Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

The largest of the glacial lakes in Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake sets the scene for some of the park’s best sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and paddling opportunities, all against the backdrop of the towering Teton Range. The Jackson Lake Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, stands on the lake’s eastern shore.

The vision of snow-capped Teton peaks reflecting off the waters of Jackson Lake ranks among this national park’s most stunning sights. Other than the lodges, the majority of facilities are at Colter Bay, where there’s a marina, visitor center, campground, and store. 

Most guided tours of Grand Teton from Jackson Hole, Cody, or West Yellowstone include a stop at the lake, along with other popular park attractions such as Jenny Lake, the Snake River, Chapel of the Transfiguration, and the Maud Noble Cabin.

Jackson Lake takes up a large part of the center to the northern part of Grand Teton National Park. Most visitors to the lake either drive independently or join a guided tour. The lake is accessible from the Colter Bay Visitor Center, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Moose, Wyoming.

The best time to explore the natural wonders of Grand Teton National Park, including Jackson Lake, is during the warmer months of mid-May and late September. Expect most roads and facilities, including Jackson Lake Lodge, to be closed during winter.

Of the more than a dozen islands that dot Jackson Lake, Elk Island is the largest. Those looking for a unique backcountry experience within the national park can camp at one of two campsites on the island or rent a kayak to paddle out for the day. Sightseeing cruises of the lake often stop at the island for breakfast or dinner.

A highlight of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, the Jenny Lake area is characterized by thundering waterfalls, canyons, mountain vistas, and the crystalline expanse of Jenny Lake itself. The lake trail runs 7.1 miles (11.4 kilometers) around the water’s edge and passes by Hidden Falls, Cascade Canyon, and Inspiration Point.

 

Most tours of Grand Teton National Park include at least a portion of the Jenny Lake Trail, whether you opt to explore on a full-day, morning, or sunset excursion. Day trips to Grand Teton typically leave from the towns of Jackson Hole or Jackson and allow you to see Jenny Lake along with park highlights, such as Oxbow Bend and Jackson Lake.

 

Most tours include a meal and round-trip transportation. To explore Grand Teton National Park at your own pace, opt for a self-guided tour.

 

 

Jenny Lake sits at the base of the Tetons at an elevation of 6,800 feet (2,073 meters) from the town of Jackson. You can visit via private vehicle or opt for a guided tour to avoid the hassle of parking.

 

Summer, when the weather is typically warm and sunny, is the most popular time to visit. Parking at South Jenny Lake can fill up quickly, so arrive early in the morning to score a spot. The area is accessible by car from May through October.

 

The most popular variation of the Jenny Lake Trail starts with a shuttle boat ride across the lake from the visitor center to a dock on the western shore. From here, a moderately steep, 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometer) hike leads to thundering Hidden Falls, before continuing up Cascade Canyon toward aptly named Inspiration Point. While the trail connects with overnight trails, day hikers most often turn back and return via the southwestern shoreline.

Some of the first settlers of the Jackson Hole Valley were homesteading Mormon pioneers, who managed to farm and raise irrigated crops in the harsh Teton terrain. Arriving from Idaho in the 1890s, they constructed cabins, log homes, and barns that had no running water or electricity, and the wooden structures still standing today offer glimpses of this pioneering past. At the famously scenic John Moulton Barn, the snow-capped peaks of the Teton Range offer a dramatic wilderness backdrop, and help to shape the ruggedly romantic feel of Wyoming’s frontier. In 1997, Mormon Row was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and remains one of the most popularly photographed spots in Grand Teton National Park.