The mighty Teton Range shoots out of the surrounding floor of the Jackson Hole Valley and into the heavens, creating one of the most iconic skylines in America. At its base lies Grand Teton National Park which, along with Yellowstone, creates a nearly 3,500-square-mile chunk of land that is one of the largest nearly intact temperate zones on Earth: The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Along the base of the Tetons, picnic on the shores of sparkling lakes, spot wildlife like bison, moose, grizzly bears and wolves, float down the famed Snake River or watch the sun slip behind snowcapped peaks. Venture into the mountains themselves and you’ll find trails dotted with wildflowers, babbling brooks, alpine lakes and some of the West’s most classic climbs. Before you set out to experience all that this magical park offers, here are a few basic Grand Teton essentials you’ll need to know.
Get your pass.
You can buy a $35, 7-day pass at a park entrance station, or use your America the Beautiful or other interagency annual pass to get into the national park. If you also plan on visiting Yellowstone, Grand Teton’s neighbor to the north, opt for the America the Beautiful Pass to save money and get access to all national parks and many other public lands for the entire year.
Be bear aware.
If you’re lucky, you might spot a grizzly or black bear in Grand Teton. While majestic, these creatures can be dangerous. Stay alert at all times, especially when hiking. Carry (and know how to use) bear spray, always hike in groups and make noise to ensure you don’t spook a bear. Store all food and scented items in bear-proof containers at camp and while on the trails.
Stick to the path.
Walking off-trail damages plants, erodes the landscape and can lead to dangerous drop-offs. Stick to the park’s 242 miles of trails.
Give wildlife space.
The park’s incredible wildlife can be dangerous. Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards from other animals like bison and elk. Bison may look docile, but attacks occur every year. Never touch or feed wildlife.
Remember, you’re high.
Park elevations range from 6,300 to 13,775 feet. If you’re visiting from low elevations, give yourself a day to acclimatize before doing anything strenuous. Drinking plenty of water is key to staying hydrated and warding off the effects of altitude sickness (like headaches, dizziness and nausea). Bring at least two liters of water per person with you when you hit the trails.
Hike smart.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Grand Teton in the summer months and lightning can pose a real danger to hikers. Hike in the morning and plan to be back at the trailhead by early afternoon. If you hear thunder or see building, dark clouds, turn back immediately.
Lace up.
Leave the flip-flops for the pool. Closed-toed shoes with good tread like hiking boots or tennis shoes will protect your feet and give you a good grip on slippery or uneven trails in the park.
Keep it beautiful.
With 3.6 million visitors in 2024, every piece of trash adds up. Skip the plastic water bottle and refill your reusable at the park’s filtered filling stations. Pack out everything you pack in when you hit the trails. Yes, that means everything, including TP.
Know your Fido 411.
Dogs are only allowed on leash in campgrounds and parking lots. It’s best to leave furry friends at home so you can explore more of the park than the roads. Never leave your pet in the car as temperatures can become dangerous, even on a mild day.
Only you can prevent forest fires.
Did you know that 89% of wildfires are human caused (Congressional Research Service)? Be sure to check for fire bans before you go camping and adhere to them. S’mores taste just as good cooked on the camp stove as they do over the fire, promise.
Plan ahead for winter.
A stunning time to visit this mountainous park, winter does require a little extra planning. While the main roads (Hwy 89/191 and Hwy 26/287) through the park are plowed, Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road close in the winter to vehicles to allow cross-country skiers, snowshoers and winter hikers recreation access. If you want to include Yellowstone on your winter trip, note that Flagg Ranch is as far as you can get in a passenger vehicle. The only way into Yellowstone from the south in winter is on a snowcoach or snowmobile.
Where to stay.
There are seven lodging options in Grand Teton. The closest lodging to Jackson is the rustic, bunk-style American Alpine Club Grand Teton Climber’s Ranch. Jenny Lake Lodge and the nearly 100-year-old Triangle X Ranch are also located in the southern part of the park. Along the shores of the massive Jackson Lake you’ll find Signal Mountain Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Cabins. Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch isn’t technically inside the park’s boundaries, but it’s located between Grand Teton and Yellowstone along the Snake River and is a great spot to basecamp to see both parks.
Reservations for Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Cabins and Headwaters Lodge & Cabins open 12 months in advance on GTLC.com and fill quickly. Signal Mountain Lodge can be booked at SignalMountainLodge.com, Triangle X Ranch at TriangleX.com and the climber’s ranch at AmericanAlpineClub.org. Many visitors choose to stay in the gateway town of Jackson. Grand Teton also has six campgrounds that must be reserved on Recreation.gov. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds or in the backcountry with a permit.
Learn more about lodging and camping in and near the park plus where to stay in winter.