Spotlight: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone's sister to the south

By Shelagh Forester
Recreation.gov

Get There

Grand Teton National Park is located to the south and adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, in the northwest corner of Wyoming near the town of Jackson (commonly known as Jackson Hole).

What You’ll Find

The Grand Tetons are among the most stunning mountain ranges in the world. The glacially-carved peaks rise from 6,450 feet in the valley known as Jackson Hole to an elevation of 13,770 feet. The picturesque valley is home to abundant wildlife including moose, elk, black and grizzly bears, bison and antelope. Below the range sit numerous mountain lakes and the magnificent Snake River.

Stay Here

There’s no better way to experience the park than to stay overnight! Campgrounds are located at Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake, Coulter Bay, Signal Mountain and Lizard Creek. For those who don’t plan to bring a sleeping bag, you’ll find lodging at Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, Jackson Lake, and Colter Bay. Authorized park concessioners operate these lodges and campgrounds and accept advanced reservations.

Make Sure You

Hike to Inspiration Point from the Jenny Lake Trailhead either by taking the Jenny Lake boat shuttle to the base of Cascade Canyon or by following the Jenny Lake Trail around the lake. Enjoy wildlife, beautiful views of waterfalls and the mountain range. The National Park Service offers a map of the Jenny Lake Trailhead.

Take a scenic drive north of Moran Junction on the John D. Rockefeller Parkway. Stop at the Oxbow Bend of the Snake River to view moose, waterfowl and otters at play. Grab a fishing rod and try your hand at catching fish or launch a boat for a scenic trip down the river. Outfitters offer a variety of boat trips.

Try This

Stay a while! You won’t run out of fun things to do. Plan to spend at least a week exploring the wonders of both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the surrounding Bridger Teton National Forest. In the fall, the National Elk Refuge is home to thousands of elk and provides an unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunity.

Gear up

The town of Jackson, Wyoming, is ten miles south of the park entrance. Stop at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center to orient yourself, then find everything you need in town–from grocery stores to fine art. Outdoor gear is widely available in Jackson so if you forget something, you’re sure to find a replacement.