Her Guide to Grand Tetons National Park

Looking for the ultimate guide to exploring Grand Teton National Park? The Tetons are arguably one of the most stand-out mountain ranges in America. And summertime is arguably the best season to enjoy them! In this article we will prepare you with a comprehensive guide for all things Grand Tetons: where to stay, what to wear, where to hike, best activities and can’t-miss experiences for your trip!

Why Grand Teton National Park? If you’ve been, you understand why. This National Park situated on the Wyoming, Idaho border is known for its jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife, and many iconic photography locations within the park. While it also shares a border with its more popular neighbor, Yellowstone National Park, the topography is quite different. And in recent years, the Grand Tetons have started to become a more sought after destination due to social media highlighting the parks beauty. If you enjoy breathtaking hikes, mountain views, lake activities, and viewing wildlife around every corner, you don’t want to skip the Grand Tetons! This article will provide everything you need to know to ensure your trip is one for the books!

WHERE TO STAY:

HOTELS

If you’re looking for a conventional hotel stay near the park, your best options will be around the towns of Jackson, WY and Driggs, ID. But there are also a few more pricey options right in the heart of the National Park. 

-All National Park lodging options

-Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole

-The Lodge at Jackson Hole

-Fireside Resort

-Elk Refuge Inn

-Grand Targhee Resort

-Teton Peaks Resort

CAMPING

If you’re visiting the Grand Tetons between June and October, you may consider camping in the park! I recommend reserving your campground as far in advance as possible, because they do fill up quickly!


-Gros Ventre Campground


-Colter Bay Campground


-Jenny Lake Campground


-Signal Mountain Campground


-Lizard Creek Campground


 WHAT TO PACK:

Packing depends on seasonality and weather patterns. Before you go, https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/weather.htm and forecasts. Below is a guide for Spring / Summer / Fall. We suggest avoiding Winter, as that increases risk on trails and of road closures and is only suitable for very experienced hikers. 

SPRING PACKING LIST

Low of 11 degrees, high of 57 degrees

CLOTHING

  • Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
  • Snow pants in case of snowy trails
  • Long sleeve technical base layer 
  • Beanie hat
  • Socks: Specifically warm hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
  • Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
  • Winter coat in case of low temperatures
  • Sports Bras
  • Mid layer thermal button up
  • Waterproof snow boots
  • Spikes to go over boots
  • Gloves

FALL PACKING LIST

Low of 14 degrees, high of 66 degrees

CLOTHING

  • Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
  • Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
  • Spikes for boots in case of early ice
  • Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
  • Hat: Either baseball cap or beanie depending on temperatures
  • Socks: Specifically warm hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
  • Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
  • Sports Bras
  • Base layer for warmth 
  • Mid layer thermal button up
  • Gloves

SUMMER PACKING LIST 

Low of 36 degrees, high of 77 degrees

CLOTHING

  • Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
  • Hiking Shorts: Stretchy, durable with secured pockets - such as this pair.
  • Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
  • Sun Shirt:  sun shirt to keep skin protected in the summer months - we recommend a shirt like this one.
  • Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
  • Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
  • Hat: Either baseball cap or hiking hat with strap
  • Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
  • Swimsuit (summer months)
  • Sports Bras

FOR ALL SEASONS:

FOR HIKING

  • Snacks
  • Phone Protector Case: durable phone case to prevent breakage if it falls
  • Backpack with water storage 
  • Map of the park or other navigation device
  • Wind breaker jacket + Gloves

MISCELLANEOUS 

  • Camping supplies if you plan to camp
  • A picnic blanket 
  • Chargers + cables
  • Phone and/or camera
  • Sunglasses
  • Compact first aid kit

TOILETRIES

  • Cleanser, moisturizer, and any other regular skincare products
  • Travel-sized shampoo, body wash and conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • SPF
  • Dry Shampoo
  • Any makeup products you plan to wear
  • Hair dryer and/or curling/straightening tools
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste 
  • Ponytail holders/scrunchies  
  • Body/facial wipes
  • Feminine products if needed
  • Brush
  • Chapstick

WHERE TO HIKE:

Cascade Canyon Trail -

  • Rating: Difficult
  • Elevation gain: 1100 feet
  • Distance: 10 miles out-and-back
  • Estimated time to hike: 5 hours

Hidden Falls via Jenny Lake Trail -

  • Rating: Moderate
  • Elevation gain: 500 feet
  • Distance: 4 mile loop
  • Estimated time to hike: 1.5-2 hours

Moose Ponds Trail

  • Rating: Easy
  • Elevation gain: 150 feet
  • Distance: 3.2 mile loop
  • Estimated time to hike: 1-2 hours

Phelps Lake Trail

  • Rating: Moderate
  • Elevation Gain: 700 feet
  • Distance: 7 mile loop
  • Estimated time to hike: 3 hours

Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows Access -

  • Rating: Difficult
  • Elevation gain: 2,200 feet
  • Distance: 7.4  mile out + back
  • Estimated time to hike: 4.5 hours

Bradley Lake Trail

  • Rating: Moderate
  • Elevation gain: 650 feet
  • Distance: 5 mile loop
  • Estimated time to hike: 2-3 hours

 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES: 

  • Paddle boarding or kayaking at Colter Bay. You can even do boat rentals!
  • Sunrise at Schwabacher’s Landing
  • Visit the iconic Mormon Row barn 
  • Sunset at Signal Mountain Summit Road
  • Check out Jackson Lake Dam first thing in the morning when it’s reflection is crystal clear
  • Take the ferry at Jenny Lake
  • Go swimming or enjoy a picnic at String Lake
  • Look for wildlife
  • Check out the nearby town of Jackson, WY 

One more thing you should know: there is no park shuttle like you might find at other various parks. Prepare to drive on your own and arrive to your destinations early enough to snag a parking spot! We hope this gives you some major inspo for planning the perfect trip to Grand Teton National Park! Is this park on your travel bucket list?

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