21 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is full of rugged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and roaming wildlife. Here are the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park to help you plan the perfect vacation.

While it doesn’t get the same hype as the neighboring Yellowstone National Park, the scenery of Grand Teton National Park is unmatched. The Grand Tetons are one of my favorite national parks (I’m a sucker for mountains) and are an absolute must-visit when in Wyoming.

From scenic spots like Mormon Row and Snake River Overlook to easy hikes like Hidden Falls at Jenny Lake, I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park. While it’s not a complete list of all the amazing things you can find in the Grand Tetons, it’s enough to get you started.

Top Things to Do in Grand Teton

1. Grand Teton National Park Sign

If you’re coming from Jackson, Wyoming then this Grand Teton National Park Sign at the south end of the park should be your first stop.

This is the best welcome sign because you can actually get the Grand Tetons in the background of your photo. Bring along a selfie stick so you can get a selfie of the whole family!

2. Jenny Lake

Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, Jenny Lake is one of the largest and most picturesque lakes in Grand Teton National Park. This lake at the base of the Teton Range gives a picturesque view of the jagged peaks mirrored in its waters. It’s no wonder this is one of the best photography spots in the park.

Jenny Lake also has some of the park’s best hiking trails, including the popular Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point hikes (which I’ll talk more about below). You can take a boat tour across the lake, hang out along the shore, or visit the Visitor Center in a historic 1920s photography studio.

3. Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point Hikes

Take the ferry across Jenny Lake for two must-do hikes: Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. You can hike both together for a 2-mile round-trip hike. Keep an eye out for wildlife, you just might spot a moose along the trail!

The trail to Hidden Falls is an easy 0.5-mile hike from the boat dock that leads to a secluded 100-foot waterfall. From Hidden Falls, it’s another 0.5 miles to Inspiration Point where you’ll get breathtaking views of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole.

The hike to Inspiration Point becomes more challenging, so if you’re not up for the full hike, you can stop at the lower overlook partway up for basically the same view without a difficult incline.

4. Mormon Row

Mormon Row is a picturesque collection of historic homesteads established by Mormon settlers in the late 1800s. The settlers arrived in 1890 and built 27 homesteads, of which a few still remain today.

This spot is a favorite among photographers, with the weathered barns of John and Thomas Alma Moulton perfectly framed by the Grand Tetons.

5. Snake River Overlook

Snake River Overlook has one of the most iconic and photogenic views in Grand Teton National Park. This spot gained fame thanks to Ansel Adams’ 1902 photograph of the Teton peaks rising above the winding Snake River.

The scene is still just as breathtaking today, with the curve of the Snake River perfectly framed by the mountains and surrounding forest.

6. Oxbow Bend of the Snake River

Oxbow Bend is another beautiful photo spot. Mt. Moran, the most prominent peak in the northern section of the Tetons, is reflected in the river.

This picturesque spot is easily accessibly and gives you a great view of the glaciers on the mountain face. The lighting is the best in the early morning or evening.

7. Signal Mountain Overlook

Drive to the top of Signal Mountain for sweeping panoramic views from an elevation of 7,720 feet.

From the Signal Mountain Overlook, just a short walk on a paved path, you’ll be able to see all of Jackson Hole.

8. Jackson Point Overlook

Also on Signal Mountain, the Jackson Point Overlook is a short, partially paved path from the small parking area that leads to an incredible view from the mountain’s western side.

This overlook has a view of the Grand Tetons rising up over Jackson Lake, framed by evergreen trees.

9. Eat at The Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge

The Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge is one of the best places to eat in Grand Teton National Park. The dining room is named for its ten-panel mural by Carl Roters depicting the 1837 Rendezvous — a historic gathering of trappers, traders, and Native Americans. But the true star of The Mural Room is the panoramic view of the Tetons you can see through the restaurant’s massive picture windows.

On the menu, you’ll find salads, sandwiches, wraps, and lighter fare, making it an ideal stop between park adventures.

10. Jackson Lake Overlook

Jackson Lake Overlook is a convenient pull-off with a spectacular view of the Grand Tetons rising over Jackson Lake.

This is a great spot to appreciate the 15 mile long and 7 mile wide lake, as well as the expanse of the Teton mountain range as it stretches in the distance.

11. Jackson Lake Dam

Jackson Lake Dam, built in 1916, is a must-see stop for engineering buffs. At the bottom of the dam on the Snake River side, you can see the dam’s impressive construction.

You can also walk along the top of the dam for a breathtaking view of Jackson Lake and the Grand Tetons.

12. Mount Moran Turnout

The Mount Moran Turnout is a fantastic stop along the scenic Teton Park Road. This convenient pull-off gives you a great view of Mount Moran.

Mount Moran was named for the famous landscape painter Thomas Moran. It’s the most dominant peak of the northern Teton Range and it’s easily recognized by the glacier carved into the mountain face.

13. Mountain View Turnout

Mountain View Turnout is another scenic stop along Teton Park Road. This view gives you a great view of Mount Saint John to Mount Moran.

An informational sign at this turnout explains how earthquakes formed the Teton mountain range millions of years ago. Earthquakes still have the ability to drastically change the landscape still today.

14. Stay at Jackson Lake Lodge

The Jackson Lake Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Grand Teton National Park. The lodge has incredible floor-to-ceiling windows with the best views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons behind it. The lodge is also a great location for exploring the park.

You can relax by the cozy lobby fireplace, swim in the outdoor pool, explore nearby hiking trails, and dine onsite. Jackson Lake Lodge is the perfect mix of convenience and luxury in Grand Teton National Park.

15. Colter Bay Visitor Center

The Colter Bay Visitor Center is a nice stop that has an overlook of Colter Bay tucked into the crook of Jackson Lake.

Inside, you can explore a small museum with a collection of Native American artifacts. There are several hiking trails along the lake shore. And park rangers offer educational programs throughout the day.

16. Schwabacher Landing

Schwabacher Landing is one of the best photography spots in Grand Teton National Park. This pull-off and former boat landing along the Snake River is a peaceful spot with views of the Teton Range reflected water.

There’s a short, easy trail to take you down to the riverside. Keep an eye out for wildlife in this area, especially beavers, moose, and waterfowl.

17. Glacier View Turnout

Glacier View Turnout is a convenient pull-off with a great view of the glaciers within the Teton mountains, including Teton Glacier, Middle Teton Glacier, and Teepee Glacier.

With its wide-open vantage point, Glacier View Turnout is perfect for getting an unobstructed view of the Grand Tetons.

18. Cunningham Cabin

Cunningham Cabin was built in 1888 by homesteader John Cunningham. This rustic log cabin, built in the classic Appalachian style, is one of the oldest remaining structures in the park.

The cabin is a unique feature in the park, and it has a stunning backdrop with the Tetons towering behind it. You’ll have panoramic views of the mountain range, and this area is also a typical spot for roaming bison to pass through.

19. Willow Flats Overlook

Willow Flats Overlook is one of the best wildlife-viewing spot in Grand Teton National Park. This scenic pull-off has sweeping views of Tetons towering above the wetlands below.

The area’s lush vegetation makes it a favorite grazing spot for moose, elk, and even bears, so you may get the chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

20. Book a Grand Teton photoshoot with Flytographer

Explore Grand Teton with a fun and talented photographer, learn local tips, and capture priceless memories with photogenic backdrops. It’s a win all around!

With Flytographer, you can hire an amazing local photographer for a fun vacation photoshoot. Get wall-worthy photos that allow you to relive your trip as the perfect souvenir.

You can use my link here for $25 off your first Flytographer photoshoot.

Book your Grand Teton Flytographer photoshoot here, and get $25 off your first photoshoot.

21. Use the Tinggly Once in a Lifetime box to find top experiences in Grand Teton

Treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure in Grand Teton with the Tinggly Once in a Lifetime box.

Tinggly boxes are essentially gift vouchers for experiences all around the world. But you can give yourself the gift of adventure, too. Especially because Tinggly has some Grand Teton experiences you can’t find anywhere else!

With the Once in a Lifetime box, you can treat yourself to unique Grand Teton experiences like a Private Grand Teton Tour or a Dog Sledding and Snowmobiling Trip.

Get yourself the Once in a Lifetime box here, or check out other Grand Teton experiences from Tinggly here.

Grand Teton Things to Do Map

Ready to explore the Grand Tetons? Use the map below to find all the things to do listed in this post.

I hope you have a great time exploring Grand Teton National Park!

Read my review of the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa at Jackson Hole here.

More Wyoming Travel Tips

Plan your perfect Wyoming vacation with these helpful articles:

• Perfect 7 Day Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary
• 35 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
• Old Faithful Inn Review: Is It Worth It?
• Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa Review: Jackson Hole Hotel
• 11 Best Things to Do in Jackson, Wyoming
• Yellowstone Packing List: Essentials for Stress-Free Sightseeing
• Easy 1 Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
• 4 Day Yellowstone Itinerary for First-Timers
• 8 Best Yellowstone Restaurants: Where to Eat in the Park
• Where to See Bears in Yellowstone National Park

Cheers!

Paige

What are your favorite things to do in Grand Teton National Park? Let me know in the comments!