Yellowstone and Grand Teton are neighbours, joined by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. From Yellowstone’s South Entrance it is a short drive to the northern edge of Grand Teton, and the whole park is an easy day trip from Jackson. Where Yellowstone is a high volcanic plateau, the Tetons are a young fault-block range that rises without foothills above the valley of Jackson Hole; the Grand Teton itself reaches 13,775 feet (4,199 m).
Grand Teton is a separate national park with its own entrance fee (or use an America the Beautiful pass for both). Its lakes, wildlife meadows and photography spots make it the natural second half of a Yellowstone trip — and if you fly into Jackson Hole Airport, you are already inside it. Many visitors take a half-day guided tour from Jackson.
What to see at Grand Teton National Park
Jenny Lake
A glacial lake at the foot of the peaks. A shuttle boat crosses the lake in summer, from where a short, steep trail climbs to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point; you can also walk round the lake shore. Arrive early, as parking fills quickly.
Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing
The weathered barns of Mormon Row, built by homesteaders in the early 1900s, are among the most photographed buildings in the West, especially at sunrise. Schwabacher Landing on the Snake River gives mirror-like reflections of the range on still mornings.
Oxbow Bend and Jackson Lake
At Oxbow Bend the Snake River curls below Mount Moran — a good place for moose, otters and pelicans. Jackson Lake, the park’s largest, has lodges, marinas and views from Signal Mountain.
Float the Snake River
Gentle scenic floats near Jackson and livelier whitewater trips in the canyon south of town are among the best-rated activities in the area.
Getting to Grand Teton National Park
- From Yellowstone’s South Entrance: a few miles to the park boundary and roughly an hour to Jenny Lake.
- From Jackson: about 12 miles (19 km) to the Moose entrance, 20–30 minutes.
- By air: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) lies inside Grand Teton National Park.
Tips before you go
- Moose are more often seen in Grand Teton than in Yellowstone — look in willow flats near water.
- If you are driving north to Yellowstone, overnight in Jackson or inside Grand Teton to break the journey.
- Part of the Teton Park Road closes to cars in winter.
Tours that visit Grand Teton National Park
These guided trips include Grand Teton National Park or pair well with it:
Small-group tour from €149 From Jackson: Half-Day Grand Teton National Park Tour
The best-reviewed tour in the area: a half day through Grand Teton National Park, covering its major viewpoints and looking for wildlife. Ideal before or after a Yellowstone day.
- The main viewpoints of Grand Teton
- Wildlife watching
- Easy half day from Jackson
Wildlife tour from €170 Jackson: Grand Teton Sunrise Safari with Naturalist Guide
An early start rewarded with sunrise light on the peaks and the best wildlife hour of the day, with a naturalist guide.
- First light on the Tetons
- Naturalist guide
- Wildlife viewing
Scenic float from €135 Jackson Hole: Snake River Scenic Float Tour with Chairs
A relaxed float on the Snake River near Jackson in a raft fitted with chairs, watching for moose, elk, deer and birds. Hundreds of excellent reviews.
- Calm water, comfortable chairs
- Moose, elk, deer and birds
- Near Jackson
Winter day tour from €219 Jackson: Grand Teton and National Elk Refuge Winter Day Trip
A winter day from Jackson: wildlife watching in Grand Teton from an enclosed, heated vehicle, lunch in a restaurant, then a horse-drawn sleigh ride among the thousands of elk that winter on the National Elk Refuge.
- Winter wildlife in a heated vehicle
- Restaurant lunch
- Horse-drawn sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge
