Explore Grand Teton National Park

  • Home
  • Explore Grand Teton National Park

Explore Grand Teton National Park Explore Grand Teton National Park helps you plan & do your perfect Grand Teton National Park vacation!

We are here to help give you information, tips, and tricks to make your Grand Teton National Park Vaction all you hope it will be.

The 42 Mile Drive in Grand Teton has something for everyone. There are pullouts and turnouts to satisfy a wide range of ...
15/06/2025

The 42 Mile Drive in Grand Teton has something for everyone. There are pullouts and turnouts to satisfy a wide range of interests:

For the CONSTANT PHOTOGRAPHER:

Schwabacher Landing
Snake River Overlook
Oxbow Bend
Jackson Lake Dam
Mountain View Turnout
Bridge View at South String Lake
Jenny Lake Overlook

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

For the HISTORY BUFF:

Moulton Barns on Mormon Row
Cunningham Cabin
Lunch Tree Hill
Menor Ferry Historical

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

For the GEOLOGY ENTHUSIAST:

Glacier View Turnout
Teton Point Overlook
Potholes Turnout
Cathedral Group Turnout (make sure you learn what a “scarp” is!)
Teton Glacier Turnout

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

For the ANIMAL LOVER:

Blacktail Ponds Overlook - (Moose, Deer, Elk, Bears, Beavers, Birds)
Elk Ranch Flats Overlook - (Bison, Antelope, Horses)
Oxbow Bend Overlook - (Moose, Deer, Bears, Birds)
Signal Mountain Summit Drive - (Moose, Elk, Bears)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Enjoy Grand Teton’s 42 Mile Drive between May 1st and October 31st (as 1/2 of the drive is closed in the winter).

Hope you find “your spot” on the drive, and if you already have, tell us which was yours!

https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

In our humble opinion, the Bridge View at South String Lake is the crown jewel of the 42 Mile Drive.And it’s not the eas...
13/06/2025

In our humble opinion, the Bridge View at South String Lake is the crown jewel of the 42 Mile Drive.

And it’s not the easiest to access.

You need to turn off Teton Park Road and take Jenny Lake road and turn towards String Lake.

That’s the easy part.

Next you need to find a parking spot at one of the three String Lake Parking lots.

That is the hard part - depending on what time of year, and day you go.

May and October - you won’t have a hard time finding a parking spot.

June, July, August, and September - it becomes so much harder.

If you are planning to see this sight in the busy months, aim for early morning.

The bonus to early morning is the light on the Tetons is softer, and not hazy like afternoon.

Set those alarms kids!

https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton.../

**UPDATE**Thank you everyone who has responded with comments and photos of seeing bull moose with antlers in GTNP in Jun...
12/06/2025

**UPDATE**

Thank you everyone who has responded with comments and photos of seeing bull moose with antlers in GTNP in June.

I should have been more specific! So I will try here:

First, bull moose start regrowing their antlers in spring rather than summer.

Their antlers are growing throughout summer and you may see them in various stages of growth covered with velvet.

If you want to see bull moose with their full antlers grown in, sans velvet look for them in August. See the last photo added taken by nps.gov/C. Adams.

Thank you for the corrections!! Honestly!! It helps is all have the correct information.

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

One bummer for visiting Grand Teton in June.

Bull Moose.

If you are hoping to see a big bull moose with full antlers in Grand Teton National Park, June is not the month to do it.

Adult bull moose are definitely around Grand Teton in June, they just don’t have their large antlers yet.

They tend to drop their antlers in December, and they start growing back in the summer; therefore, late August is when their antlers are fully grown.

To make you feel better, Grand Teton National Park does offer chances to see baby moose. They start being more visible in June.

PRO TIP: Look for moose in areas of willows and ponds. Like along the Moose-Wilson Road, Blacktail Pond Overlook, and along the Gros Ventre River.

PRO TIP: Never get between an animal and its offspring. With Moose, stay at least 25 yards away, and with bears and wolves, at least 100 yards.

https://exploregtnp.com/top-12-things-to-do-in-grand-teton-national-park/

In honor of National Trails Day (June 1st), we have some short-distance hike suggestions for the little-legged, big-atti...
07/06/2025

In honor of National Trails Day (June 1st), we have some short-distance hike suggestions for the little-legged, big-attitude members of your group, AND places to take them afterwards for a hike well done!

These five hikes are all under 4 miles, with many at or under two miles.

STRING LAKE
String Lake to Leigh Lake Portage Stairs - 2 miles round trip, flat, fabulous Teton Views

- Place to go afterwards: Signal Mountain Lodge Trapper Grill Deck - order one order of nachos for the group

LAKESHORE TRAIL AT COLTER BAY
Lakeshore Trail at Colter Bay - 1 to 2 miles round trip, flat with one incline, fabulous Teton Views

- Place to go afterwards: Leek’s Marina and Pizzeria

HIDDEN FALLS AT JENNY LAKE
Hidden Falls - less than 1 mile round trip when you take the boat shuttle - Teton views from the boat shuttle, no Teton views on hike because you are ON the Tetons

- Place to go afterwards: Signal Mountain’s Convenience Store for ice cream

TAGGART LAKE
3.2 miles RT if you do the in and out trail to the lake. Great Teton Views throughout the hike.

- Place to go afterwards: Dornan’s Pizza Pasta Co lower deck or inside for snacks and/or pizza

LUNCH TREE HILL AT JACKSON LAKE LODGE
Less than 1/2 mile round trip, one long, gradual incline with Great Teton Views, and info boards on animals, geology, and history of Grand Teton National Park.

Place to go afterwards: Order to go from Pioneer Grill and eat outside on the back deck.

https://exploregtnp.com/top-12-things-to-do-in-grand.../

PRO TIP: Even though these hikes are shorter, remember to bring plenty of water! You are at a high elevation and you will get thirstier faster!
PRO TIP: Take BEAR SPRAY, know how to use it, when to use it, and have it accessible.

Enjoy!!

It's always nice to find moments of peace in Grand Teton National Park.Sometimes the moments can be hours, and sometimes...
06/06/2025

It's always nice to find moments of peace in Grand Teton National Park.

Sometimes the moments can be hours, and sometimes just a minute or two.

But always beautiful.

https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

Video and photo: South String Lake by the bridge.

No AI, this is what the eye would see and you will if you go!

Enjoy!!

A scenic lake cruise is a great activity for early June in Grand Teton National Park.(Save the kayaking, paddleboarding,...
05/06/2025

A scenic lake cruise is a great activity for early June in Grand Teton National Park.

(Save the kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing for later June when water temps are warmer).

Both Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake have Scenic Lake Cruises.

https://exploregtnp.com/top-12-things-to-do-in-grand-teton-national-park/

J E N N Y - L A K E
https://jennylakeboating.com/boat-trips/scenic-cruises/

A one-hour cruise around the lake with knowledgeable area guides. You will learn about the history and geology of the area as well as the flora and fauna around the lake. You are directly below the Cathedral Group on the lake.

Reservations Recommended:

- https://jennylakeboating.com/online-bookings/

- 307-734-9227

Check website for dates and times.

PRO TIP: Factor plenty of time to find parking and to use the restroom facilities by the Visitor Center as there are no restrooms on the boat dock or the boat.

J A C K S O N - L A K E - A T - C O L T E R - B A Y
https://www.gtlc.com/activities/jackson-lake-boat-cruises

A 1.5 - 2.5 hour scenic cruise (depending if you do a meal cruise) on Jackson Lake that will literally place you in the shadow of Mount Moran while you learn a bit about local history, geology, and folklore and take in the sights, including 10,000-year old glacial water flowing into Jackson Lake.

Reservations Required:

- [email protected]

- 307-543-3100

Dates:

- Operates daily with morning, afternoon and evening trips from mid-June to mid-September, water levels permitting.

It may feel early to book your Grand Teton National Park 2026 lodging reservations, but it's not!If you are planning on ...
03/06/2025

It may feel early to book your Grand Teton National Park 2026 lodging reservations, but it's not!

If you are planning on lodging INSIDE Grand Teton National Park, know that all seven lodges start accepting reservations one year in advance!

So if you are looking to visit in May and June 2026, this is your nudge to be looking at your chosen lodging and booking that room.

If you are booking for July, August, September of 2026, this is your nudge to go look and find out your earliest day to make reservations.

Early is how you win in Grand Teton!

Good luck kids!!!

The Albright View Turnout isn’t a must-see on the 42 Mile Drive.For many people, especially those coming from Jackson, i...
02/06/2025

The Albright View Turnout isn’t a must-see on the 42 Mile Drive.

For many people, especially those coming from Jackson, it is their first real-life view of the Tetons, which is exciting!

Just know there are even better and more jaw-dropping views to come in the park and on the 42 Mile Drive.

The benefits of stopping at the Albright View Overlook include:

- Being able to see every peak and pinnacle on the Teton Range

- Learning each of those peaks and pinnacles’ names and how they got their names

- That Horace Albright is primarily responsible for the fact that Grand Teton National Park exists as the scenic park it is today; without him, this area may have been commercialized.

- Getting a panoramic photo of the entire Teton range (putting your camera’s photo stitching skills to the test - and yours!

PRO TIP: Taking a video may be a better (easier?) option than a panoramic photo. Panoramic photos will make the Tetons look far away. In video mode, you can set the video to show the Tetons in their real-life size.

PRO TIP: Make a note of what Mt. Moran looks like here and how its appearance changes at different points in the park. It’s amazing!!

https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton.../

NOTE: In the last photo, she looks like she is over it...must have worn the wrong shoes....

Here comes June!Eeeeee!June is when all roads, even side roads, are open in the park, with the exception of ones that ma...
31/05/2025

Here comes June!

Eeeeee!

June is when all roads, even side roads, are open in the park, with the exception of ones that may be closed due to animal activity - usually bear.

Restaurants, lodges, campgrounds, and marinas are open.

Animals are still roaming around, and the babies of May are getting their feet under them and being more mobile.

Flowers will bloom soon and the grass in the park will be a vibrant green from all the snow melt.

Perfect picture-taking weather.

https://exploregtnp.com/grand-teton-in-june/

Enjoy!!

Here is a favorite, two-mile hike at Colter Bay - Lakeshore Trail.You can choose to do one or two miles.There is a marin...
29/05/2025

Here is a favorite, two-mile hike at Colter Bay - Lakeshore Trail.

You can choose to do one or two miles.

There is a marina, trees, Teton views, a waterfall on the Tetons view, if you know where to look, and a view of Swimming Beach.

The hike is flat and has lots of shade.

Perfect for all ages and hiking abilities.

PRO TIP: Go to “the point” first, a short detour to the left at the end of the marina. Look for benches and areas where you can hang a hammock.

(Video and first photo is what Tetons look like in May)

https://exploregtnp.com/top-12-things-to-do-in-grand.../

MOST IMPORTANT: Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible. (Does no good at the bottom of your backpack.)

And know when to use bear spray.

Bear spray is for charging or attacking bears only.

Not for curious bears.

Not for bears minding their own business.

Not for bears just using the same trail as you.

Enjoy!!

MAY = GREEN.Especially the third week of May when all the trees, grasses, shrubs, and willows are starting to bud.The bu...
28/05/2025

MAY = GREEN.

Especially the third week of May when all the trees, grasses, shrubs, and willows are starting to bud.

The budding leaves on trees presented the most gorgeous lime green color throughout the Teton Valley!

We didn’t capture the lime green as well as you can see it in person.

We think the pictures at Dornan’s captured it best.

Something to see in person.

Just GORGEOUS!

(If you are planning for May 2026 - consider arriving the second half of the month for the lime green color. These photos were taken around 20th-26th).

Address


Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Explore Grand Teton National Park posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Explore Grand Teton National Park:

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Claim ownership or report listing

  • Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?

Share