Grand Teton National Park is located in northwest Wyoming and consists of the entire Teton Mountain Range. Grand Teton is also one of the largest ecosystems in the world. The park features lush valley floors, alpine lakes, mountain meadows, and towering peaks.

The human history in the region dates back to 11,000 years ago when the park was the home to many native American groups such as the Blackfoot, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Crow, and Gros Ventre. In addition, various ranger-led programs in the park shed light on its history and culture. Some of the historical points in the park include the Moulton Barns and Mormon Row.

This park is a haven for nature lovers as it offers unlimited outdoor opportunities. Apart from backpacking, tourists can do rock climbing, wildlife tours, hiking, and boating. We loved the park’s serene and beautiful landscape.

Best hiking trails

Amphitheater Lake Trail

While the Amphitheater Lake Trail is 5 miles long, it is best for experienced hikers because of its difficulty level. However, many tourists consider it one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park.

The trail is located under Disappointment Peak, which also passes through a forest. Park authorities advise hiking in groups as there may be black bears in the area. Once you reach the lake, you can sit on one of the many rocks on the shore and enjoy the lake’s beauty!

Table Mountain Trail

If you cannot climb Grand Teton, you can always climb Table Mountain, which is the next best thing! The trail is situated on the border of the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and Grand Teton National Park. The trail is the best high-altitude hike in the park and is extremely exciting and strenuous. However, the trail also feels much longer than it is due to its elevation gain.

Goodwin Lake Trail

Located on the valley’s eastern side, the Goodwin Lake Trail takes you to the gorgeous Goodwin Lake. Take advantage of this trail if you are in the mood for a nice swim amid the mountains! This is a 6-mile loop trail that is steep at first, but gradually the track starts leveling out into an open meadow. The trail also has plenty of shade at various points so you can escape the sun.

Taggart Lake Trail

With an elevation of 419 feet, the Taggart Lake Trail is a fairly difficult trail for hiking. However, the trail is almost 2.5 miles and is popular among low-impact hikers.

The trail begins from the Taggart Lake Trailhead and winds through a forest following the Taggart Creek. As you move through the trees, you will hear nothing but the creek babbling and birds chirping. After two miles, you will reach Taggart Lake, where you can also picnic along the beach.

Cascade Canyon Trail

Cascade Canyon Trail is 10 miles long, and it can take hikers 5 to 7 hours to complete it. It is one of the more popular hikes in the park because of its aesthetically pleasing nature. The path is blanketed with wildflowers, shadowed by the giant cliffs on one side.

If you take a boat at Jenny Lake, you can take 2.4 miles off your hike. While the trail has an elevation of 1100 feet, the elevation gain is gentle but can still be strenuous. The Cascade Creek also runs parallel to the trail.

Camping in the Park

There are five campgrounds in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming: Gros Ventre Campground, Colter Bay Campground, Jenny Lake Campground, Signal Mountain Campground, and Lizard Creek Campground, all of which are booked through reservations only. Most camping sites offer standard amenities, including potable water, metal fire grates, modern comfort stations, metal bear boxes, and picnic tables.

Colter Bay Campground

Colter Bay Campground is just a stroll away from Jackson Lake and includes 66 tent cabins. The campground is open from May to September. You will find full hookups in Colter Bay Campground, stores, a marina, and a visitor center. Campers can also use shower facilities.

Signal Mountain Campground

Signal Mountain Campground is an open lodgepole pine forest that accepts small tents and RVs. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park as it is centrally located and provides convenient accommodation for accessing all the park has to offer. In addition, it has 80 campsites on the southeast shore of Jackson Lake, offering easy access to the lake waters.

Jenny Lake Campground

Jenny Lake Campground is near Jenny Lake and does not allow trailers or generators. Vehicles 8 feet high or 14 feet long are also not permitted in the campground. Each site on the campground allows one car, two tents, and six guests.

Camping options near the park

Outside the park, Headwaters Campground is the best option. It is only five miles north of Grand Teton National, and there are 97 full-hookup RV sites, 34 tent sites, and 40 Camper Cabins. In addition, you will find staff, firewood for sale, laundry, a dump station, and a camp store on the sites. Seasonal portable water is also available on the campground.

Best Viewpoints

Snake River Overlook

Snake River Overlook looks down on the Snake River that winds through the beautiful landscape of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Many trees surround the river, but the view is still very picturesque.

Jackson Lake

This 15-mile-long lake is the largest one in Grand Teton. It is a natural lake. The lake is popular for many water sports, including swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake is located on the edge of the mountains and offers some fabulous views of the mountains.

Oxbow Bend

This U-shaped bend in the Snake River is famous for its calm weather, where you will witness plenty of birds, including herons. Additionally, you may also come across other wildlife, such as river otters, moose, and black bears. This is also a great place to experience the classic Grand Teton sunset.

Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain provides a panoramic view of the Gros Ventre Mountains and the Antelope Flats. In addition, there are stunning views of Jackson Lake from here. You can go up the mountain through Summit Road in your car or hike up.

Mormon Row

Mormon Row attracts visitors all year with its historical buildings and picturesque barns. The site was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The John Moulton Barn and the T.A. Moulton Barn are the most famous barns. You will get the best views in the morning when the sunlight hits the barns.