Planning a Grand Teton vacation can be overwhelming. With so many moving parts and a place you’ve never been to, it’s easy to wonder if there is something important that you’re missing.
I’m James Ian, a national park expert, and I’ve written down my top Grand Teton tips to help you have an amazing trip.
One way to make your planning easy and stress free is with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day itineraries for Grand Teton National Park that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.
Check out the three Grand Teton National Park itinerary options
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1. Plan Your Visit Ahead and Make Reservations Early
To ensure you have the best experience, start planning your trip well in advance. Accommodations within and near the park fill up fast, especially during peak summer months.
Reservations for lodges inside the park open up 12 months on advance on a rolling basis. Reservations for campgrounds inside the park open up 6 months on advance on a rolling basis.
Booking early not only secures you a spot but also gives you peace of mind.
2. Drive the 42-Mile Scenic Loop for Breathtaking Views
The 42-mile Scenic Loop is a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in Grand Teton National Park.
This drive offers a series of pullouts and viewpoints, each presenting a new angle of the majestic Teton Range and its valleys. Start your journey early to bask in the morning light, which paints the peaks in hues of gold and amber.
Don’t rush through; take your time to stop, explore, and snap photos. This loop is one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Read my full guide to the Grand Teton Scenic drive for details.
3. Pack and Carry Bear Spray on Hikes
When you’re exploring the wilderness of Grand Teton, you’re in bear country. Your safety is paramount, and bear spray is a non-negotiable item on your packing list.
Ensure you know how to use it before hitting the trails, and keep it readily accessible—not buried in your backpack. While bear encounters are rare, your preparedness can make a significant difference. It’s not just about your safety; it’s also about respecting the wildlife and their habitat.
Get some bear spray here before you go
4. Attend a Ranger-Led Program to Learn About the Park
One of the best ways to deepen your understanding of Grand Teton is to join a ranger-led program.
These educational experiences range from talks on the park’s geology to guided hikes that reveal the secrets of the local flora and fauna. Rangers are fountains of knowledge and their stories add layers of appreciation to the landscapes you’re exploring.
Check the park’s schedule upon arrival or online and sign up for a program that piques your interest—you’ll walk away with insights and memories that last a lifetime.
5. Visit All the Best Viewpoints
Grand Teton National Park is a photographer’s dream, especially during the golden hours when the early morning and late afternoon sun accentuates the rugged profile of the Tetons.
Make sure to visit the classic viewpoints such as Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, and Signal Mountain. Each offers a unique perspective of the park’s grandeur.
Note that the sun rises in the opposite direction from the Tetons. For sunrise, stay after the sun rises to see the mountains bathed in the golden glow of the first rays of sun.
The sun sets behind the mountains, creating a silhouette with a brightly colored sky above.
Read my guide to the best viewpoints in Grand Teton National Park for more details
6. Go Hiking Early in the Morning
Hitting the trails early has multiple rewards. This is when wildlife is most active, and you’re more likely to spot animals in their natural habitat. Trails like Taggart Lake and Phelps Lake Loop offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Remember to keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter, and always stay on marked paths to preserve the delicate ecosystem and ensure your safety.
You’ll also encounter fewer people and enjoy the beaty of the Tetons by yourself.
Plus, on a practical level, you can pull right into a parking spot without spending your precious vacation hours driving around the parking lots waiting for someone to leave.
Here is my list of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park
7. Get Out on the Water
There is a string of lakes – Phelps Lake, Taggart Lake, Bradley Lake, Jenny Lake, String Lake, Leigh Lake and Jackson Lake – along the foot of the Teton Ranges.
In the summer months, Grand Teton National Park’s lakes become a hub of activity. Glide across the crystal-clear waters of Jenny Lake by boat tour, or rent a kayak to explore at your own pace. Paddling these pristine waters offers a new perspective of the Tetons and can lead you to quiet coves and hidden shorelines teeming with life.
You can rent boats, canoes and kayaks at Colter Bay on Jackson Lake. String Lake and Jenny Lake are lovely places to hang out in the water, too.
8. Explore Less Crowded Areas like the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
There are ways to beat the crowds, even in summer.
For a more intimate encounter with the park, venture to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. This area offers a respite from the more frequented spots and allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level.
Trails here wind through diverse habitats and lead to Phelps Lake, a gem worth the journey. The preserve is not just a place to hike; it’s an opportunity to experience the quieter side of Grand Teton, where the sounds of nature take center stage.
The Visitor Center there has hands-on multi-sensory exhibits that are great for kids.
9. Be Prepared for Changing Weather Conditions
The weather in Grand Teton can be unpredictable, with sunny skies turning to rain (or even snow in the shoulder seasons) within moments. Dress in layers and pack waterproof gear to adapt to whatever conditions the day may bring.
Also, always carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the elements, regardless of the season.
10. Get One of My Itineraries
To truly maximize your time in Grand Teton National Park, consider purchasing one of my detailed itineraries. I offer 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day guides that are tailored to your activity level and interests. These itineraries are packed with hour-by-hour suggestions, including the best places for views, wildlife spotting, hike descriptions, and even where to grab a bite to eat.
They’re designed to remove the guesswork from planning your trip, allowing you to focus on enjoying the park’s natural wonders.
Purchase a detailed Grand Teton itinerary here
Enjoy your trip to Grand Teton!
Do you have any other Grand Teton National Park tips? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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