Grand View Point

A mountain range and a lake as viewed from a high vantage point.

An accessible hike with genuine payoff. The 2.6-mile route from Grand View Point Trailhead climbs 740 feet in steep switchbacks to panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. The "easy" classification masks technical sections—dense underbrush and exposed roots demand attention. Most hikers finish in 1.5–2.5 hours. Bring water; the climbing sections offer minimal shade.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.6
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 740

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.6
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 740
Estimated Time: 1.5–2.5 hours for most hikers; longer if you stop for photography
Trail Surface: Dirt trail with exposed rocks and roots; switchback grade compounds the technical difficulty
Trail Features: Panoramic views of Teton Range
Jackson Hole valley vistas
Alpine meadows
Christian Ponds loop extension option
Trail Highlights: The summit point delivers panoramic 180-degree views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley below. The payoff justifies the effort.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Grand View Point Trailhead
Parking Fill Time: Fills by 8–9 AM in peak season (July–August)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: None available

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day hiking. Park entrance fee applies.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day park entrance pass)
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Winter closure likely due to snow; exact dates vary by year. Call the Teton ranger station for current conditions.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No reliable sources on the trail; carry all water
Accessibility: The trail includes steep switchbacks, narrow sections passing through dense underbrush, and exposed rocks and roots. Not wheelchair accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep switchbacks
Narrow trail sections through dense underbrush
Exposed rocks and roots
Sun exposure on climbing section
Lightning exposure on the open ridge
Hazard Details: The trail includes steep switchbacks, narrow sections passing through dense underbrush, and exposed rocks and roots. The climbing sections are mostly exposed to sun. The summit area is open and lightning-prone during afternoon storms.
Cell Service: Unreliable; assume no coverage
Crowd Level: Moderate to heavy during peak season (July–August)
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends and holidays in July and August
Best Season: Summer through early fall
Best Time To Visit: Start by 6 AM to beat crowds and sun exposure. July through September offers stable weather; post-Labor Day traffic drops sharply. Afternoon thunderstorms develop—plan to summit and descend by 3 PM.
Tips Advice: Carry 2L water minimum—the switchback climbing offers zero shade and will drain you faster than you expect.
Tighten your boots; exposed roots and ankle-roll rocks are everywhere.
Trekking poles are mandatory, not optional—they save your knees on the descent.
Start early; the trailhead fills by 8–9 AM in peak season.
Turn back immediately if thunderstorms approach—the open ridge is lightning bait.
A longer 5.8-mile loop from Jackson Lake Lodge circles Christian Ponds if you want more elevation; it's moderate difficulty.

More details

Park Area: North Jackson Lake region
Trail Markers: Trail is well-worn and marked; clear junction at the Emma Matilda split toward Grand View Point
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Mostly exposed on the switchback climbing section; patchy shade from underbrush mid-trail
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 from the trail if cell service is available; carry a whistle for rescue signaling. Ranger station: contact Grand Teton National Park headquarters.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Likely winter closure; typical snow season is November through May, but exact dates vary
Mud Season: Spring (late April through May) likely muddy; conditions vary by year
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through early October
Bug Season: Mosquitoes heaviest in July and early August; bug spray mandatory
Insider Tips: The trail from Jackson Lake Lodge (5.8 mi loop, moderate) is longer but offers a Christian Ponds circuit option; the Grand View Point Trailhead route is the direct shot.
Sunset alpenglow on the Tetons is visible around 8–9 PM in summer; many hikers time their hike for this light.
The view expands significantly in the final 0.5 miles; don't cut it short.
Descents are harder on the knees than ascents on this grade; trekking poles absorb impact.
Family Friendly Notes: Easy classification masks the steepness. Switchbacks are sustained and narrow underbrush can crowd small kids. Recommended for children 8 and older. Hand-holding on steep switchback sections is essential. Ensure kids have trekking poles for stability.
Nearby Facilities: Jackson Lake Lodge offers lodging, dining, and supplies. No facilities directly at the trailhead.
Review Summary: Hikers report the switchback grade is steeper than the "easy" label suggests, but panoramic Teton views justify the effort. Most finish in under 2.5 hours. Water discipline and sun protection are the real challenges. A solid half-day outing for families and casual hikers who don't mind switchback grind.

Frequently asked questions

How fit do I need to be?

The 'easy' rating is misleading. 740 feet of elevation gain in steep switchbacks is real work. If you can hike briskly for 2–2.5 hours, you'll manage. Trekking poles are not optional—they're tactical for controlling the descent.

Is this safe to hike alone?

Yes. The trail is well-traveled and established. Stay alert on narrow sections. Make noise constantly for wildlife. Cell service is unreliable, so carry a whistle for emergencies.

Are there bears?

Bears are possible in Grand Teton. Make noise constantly, hike during daylight, and never hike at dawn or dusk. Travel in groups when possible. A bear canister is not required for day hiking, but bear awareness is mandatory.

Is there water on the trail?

No. Zero reliable sources on this route. Carry 2 liters minimum. The switchback climbing will dehydrate you faster than you expect. Fill up at the trailhead.

When is the trail open?

Summer through fall. Snow closes it in winter and early spring. Exact dates vary by year. Call the Grand Teton ranger station for current conditions before you drive out.

Do I need special gear?

Trekking poles are mandatory, not optional. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) is essential. Carry 2+ liters of water. Wear boots, not trainers—roots and rocks will turn your ankle. A map or GPS is smart given the dense underbrush.