The Tetons have no foothills: they rise 7,000 feet straight from the valley of Jackson Hole, a wall of granite peaks reflected in a chain of glacial lakes. Ten miles south of Yellowstone, the park is smaller, calmer and more alpine, with superb day hikes and excellent wildlife watching.
Best things to do in Grand Teton
Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point
A shuttle boat crosses Jenny Lake in 12 minutes; from the dock, it is 0.5 mile to Hidden Falls and 1 mile to Inspiration Point, above the lake. Walking around the lake instead adds 2 miles each way.
See tours and tickets partner linkMormon Row at sunrise
The weathered barns of a 1890s homestead in front of the range: the most photographed scene in the park. Bison often graze around them.
3Oxbow Bend
A slow curve of the Snake River with Mount Moran reflected in the water; moose, otters and pelicans at dawn and dusk.
4Signal Mountain Summit Road
A narrow 5-mile road up to views of the whole range and Jackson Lake.
5Cascade Canyon
Beyond Inspiration Point, the trail continues into a glacial canyon between the peaks, with good chances of seeing moose. Go as far as you like.
6Float the Snake River
Scenic floats inside the park are the best way to see bald eagles and moose; whitewater trips run south of Jackson.
See tours and tickets partner link
Grand Teton entrance fees and reservations
Since 1 January 2026, foreign visitors pay a $100 surcharge here. Do the maths before you go.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle, 7 days | $35 |
| On foot or by bike, per person | $20 |
| Non-US residents aged 16+ | +$100 per person, on top of the entrance fee |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
- No entry reservation.
When to go
June to September, with wildflowers in July and golden aspens and elk rut in late September. Snow can linger on high trails until July. In winter, Jackson Hole becomes a ski resort and the park road between Taggart Lake and Signal Mountain closes to cars.
Where to stay in Grand Teton
Jackson, 15 minutes from the south entrance, is a cowboy town turned luxury resort, with prices to match in summer.
Our 2 hotel picks in Grand Teton
Photos, facilities and tips →
Luxury$$$$Jenny Lake Lodge
Inside the park, near Jenny Lake and String Lake
Private log cabins at the foot of the Tetons, with breakfast, a five-course dinner and lakeside trails included in the stay.
Mid-range$$$$Antler Inn
Downtown Jackson, one block south of Town Square
A family-run inn one block from Jackson’s Town Square, with fireplace rooms and a big indoor hot tub.
Jackson
$$$$Best for: restaurants and nightlife
Antler arches on the Town Square, saloons, galleries and the widest choice of hotels.
Hotels in Jackson partner linkInside the park
$$$$Best for: mountain views
Jackson Lake Lodge’s picture windows, Signal Mountain Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge cabins.
Hotels in Inside the park partner linkTeton Village
$$$$Best for: ski-resort comfort
At the foot of the tram, with a road into the park’s south end.
Hotels in Teton Village partner linkDriggs & Victor, Idaho
$$$$Best for: value
Over Teton Pass, on the quiet west side of the range.
Hotels in Driggs & Victor, Idaho partner linkWeather in Grand Teton by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Grand Teton: your questions
Grand Teton or Yellowstone?
Both: they are 10 miles apart. Yellowstone for geysers and wildlife, Grand Teton for alpine scenery and hiking.
How many days do you need in Grand Teton?
One day for the scenic drives and Jenny Lake; two or three to hike Cascade Canyon or float the Snake River.
Does the Yellowstone pass work for Grand Teton?
No, each park has its own entrance fee, unless you hold an America the Beautiful pass, which covers both.
Where can you see moose in Grand Teton?
Along Moose-Wilson Road, Oxbow Bend and Cascade Canyon, especially at dawn and dusk.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.