bradley Lake for more of the pristine alpine scenery.

7. Lake Solitude

• Elevation Gain: 2,395 feet
• Mileage: 14.7 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Lake Solitude is one of the best day hikes Grand Teton has to offer. It’s surrounded by some of the grandest mountain backdrops in the park, making the strenuous hike totally worth it. 

The longer version of this hiking trail begins at the String Lake Trailhead. Along the path, you’ll catch glimpses of Jenny Lake, and you can even take a detour to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point if you have the time. 

The shorter and less strenuous version of this hike is taking the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle to the West Shore Boat Dock, then hiking past Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. You’ll then trek along the lush Cascade Canyon until you hit the Forks of Cascade Canyon.

From here, you’ll take the hiking trail on the right and hike a few more miles until you reach Lake Solitude. Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular hikes in the Tetons, so it’s crucial that you hike early. Aim to start around 7 am.

8. Paintbrush Canyon Trail

• Elevation Gain: 4,124 feet
• Mileage: 19 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re looking for another challenging trek, nothing will require more grit from you than the hike to Paintbrush Canyon. This is a strenuous hike, but with over 4,000 feet of elevation, it also gives you some of the best views in Grand Teton National Park.

The trail begins at the String Lake Trailhead. From here, you’ll hike past String Lake and Leigh Lake before trekking uphill toward Paintbrush Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and the colorful vegetation along the canyon wall. Hike further up, and you’ll reach Holly Lake, and a few miles on, you’ll find the Paintbrush Divide.

9. Leigh Lake Trail

• Elevation Gain: 95 feet
• Mileage: 7.1 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Leigh Lake is a great option if you’re looking for a low-impact hike. This Grand Teton hike is often coupled with a trek to String Lake nearby, but it’s still a lovely hike, even on its own.

The Leigh Lake Trailhead begins at the String Lake Parking Lot. Walk along the stunning lake shores, and keep your eyes open for moose along the way, as well as views of Mount Moran.

10. String Lake Trail

• Elevation Gain: 253 feet
• Mileage: 3.7 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

String Lake is one of the best Grand Teton hikes if you’re looking for something with minimal elevation and stunning scenery. The hike to String Lake is often done in conjunction with a longer walk to Leigh Lake; however, it’s not a must.

String Lake is a stone’s throw away from Jenny Lake Lodge, making it ideal for a quick morning hike if you’re staying there.

11. Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail

• Elevation Gain: 85 feet
• Mileage: 2.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Straddling the shores of Jackson Lake, the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail is one the easiest (and most secluded) hikes you can enjoy in Grand Teton National Park. 

The pebble-stoned lakeshore is relatively flat, so you can spend most of your time taking in the views of the Teton Range from across the massive Jackson Lake.

12. Phelps Lake Overlook Trail

• Elevation Gain: 725 feet
• Mileage: 7 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re looking for a low-impact hike with plenty of amazing natural scenery, the trek to Phelps Lake Overlook is the one for you. The Phelps Lake Trail begins at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center Parking Lot along the traffic-heavy Moose Wilson Road.

This road is known for the appearance of the park’s most notable residents — moose. There have been reports of bear sightings as well, so be sure to get some wildlife safety tips from the park rangers. 

The Phelps Lake Overlook distance from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the airport often makes it the first hike in Grand Teton National Park that people take on. 

13. Death Canyon Trail

• Elevation Gain: 2,093 feet
• Mileage: 9 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Offering rugged cliffs and a chance for wildlife spotting, the hike to Death Canyon is one of the best Teton hikes if you’re looking for seclusion and panoramic views of the park. Getting to the Death Canyon Trailhead is a bit tricky, as you’ll need to drive along a gravel road.

You’ll find the Death Canyon Trailhead off Moose Wilson Road. The path treks past Phelps Lake Overlook before reaching Death Canyon. You can add more miles to this walk by hiking further on to the Death Canyon Barn (Patrol Cabin).

14. Static Peak Divide

• Elevation Gain: 5,446 feet
• Mileage: 16.1 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

The hike to the Static Peak Divide is one of Grand Teton National Park’s longest and most gut-wrenching. It’s a continuation of the hike to Death Canyon and the Patrol Cabin, and looking at the distance, you can see that this trail is not for the faint-hearted. 

Despite the length, the Static Peak Divide hike also takes you up to an elevation of over 5,000 feet, providing incredible views of Phelps Lake and the Teton Range.

15. Teton Crest Trail

• Elevation Gain: 9,078 feet
• Mileage: 41 miles
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Although the Teton Crest Trail is not one of the most famous hikes in the park, it is the most challenging — and arguably the most scenic. Trekking the Teton Crest Trail will require a few days to complete. 

This hiking trail is the cream of the crop if you’re looking for a scenic backpacking adventure. The Teton Crest Trail is littered with reflective alpine lakes and backcountry campsites. You can find the starting point of this trail at the Teton Village Aerial Tram.

16. Moose Ponds Trail

• Elevation Gain: 151 feet
• Mileage: 3.2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re looking for a quick and easy Grand Teton hike that is full of picturesque scenery, consider the Moose Ponds Trail. This hiking trail is less than a mile from Jenny Lake, making it very accessible. 

It’s quite a popular trail, so you’re likely to come across fellow hikers. The Moose Ponds trail is also great for soft hiking, running, and even birdwatching.

17. Oxbow Bend Overlook

• Elevation Gain: 0 feet
• Mileage: 0.1 mile
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

This short and relatively easy trek takes you to one of the best viewpoints in the park. The Oxbow Bend Overlook is a highly-coveted spot to catch the sunrise, so don’t be surprised by the hordes of photographers you’ll find here.

The river bend’s slow-moving waters also make it an excellent spot for viewing wildlife. You can usually spot Trumpeter swans, elk, moose, and otters here in the colder months. 

18. Grand View Point Trail

• Elevation Gain: 1,375 feet
• Mileage: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Offering sweeping views of the park, it’s no surprise that the Grand View Point Trail is one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park. This moderately strenuous hike requires a bit of uphill walking, but in the end, it awards you with fantastic views of the snowy Teton Range.

You can access the trail along the John D. Rockefeller Parkway from Jackson Lake. Keep in mind that this is a relatively short hike, so the views will come up pretty fast.

19. Schwabacher Landing

• Elevation Gain: 6.6 feet
• Mileage: 0.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Schwabacher Landing is another great spot to catch the sunrise in Grand Teton National Park. The massive body of water reflects the snowy peaks in the background and the trees surrounding it — making for an awe-inspiring picture.

This is quite a popular spot from dusk until dawn, so you’ll want to arrive about an hour before sunset or sunrise to grab the best spot. 

20. Mormon Row Hike

• Elevation Gain: 3.3 feet
• Mileage: 0.19 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’d like to add a bit of historical flair to your hiking itinerary, there’s no better place to do that in Grand Teton National Park than in the Mormon Row Historic District. Here you’ll find a worn-out Moulton Barn standing against epic backdrops of snow-capped peaks.

Best Hikes in the Grand Tetons | FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions regarding the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park.

What Is the Most Difficult Hike in Grand Teton National Park?

Based on its length and elevation gain, the Teton Crest Trail is the most challenging hike in Grand Teton. Although, the Paintbrush Divide hike is a close second.

Are There Grizzly Bears in Grand Teton National Park?

Yes. Grand Teton is home to an abundance of wildlife, including moose and black and grizzly bears. It’s worth noting that only six bear attacks have been reported in the park since 1994, but you can pack some bear spray just to be extra safe.  

Is Hiking Better in Yellowstone or Grand Teton?

This depends on what you want to see. With bubbling, colorful geysers and over 900 miles of hiking trails, one might say Yellowstone has the best hikes. But if you’re looking for scenic mountainscapes, alpine lakes, and backcountry hikes — Grand Teton is the park for you.

Best Grand Teton National Park Hikes | Wrapped Up

All things considered, it’s no shocker that the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park offer some of the most scenic landscapes in the country. Notwithstanding the numerous glacial lakes and abundant wildlife — what else could you ask for?

Whether you’re a novice hiker looking for a short, easy hike or a more seasoned hiker looking to take on the park’s expansive backcountry trails, there’s something for you here. 

And if you don’t find anything that’s perfect for you, there are more great hikes in Yellowstone National Park, which is less than 10 miles away.   

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