Grand Teton is an outdoor lover’s dream. Full of lakes, wildlife, and massive peaks to summit, Grand Teton National Park is one of our favorite places to hit the trails and go hiking. Here there is truly something for everybody. The trails have a wide range of difficulty and lengths to fit the needs of every visitor.
We fell in love with this park during our time. Here are our top five Grand Teton Hiking Trails.
Delta Lake (Via Amphitheater Lake)
This was one of our favorite hikes in Grand Teton for many reasons. The first and most obvious reason is the view. After a four-mile hike, you are rewarded with, the crystal-clear glacier-fed waters of Delta Lake. If that wasn’t enough, you have the summit of Grand Teton in the background giving you an unbelievable view.
To get to Delta Lake you must first hike along the trail for Amphitheater Lake. About three miles up, you will make a detour to the right. From here the path is easy to follow, but the last half-mile or so is a strenuous rock scramble. We loved the challenge, but those with health issues, dogs, or hiking with small children might want to think twice before making the trek.
Quick Tip: Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Large portions of the trail have little to no shade.
- Total Distance: 9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,329 feet
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Duration: Around 5 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Fees: Entrance to Grand Teton National Park
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Snow Free: Late April – Early October
- Parking: Amphitheater Lake Trailhead
Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls
This hike is a Grand Teton classic. With a fairly low elevation gain, the trail along Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls is great for families or those just getting into hiking.
There is a boating shuttle service for those wanting to get on the water or wanting to shorten the length of the hike. There are several boating options, including one way or round trip options, at Jenny Lake Boating.
Quick Tip: From the visitor center, about a mile in the hike, there is a slight detour to the left. This will take you to Moose Pond. This is a great spot to see wildlife, specifically moose. If you have the time, we highly recommend it.
- Total Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 590 feet
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Duration: Around 2-3 hours (Shorter if you take the boat over)
- Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate
- Visitor Center Standard Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 7 days/week (Subject to change based on season and weather conditions)
- Fees: Entrance to Grand Teton National Park
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Snow Free: Late April – Early October
- Parking: Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop
What is better than a hike that brings you to a beautiful lake? A hike that brings you to two! The hike to Taggart and Bradley Lake is another great option for families or beginning hikers. The elevation gain is slow and steady, and the path is wide and well maintained.
Quick Tip: If you are short on time or want to shorten the length of the hike, you can just hike to Taggart Lake and then return to the parking lot. Both lakes offer stunning views, but they are very similar.
- Total Distance: 6.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 761 feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Duration: Around 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fees: Entrance to Grand Teton National Park
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Snow Free: Late April – Early October
- Parking: Taggart Trailhead
Two Ocean Lake
This is one of the most underrated hiking trails in Grand Tetons. We were shocked at how few people we came across on the trail. Because of this, it is a great place to spot wildlife specifically moose and birds. This area is also notorious for bears, so always be cautious.
Quick Tip: From the top of the summit overlooking Two Ocean Lake, there is an easy half-mile detour that takes you to Grand View Point. From this point, you get great unobstructed views of the mountain range. If you have the time, it is definitely worth the extra effort.
- Total Distance: 6.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 462 feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Duration: Around 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fees: Entrance to Grand Teton National Park
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Snow Free: Late April – Early October
- Parking: Two Ocean Lake Trailhead
Phelps Lake Trail
For those looking for a little adrenaline rush, look no further than Phelps Lake. While the hike offers serine views around the lake, it is also the forty-foot drop into clear, glacier-water that attracts most visitors.
To get to the jumping rock simply make sure to veer left at the fork and keep Phelps Lake to your right. There will most likely be others there, so follow the sound of splashes!
Quick Tip: During the summer, parking fills up quickly. The early you can arrive the better.
- Total Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 725 feet
- Trail Type: Loop
- Duration: Around 4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate
- Fees: Entrance to Grand Teton National Park
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Snow Free: Late April – Early October
- Parking: Trailhead for Death Canyon (This is a dirt road that becomes increasingly more bumpy as it approaches the trailhead. High clearance and 4X4 advised but not necessary)
Tips for Hiking in Grand Teton National Park:
Grand Teton Entrance Fee:
The entrance fee to Grand Teton National Park is $35 per vehicle for seven days. Because it is per vehicle, carpooling will help you reduce the costs. We also recommend using America the Beautiful Pass. This pass gives you access to all the national parks within the United States for an entire year. At only $80 it is a great deal!
Don’t forget bug spray or sunscreen:
Grand Teton is home to over a hundred lakes. While it makes for jaw-dropping sceneries, it is also the breeding ground for mosquitos. To prevent getting eaten alive make sure to spray yourself before each hike.
Sunscreen is always a must for us when hiking. This is especially true in the Tetons. The higher in elevation you go the fewer trees there are to protect yourself. Take preventative measures and protect your skin before every hike.
Pack plenty of water:
Dehydration is no joke, especially on a hike. Make sure to always have plenty of water and enjoy the views during your water breaks.
Wear of layers:
Weather can be unpredictable anywhere you go, but when hiking in Grand Teton you can experience severe temperature changes throughout a single day. Having multiple light layers is the best way to make sure you are comfortable throughout the entire hike.
Respect wildlife and always use caution:
From moose and bears to birds and chipmunks, there is a good chance you will see wildlife during your visit to Grand Teton. Make sure to always practice caution by staying an appropriate length and never engaging in contact.
Follow the Leave No Trace Principles:
Keeping our national parks clean is so important. By following the Leave No Trace Principles you can do your part to protect our lands and wildlife. A great rule of thumb is to always leave it better than you found it. Pick up after yourself and if you see trash take it with you.
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