Moran, Wyoming: Small Gateway Village to Grand Teton and Yellowstone

View of snow-capped Mount Moran rising above Yellowstone Lake with evergreen forest in Yellowstone National Park.

Moran is a small Montana community at the southern edge of Glacier National Park. It's a practical base for visitors heading into the park, with nearby trailheads and river spots accessible within a short drive. Summers bring warm, dry days ideal for day hikes and scenic drives; winters add snow for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Local services are limited, with a few lodging options and a small selection of eateries that serve travelers during peak season.

Auto-created from Google Places data near Yellowstone National Park

Quick facts

Town Type: Supply Depot
Population: 317
Best Known For: Gateway to Grand Teton National Park and a route toward Yellowstone; Colter Bay General Store and multiple Phillips 66 stations serve the area.
About This Town: Moran is a small, remote waypoint inside Grand Teton National Park. It serves as a practical access point with lodging concentrated in lodges and cabins; services are limited and prices tend to reflect the park’s remote location. Expect quiet evenings outside peak season and a strong seasonal shift in activity.

Town overview

Town Type: Supply Depot
Population: 317
Best Known For: Gateway to Grand Teton National Park and a route toward Yellowstone; Colter Bay General Store and multiple Phillips 66 stations serve the area.
About This Town: Moran is a small, remote waypoint inside Grand Teton National Park. It serves as a practical access point with lodging concentrated in lodges and cabins; services are limited and prices tend to reflect the park’s remote location. Expect quiet evenings outside peak season and a strong seasonal shift in activity.
What Makes It Special: Located in the Grand Teton ecosystem, Moran acts as a logistical hub with Colter Bay Village nearby and multiple lodge options; winter brings severe cold and road considerations, while summer brings park-bound traffic and tourism.

Park access

Distance From Park: Moran is inside Grand Teton National Park; approximately 29 miles to the South Entrance Station from Jackson, about a 45-minute drive.
Shuttle To Park: No dedicated shuttle; travel by car is expected to access park entrances
Nearest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), Jackson, WY

Where to stay & eat

Hotel Count: 6
Bnb Count: 0
Lodging Variety: Lodges, cabins, ranches
Best Area To Stay: Within Moran/Park area (e.g., Jackson Lake Lodge vicinity) or east toward Togwotee Pass; Jackson proper offers more options if you want broader services
Restaurant Count: 6
Restaurant Types: Lodge dining, casual American
Dining Price Ranges: $$$

Visitor services

Grocery Stores: Colter Bay General Store; full supermarket in Jackson
Gas Stations: Phillips 66 Grand Teton RV, 17796 E Highway 287 (6:00 AM–10:00 PM); Phillips 66 at Jackson Lake Lodge Rd (24 hours); Togwotee Mountain Lodge Phillips 66
Gear Shops: Colter Bay General Store offers some outdoor gear; Jackson has broader gear options
Medical Facilities: Jackson Hole medical facilities; approximately 45-minute drive south to Jackson
Banks Atms: 1
Laundry Facilities: 1
Cell Wi-Fi Quality: Connectivity limited; cell service can be spotty in Moran and within the park

Things to do

Main Attractions: Gateway to Grand Teton NP; Colter Bay Village and nearby lodge complexes; Togwotee Pass; Colter Bay General Store
Summer Activities: Wildlife viewing, scenic drives, hiking, boating at Colter Bay
Winter Activities: Very cold winters; road conditions can be challenging; some services reduced but access to parks remains
Shopping District: Colter Bay Village for basic shopping; Jackson offers broader options
Breweries Bars: Limited options in Moran; nearby Jackson has Hops Downtown and other spots; Colter Bay Village provides lodge dining
Events Festivals: Seasonal visitor influx primarily in summer; no major town-specific events listed

Planning advice

Peak Season: Summer
Shoulder Season: Spring and Fall
Booking Advance: Book months ahead for summer; lodging in Moran area tends to fill quickly
Stock Up Here: This is your last chance for fair prices. Stock up at Walmart on Hwy 93 for bulk water. Fill your gas tank here—$0.40 cheaper than inside the park. REI is on the north side. Cabela's bear spray.
Late Night Intel: Most kitchens die by 9:30 PM. Moose's Saloon usually serves pizza until 11 PM. Avoid the chains; Hops Downtown has burgers and stays open late.
The Vibe: Moran is a working hub rather than a resort town: practical, park-oriented, and car-dependent. Stay focused on value and timing; you’ll be fine if you plan around kitchen closures and parking
Best Time To Visit: Shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) are quieter; summer brings crowds, higher prices, and parking pressure.
Tips Advice: Gas up in Jackson before Moran; the Grand Teton RV Phillips 66 is 6:00 AM–10:00 PM, and another Phillips 66 at Jackson Lake Lodge Rd runs 24 hours
Parking is tight—observe posted signs and use available lots carefully
Kitchens near Moran may close by 9 PM; plan dinners early and have Jackson options as backups

More details

Visitor Center Location: Colter Bay Visitor Center (near Colter Bay Village)
Winter Scene: Extremely cold; road conditions can be challenging; some services reduced but lodging remains available
Insider Tips: Costco on Hwy 93 for bulk water.
Walmart on the Moran/Jackson corridor for last-minute supplies.
REI is on the north side; Cabela's bear spray is available nearby.
Jackson’s lodges and Colter Bay area can fill up; plan fuel and snacks before entering the park.
Accessibility: Car required; not very walkable
Family Friendly Notes: Wildlife and traffic require caution; roads can be long and weather-dependent; lodging areas are safe but quiet at night
Nearby Facilities: Gas stations, Colter Bay General Store, Colter Bay Village amenities, Jackson for hospital and full shopping

Location

Photos

Moran Point overlook along Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon area offers expansive valley views toward distant snow-capped ranges.

Moran overlook frames snow-dusted peaks above Yellowstone Lake framed by pine trees in Yellowstone National Park.

Cell tower infrastructure rises beside evergreen trees near Moran in Yellowstone National Park.

Elk grazing in a sunlit meadow near Moran in Yellowstone National Park, surrounded by pine forest.

Frequently asked questions

Is Moran open after dark?

Most services close after dark; expect limited options and plan ahead for meals and fuel.

Where can I gas up near Moran?

Phillips 66 Grand Teton RV at 17796 E Highway 287 is 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; another Phillips 66 at Jackson Lake Lodge Rd runs 24 hours; Togwotee Mountain Lodge also has a Phillips 66 station.

How far is Moran from Jackson Hole Airport?

About 45 minutes by road to Jackson, with Moran roughly 29 miles from the South Entrance Station.

Is there public transit to the park from Moran?

No dedicated shuttle; expect to drive; parking can be tight near park entrances.

What lodging options exist in Moran?

Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch, Jackson Lake Lodge, The Hatchet Resort, Heart Six Ranch, Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Colter Bay Village.