Grand Teton: travel tips and best time to visit

Directly south of Yellowstone, the Grand Teton range rises rugged and steep from the plain, without gentle foothills, just like that. This makes it one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the USA. At its feet lie clear lakes, the winding Snake River and the wide Jackson Hole valley with the western town of Jackson. Anyone visiting Yellowstone should take in Grand Teton right away.

The jagged Grand Teton range, mirrored in the water.

The range and the lakes

The highest peak, the Grand Teton, stands almost 13,780 ft (4,200 m). The range is best mirrored in the lakes: at Jenny Lake, from which trails lead to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, and at the large Jackson Lake.

Snake River and the views

The Snake River winds through the valley. Well known is the Snake River Overlook, which the photographer Ansel Adams made famous, and the still reflection at Schwabacher Landing. The best time is early morning.

Jackson and Jackson Hole

The gateway to the park is Jackson, a lively western town in the Jackson Hole valley. Well known is the town square with its arches made of elk antlers. All around lie ranches, galleries and, in winter, one of the best ski areas in the USA.

Wildlife

In the meadows and by the river live moose, deer, bison and beavers. Early morning and evening the chances of seeing them are best.

Die Höhepunkte von Grand Teton

What you shouldn't miss.

1

The Teton range

Rugged peaks up to almost 13,780 ft (4,200 m), rising straight from the plain without foothills, one of the finest backdrops in the USA.

Directions with Google Maps

2

Jenny Lake

The clear mountain lake with its reflection, from which trails lead to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

Directions with Google Maps

3

Snake River Overlook

The famous view over the winding river to the range, immortalized by Ansel Adams.

Directions with Google Maps

4

Jackson and Jackson Hole

The bustling western town with the elk-antler arches, gateway to the park.

Directions with Google Maps

The big questions from the forum

What was discussed most on USA-TALK.DE, with the community verdict.

Is a short stop at Jenny Lake enough, or should you give the Teton more time?

The majority considers a short detour to Jenny Lake optimal, because the Teton Range is above all photogenic and you drive through anyway on the way from Yellowstone to Jackson. Those who really want to hike the mountain flanks, on the other hand, have to plan a whole day or more.

Practical tips from the forum

Concrete advice from travellers who were there.

If you don't want to hike extensively, a short stop at Jenny Lake with a little walk or boat ride is enough for the Tetons. For real hikes along the mountain flanks you should plan a good deal more time.
from the USA-TALK.DE forum

Fit Teton Park into the drive between Yellowstone and Jackson. From Jackson you drive through the Tetons into Yellowstone and back through them on the way out, so you take it in naturally.
from the USA-TALK.DE forum

Stay overnight in Jackson, there's more going on, a pretty town in Western style. The Best Western Inn at Jackson Hole has worked out well, with a decent breakfast, or Teton Village a bit outside as an alternative.
from the USA-TALK.DE forum

Stop for photos at Schwabachers Landing. Drive the gravel road a few hundred yards further north and you get the finest reflection of the Tetons in the Snake River.
from the USA-TALK.DE forum

In Jackson you can still catch the Shoot Out, and about twelve miles away lies the pretty Teton Village.
from the USA-TALK.DE forum

Voices from the community

What travellers experienced on the spot.

Between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone you should definitely fit in Jackson and Grand Teton.
from the forum USA-TALK.DE

It had turned cold, and a strong wind blew across the mountains of Grand Teton.
from the forum USA-TALK.DE

Jackson Hole is a lively western town worth seeing.
from the forum USA-TALK.DE

You can easily take in the photogenic Grand Teton NP, for example with a short hike or a boat ride on Jenny Lake. The Teton Range is photogenic for sure.
from the forum USA-TALK.DE

I think a short detour to Jenny Lake is optimal. Anything else would mean extensive hikes on the mountain flanks and needs a lot of time.
from the forum USA-TALK.DE

Schwabacher Landing is a fantastic spot for photos. In clear weather the Tetons are mirrored in the side arms of the Snake River.
from the forum USA-TALK.DE

We came back from Yellowstone, took a bit of time in the Teton and arrived in Jackson in the late afternoon. You cannot manage the park in its full extent that way, but we even made it to Jenny Lake and walked a bit, that was still doable.
from the forum USA-TALK.DE

We set off from Jackson in the morning, looked at the Teton park a bit and arrived around noon at Old Faithful. With this variant, Jackson, overnight at Mammoth, back to Jackson, I have done quite well so far.
from the forum USA-TALK.DE

Jackson is a terribly expensive place. I am considering staying a bit outside, otherwise everything in the Teton park is somehow pricier.
from the forum USA-TALK.DE

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Climate through the year

Average temperatures, day and night. Large value °C, small value °F.

0°32°F-13°9°F

Jan

3°37°F-12°10°F

Feb

8°46°F-7°19°F

Mar

12°54°F-3°27°F

Apr

18°64°F1°34°F

May

23°73°F5°41°F

Jun

28°82°F8°46°F

Jul

27°81°F7°45°F

Aug

21°70°F2°36°F

Sep

13°55°F-3°27°F

Oct

4°39°F-8°18°F

Nov

0°32°F-13°9°F

Dec

Map with viewpoints

Park, entrances and the best viewpoints at a glance.

Loading the map transfers data (including your IP address) to OpenStreetMap.

Trails at a glance

From a short loop to a full-day hike.

Trail	Length	Duration	Difficulty	Note
Jenny Lake / Hidden Falls	5 mi (8 km)	2 to 3 hrs	easy to moderate	Along the lake or by shuttle boat to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
Taggart Lake	3.7 mi (6 km)	2 hrs	easy	Beautiful, easy trail to a mountain lake with a Teton view.
Cascade Canyon	9.3 mi (15 km)	4 to 5 hrs	hard	Deep in between the peaks, one of the finest hikes in the park.

Distances and driving times

How far it is to the key places nearby.

From	Distance	Drive time
Yellowstone	31 mi (50 km)	approx. 1 hr
Jackson	9.3 mi (15 km)	approx. 0.25 hrs
Salt Lake City	305 mi (490 km)	approx. 5 hrs
Cody	125 mi (200 km)	approx. 3 hrs

Where to stay

Right in the middle of things, or cheaper a bit further out.

Jackson

in the valley

Western town with hotels, restaurants and the famous town square, lively and popular.

Teton Village

at the ski mountain

At the foot of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a ski resort in winter, quieter in summer.

Park lodges

by the lake

Places like the Jackson Lake Lodge with a view of the range.

Insider tips and common mistakes

What was worth it and what to skip.

Insider tips

The Snake River Overlook and Jenny Lake early in the morning, then the range is mirrored most clearly.
In Jackson, look at the town square with the elk-antler arches and eat well.
Combine Grand Teton with Yellowstone, both lie right next to each other.

Common mistakes

Leaving Grand Teton aside because you only have Yellowstone on your mind, the range is overwhelming.
Underestimating the cool, windy conditions at altitude.
Just driving through, the lakes and viewpoints deserve a day of their own.

Photos

Click to enlarge.

Videos

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Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Teton worth it alongside Yellowstone?

Absolutely. The rugged range is one of the most beautiful in the USA, and both parks lie right next to each other.

What is Jackson Hole?

The wide valley at the foot of the Tetons, with the western town of Jackson, famous for the arches of elk antlers on the town square.

When is the best time to travel?

Summer through early autumn for the park and hiking, winter for skiing in one of the best areas in the USA.

How much time should I plan?

One to two days, gladly combined with Yellowstone just to the north.

Nearby

Easy to combine on a road trip.

First national park

Wyoming

Yellowstone

Geysers, steaming rainbow springs and wildlife in the world's first national park.

Yosemite Nationalpark

Towering granite walls, thundering waterfalls and ancient giant sequoias.

Grand Canyon

Deeper, wider and quieter than any photo can show.

Head to head

Hard to decide? This comparison helps.

Yellowstone or Grand Teton ›

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All destinations Next: Yellowstone

Grand Teton

The range and the lakes

Snake River and the views

Jackson and Jackson Hole

Wildlife

Die Höhepunkte von Grand Teton

The Teton range

Jenny Lake

Snake River Overlook

Jackson and Jackson Hole

The big questions from the forum

Is a short stop at Jenny Lake enough, or should you give the Teton more time?

Practical tips from the forum

Voices from the community

Have you been here? Share your impression

Climate through the year

Map with viewpoints

Trails at a glance

Distances and driving times

Where to stay

Jackson

Teton Village

Park lodges

Insider tips and common mistakes

Insider tips

Common mistakes

Photos

Videos

Grand Teton and Jackson Hole

The best things to do in Grand Teton

Top 10 in Grand Teton 4K

Grand Teton, the travel guide 2025

Frequently asked questions

Nearby

Yellowstone

Yosemite Nationalpark

Grand Canyon

Head to head