Few mountain views on Earth rival the Tetons, a young, jagged range that rockets straight up more than a mile from the flat floor of Jackson Hole, with no foothills to soften the drama. Mirror-still lakes at their base, the Snake River winding through sage flats, and abundant wildlife make Grand Teton a photographer’s dream and a mountaineer’s proving ground in northwest Wyoming.
The fault-block Teton Range rises abruptly above the valley, its peaks cradling small glaciers and its base strung with jewel-like lakes, Jenny, Jackson, Leigh and more. Below spread the sage flats and cottonwood bottoms of Jackson Hole, threaded by the Snake River. The mix of alpine, forest, lake and valley supports grizzly and black bears, moose, elk, bison, pronghorn and beavers.
Summer through early fall is prime, with the high trails clear, warm days and long light; September adds golden aspens and the elk rut. Snow lingers on the peaks into summer and returns in fall. Winter is deep and cold, with the interior road closed but superb cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and wildlife watching.
The park lies just south of Yellowstone, reached via US-26/89/191, with Jackson as the main gateway and Jackson Hole Airport actually inside the park. A vehicle is the practical way to travel the park road and reach trailheads, lakes and overlooks; the two parks are easily combined into one trip.
Hike to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls at Jenny Lake, into Cascade and Paintbrush canyons, or up to alpine lakes; the Grand itself is a classic guided climb. Paddle or cruise the lakes, float the Snake River for wildlife and reflections, drive Mormon Row and the wildlife-rich valley, and watch for moose and bears at dawn and dusk.
This is grizzly and black bear country. Carry bear spray, make noise and store food properly. Mountain weather turns fast with cold and lightning, snow lingers high into summer, rivers run cold and swift, and the peaks are serious mountaineering terrain, so match objectives to your skills and start early.
A park pass is required, and backcountry, climbing and boating permits are needed for those activities. Some are competitive, so plan ahead. Campgrounds fill fast in summer. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report; always confirm current conditions, closures and permits with the National Park Service before your trip.
Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.
