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

Grand Teton National Park is among the most scenic national parks in the world. The park is located in northwest Wyoming and is characterized by stunning backdrops of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and frolicking wildlife. It is a state treasure, receiving over three million annual visitors throughout the year.

So, when is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park? The short answer is that it’s up to you, but the long answer is a bit more complex. This guide shares the 411 on the best times to go, the must-do activities, and all the nitty-gritty details you need to know for your trip.

Keep in mind that Grand Teton National Park is home to diverse landscapes that beautifully transform as the seasons change. Some of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park are available in the peak summer season but not in spring, fall, or winter months. 

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How To Get to Grand Teton National Park

The most efficient way to get to Grand Teton is by flying in. Fortunately, the closest airport is just a stone’s throw away. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is located about seven miles north of the town center, and the best part is that the airport is located within the national park. 

Your next best bet is Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), about a two-hour drive from Grand Teton National Park. There are a few ways of getting from the airport to your hotel without much hassle. You can either get a rental car, take a taxi, take a private transfer, or use the free hotel shuttle, depending on where you choose to stay in Grand Teton National Park.

Best Time To Go to Grand Teton National Park

While each season offers its own allure, fall emerges as the best time to visit, thanks to its pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. But don’t be too quick to overlook the unique characteristics of each season. Spring brings colorful wildflowers to the Grand Teton Valley.  

On the other hand, summer’s lush meadows, rugged trails, and longer days make it the most visited time of the year. Winter is a good time to visit for a cold, snowy Wyoming vacation.

Worst Time To Go to Grand Teton National Park

The worst time to visit Grand Teton depends on your preferences and what you’re willing to deal with. Summer brings long queues, crowded attractions, and afternoon showers, while the winter season covers the park’s peaks and valleys with thick blankets of snow.

However, for some, the worst time to visit Grand Teton is during the transition period from fall to winter. This is when road closures due to snow are most common. You may also want to avoid early spring (transition time from winter to spring), as avalanche conditions still exist.

Visiting Grand Teton in Spring (April and Early May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Grand Teton National Park. Colorful wildflowers explode across the valley floor while snow still lingers atop the peaks. Trail conditions will vary across the park, but keep in mind that none of the visitor facilities are open until May.

Things To Do in Grand Teton in Spring

Trek hiking trails dotted with blooming wildflowers and witness the serenity of glistening lakes. Yet, be prepared for the season’s muddy conditions and varying weather patterns.

Walk or Bike Ride Along Teton Park Road

Connecting Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge, Teton Park Road is open for pedestrian travel only until the end of April. Spend time walking, jogging, biking, or roller skating along the inner park loop road, taking in the wilderness and the majestic Tetons.  

Drive the Jenny Lake Scenic Loop

Hugging the edge of the eastern shore of Jenny Lake, this scenic loop drive gives you spectacular views of the water and the surrounding peaks. The drive takes about 15–30 minutes, depending on how busy it is. Stop at Jenny Lake Overlook for incredible views.

Trek the Taggart Lake-Beaver Creek Loop

• Distance: 3.8 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 620 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Get an early start and immerse yourself in the stunning natural wonders of Grand Teton with this short and relatively easy hike to Taggart Lake and Beaver Creek. Begin your trek at the Taggart Lake Trailhead Parking Lot, off of Teton Park Road. 

You’ll traverse through the aspen-covered valley before the trail opens up to the vistas of the Tetons. At the Bradley Lake split, stay left to access Taggart Lake, walk along the lakeshore, and proceed to complete the loop. Take time to sit on a boulder or dip your toes in the water.     

Catch the Sunset at Mormon Row

Defined by kaleidoscopic hues of purple, pink, orange, and yellow, sunsets at Mormon Row are like nothing you’ve ever seen. The district has a rich settler history, dating back to the turn of the 19th century. Be sure to bring your best camera and capture the iconic barns of Mormon Row set against the backdrop of a fiery sunset and snow-covered peaks.

Visiting Grand Teton in Summer (Late May Through August)

Summer is the park’s busiest season and one of the best times to visit, as most roads and visitor facilities are open, and there are plenty of ranger programs to embark on. The warm weather transforms the mighty Grand Tetons into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Things To Do in Grand Teton in Summer

From hiking to thunderous waterfalls to encountering diverse wildlife, summer offers loads of outdoor adventures. Pack sunscreen and beware of afternoon storms that sweep the region.

Go Biking on the Grand Teton Pathway

Extending from Jackson to Antelope Flats Road, Grand Teton Pathway offers an active way to marvel at the majestic Grand Tetons while riding through vast sagebrush fields. At Moose Junction, the pathway follows Teton Park Road to Jenny Lake. Need to stop? There are six hubs that offer parking spots and bike racks along the route for you to enjoy the scenery.

Take the Hidden Falls And Inspiration Point Hike

• Mileage: 1.8 to 5 miles extended (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 420 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The trek to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is among the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park, and it’s not hard to see why. In addition to picturesque views of the rugged Teton Range, the route also gives you magnificent up-close vistas of the popular lake. 

This waterfall hike can be short or long, depending on your preference. If you’d like a quick trek, take the Jenny Lake Shuttle to the West Shore Boat Dock. For the longer walk, you’ll begin your trek at the Hidden Falls Trailhead, next to Jenny Lake Lodge.

Take a Scenic Float Trip or Go Whiteriver Rafting

Traverse along the Snake River on a scenic float trip or challenge the rapids by going on a wild whitewater rafting adventure. Whether you’re looking for something relaxing or just a thrilling water ride, Grand Teton National Park has something for every kind of traveler. 

Try Your Hand at Fly Fishing

Summer is a wonderful time to go fly fishing in Grand Teton National Park. The lakes and streams are abundant with all sorts of trout, from browns and rainbows to native cutthroat. Take a guided fly fishing tour from Jackson and enjoy breathtaking scenery from the water. 

Visiting Grand Teton in the Fall (September and October)

With fewer crowds and mild temperatures, fall is undeniably the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park. But be sure to bring a warm jacket as the season experiences occasional afternoon thunderstorms, especially from mid-September.

Things To Do in Grand Teton in the Fall

Fall weather is often unpredictable, so make sure to check the weather conditions before taking on an activity. Otherwise, most trails and visitor centers are open during this season.

Hike to the Phelps Lake Overlook

• Mileage: 2 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 416 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Take a moderately challenging hike to the Phelps Lake Overlook, where panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and fiery foliage await. The route travels through a verdant forest before opening up at the jaw-dropping Phelps Lake Overlook.

Keep in mind that this trail takes you to a vantage point overlooking Phelps Lake and the valley. If you want to get to the shore, continue trekking another mile down to the lakeshore. 

Go Wildlife Watching at Oxbow Bend 

Fall presents amazing opportunities for wildlife spotting. Oxbow Bend, located about a mile east of Jackson Lake Junction, boasts slow-moving water, proving an ideal habitat for fish. These water critters are food for other wildlife like river otters and bald and osprey eagles.

Go on a Ranger-led Program

Immerse yourself in the park’s rich natural and cultural history through its series of exciting ranger-led programs. You’ll find plenty of ranger programs in Grand Teton National Park, whether you’re looking to join conservation talks, seminars, or even musical performances. 

Spend the Day at Jackson Lake

Sitting at the base of the Tetons, Jackson Lake is one of the most beautiful areas in the park. You’ll enjoy a leisurely day filled with outdoor adventures, from driving along the lakeshore to taking a boat cruise or kayak excursion. Pack a picnic and end the day with a tasty meal.

Visiting Grand Teton in Winter (November Through March)

Winter experiences fewer crowds compared to other seasons, making it an ideal time to visit if you’re looking for uninterrupted serenity. Trek snow-covered trails on skis or snowshoes while marveling at the pristine beauty of snow-capped peaks.

Things To Do in Grand Teton in Winter

There are some fun, snow-centered activities in Grand Teton National Park during winter. Just make sure you are prepared for the sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions.

Go Snowshoeing With a Ranger

Are you a beginner looking for the perfect introduction to winter in Grand Teton National Park? There’s something just for you. Snowshoeing with a ranger offers you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the snowy landscapes while learning about the ecology of the park.

Take a Stab At Winter Photography

Despite the cold weather, Grand Teton is still beaming with magical views. You’ll have all the time to capture the beauty of snow-capped peaks and frost-kissed landscapes through the lens of your camera. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the elusive winter wildlife.

Take the Tram Ride At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Gliding up over 4,000 feet, the aerial tram at the resort offers sweeping views of the mighty Grand Teton range. The 100-passenger aerial tram takes you to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, giving you 360-degree views of Jackson Hole and beyond.

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is the best way to enjoy winter’s tranquility in Grand Teton National Park. There are several areas for skiing. In winter, Teton Park Road closes for cars but opens for backcountry skiers. Alternatively, you can go cross-country skiing along Moose Wilson Road, through its forested and marsh areas.

Grand Teton National Park: Best Time to Visit FAQs

Now that you’re all caught up on the best and worst times to visit the Grand Teton, you may have a few questions going through your mind. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions:

How Many Days Do You Need in Grand Teton?

A minimum of three to four days is required to fully explore the wonders of Grand Teton, as the national park offers opportunities for a scenic drive, hiking, spotting wildlife, and lodging.

How Likely Is It to See a Bear in Grand Teton?

Bear sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Of the three million annual visitors, only half venture into the backcountry, making bear sightings quite rare. The park does have grizzly bears, however, and if you encounter one, remember to adhere to wildlife safety guidelines.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton Better?

Both parks offer unique experiences. Yellowstone National Park is bigger, and it stands out thanks to its vibrant and steamy geothermal features. On the other hand, Grand Teton boasts stunning mountain and lake scenery. The choice depends on individual preferences.

Visiting Grand Teton National Park Wrapped Up

Open year-round, Grand Teton is one of the many national parks that offer something different in each season. However, fall is generally considered the best time to visit due to its cooler temperatures, accessibility to higher elevations, and the park’s campgrounds.

Whether you’re looking for sunny days tubing down the river or looking for nature walks through forested aspen trees, Grand Teton has you covered in all seasons of the year.

Next Read: Extend your trip to Yellowstone National Park, just a few miles away, with this ultimate 7-day Grand Teton to Yellowstone itinerary.

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