Grand Teton National Park: An Amazing Way To Spend Your Time
Grand Teton National Park is a striking site making it onto our Top 5 National Parks. There are many places to view in the park, such as the 42 Mile Scenic Loop drive and Jenny Lake. It is well known for its pristine views. There are numerous activities to enjoy when visiting. Grand Teton National Park is a majestic place that is worth visiting. This article will highlight the top reasons why you should visit the park for yourself.
1. Why Should I Visit Grand Teton?
When you think of the natural beauty in America, it’s hard not to think of the Grand Teton National Park. The Tetons are a mountain range in the Rocky Mountains that is home to a variety of wild animals. When you think of the natural beauty in America, it’s hard not to think of the Grand Teton National Park. The Tetons are a mountain range in the Rocky Mountains that is home to a variety of wild animals and beautiful views. The park is located in Wyoming and can be reached by taking the scenic drive from Jackson Hole, which is only a 30-minute drive from the city. On the other hand, Yellowstone is right next door making for a great day trip.
Wildlife
Featuring some of the best wildlife viewings in the United States, and maybe even the world, Grand Teton has so much to offer. Most popular though, is the moose. These beasts roam the land and are not afraid of humans allowing you to get some amazing pictures. Other animals include grizzly bears, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep along with much more.
Proximity
Being Yellowstone is right down the way, Grand Teton can often be overlooked. But if you’re in the area you might as well take a look for yourself. This park might just beat out Yellowstone and be the highlight of your stay. The mountain backdrop on the valley is something spectacular. Almost as if looking into a painting.
2. What Are The Best Views In Grand Teton
Scenic drives are one of the best ways to experience any national park and Grand Teton is no different. Getting to see the park by road helps cover a ton of ground while viewing the natural beauty of the landscape surrounding you.
42 mile Scenic Loop Drive
The tough thing about the 42 Mile Scenic Loop drive is that the map for it is not listed anywhere! The NPS doesn’t even list it on their website. So what gives? The truth of it is that the 42 Mile Scenic Loop is a few roads put into a path to make for the best viewing opportunities. This is why it is not listed as a scenic byway. But I have you covered… Here is 42 Mile Scenic Loop Map. Just click and enjoy!
Now for what you will see. One of the notable locations is Oxbow Bend. Here you will get a view of Snake River and the Tetons as a backdrop. This is also a prime wildlife viewing spot. Next up is Schwabacher Landing this is also a view of the Tetons on Snake River but a short walk from here is Beaver Dam Sunrise. This is an amazing spot for photography if that’s your thing. Last but not least is Jenny Lake Loop Road. This road is considered a scenic route in itself and gives stunning views of Jenny Lake along with the backdrop of the Tetons behind you.
If there is one thing you do here in Grand Teton National Park, take the 42 Mile Scenic Loop drive. You’ll thank yourself for doing it.
Teton Park Road
The main road through Teton National Park, Teton Park Road has much to offer. This byway traverses the base of the Teton Mountain range taking about 30-60 minutes to drive. Be sure to stop and take in the sights along the way! Some of the stops include Teton Glacier Turnout, Cascade Canyon Turnout, and Potholes Turnout. Be sure to look out for wildlife on this drive!
Signal Mountain Summit road
Off of Teton Park Road lies Signal Mountain Summit Road. This byway climbs 800ft and provides panoramic views of Jackson Hole, Jackson Lake, and the Teton Mountain range. There is a turnoff on this winding road, Jackson Lake Overlook. Be sure to stop here for great views! If you come during the right time of year, the valley below is filled with color from wildflowers in full bloom.
3. Best Hikes In Grand Teton National Park
Hiking is by far the best way to experience any national park. Travel by foot is still king in the parts, leading to the most beautiful spots in the Grand Teton. Below is a list of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park from easiest to most strenuous. Or, in hiking terms, lowest payoff to highest payoff.
Least Strenuous In Grand Teton
Lunch Tree Hill
This is a very easy, paved trail coming in at .5 miles. Lunch Tree Hill offers a view of the valley with a backdrop of the Tetons. Bring binoculars for this one, you never know what you might spot!
Phelps Lake Overlook
With only 470ft of elevation change over 2 miles, Phelps Lake Overlook is an easy trail to hike. The best part about the hike is another mile after the overlook, the trail leads down to Phelps Lake. This is a hike that is definitely worth the time.
Taggart Lake
Starting at Taggart Lake Trailhead, this hike is by far the best of the easiest trails. It is an out-and-back trail spanning a total of 3 miles over 360ft of elevation. The trail features a great, up-close look at the Teton backdrop staying flat all the way up to the lake. If you hike only one of the easy trails it should be the trail to Taggart Lake for sure.
Moderately Strenuous In Grand Teton
Aspen Ridge – Boulder Ridge
Starting with the easiest of the moderate trails is Aspen Ridge. This trail also leads to Phelps Lake but takes the trail less traveled. It is a 6.2-mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,140ft. Traverse through boulder fields and aspen groves before seeing the payoff of your hike, Phelps Lake.
Jenny Lake Loop
This 7.1-mile trail gains about 1,040 ft of elevation circling Jenny Lake. Although Jenny Lake can be viewed by road, don’t let that off-put you from traveling this path. Views include Jenny Lake, of course, the Cathedral Group, Cascade Canyon, and Moose Ponds Overlook. On this trail, there is a good chance to see wildlife too. If the trail seems too long, take a ferry across the lake for a shorter hike and new views of the water.
Forks of Cascade Canyon
The first trail on this list that leads to true Teton backcountry is Forks of Cascade Canyon. Coming in at 9.4 miles with a 1,400ft elevation gain the hike is definitely strenuous but very worth it. It passes between Mount St. John and Teewinot and has a very good chance of seeing wildlife such as moose and bears. If you get lucky you might even see a pika, an alpine mammal looking like a very small rabbit. Along the way, the hike passes Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Mount Owen, and the Cathedral Group along with much more.
Very Strenuous In Grand Teton
Marion Lake
Unlike any other trail, to see Marion Lake you need to start at the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. Ariel tram in Teton village will be the means of getting up and back down from this trail. Once at the top continue down the trail descending in elevation by 3,990 ft for about 15 miles. Once at the lake views of the surrounding mountains and meadows are plentiful.
Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes
Starting at Lupine Medows Trailhead Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes is roughly a 10-mile hike over 3,070 ft of elevation. The views on this hike are plentiful, to say the least. Being this high up means a low density of trees making for great sightseeing. Sights include Bradley Lake, Taggart Lake, Jackson Hole, Disappointment Peak, and My. Owen, and of course Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake, this is just to name a few. Bears are plentiful on this trail so be sure to bring bear spray!
Lake Solitude
A continuation of Forks of Cascade Canyon is Lake Solitude. This trail is a 14.4-mile trek over 2,670 ft. Once to Lake Solitude, you will be surrounded by the peaks of Grand Teton National Park on 3 sides and a view of the 3 main peaks of the Teton Mountain range on the 4th side. The hike is very strenuous but the payoff at the top is immensely worth the effort.
4. What Else Is There To Do In Grand Teton National Park?
Climbing / Mountaineering
If you have experience in the field of mountaineering, Grand Teton National Park is an amazing place to go and test your skills. Often considered a classic climb, the Tetons have an array of difficulties with the middle Teton being the hardest. If you are planning on doing some climbing here in the park be sure to do your research and bring the right equipment. People have died on these slopes.
Fishing
Grand Teton National Park is full of lakes to fish in. With an abundance of fish, this can be great fun. Try your luck at catching tons of different trout including, cutthroat, brook, lake, rainbow, and brown along with whitefish in snake River. Be sure to get the proper license from the state of Wyoming, then go out and enjoy the view!
And so much more…
These include Boat rentals, cross-country skiing, float trips, horseback riding, Jenny Lake Shuttle, and Kayaking! Check out everything on the NPS website here.
5. Best Camping in Grand Teton
If you plan on going to Grand Teton National Park, you might as well go all out and camp. The park has amazing campgrounds, most with showers and a few even with laundry. Experience what camping in the park is like at these campgrounds.
Jenny Lake Campground
Located off the east shore of Jenny Lake this campground is a great place to make your base of operations. This is a tent-only campground that offers stunning views of the Teton Mountain range. This site has showers, flushing toilets, a camp store, and most importantly, cell phone service.
Signal Mountain Campground
Directly off the shore of Jackson Lake lies Signal Mountain Campground. Camping or parking the RV here offers views of the northern section of the Teton Range along with Mt. Moran. This is a developed camping experience featuring showers, flushing toilets, laundry, restaurants, a marina, cell service, and a camp store. This is a higher-end campground for the Tetons.
Colter Bay Campground
Last but not least on our list is Colter Bay Campground. This is another developed campground for tents and RVs. Containing everything you would need, it includes everything mentioned in the above campground including the spectacular views. This campground is also home to the Hermitage Point Trailhead.
We hope you enjoyed our article about Grand Teton National Park and the best reasons to visit. There is no doubt that Grand Teton National Park is an amazing park to discover. We want to encourage you to visit and explore this amazing park as soon as possible! With so many things to do, places to explore, and breathtaking views to see, you will have a great time discovering all the beauty this park has to offer.
