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

23/03/2025

It’s National Puppy Day - who knew that existed?

Aren’t puppies great every day? And don’t we celebrate them every day for the wonderful bundles of joy they are?

As much as we love our puppies and dogs - Grand Teton National Park is not dog-friendly.

You can bring your dogs to Grand Teton National Park, but there are limitations on where they can go in the park.

Know that dogs cannot go on hiking trails inside Grand Teton National Park.

Dogs (or any pet) can only go in developed areas, like roads, road shoulders, campgrounds, picnic areas. A good way to think of it is that dogs can only go where a car can go.

WHY?

Because the purpuse of a national park is to set aside land - to preserve the ecosystem - and to allow natural wildlife, including animals and vegetation, to thrive and die with minimal human interference. Domestic animals may interfere with those ecosystems stressing the wild animals and their environments - causing them to act differently which defeats the purpose of the national park.

A second reason is for your dog’s safety.

Wild animals are everywhere, and may act aggressively if they are surprised or feel threatened.

There are some videos of dogs who have gotten excited, and jumped out of car windows to go inspect the bison, only to be charged and thrown by the bison.

I know this may come as a hard pill to swallow for all of us dog lovers, but you deserve to know upfront instead of finding out when you get there.

Find out more here: https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Thank you for keeping all the animals safe!

21/03/2025

42 MILE DRIVE QUESTION: Where does the 42 Mile Drive start?

ANSWER: The 42 Mile Drive is a loop drive, so you can start ANYWHERE on the loop. (See map).

For example, if you are staying at Signal Mountain Lodge, you are already on the loop, and you can just hit the road and drive south. (I say south because I recommend doing the loop counterclockwise for the best views!).

To get to the 42 Mile Drive loop - you can access the loop from three spots:

- Jackson Lake Junction (if coming from Yellowstone/north)

- Moran Junction (if coming from the east)

- The south entrance Welcome Sign (if coming from Jackson, WY)

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

I like the South Entrance Welcome Sign because the big sign gives a feeling of “Let’s Begin!” and it is a great place to take photos of the sign with the Tetons in the background.

Which makes a great photo for the cover of your vacation book!

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!

Good luck and enjoy!!

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

20/03/2025

Blacktail Ponds Overlook may be one of the most underrated stops on the 42 Mile Drive.

It has a small unassuming sign pointing where to turn on the outer road of the loop (HWY 191/89/26).

And you do have to turn in to see all it has to offer.

Besides a beautiful landscape for the photographer, it has an information board telling you about the five different biological communities found in Grand Teton National Park.

Which, if you are like me, I checked out at the word “biological”.

Too science-y and boring.

But...the sign redeems itself by telling you what wildlife you can find in each biological community.

It’s basically a cheat-sheet telling you what animals to look for in each area, stop, turnout in the park!

Eeeeeee!

Note: While certain animals are prone to certain areas of the park - these locations are not guarantees—grizzly bears may be commonly seen near Jackson Lake Dam, but that doesn’t mean they won’t show up elsewhere in the park.

Always stay alert and be prepared for wildlife encounters no matter where you are.

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

17/03/2025

M O O S E - - M O N D A Y!
Because we on social media love alliteration.

Not really.

Actually, yes we do.

And in Grand Teton we will take any opportunity we can to highlight one of our favorite park animals - the moose.

Moose can be found in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone - but you are more likely to see a moose around Grand Teton and Jackson.

We don’t have scientific proof or even numbers to prove this. Just anecdotal.

Enjoy this moose we found at Schwabacher Landing! (We were 25+ feet away from it - we had a big lens....)

Note: Always keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife. You must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Animals in the park are wild and may act aggressively if approached.

14/03/2025

A favorite of on th 42 Mile Drive in Grand Teton.

The complete 42 Mile Drive can be done May 1st - October 31st.

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

12/03/2025

A CAMPING NOTE FOR YOU MAY CAMPERS
Of Grand Teton National Park’s nine campgrounds, only five are open in May.

And of those five campgrounds, not all of their sites are available to reserve when they first open.

We tell you this to nudge you to make your reservations as soon as you can and to prevent you from falsely thinking that fewer people visiting in May means more campsite availability.

That would be true if every campsite were available when the campgrounds open.

But that is never the case.

Some sites are at the mercy of lingering snow and snowmelt in May. (Think large puddles!)

Again, this is your sign to go reserve that campsite!!

Gros Ventre Campground – Opens April 26, 2025
- Total campsites: 322
-188 sites closed from April 26 – May 2nd
-113 sites remain closed until May 9th

Colter Bay RV Park – Opens May 3rd
- Total campsites: 112
-43 sites closed from May 3rd – 7th
-17 sites remain closed until May 10th

Signal Mountain Campground – Opens May 9th
- Total campsites: 80
-46 sites closed from May 9th – 23rd

Colter Bay Campground – Opens May 22nd
- Total campsites: 373
- 181 sites closed May 22nd
-139 sites closed until May 23rd
-128 sites closed until May 24th
-66 sites closed until May 31st

Colter Bay Tent Cabins - Opens May 23rd
- Total Campsites: 66
-All open, no closures

Pro Tip: Colter Bay RV Park does fill up quickly as soon as it opens in May. It has full hookups. Reservations are required through recreation.gov.

11/03/2025

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK is open 24/7/365 - weather permitting.

What’s not always open 24/7/365 are all roads, services, restaurants, and services inside the park.

Mid May through mid September is when most of the services are open and available, and when most people visit Grand Teton.

Therefore, we at ExploreGTNP focus mainly on May through October to bring you information, tips, and tricks to help you get the most out of your Grand Teton visit.

But here’s one for the winter months, when it gets dark early.

Enjoy your winter activities - skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing (our favorite), fishing, shopping, walking, jogging....etc.

THEN, HIT A HAPPY HOUR FOR DRINKS AND SNACKS

This is great for winter months as it gets dark in the late afternoon, just in time for Happy Hour.

Of course, you can do this any time of year; it’s just that other seasons (especially summer) have long days of daylight, and Happy Hour may be too early to finish up your day.

There are many happy hours found around the Jackson Hole Valley.

Here are two of our favorites (we are not affiliates):

Hatch Taquería & Tequilas
- Half off wine by the glass,
- $8 traditional margaritas
- $10 spicy margaritas
- $8 mezcal margaritas
- $3 draft beer
- discounted selected appetizers
- 4:30-5:30 p.m. daily

White Buffalo Club.
- $20 burger and a beer special
- 5-6 p.m. daily

PRO TIP: Have an appetizer at Hatch, then walk to White Buffalo Club for the burger special.

PRO TIP: Drink responsibly. Don’t Drink and Drive.

Photo Credit: All restaurant, food, and drink images courtesy of Hatch Taqueria & Tequillas, and the White Buffalo Club.

10/03/2025

The water in Grand Teton is cold.

No matter what time of year it is.

Summer is just a smidge less cold!

But you can get on the water without getting in!

Consider:

- Renting a pontoon boat from Signal Mountain Marina

- Doing the Jackson Lake Scenic Lake Cruise out of Colter Bay

- A wild and scenic raft trip inside Grand Teton Park with Barker Ewing

Just something different to do from the car or trail.

Note: We are not affiliates of these places - just big fans!

Note: All three of these activities require reservations.

09/03/2025

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:

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

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

- 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/

07/03/2025

G R A N D - T E T O N ‘S - F A M O U S - F O U R - F R I D A Y

There are four sights that are the most photographed, iconic, and recognizable to Grand Teton National Park which makes them the most famous.

The four sights are:

- The Moulton Barns on Mormon Row

- Schwabacher Landing

- Snake River Overlook

- Oxbow Bend

Did you know you can easily see Grand Teton’s Famous Four Sights in one day?

And even have time left over to do an afternoon activity if you start early in the morning?

This is perfect for the people that only planned on one day in Grand Teton on their way to Yellowstone.

(For your next trip - as we are confident you will be back - plan extra days in Grand Teton).

06/03/2025

A Reminder to do the 42 Mile Drive counterclockwise.

Who has the better view?

Also, this is the scenery in mid-May.

Enjoy!!

For more Grand Teton 42 Mile Details, Info, Map and Tips:

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

05/03/2025

JENNY LAKE PARKING TIP:

Jenny Lake is one of the most popular spots in Grand Teton National Park.

Popular means busy.

And crowded.

Especially in the busy summer months.

This will all be confirmed when you approach Jenny Lake and see all the parked cars lining Teton Park Road

A few tips to keep in mind:

- Even if there are cars lined up along the road when you approach Jenny Lake, do take a sweep through the parking lots to see if a spot has opened up or if someone is leaving.

- Then, if no luck, drop your passengers off at the visitor center/store.

- If feeling lucky, the driver can do another sweep of the parking lots (you never know!).

- If no spots are open, head out to Teton Park Road to park. It’s not the worst thing in the world—just a minor inconvenience. Enhance your walk by taking in more views of the Tetons.

- Early morning is best to beat the crowds. As the day goes on, crowds get bigger. (See video timelapse).

- If you have an accessible parking placard, you should get a spot. Of all the times I’ve been to Jenny, I don’t think I’ve ever seen every accessible parking spot occupied.

PRO TIP: Be sure to build in parking time to your itinerary, especially if you are booked on a scenic cruise. To be safe, plan an extra 1/2 hour.

Good luck kids!

May the parking lot Gods be in your favor!!

Photo credits: All photos and video courtesy of the National Park Service.

04/03/2025

March = September

For reserving camping spots that is, inside Grand Teton National Park.

All campsites inside Grand Teton must be reserved through Recreation.gov

Some campgrounds close in September, here are the closing dates for each campground inside Grand Teton:

- Colter Bay Tent Village – August 31st

- Lizard Creek Campground – September 7th

- Jenny Lake Campground – September 27th

- Colter Bay Campground – September 27th

- Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch – September 30th

- Colter Bay RV Park – October 9th

- Gros Ventre Campground – October 9th

- Signal Mountain Campground – October 11th

02/03/2025

Blacktail Ponds Overlook may be a place on the 42 mile drive you’ll be tempted to skip.

And that is okay.

It’s your drive.

If you go, you might see a moose here.

And if you don’t see one, like in this picture, this is the consolation prize.

Enjoy the drive!

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

28/02/2025

There are four sights that are the most photographed, iconic, and recognizable to Grand Teton National Park which makes them the most famous.

The four sights are:

- The Moulton Barns on Mormon Row

- Schwabacher Landing

- Snake River Overlook

- Oxbow Bend

Today’s Famous Four highlight is the Snake River Overlook in honor of Ansel Adams’s 123rd birthday on February 20th.

Ansel Adams was commissioned by the National Park Service in 1941 to capture in photographs the nature found in our National Parks.

The goal was to help promote and protect the wild, western landscapes from commercial development.

He stood here in 1942 and took this picture.
IMG_6541.JPG
IMG_7968.JPG
pumpkin_5.jpg

As you can see, Adams was highly successful and effective, as this picture is famous, and you can stand here today and see the Tetons, unobstructed by commercialism.

Many thanks to Ansel Adams!

NOTE: The scene from this spot is different today as the trees have been growing for the last 83 years.

NOTE: The Snake River Overlook is one of two Famous Four Sights accessible all year round as the Park Service snowplows the overlook’s parking lot. The other is Oxbow Bend.

PRO TIP: You can stand in Ansel’s exact spot where he captured his famous photograph. Look for the information board.

PRO TIP: Consider walking around to different places among the wall. You’ll find other interesting compositions for your photo.

Good luck, kids, and enjoy!!!!

27/02/2025

G R A N D - T E T O N - V A C A T I O N - T R A V E L - T I P

Worried about that early morning flight out of Jackson?

Why am I talking about you leaving Grand Teton before you’ve even arrived here?

Because it is part of vacation planning.

Not the fun part, but an important part.

If you have an early morning flight out of the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), something to keep in mind and plan for is the car rental return.

CAR RENTAL RETURN

Not all car rental vendors are located on-site at the airport.

Some are located in town.

Check the list to make sure you know where your car rental pick-up and drop-off locations are:

https://www.jacksonholeairport.com/travelers/rental-cars/

If you rent from one of the vendors in town, you will need to return the rental car in town where you picked it up.

These vendors do not have a drop-off area at the airport.

The in-town vendors do have shuttles to the airport beginning at 5:00 am.

25/02/2025

A funny thought that turned into a sad realization.

We visited Snake River Overlook a few days ago (February) to take photos.

Gorgeous day, fantastic view!

Snake River Overlook parking lot is plowed in the winter for people to access.

Thank you, Park Service!

The snowbanks are high from plowing.

When we got back into the car, this big crow came and sat on the snow bank within 3 feet of me.

I, in my car, took a picture of him/her because Mt. Moran was in the background.

Thank you, big crow!

We joked about how insulting it was that the scavenger felt okay to stalk us, that they must have thought us old and close to death - making us an easy meal.

Then we realized the bird was not afraid to be close to us.

Very close to us.

And we wondered if it had been conditioned to receive food from people in cars.

It’s just a theory.

I can’t prove this, nor did I witness this, but I am taking the opportunity to remind everyone not to feed any of the wildlife in Grand Teton.

No matter how small or common the animal.

Food rewards from people always have bad consequences for the park’s animals.

They habituate to humans, which can be dangerous for humans and the animals, and when there is an aggressive incident, the animal is usually euthanized.

Enjoy the park, especially the wildlife, and help keep them (and you) safe!!!

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Videos

What a mid-May early morning looks like in Grand Teton. A peaceful place to bring morning coffee to and wait for a moose to walk by.....as long as it is 25+ feet away.... Enjoy and stay safe!!

M O O S E - - M O N D A Y! Because we on social media love alliteration. Not really. Actually, yes we do. And in Grand Teton we will take any opportunity we can to highlight one of our favorite park animals - the moose. Moose can be found in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone - but you are more likely to see a moose around Grand Teton and Jackson. We don’t have scientific proof or even numbers to prove this. Just anecdotal. Enjoy this moose we found at Schwabacher Landing! (We were 25+ feet away from it - we had a big lens....) Note: Always keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife. You must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Animals in the park are wild and may act aggressively if approached.

An example of the views along Jenny Lake Road in May. The snowy Tetons! Fantastic! https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

A favorite of on th 42 Mile Drive in Grand Teton. The complete 42 Mile Drive can be done May 1st - October 31st. https://exploregtnp.com/42-mile-scenic-drive-grand-teton-national-park/

Morning Sunrise at the John Moulton Barn. For the best pictures of the Moulton Barns - go at sunrise. The barns face east which makes them perfectly situated to soak in the rays from the sunrise. For an even better photo of the Moulton Barns at sunrise, wait until the sun hits the barns and lights them up to a goldish brown. Many people leave once the sun hits the Tetons, missing the barns’ “glowup”. PRO TIP: In July, go well before sunrise to stake out your spot, there will be many people joining you in hopes of their own stunning photo. Good luck and please share with us your Moulton Barn photos. NOTE: This video was filmed in May - that is why there is so much snow on the Tetons.