Teton Glacier Turnout
Glacier tongue at a roadside turnout—the largest in Grand Teton NP—retreating under a tectonically lifted skyline.
Arrive early for parking
Dress in layers
Alpenglow on peaks at sunrise and sunset
Rockfall hazards exist from steep slopes; weather can change rapidly; be bear-aware; stay in the turnout and away from traffic; keep distance from wildlife.
Natural Attraction
A blue-white glacier tongue sits beneath jagged granite peaks at the roadside turnout. A pale line of moraine beads the slope, testimony to a glacier that once filled this valley. The ice is retreating in the warming climate, a modern signal scientists monitor closely. The scene shows U-shaped valleys and other glacial landforms carved by millions of years of tectonic uplift and ice.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- Take Teton Park Road to the turnout; 12 miles north of the Moose Entrance. Park in the turnout parking lot and view from the roadside.
- Distance From Entrance
- 12 miles north of Moose Entrance
- Road Type
- Paved
- Parking Availability
- Parking lot can become crowded, especially during peak season; visit early or late in the day.
- Peak Fill Times
- Parking fills in peak season; arrive early or late to secure a spot
- GPS Coordinates
- 43.74194°N, 110.79306°W
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Early morning or late afternoon for softer light; the road is generally open year-round but winter closures can occur, so plan around snow.
- Best Visit Times
- Early morning or late afternoon
- Sunrise Sunset Quality
- Alpenglow on peaks at sunrise and sunset
- Best Season
- Year-round with caveats; best light in late spring to early autumn
- Busiest Season
- Summer
- Seasonal Access
- Road generally open year-round; winter closures possible due to snow/avalanche; turnout remains accessible when open.
- Road Opening Dates
- Varies
- Snow Lingering
- Snow can linger into spring; access depends on snowpack and avalanche risk
- Winter Access
- false
- Weather Patterns
- Rapid mountain weather changes; winter snow can close roads or limit access
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Geological Formation
- Main Features
- Glacial glacier, moraine, U-shaped valley
- What Youll See
- Roadside turnout with Teton Glacier, jagged peaks, and an active moraine downslope; broad valley in view.
- Unique Characteristics
- Largest glacier in Grand Teton National Park; direct indicator of climate change and ongoing glacial retreat.
- Photo Opportunities
- Golden hour lighting on glacier and granite; textures of moraine and ice surfaces.
- Photography Spots
- Turnout and roadside viewpoints; best light during golden hours.
- Best Viewpoints
- Turnout vantage facing the glacier tongue; look toward the peaks for alpenglow in the golden hour.
- Common Wildlife
- Moose, elk, bison, pronghorn, bears, coyotes, golden eagles
- Best Wildlife Times
- Early morning and late evening
- Geological Formation Type
- Moraine
- Scientific Interest
- Visible glacial dynamics; climate-change indicator; early bedrock ages up to 2.7 billion years; Little Ice Age origins for the glacier
- Stargazing Quality
- Fair to good on clear nights; away from heavy light pollution but weather can restrict views.
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- Varies
- Permits Required
- No
- Restrooms Available
- No
- Picnic Areas
- No
- Water Available
- No
- Cell Service
- Limited or no cell service
- Interpretive Signs
- Yes
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessibility Level
- Drive-up view
- Nearby Services
- Parking; interpretive signs; restrooms/water status not confirmed
- Nearby Facilities
- Parking lot; interpretive signs; restrooms/water status unknown
- Family Friendly Notes
- Turnout is roadside; keep children away from traffic and monitor wildlife; bear country awareness advised.
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Rockfall hazards exist from steep slopes; weather can change rapidly; be bear-aware; stay in the turnout and away from traffic; keep distance from wildlife.
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Teton Range vistas; other turnout viewpoints along Teton Park Road; Grand Teton National Park geology viewpoints
- Connecting Trails
- Surrounding trails offer exploration beyond the turnout
- Trailheads Here
- No hiking required for the main view; surrounding trails offer opportunities for further exploration.
Planning advice
- Insider Tips
- Arrive early for parking
- Dress in layers
- Read interpretive signs to connect the view to the tectonic and glacial history
- Extend your visit with nearby trails for broader glacier-view opportunities
- Tips Advice
- Park early or late in peak season to avoid crowds.
- Dress in layers; mountain weather changes quickly.
- Bear spray is advisable in bear country.
- Read interpretive signs to connect what you see to glacial history.
More details
- Park Area
- Grand Teton National Park
- Elevation Feet
- 0
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Guided Tours Available
- No
- Lake Size
- 0.66 miles long; 53 acres
- Fishing Nearby
- No
- Swimming Allowed
- No
- Boating Allowed
- No
- Climbing Areas
- No
- Review Summary
- Visitors rate the turnout highly for its direct glacier view and ease of access. The scene clearly communicates glacial history and the tectonic setting of the Tetons, with reliable opportunities for photography; crowds can be noticeable in peak season.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Is parking reliable during peak season?
Parking can fill during peak season; plan to arrive early or late to secure a spot.
Is it worth a stop if I’m short on time?
Yes. The turnout provides a direct view of the Teton Glacier, the largest glacier in the park, and a clear climate-change signal conveyed by its retreat.
Is the turnout accessible for someone with limited mobility?
Yes. The primary viewing area is a drive-up turnout and is wheelchair accessible.
Are restrooms available at the turnout?
Restroom status at the turnout is not confirmed; plan accordingly.
Should I bring bear spray for this area?
Yes. Bear spray is advisable in bear country; stay alert and follow park safety guidelines.
Sources
- nps.gov
- youtube.com
- usgs.gov
- wikipedia.org
- anyplaceamerica.com
- parksandtrips.com
- roadsidesecrets.com
- exploregtnp.com
- snowbrains.com
- tetontectonics.org
- brushbucktours.com
- reddit.com
- mountainproject.com
- satelliteinternet.com
- jacksonholewildlifesafaris.com
- jacksonholetraveler.com
- arcgis.com
- quora.com
- actiontourguide.com
- alibaba.com
- gtnpf.org
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.