Must-Sees in Grand Teton National Park
In this section, we've selected the must-see sites in Grand Teton National Park:
Mormon Row Historic District
If you want to capture the most famous photo of Grand Teton—the one of the wooden barn with the mountains in the background—you should visit this historic area of the park, which was designated a historic site in 1997. Here, you’ll find some of the houses that Mormons began building in the late 19th century. Having come from Idaho, they formed a small community and farmed the land to make a living, though the lack of water and the rocky soil made it anything but easy for them.
By the mid-20th century, most Mormons had left and/or sold their land to the federal government to create the national park. Some of the historic buildings are still standing, and several of them were restored between 2021 and 2022, the most famous of which is John Moulton’s barn.
If you look closely at the ground in this area, you'll see lots of holes. They're just ground squirrel burrows—there are so many of them! Be careful not to step on them, and above all, don't feed them; it's against the rules, and the fines are no joke.
Mormon Row is located in the southeastern part of the park; to get there, take Antelope Flats Road from U.S. Highway 191.
Menors Ferry Historic District
The other historic area of the park is centered around the old ferry that crossed the Snake River in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This river served as a natural barrier for local residents who wanted to cross to the other side to gather firewood, hunt, or forage for wild berries. That is why, in 1894, William Menor built this ferry, which remained in use until 1929, when the first permanent bridge was constructed.
The historic district features a replica of the ferry, William Menor’s cabin, and the famous Chapel of the Transfiguration. This small, rustic-style wooden chapel was built in 1929 to serve the local ranches. It is still in use today, and the views of the chapel against the backdrop of the mountains are very photogenic.
To get there, take Grand Teton Road from south, pass through the Moose Park entrance, and after a few meters, take a right turn where you'll find a parking lot.
Bradley Lake and Taggart Lake
These two beautiful glacial lakes are a great reason to take an easy hike in Grand Teton National Park. This 4-mile or 6.4-kilometer (round-trip) trail starts at the Taggart Lake Parking Lot and heads first toward Bradley Lake, taking the right fork. There, you can enjoy the lake and spectacular views of the Tetons. On the way back, you’ll have a wonderful aerial view of Taggart Lake and you can walk right down to the shore.
Check the trail conditions at the visitor centers, as there may be snow or the trails may be closed for some reason.
Jenny Lake
We’ve arrived at one of the park’s most famous spots, where you’ll often find crowds of people: Jenny Lake, a beautiful alpine lake at the foot of the Teton Range. The park’s most popular trail is also located in this area—the Jenny Lake Loop Trail—which circles the lake and offers various panoramic views of it and its surroundings.
This trail takes you to two must-see spots: Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. We’ll tell you more about them below. If you’d like more information about this and other hikes in Grand Teton National Park, check out our exclusive post!
In the Jenny Lake area, you'll find a visitor center, restrooms, a gift shop, and a large parking lot, which tends to fill up during peak season. There's also a boat service that crosses the lake, allowing you to enjoy the view from Inspiration Point without having to hike all the way.
Hidden Falls
These beautiful 70-meter-high waterfalls near the west shore of Jenny Lake live up to their name, as they’re hidden behind the trees and are only visible from the overlook. To get there, you’ll need to take the Jenny Lake Loop Trail or the boat that crosses the lake to save yourself the hike. You’ll find more information in our exclusive post on hiking in Grand Teton National Park.
Inspiration Point
This overlook above Jenny Lake, 394 feet (120 meters) up, offers spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding area, including Jackson Hole, the Teton Range, and other peaks in the distance. It is one of the best overlooks for viewing the park from above, along with Signal Mountain, and is very close to Hidden Falls. To reach it, you must hike the Jenny Lake Loop Trail or take the paid boat that crosses the lake and walk up to the overlook.
String Lake
This long, narrow lake connects Jenny Lake with Leigh Lake and is the perfect spot for a stroll, taking in the views, or going for a refreshing swim. It’s a much less crowded area than Jenny Lake, where you can enjoy nature without the crowds or spot wildlife. We love it!
A trail runs along the eastern shore of the lake through the trees, and there is a parking lot practically right on the shore. To get there, take the Jenny Lake Loop from Grand Teton Road, and before you reach the lodge, turn right onto String Lake Road.
Leigh Lake
Located between String Lake and Jackson Lake, this beautiful lake—with the Teton Range as a backdrop and accessible only on foot—is an ideal spot for hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing.
To get there, take the Jenny Lake Loop Road from Grand Teton Road, and before you reach the lodge, turn right onto String Lake Road. Once at the parking lot, follow the path around String Lake to Leigh Lake. The 2-mile (3.2 km) hike should take no more than 1 hour (round trip).
Jackson Lake
This immense lake, dammed in 1911 and expanded in 1916, dominates the landscape of the northern part of the national park. Measuring 15 mi (24 km) long, 7 mi (11 km) wide, and 440 feet (134 m) deep, it is one of the largest alpine lakes in the United States, and some of its water is used by farmers in Idaho to irrigate their fields. The views of the Tetons from its various overlooks are spectacular and one of the main reasons to visit this part of the park.
Although the heat of midsummer can be intense, the average water temperature does not rise above 16°C, which makes swimming in it not very advisable. In winter, it freezes completely, with the ice reaching a thickness of up to 6 feet (1.8 m).
For the best views of the lake, be sure to stop at the Jackson Lake Overlook—it’s one of the first lookouts you’ll come across if you’re coming from Yellowstone, and it might just be your first chance to snap a photo of the Grand Teton. We also recommend stopping at the Jackson Lake Dam, where it looks as though the mountains are rising straight from the bottom of the lake.
Snake River
This extremely long river, stretching over 1,063 mi (1,700 km), originates in Yellowstone and flows into the Columbia River. As it passes through Grand Teton National Park, it serves as the main tributary of Jackson Lake and continues its journey toward the Pacific Ocean, winding its way through the national park. The various overlooks along US Highway 191 are an ideal place to enjoy the views and spot wildlife.
Schwabacher's Landing
This overlook is a must-see; it’s located just off US Highway 191, where a well-maintained dirt road leads you down to the river. In this area, the Snake River splits into several shallow channels, creating an ideal habitat for wildlife that thrives in such environments, such as beavers and moose. Here, we spotted a male deer and a pair of geese with their goslings.
From here, you have a fantastic panoramic view of the Tetons rising up behind the trees, and it’s a very popular spot among photographers, since early in the morning the mountain range is bathed in orange hues and is perfectly reflected in the calm waters of the river—the ideal time to spot wildlife.
Viewpoints along Teton Park Road
Along the main road that runs through the park, there are a number of overlooks that will leave you speechless. Here are some of our favorites from our visit, listed from north to south:
- Jackson Lake Dam: Just 1.2 mi (2 km) from the northern entrance to this road lies the Jackson Lake Dam. We recommend stopping to take in the views of the Snake River winding its way eastward and the Teton Range rising above the lake.
- Catholic Bay Turnout: very close to the previous one, but it also offers wonderful views of the southern part of the lake and Catholic Bay.
- Mount Moran Turnout: This overlook faces Mount Moran, which towers 12,612 feet (3,844 m) above Jackson Lake. The mountain still has several glaciers and is characterized by a dark streak that appears to split it in two; this is a basalt intrusion known as the Black Dike.
Viewpoints along US Highway 191
As we mentioned in our guide to visiting Grand Teton, this is the main access road to the park, running north to south along its eastern side and parallel to the Snake River and Jackson Lake. There are numerous overlooks along the way—arguably the most spectacular ones—and here are the ones we liked best, listed from north to south:
- Jackson Lake Overlook: we’ve already mentioned it when we talked about Jackson Lake, but we think this overlook is absolutely wonderful, and you shouldn’t miss it.
- Willow Flats Overlook: although you can hardly see the lake, it does offer a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains and meadows to the east of it.
- Oxbow Bend Turnout: undoubtedly our favorite viewpoint in the entire park, where you can see a bend in the Snake River with Mount Moran in the background.
- Elk Ranch Flats Turnout: located on the former grounds of the area’s last ranch, this overlook sits on a flat plain with the peaks of the Tetons in the background. It’s an ideal spot for spotting wildlife such as bison, elk, or pronghorn.
- Snake River Overlook: perched above the Snake River and overlooking one of its meanders, it is an ideal spot for wildlife viewing.
- Blacktail Ponds Overlook: another elevated viewpoint overlooking the meanders and channels of the Snake River, where you can spot wildlife against the backdrop of the Teton Range.
- Albright View Turnout: one of the first overlooks if you’re entering from the south side of the park; if so, be sure to stop and take your first panoramic photo of the Tetons.
Less-known spots in Grand Teton National Park
Here are some lesser-known things to do in Grand Teton National Park.
Phelps Lake
In the southern part of the park, very close to the Granite Canyon Entrance, lies this beautiful lake at the foot of the mountain range. In addition to the views, it’s a great spot for wildlife watching—we even spotted two deer grazing peacefully on the lakeshore! To get there, you’ll need to take an easy hike; we’ve included more information in our post about hikes in Grand Teton.
Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake
These two small lakes, situated at an elevation of between 9,500 and 9,800 feet (2,900 and 3,000 m) and surrounded by forest and rocky peaks, are among the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park and certainly among the most challenging you can do in a single day.
Delta Lake
Not far from the other two lies Delta Lake, a small but stunning high-mountain lake. Situated at an elevation of 8,858 feet (2,700 m), it features deep turquoise waters and offers the best views of Grand Teton Mountain. We provide more details in our post on the best hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park.
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Moose Pond
These are a few small ponds in the southern part of Jenny Lake that aren’t any more scenic than many other spots in the park. What makes the place interesting is the chance to see moose, especially early in the morning or before dusk. We waited for over an hour around mid-morning but didn’t have any luck.
Signal Mountain
This mountain, located in the central part of the park on the eastern shore of Jackson Lake, features two overlooks offering excellent 360-degree views of the surrounding area. From here, you can see the various lakes, the Teton Range, the Snake River, and the Yellowstone Mountains to the north. To get there, take the paved road that climbs to the summit; simply take the turnoff north of Grand Teton Road.
Wilson-Moose Road
There isn't much to see along this road that runs through the southern forests of the park between Grand Teton Road and the Granite Canyon Entrance, though it provides access to several hiking trails. That said, it's an area where moose are often spotted, mainly in the early morning or late afternoon, though we didn't have any luck (again).
Christian Pond
A pond near Jackson Lake Lodge with views of the Tetons; you can walk around it, and there’s a chance to see wildlife.
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Emma Matilda Lake
This lake, which is over 2.5 mi (4 km) long, is located in the eastern part of the park. It can be reached from the Two Ocean Lake Parking Lot via a short walk and is surrounded by a long trail. From the trail, you can see the Teton Range in the distance, and in mid-summer, the entire area is filled with wildflowers, though there are also plenty of insects and mosquitoes.
Two Ocean Lake
Slightly smaller than its neighbor, Emma Matilda Lake, this beautiful lake is accessible by car via Two Ocean Lake Road and a 6-mile (10 km) trail that circles it. As with the previous lake, the trail offers views of the Teton Range in the distance, and in mid-summer, the entire area is filled with colorful flowers.
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What to See in Half a Day at Grand Teton National Park
If you only have half a day in Grand Teton National Park, we recommend focusing on the park’s main viewpoints and one of its historic sites. We’ve put together this itinerary assuming you’re entering from Jackson and heading toward Yellowstone; if you’re traveling in the opposite direction, simply reverse the order.
We recommend staying in Jackson the night before—for example, at the Cache House.
- Schwabacher's Landing (🚗 25 min + 🚶🏻 1h)
- Mormon Row Historic District (🚗 15 min + 🚶🏻 1h)
- Jenny Lake Overlook (🚗 1h + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Jackson Lake Dam (🚗 1 hr + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Oxbow Bend Turnout (🚗 5 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Jackson Lake Overlook (🚗 20 min + 🚶🏻 10 min). 🏨 Accommodation in West Yellowstone at the Yellowstone Lodge.
What to See in One Day at Grand Teton National Park
If you have one day in Grand Teton National Park, we recommend taking the park’s most famous hike and visiting some of its most spectacular viewpoints, as well as a historic site. This itinerary is based on entering from Jackson and exiting toward Yellowstone; if you’re traveling in the opposite direction, simply reverse the order.
We recommend staying in Jackson the night before—for example, at the Cache House.
- Jenny Lake Loop Trail, southern section (🚗 50 min + 🚶🏻 5 hr)
- Moose Pond
- Hidden Falls
- Inspiration Point
- Mormon Row Historic District (🚗 1h + 🚶🏻 1h)
- Schwabacher's Landing (🚗 15 min + 🚶🏻 1h)
- Oxbow Bend Turnout (🚗 30 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Jackson Lake Dam (🚗 5 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Jackson Lake Overlook (🚗 20 min + 🚶🏻 10 min). 🏨 Accommodation in West Yellowstone at the Yellowstone Lodge.
What to See in 2 Days at Grand Teton National Park
If you have enough time to spend two days in Grand Teton National Park (our recommended minimum), we suggest you visit the main historical sites and overlooks, go for a hike, and try to spot some wildlife. We’ve put together this itinerary assuming you’re entering from Jackson and heading toward Yellowstone; if you’re traveling in the opposite direction, simply reverse the order.
The night before, we'd be staying in Jackson, but this time at The Hostel, since we preferred a private room with a bathroom for a stay of more than one night, and it’s very close to the Granite Canyon Entrance, making it convenient for visiting the park the next day.
Day 1:
- Schwabacher's Landing (🚗 25 min + 🚶🏻 1h)
- Mormon Row Historic District (🚗 15 min + 🚶🏻 1h)
- Oxbow Bend Turnout (🚗 30 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Signal Mountain (🚗 45 min + 🚶🏻 30 min)
- Menors Ferry Historic District (🚗 1h10 min + 🚶🏻 30 min)
- Phelps Lake (🚗 15 min + 🚶🏻 2 hr). 🏨 Accommodation in Jackson at The Hostel.
Day 2:
- Jenny Lake Loop Trail, southbound (🚗 50 min + 🚶🏻 5 hr)
- Moose Pond
- Hidden Falls
- Inspiration Point
- String Lake and a walk to Leigh Lake (🚗 50 min + 🚶🏻 1 hr)
- Jackson Lake Dam (🚗 55 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Jackson Lake Overlook (🚗 20 min + 🚶🏻 10 min). 🏨 Accommodation in West Yellowstone at the Yellowstone Lodge.
What to See in 3 Days at Grand Teton National Park
Three days in Grand Teton National Park is the ideal amount of time to explore the entire park, go on several hikes, visit historic sites and overlooks, and spot wildlife. We’ve put together this itinerary assuming you’re entering from Jackson and heading toward Yellowstone; if you’re traveling in the opposite direction, simply reverse the order.
The night before, we planned to stay in Jackson at The Hostel, since we preferred a private room with a bathroom for a stay of more than one night, and it’s very close to the Granite Canyon Entrance, making it convenient for visiting the park the next day.
Day 1:
- Schwabacher's Landing (🚗 25 min + 🚶🏻 1h)
- Mormon Row Historic District (🚗 15 min + 🚶🏻 1h)
- Snake River Overlook (🚗 15 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Elk Ranch Flats (🚗 15 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Oxbow Bend Turnout (🚗 10 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Mount Moran Turnout (🚗 30 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Phelps Lake (🚗 1 hr + 🚶🏻 2 hrs). 🏨 Accommodation in Jackson at The Hostel.
Day 2:
- Jenny Lake Loop Trail, southern section (🚗 50 min + 🚶🏻 5 hr)
- Moose Pond
- Hidden Falls
- Inspiration Point
- String Lake and a walk to Leigh Lake (🚗 50 min + 🚶🏻 1 hr)
- Blacktail Ponds (🚗 45 min + 🚶🏻 10 min). 🏨 Accommodation in Jackson at The Hostel.
Day 3:
- Bradley Lake y Taggart Lake (🚗 25 min + 🚶🏻 2,5h)
- Menors Ferry Historic District (🚗 10 min + 🚶🏻 30 min)
- Signal Mountain (🚗 1 hr 10 min + 🚶🏻 30 min)
- Jackson Lake Dam (🚗 40 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Willow Flats Overlook (🚗 5 min + 🚶🏻 10 min)
- Jackson Lake Overlook (🚗 20 min + 🚶🏻 10 min). 🏨 Accommodation in West Yellowstone at the Yellowstone Lodge.
Things to Do Around Grand Teton National Park
Jackson
Jackson still exudes the essence of a frontier town in the American West, even though it has now become a destination for skiing and luxury. Even so, it’s well worth a stop, and it’s the ideal place to stay when visiting Grand Teton. In our article on what to see in Jackson Hole (coming soon), we’ll give you all the details.
Yellowstone National Park
Located north of Grand Teton, Yellowstone is one of the best national parks in all of North America. Its wide variety of landscapes, wildlife, and geothermal features—such as geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles—make it a unique destination that you won’t want to miss. Check out our post on best things to do in Yellowstone National Park for all the details.
National Elk Refuge
This nature reserve, located between Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, was established to protect the herds of elk that migrate from other parts of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to southern Wyoming to spend the winter. Animals can be spotted in the area year-round, but it is especially in winter that large groups of elk, bison, and pronghorn gather.
You can take the opportunity to stop at the overlook at the south entrance to Grand Teton (Park Entrance Turnout) if you want to get a glimpse of the refuge, since the entire area east of the road connecting Jackson and Grand Teton is part of the National Elk Refuge.
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Wind River Range
Protected by the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests, it is part of the American Rockies. This mountain range features glaciers and peaks over 13,000 feet (4,000 m) high! From the town of Pinedale, less than a 1.5-hour drive from Jackson, the Sacred Rim Trail begins—the most famous hike in the range. It’s an easy hike and offers spectacular views.
Grand Teton National Park Map
We've put together this super-detailed map showing the things to do in Grand Teton National Park, along with access points, gas stations, lodging, general stores, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
What are the must-see attractions in Grand Teton National Park?
Some of the must-see spots include Jenny Lake, Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, and the overlooks along Teton Park Road and U.S. Highway 191, which offer some of the park’s most spectacular views.
What is the best viewpoint in Grand Teton National Park?
Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and Jackson Lake Overlook are some of the park’s most breathtaking viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the Teton Range.
Which lakes should you visit in Grand Teton National Park?
Of course, there are the famous Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake, but there are also lesser-known lakes like String Lake and Leigh Lake, which are much quieter and more picturesque.
Can you see animals in Grand Teton National Park?
Yes, the park is one of the best places in the American West to see wildlife such as bison, moose, deer, and bears.
What is the best time to visit the viewpoints in Grand Teton National Park?
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to enjoy the views and increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
Is Grand Teton National Park worth visiting?
Yes, it is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, famous for its rugged mountains, alpine lakes, historic and picturesque sites, and wildlife.
Is it better to visit Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park?
It’s best to visit both, but if you don’t have enough time, it will depend on the type of trip and your preferences. If you want to go hiking, you should choose Grand Teton; if, on the other hand, you’d rather see geysers and fumaroles, you should choose Yellowstone.
We hope this post on things to do in Grand Teton National Park helps you plan your next adventure!
