Explore Grand Teton National Park

11/09/2024

10/09/2024

Sometimes when the Tetons are hazy from smoke you can find vibrant color in the foreground.

This set of trees will continue its march to bright yellow and orange leaves as the month of September goes on.

9/10/2024

09/09/2024

Oxbow Bend.

September 9, 2024.

A little smoke and haze doesn’t scare everyone off.

Thank you to all the firefighters for all their hard work!

08/09/2024

Jackson Lake Dam has two areas: Lower Dam and Upper Dam.

It’s not an either/or choice, go to both!

Go to the Lower Dam Area for shaded picnic tables, bathrooms, and wheelchair access to the river.

Go to the Upper Dam Area for unobstructed views of the Tetons, maybe a reflection photo if the water is smooth, to check out historical dam equipment, and if you have time, find this bench and sit and enjoy the view.

To find the old dam equipment and the bench - go to the lake side of the dam.

Look for the 2nd bench past the gazebo towards the lake (you’ll know you are at the right bench if you can’t walk on the paved path any further).

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

06/09/2024

Have plans for Saturday?

Swimming Beach at Colter Bay is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon.

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

05/09/2024

September is fast becoming a popular month to visit Grand Teton.

It’s also a tricky month as you need to be more aware of timing.

Meaning, more aware of what time in September to visit.

To make your visit to Grand Teton National Park in September more enjoyable identify the primary reasons you want to go, and then choose the corresponding time.

VISIT IN EARLY SEPTEMBER IF:

- You want to do high-elevation hikes
You want to camp in the backcountry or at high elevation

- You want all restaurants, tours, services, and lodging available to you

- You want to swim

VISIT BEFORE MID-SEPTEMBER IF:

- You want to rent kayaks, canoes, and motorboats on Jackson Lake at Colter Bay and Signal Mountain

- You want to do a Scenic Lake Cruise on Jackson Lake out of Colter Bay

VISIT IN LATE SEPTEMBER IF:

- You want to see the fall foliage near peak color

- You want to deal with less crowds

- You are okay with most vendor activities being closed for the season - horseback riding, boat rentals.

VISIT ANYTIME IN SEPTEMBER IF:

- Your main priority is to see wildlife

- Elk, Moose, and Deer will be in their ruts* in September.

- Grizzly Bears and Black Bears will be scrounging around consuming as many calories as they can.

- Bison will be just finishing their rut at the end of August, the beginning of September.

* “Rut” – breeding season

- September is a great time to see bull moose as their antlers have fully regrown and they shed the velvet off them in early September.

Good luck, and:

“Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!” - Bill Jones, Lifelong Grand Teton Angler and Adventurer

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

04/09/2024

W H E R E - T O - E A T - W E D N E S D A Y S

L E E K S - M A R I N A - & - P I Z Z E R I A

Back in the day, it used to be difficult to find pizza in Grand Teton National Park.

Leeks was the place to go.

And still is, even though everyone in the park serves pizza now.

You can visit the original pizza provider for a few more days as they will be closing on September 8th, for the 2024 season.

Something to consider for those planning for 2025:

If you are coming back from a day trip to Yellowstone, this is a great place to have dinner and recap the day!

03/09/2024

T R A I L - T I P - T U E S D A Y

Leigh Lake.

An in and out trail, little elevation gain, big views!

PRO TIP: Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it accessible. Bear Spray isn’t helpful at the bottom of a backpack.

01/09/2024

The Moose-Wilson Road is a good place to increase your chances of seeing wildlife.

This time of year, the bears are eating the berries along this road, trying to put more weight on for winter.

If you are on the Moose-Wilson Road (or anywhere in the park) and see an animal, please keep the animal and yourself safe by following all Animal Safety Rules:

Keep a safe distance of at least 100 yards from wolves and bears, and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife (honestly I think 25 yards is still too close) For close viewing and photos, use binoculars, spotting scopes, or long camera zoom lenses.

Don’t get in between an adult animal and its offspring. If you see a baby animal, assume the mom is very close by.

Don’t feed any animals. It’s illegal and it is the surest way to get them killed as they will start associating humans with food and then they often become aggressive. The animal usually then pays the final price of being euthanized.

Respect and follow instructions from the on-site Wild Life Management Teams. They are there to protect you and the animals. They are not trying to be “jerks” by asking you to stay in your car or move along. They really want you to see the animals, they know how thrilling that is! They just want to do everything possible to keep the animals safe and alive.

Good luck! Enjoy! Be safe!

31/08/2024

Oxbow Bend is a fan favorite in Grand Teton National Park, and one that “most” can agree on as a “Must See”.

Oxbow Bend is best viewed when approaching it from the east.

You come around a tree-lined bend in the road and it opens up to Oxbow Bend Overlook.

This is one of the reasons it is suggested to do the 42 Mile Drive counterclockwise.

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

If you find yourself approaching Oxbow Bend Turnout from the west - all is not lost!!

You can still get the “approaching view”.

You are just going to have to do a little more driving and backtracking.

If approaching from the west, don’t turn into Oxbow Bend, keep driving for about another 1/2 mile.

There will be a large parking lot you can pull into on the right and turn around in.

You might even take a moment to take in the view from here (especially if the leaves have changed).

Then head back to Oxbow Bend and get the full effect!

NOTE: Grand Teton is a relatively small park and backtracking is to be expected. It won’t take much time and is almost always worth it!

PROTIP: Embrace the backtracking.

30/08/2024

One of the biggest reasons why I recommend doing the 42 Mile Drive counterclockwise is because of the views on the inside road.

Driving the inside road (Teton Park Road on map) from north (Jackson Lake Junction) to south (Moose, WY / Dornans Village) gives you more Teton views than the reverse.

Attached are some pictures of driving the inside road views. When looking at them, remember, if you drove the reverse all of them would be in your review mirror.

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

29/08/2024

September is very near.

Very.

September is a fall month and there are fall colors to be seen in Grand Teton in September.

Here’s the thing, in a “usual” or “typical” year, the changing colors really come on strong about the 3rd week of September (as shown in photos from past Septembers).

“Prime” and/or “Peak” is usually the last week of September into the first week of October.

If you are visiting Grand Teton in early September, or before the third week, you will still see patches of fall color.

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

Pro Tip: Look along the Gros Ventre River for early September fall colors.

Photo Credit: For The Rock

28/08/2024

W H E R E - T O - E A T - W E D N E S D A Y S

With August coming to an end and September upon us, there are limited days left to eat at The Deck at Piste.

Known as "The Deck".

The Deck doesn't have Teton views, because it is on the Tetons!

Know Before You Go Concerning The Deck:

- Closes for the 2024 season on September 8th.

- Is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

- Is also closed on September 4th.

- When open, open from 5 - 8 pm.

- Take the Bridger Gondola to get to the Deck
- Adult Evening Gondola Ticket - $15
- Junior Evening Gondola Ticket - $10
- Senior Evening Gondola Ticket - $12

- If you buy a sightseeing ticket - the evening gondola ticket is included

- Seating is first come/first serve - no reservations taken

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

PRO TIP: Buy the sightseeing ticket to ride the Aerial Tram. Ride it early in the morning and eat a waffle at Corbet's Cabin. Then go do something else for the rest of the day and come back and finish your day at the Deck as the sightseeing ticket includes the evening gondola ride to The Deck.

PRO TIP: Buy your sightseeing ticket online for a discount. https://shop.jacksonhole.com/s/summer/summer-sightseeing/

NOTE: If you have the sightseeing ticket you can use the gondola before 5:00 pm. It's just that The Deck doesn't start serving food and drinks until 5:00 pm. Off-Piste Market, located inside from the Deck is open 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Enjoy!

27/08/2024

T R A I L - T I P - T U E S D A Y

Grand View Hike lives up to its name.

While not a hike on the Tetons, it is one with fantastic views of the Tetons.

It is a 3-mile RT hike from the parking lot found less than a mile north of the Jackson Lake Lodge turnoff.

While three miles doesn't sound like a lot, it does have some steep inclines that will have you breathing hard - elevation gain of 731 ft. (take extra drinking water!).

You'll love the view at the top.

When we say "top" we don't mean where the Grand View Point Marker is. That marker doesn't have a view as it is blocked by trees.

"Top" means the bare, dirt hill about 80 yards before the marker. Keep looking left for the dirt hill and take the social trail to the top (

26/08/2024

Hurry to get your swim in at Jackson Lake Lodge’s heated pool!

They will close on September 2nd.

You can swim for free if you are staying at Jackson Lake Lodge, Colter Bay, Jenny Lake Lodge, or Headwaters.

Everyone else can swim for $5 a day.

Lounge chairs and towels provided.

A wheelchair-accessible lift is available for the pool, with attendants available to assist.

NOTE: No lifeguards on duty.

25/08/2024

The 42 Mile Drive in Grand Teton has something for everyone.

There are pullouts and turnouts to see and experience the scenery, geology, history, and animals.

Here are some spots for you History Buffs:

- The Moulton Barns on Mormon Row - tells of the establishment had hardships of frontier life

- Snake River Overlook - where Ansel Adams took his famous picture persuading
Congress to protect natural landscapes from commercialism

- Cunningham Cabin - A cabin built in 1888, instrumental in preserving and expanding Grand Teton National Park

- Chapel of Transfiguration - The chapel was originally built to serve guests and employees of the dude ranches along the base of the Teton Range

- Menor’s Ferry Historical District - See the only “safe” Snake River Crossing for the early settlers, and see Maude Noble’s cabin where local people met to save the Grand Teton area from commercialism.

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

23/08/2024

One of the biggest challenges of visiting Grand Teton National Park in August is the increased possibility of forest fires and the smoke they produce.

The snow has melted from the Tetons - the grasses have dried out, and even when people are doing the right thing by putting out their campfires completely or not having campfires, there is lightning from storms that can hit a dry twig and spark a fire.

It sucks.

For those directly affected by the fire.
..and for those who traveled to Grand Teton to see the beautiful scenery in person and maybe take a picture or two.

While the smoke may obstruct some views or at the very least, make the Tetons hazy, here are some ideas of things to do that aren’t view-dependent:

- Go to Hidden Falls, the smoke will have a limited effect on viewing the waterfall.

- Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes from Dornans Adventure Sports and go to String Lake and portage on to Leigh Lake. (Wear your floating devices!!)

- Don’t want to transport equipment? Go to Signal Moutain Marina or Colter Bay Marina and rent kayaks, canoes, and motor boats of various sizes.

- Look for wildlife - Bison around Elk Ranch Flats will be your best bet.

- Get into the trees - go for a hike on a heavily tree-lined trail:

- Lakeshore Trail at Colter Bay

- String Lake

- Go swimming!

- Capture photos of the Tetons at sunset. The smoke in the air can create stunning, vibrant colors, making the sunsets truly unique and beautiful.

NOTE: Please use your own judgment to decide if these activities are suitable for you given the amount of smoke in the air. Everyone reacts differently and may be affected to varying degrees.

NOTE: Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and have it accessible.

NOTE: Follow all wildlife safety rules: GTNP requires all visitors to stay a minimum distance of at least 100 yards or 300 feet from bears and wolves and 25 yards or 75 feet from all other wildlife.

22/08/2024

August is such a good month for high elevation hiking in Grand Teton National Park.

Usually the snow has completely melted from the trail, even at the very top!

And “usually” late summer snows haven’t started yet.

An excellent first high elevation trail to try is Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude.

14.2 miles round trip from the West Boat Dock on Jenny Lake. 2,715 ft elevation gain.

You are going to need a lot of water.

More than you think.

At the valley floor you are already at 6,320 feet.

Going to Lake Solitude you will end up at 9,035 ft.

Take a hydration reservoir/bladder in your backpack and take a water filtration system to refill your hydration reservoir/bladder.

Take bear spray, know how to use it and have it accessible.

Enjoy the views! Some of the best ones are on the hike back!!

21/08/2024

With all the scenic, fun, and adventurous things to do in Grand Teton National Park, this activity is one of the most important to do:

STAYING HYDRATED!

I know this isn’t exactly the insider tip you were hoping for, but it is so so so IMPORTANT!

WHY?

In Grand Teton National Park, you are at a high elevation, and the air is thin and dry.

Very dry.

You need to drink more water at high altitudes compared to what you would drink at lower altitudes.

Your body loses water more quickly at higher elevations.

Drinking too little water can quickly lead to dehydration at altitudes above 5,000 feet.

Grand Teton National Park, at its lowest elevation, is 6,320 ft.

How your body loses water at high elevations:

- At higher altitudes, oxygen levels are lower which makes you breathe in and out faster and more deeply, so you lose more water through respiration

- Sweat evaporates more quickly, and you may not realize how much water you are losing through exertion

- High altitude can make you urinate more often

To help stay hydrated, everyone in your party should have their own water bottle/source.

There have been many times we have been on hikes and have seen families sharing one water bottle.

First, “ewwwwwww”....

Second, that is no where near enough water for everyone.

Third, consider hydration packs. I think hydration packs are better than plastic water bottles because:

- they hold more water

- are easier to carry - freeing up your hands

- and are more eco-friendly

There are plenty of designated places found throughout Grand Teton National Park to easily refill your hydration packs and reusable water bottles:

- Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

- South Jenny Lake

- String Lake Picnic Area

- Colter Bay Visitor Center

- Flagg Ranch Information Station

- Signal Mountain Lodge

- Jackson Lake Lodge

- Jenny Lake Lodge

Using refillable water bottles and hydration packs will save you money and reduce the amount of plastic in the park.

AND, most importantly, using them keeps you hydrated.

Win - Win - Win.

Stay hydrated kids!

Enjoy Your Vacation!

20/08/2024

SCHWABACHER LANDING is a pretty big deal in Grand Teton National Park, but it is often missed as you need to take a side road to get to it.

The side road is only a mile off the 42 Mile Drive, with the first 3/10 of the road paved and the rest a dirt road that is well maintained.

Schwabacher Landing is a location in Grand Teton that is often featured in calendars, postcards, and the park’s marketing materials.

Why?

Because it is stunning.

Especially at sunrise.

In my experience, sunrise is better at Schwabacher Landing than sunset 9 out of 10 times.

That’s not to say only go at sunrise.

Just go at sunrise for the best light for photos.

Do go any time of day you want to see this Famous Four Sight of Grand Teton National Park.

NOTE: I have often found Schwabacher Landing to be a good place for pictures all morning long. This photo of my parents for their 50th Wedding Anniversary was captured at about 10:30 in the morning.

PRO TIP: There are a few wooden benches around here. If you are doing the 42 Mile Drive starting from the South Entrance Welcome Sign, you are probably needing a snack or a rest by the time you get here to Schwabacher. Pull up a bench, have a snack, (maybe one you got from Dornans), and take in the view.

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

19/08/2024

One of the advantages of visiting Grand Teton National Park in August is the option to go swimming.

To be fair, you can swim in Grand Teton National Park in other months too, it’s just not as appealing to do so in May when parts of the lakes are still frozen.

A fantastic place to swim in Grand Teton is String Lake.

It is a shallow lake, compared to all the other lakes in the park.

It is said the water is “warmer” because of the shallowness.

Many times by me.

Just know I do not have any scientific proof to back up this assertion, just my anecdotal experience.

The views are another reason to swim at String Lake. You are right across from the Tetons and there are stunning views all along the lake.

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

PRO TIP: Some of the most striking views are at bear boxes 1-3, but you will be in deeper water.

PRO TIP: There are many more places to set up and swim along String Lake other than near the parking lots. The further north you go, the more the crowds thin out.

PRO TIP: Take bear spray, know how to use it, and have it accessible.

PRO TIP: Follow all food safety rules. Do not leave any food unattended. Pack out what you pack in.

Enjoy!!

18/08/2024

There are many stops on the 42 Mile Drive.

About 24.

Even more stops if you add in some nearby spots of beautiful scenery.

If you are a completionist (like me), where you want to do each and every single stop, you might consider breaking up the drive over two days.

You don’t have to, it’s not required, and there is no wrong way to do the drive.

If you do the drive over two days it may help you have the energy to appreciate each stop to the fullest.

If you want to do the drive in one day, you may want to consider identifying which stops are the most important to you to help you manage your time.

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)
Between Jackson Lake Junction and Jackson Lake Dam - (Elk, Bears, Moose)

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

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

Again, there is no wrong way to do the drive.

These are a couple of ways to consider.

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

16/08/2024

A good place to start the 42 Mile Drive in Grand Teton is the South Entrance to the park.

The 42 Mile Drive is a loop drive, so you can start ANYWHERE on the loop.

I like the South Entrance Sign because the big sign gives a feeling of “Let’s Begin”.

My partner in crime says I spend too much time at the sign.

Which I probably do, trying all sorts of photos with the Tetons in the background.

If you start at the South Entrance Sign, or when you get to the sign on your journey, here are a few pictures to give you ideas!

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

15/08/2024

Activities to consider in Grand Teton National Park when it rains:

- Head to Jackson Lake Lodge’s 2nd floor lobby and watch the weather through the large picture window. It’s a good place to take a book, game, or a deck of cards.

- Head to Colter Bay’s Visitor center. It has a Native American artifact museum, along with a gift shop and a small movie theater showing local documentaries.

- Head to Craig Thomas Visitor Center - many interactive activities to be had and you can keep an eye on the weather through their large picture windows.

- Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art just outside of Jackson.

- Head out in the car and look for wildlife if conditions suit. Drive slower to be able to stop in time for wildlife.

- Look for places to take photos of the Tetons with the rain moving in and out. Some stunning pictures present themselves with moody weather over the Tetons. NOTE: Do not be outside if there is lightning and if you can hear thunder.

Silver linings and all...........

14/08/2024

Colter Bay is a great place to get on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park.

You can rent canoes, kayaks, and motorboats.

If you’d rather not do the driving or paddling, you can take on of their Scenic Lake Cruises - with or without a meal option.

All cruises takes you across the lake and close to Mt. Moran.

The meal cruises take you to Elk Island on the way back to serve you your meal.

Reservations required for cruises.

Hurry! They will discontinue meal cruises after September 3rds for the 2024 season.

Regular cruises will finish for the season early October, water level dependent.

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

13/08/2024

T R A I L - T I P - T U E S D A Y

When temperatures are hot, here is a good hike that is mostly in the shade!!

Two-mile hike at Colter Bay - Lakeshore Trail.

You can choose to do one or two miles.

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

The hike is flat and has lots of shade.

Perfect for all ages and hiking abilities.

MOST IMPORTANT: Take bear spray, know how to use it, and have it accessible. (Does no good in the bottom of your backpack).

PRO TIP: Go to the point first, a short detour to the left at the end of the marina. There are a few benches to sit and enjoy the view.

PRO TIP: Start at the Colter Bay Marina. If you are doing the two-mile option, do the trail in a figure 8. Walk along the marina, then head to the right after crossing the land bridge to the outer island. You’ll come back around, cross the land bridge again, and veer left.

Enjoy!!

12/08/2024

Snacks are saviors in Grand Teton National Park, especially in the busy, crowded month of August.

By the time you decide you are hungry, you may be in for a long line waiting to get into some restaurants at peak times.

Peak times = when everyone else wants to eat at the restaurant at the same time as you.

Having snacks and extra water in the car can go a long way to holding you over and preparing your spirit for wait times.

And you can also have an impromptu picnic and escape the restaurant lines all together.

Some scenic picnic/snack places with a picnic table or two that are easy to pull the car over to:

- North end of Swimming Beach at Colter Bay

- Lower level of Jackson Lake Dam

- Catholic Bay Picnic Area

- Signal Mountain Picnic Area

- Signal Mountain Boat Launch

- Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area

Good snacks to have include granola bars, nuts, pouches of nut butters, trail mix...

Sometimes a meltdown can be avoided if you take a breath, drink some water, and/or have a snack — with great scenery to look at.

11/08/2024

The 42 Mile Drive in Grand Teton has something for everyone.

There are pullouts and turnouts to see and experience the scenery, geology, history, and animals.

Some of the best spots for increasing your chances of seeing animals include:

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)

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

10/08/2024

In the busy August crowds, a moment of peace can be found. Usually in the early morning.

(Although this video is kind of cheating as it was filmed in May - but the early morning quietness is still an option.)

09/08/2024

When asked “What is a “must-see” in Grand Teton National Park….

The list is long…

Here is one we think you’ll be happy you went see (and we think is holiday-card worthy):

The bridge at the SOUTH end of String Lake.

Pro Tip: Park at one of String Lake’s three parking lots to walk to the bridge view.

Pro Tip: Carry your bear spray, have it accessible, and know how to use it.

Pro Tip: After you see the bridge view, walk along String Lake for more stunning views. And if you happened to have parked at String Lake Parking Lot #2 or #3, the walk along String Lake will be the walk back to your car.

WIN-WIN

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