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11 Adventurous Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

Whether you’re a thrill seeker or adrenaline junkie looking for your next fix or just someone who likes to be active in your vacations, there are so many amazing things to do in and near Grand Teton National Park to choose from.

Whether you like to keep your feet dry and firmly on land, or get out on the water, and even up in the air, there’s an adventure (or 11) just waiting to be had.

Here are my favorite adventurous activities in Grand Teton National Park …


If you’re planning to visit Grand Teton National Park in spring, summer or fall, make your planning easy and stress free 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

➡️ If you’d also like to experience some calmer activities, take a look at 11 Easy Activities in Grand Teton National Park

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21 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

Note that these activities are all in the warmer months. If you’re visiting Grand Teton National Park in winter and trying to decide what to do in Grand Teton National Park in the winter, read my guide to the 12 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton and Jackson Hole in Winter

1. Hiking

If you’re wondering what to do in Grand Teton National Park and you like being outdoors, then hit the trails!  There are dozens of incredible places to go hiking in Grand Teton National Park.  

From simple strolls, to longer day hikes and even multi-day / multi-mile treks, there is something for everyone.  Many of the best places to visit in Grand Teton National Park are only accessible from the trails.

Lake surrounded by mountains and trees in Grand Teton National Park.

There are hikes around lakes, which often provide mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains, especially in the mornings; hikes to see wildlife such as moose, black bears and river otters; hikes deep into canyons topped with glaciers and laced with waterfalls (like the Cascade Canyon Trail); hikes past secluded alpine lakes; hikes to hidden waterfalls; and many more. 

➡️ Check out my list and descriptions of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park.


2. White water rafting near Grand Teton National Park

Floating down the Snake River has to be one of the most fun things to do in Grand Tetons in summer. 

View of a lake and snow-capped mountains on cloudy day in Grand Teton National Park

For white water rafting, Grand Teton National Park itself is actually not the best location because of the lack of rapids.  Instead, for white water, trips head south of Jackson and traverse an eight-mile/ 13-km stretch of the Snake River through Snake River Canyon, which is more commonly called the Grand Canyon of Snake River. 

Rapids are Class I-III.  The water is higher and faster in spring, as the winter snow melts, engorging the river. 

➡️ Book a 3-hour trip white water rafting Snake River, Grand Teton NP here


3. Horseback riding in Grand Teton National Park

Wyoming is cowboy country.  Nothing quite conjures up the romance of this part of the United States like riding a horse through the incredible natural beauty, which is why horseback riding in this amazing part of the planet is easily one of the most iconic things to do in the Grand Tetons.

A woman wearing red cap facing a horse in Grand Teton National Park.

You can easily join in and have this experience.  There is excellent horse riding in nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest. 

You don’t need to be an expert rider.  However, bear in mind that horse riding uses muscles you never even knew you had, so if you have never – or seldom – sat on a horse, I recommend (and I speak from experience) to do a shorter trip.  A half day riding is a perfect way to experience this incredibly beautiful part of the country.

➡️ Book a guided horseback riding trip to Bridger-Teton National Forest here.


4. Fly Fishing in Grand Teton National Park

Another top pick for the best things to do in Teton National Park is fishing.  In fact, the area is home to its own trout species, the Snake River Fine-spotted Cutthroat.  There are two main options: fishing in the lakes and float or fly fishing Snake River.  

Grand Teton water levels rise in the spring with the snow melt and float fishing in the river is popular after the main spring runoff.  Other nearby rivers also offer opportunities for fly fishing Grand Teton National Park.  Jackson National Fish Hatchery, just west of the National Elk Refuge is also good for fly fishing.

Most lakes are open all year round, though Jackson Lake is closed October 1-31.

You will need a Wyoming state fishing license, which you can purchase in the park at the Colter Bay Marina, Signal Mountain Lodge and Dornan’s Fly Shop.  There are seasonal closures – check the national park website for details about Grand Teton fly fishing.

man wearing a cap and holding trout on fishing line with river in background

An alternative to booking a fishing trip is to go out with your own fishing kayak. You can pick up an inflatable fishing kayak (easy to take with you!) right here.


5. Biking

Biking is another of the top things to do in Grand Teton National Park because the roads are fairly flat and the scenery is stunning. 

Cycling Trails and Bicycle Rental

There is a cycling trail parallel to Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road and US 26/89/191 south of Moose, plus a spur from Moose Junction to Antelope Flats Road. 

Another great place for biking in Grand Teton National Park is the 15-mile/ 24-km gravel road that mostly follows the Snake River: Cottonwood Creek Road – River Road – Bar B C Road.  It is mostly flat, though there are a few small hills, and the views are amazing. 

For Grand Teton bike rental, try Doonan’s in Moose.

➡️ You can also book an e-bike for Grand Teton here.

➡️ If you prefer to have your own, check out e-bike options to buy on REI here.

Mountain Biking

For Grand Teton mountain biking, head to Shadow Mountain east of Antelope Flats.  There are steep climbs and some single-track routes, suitable for experienced riders.  Or visit the Mountain Bike Park at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, where there are several specially designed mountain biking tracks.


6. Kayaking in Grand Teton National Park 

Jackson Lake is the most popular place for kayaking or canoeing in Grand Teton National Park. 

The most popular places for kayaking Grand Teton National Park are Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake and Leigh Lake.

Most people stay close to the east shore of Jackson Lake, but there are actually some paddle-in only campsites on the west shore. Wilcox Point campsite below Moose Mountain is a stunning placed to spend the night.  It’s a long day from Coulter Bay, but possible. 

Kayak rentals: Grand Teton National Park

You can rent kayaks and canoes at Signal Mountain Marina early June to mid-September and at Colter Bay Marina late May to mid-September.  No reservations are taken – they are all first come, first served, and they do get busy. 

Small boats and kayaks beside the wooden bridge on the water, and behind are trees and snow-capped mountains in Grand Teton National Park.

The other option for canoe and kayak rentals in Grand Teton National Park is Dornan’s in Moose.  They’re at the south end of the park, so that is the best choice for Jenny Lake and Leigh Lake, which has a short porterage from String Lake and amazing views of Mount Moran.

If you are interested in kayaking Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, just south of Jackson Lake is the calmest section.  Note that the kayak rental places only allow you go on still water (the lakes), not Snake River.

A great alternative to renting a kayak is to buy one. You can get great deals on inflatable kayaks, which are light and super easy to carry with you.

➡️ Read my Guide to the Best Inflatable Kayaks here for what to look for, and the best inflatable kayaks in several different categories. The top pick is the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak. Check prices here.

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21 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

7. Staying at a Dude Ranch, Grand Teton

If you want to experience the wild, wild west in true fashion, then stay at a dude ranch. A dude ranch is a ranch or farm that caters to guests.  You can stay and experience various ranch typical activities such as horse riding and play at being a cowboy for a weekend.

Heart Six Ranch in Moran is one of the oldest dude ranches in America.  Located at the north of Grand Teton National, the historic ranch has a lodge, a saloon and a café.  You can go horse riding, fishing and hunting in summer and snowmobiling and dog sledding in winter. Rooms are modern with a rustic feel.

➡️ Check availability at the Heart Six Ranch here


8. Climbing

The Grand Tetons are famous for mountaineering.  The Mountain Guides offer guided peak climbs with varying levels of difficulty, as well as climbing classes.

Rock climbing also popular, especially in Boulder City, which is about half a mile north of the Cathedral Group Overlook on Jenny Lake Road.


9. Taking a scenic flight over the mountains

I always love seeing mountains from the air.  The views from above are so incredible!  Take a flight in a small plane (maximum 7 passengers and all with a window seat) over the highest peaks in the Teton range.  The pilot will give you a mini lesson in aerial photography so you take the best photos, as well a guided commentary during the flight.  60- and 90-minute flights are available. The 90-minute flight also flies over the Gros Ventre Range and Sheep Mountain.

➡️ Get more information about scenic flights here


10. Hot air ballooning

Obviously, this is not going to be cheap, but if you are visiting Grand Teton National Park to celebrate a special occasion, then this is the ultimate treat and absolutely worth it.  The one-hour sunrise flight includes pickup from your hotel to the balloon airfield.

A colorful hot air balloon is in the air, and below is a lake surrounded by mountains and grass fields in Grand Teton National Park.

There are plenty of things to see in Grand Teton National Park. From the balloon, you will have mind blowing views of the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Snake River, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the Yellowstone Plateau.  You may even see herds of elk, mule deer, and moose. 

Make the morning even more special with a glass of champagne (or orange juice) upon landing.

➡️ Book the sunrise hot air balloon Jackson Hole flight here


11. Paragliding

Paragliding is available from the top of the Bridger Gondola.  You can book a tandem flight (where you are strapped to a professional guide who steers for you), so you don’t need to be experienced to be safe.   It’s an adventurous way to enjoy the views.


Have an amazing stay in Grand Teton National Park!

Additional Planning Resources for Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park Guide
Grand Teton Itinerary
Planning a Trip to Grand Teton National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
Tips For Visiting Grand Teton National Park
The 42-Mile Scenic Loop Drive, Grand Teton National Park
Best Grand Teton Viewpoints
Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
Hiking The Cascade Canyon Trail, Grand Teton National Park
How Many Days in Grand Teton National Park?
Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park in Winter
Visiting Grand Teton National Park in Winter: Complete Guide
When is the Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park?
Visiting Grand Teton National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
How To Get To Grand Teton National Park
The Main Airports Near Grand Teton National Park
The Airport Nearest Grand Teton National Park
12 Fun Facts about Grand Teton National Park
Best Books about Grand Teton National Park
⭐ Best Airbnbs Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Do you have any favorite things to do in Grand Teton National Park? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

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About the Author

James Ian at Yosemite

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 many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources 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, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Read more…


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