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Often overlooked due to the more popular Yellowstone National Park to the north, Grand Teton National Park is another national treasure in Wyoming. Since 2015, three to four million guests have visited this majestic landscape of towering mountains and pristine lakes annually. Let’s take a look at whether or not you’ll be one of them in the future!
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out! Read about these Wyoming Hotsprings before planning your next trip out there.
Where Is Grand Teton National Park?
The Grant Visitor Center in southern Yellowstone is about an hour from the Colter Bay Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park. It’s an easy trip along Highway 191, also known as the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Highway. Like the Blue Ridge Parkway links Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the east, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Highway links these two national parks in the west.
Situated in northwestern Wyoming near the Idaho border, Grand Teton National Park stretches across approximately 310,000 acres. It’s 45 miles in length from north to south and 26 miles at its maximum width.
When Did Grand Teton National Park Become A National Park?
Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 to protect the Teton Range’s major peaks. However, the valley at Jackson Hole wasn’t part of the initial designation. In the 1930s, John D. Rockefeller Jr. began purchasing land in Jackson Hole. He wanted to ensure this land would also be federally protected. His efforts paid off in 1943 when the Jackson Hole National Monument was created. In 1950, the two units were combined to form what is today Grand Teton National Park.
What’s So Special About Grand Teton National Park?
Named for Grand Teton, the tallest mountain in the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park also includes part of the Snake River, the Jackson Hole valley, several small glaciers, a prehistoric ecosystem, and an abundance of wildlife. Grand Teton towers at 13,775 feet, 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole.
Visitors enjoy mountaineering, hiking, camping, rafting, and fishing in this stunning Wyoming park. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails, over 1,000 campsites, six morainal lakes and over 100 backcountry lakes, over 300 species of wildlife, and over 900 species of flowering plants.
3 Most Popular Attractions In Grand Teton National Park
There are dozens of things to do in Grand Teton National Park. It’s challenging to narrow down a list to the top three attractions. But if you only have a day to visit this national park, here are our suggestions for places to go.
1. Drive the Teton Park Road
The Teton Park Road is the main road that runs along the base of the Tetons. Like Park Road in Acadia, Skyline Drive in Shenandoah, and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in Zion, this road takes visitors on a scenic drive through the park.
It begins just after the Lower Flats Willow Overlook in the north, continues along the southern end of Jackson Lake, passes Jenny Lake, and ends at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center at the park’s south entrance. There are numerous pull-offs, trailheads, and overlooks along the 20-mile road. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and drive with caution.
2. Explore Jenny Lake
One stop along the Teton Park Road we highly recommend is at Jenny Lake. This lake is south of the larger Jackson Lake and is one of the most visited areas in Grand Teton National Park. Depending on which shoreline you’re on, you can view Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John, into Cascade Canyon, and look towards the valley of Jackson Hole. Several trails surround Jenny Lake. The hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is one of the most popular trails in the entire park.
3. Visit Mormon Row
Visit Mormon Row in the southeast part of Grand Teton National Park for an hour or two. From Highway 89/191, turn on Antelope Flats Road. Mormon Row is the site of two homesteads settled by John and Thomas Alma (T.A.) Moulton.
The rising Teton Range provides a breathtaking backdrop to the barns listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Photographers from around the world travel here to capture the magnificence of the scene. The Andy Chambers homestead is another historic complex that visitors can explore. The original windmill still stands.
Although Signal Mountain and Jackson Lake aren’t hidden gems, we must mention them as must-visit locations at Grand Teton National Park. They’re top attractions but often less crowded than Jenny Lake. Visitors can access the summit of the 7,727-foot peak by car or foot to enjoy panoramic views of Jackson Hole and the Teton Range. The out-and-back trail is a little under seven miles long.
You can also rent a boat or bring your own to Jackson Lake, which sits at the base of Signal Mountain. The marina operates from late May through late September and has rentals for sea kayaks, runabouts, fishing boats, and pontoon boats. There are also shops, restaurants, and lodging in this area of Grand Teton National Park.
Best Places For Camping Near Grand Teton National Park
If you want to camp inside the park, there are several options. All park campground sites are reserved by advanced reservations on Recreation.gov. It’s important to plan when visiting Grand Teton National Park. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and sites are often full.
The Colter Bay RV Park and Headwaters Campground are the only options with full hookups. However, Gros Ventre Campground, Signal Mountain Campground, and Colter Bay Campground offer electric sites. There are length restrictions at a few campgrounds, so pay close attention to the details when making a reservation.
Pro Tip: Taking a road trip through Wyoming? Don’t miss out on these quaint small towns on your next adventure!
Is Visiting Grand Teton National Park Worth It?
Grand Teton National Park welcomes millions of visitors annually for a reason. The stunning landscape will take your breath away. This national park is a photographer’s dream, from the rising peaks to the glistening lakes to the lush alpine meadows. Guests can also see abundant wildlife like bears, wolves, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and more.
So, the next time you plan a trip to Yellowstone, don’t skip out on visiting its southern neighbor near Jackson Hole. Grand Teton National Park may just become a favorite!
What will you do when you visit?
