The Tetons are, in our opinion, the most dramatic mountain range in the lower 48, and the hiking here matches that grandeur step for step.
Located in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park has a wide range of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.
This is a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic mountain beauty. In this article we’ve included:
- Best Hikes in Grand Teton
- Easy Grand Teton Hikes
- Grand Teton Day Hikes
- Hiking Tips in Grand Teton
- Best Trails in Grand Teton
With spectacular landscapes comes world-class hikes in Grand Teton.
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Here are the 17 best hikes in Grand Teton National Park, ranked from our years of boots-on-the-ground experience.
Things to Know Before Hiking in Grand Teton National Park
Entrance Fees
Entry to Grand Teton is $35 per vehicle and good for seven days, or you can use the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass that covers all the national parks. International visitors ages 16 and up also pay a $100 per person non-resident surcharge (effective January 2026); a $250 non-resident annual pass is available and covers all 11 participating parks.
Grand Teton Map
The best map for the park: We carry the National Geographic Grand Teton trail map, which covers every canyon route in this guide.
Best Guide Book
The best guide book for Grand Teton: This is our favorite guide for Grand Teton.
Mosquitoes
During the months of June and July expect to find mosquitoes at varying levels. I recommend this bug spray which has worked for me in the park and is environmentally friendly.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
The Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park is in Spring and Fall to take advantage of lesser crowds and beautiful scenery. Summer is a great time to visit as well but it will be crowded.
Leave No Trace
Bear Spray
Bear Spray: This is grizzly and black bear country, so it’s essential to carry on lots of the trails here. A canister of bear spray on your hip belt, where you can reach it fast, is the one piece of gear we never hike the Tetons without.
Related: all 64 national parks
Dogs
Where to Stay in Grand Teton
Visiting Grand Teton National Park? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on visiting Grand Teton National Park for tips. Don’t have time? Most visitors base themselves in Jackson, just south of the park; you can browse places to stay near Grand Teton here.
Watch the Grand Teton National Park Video
Top 5 Best Grand Teton Hikes
Grand Teton Hikes at a Glance
Here is the quick version of all 17 hikes in this guide. For the full park overview, see our Grand Teton National Park hub. The National Geographic Grand Teton trail map covers every canyon route in this list and is worth carrying once you leave the lakeshore trails.
| Hike | Distance | Elevation Gain | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taggart & Bradley Lakes | 6 mi | 750 ft | Moderate |
| Jenny Lake Loop | 7.9 mi | 600 ft | Moderate |
| Phelps Lake | 7 mi | 700 ft | Moderate |
| Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls | 1.8 mi (with boat) | 410 ft | Easy |
| Cascade Canyon | 9.1 mi | 1,100 ft | Strenuous |
| Schwabacher Landing | 1.8 mi | Minimal | Easy |
| String & Leigh Lakes | 7 mi | 100 ft | Moderate |
| Death Canyon (Patrol Cabin) | 9.1 mi | 2,100 ft | Strenuous |
| Colter Bay Lakeshore | 2.5 mi | Minimal | Easy |
| Jackson Lake Overlook | 0.2 mi | Minimal | Easy |
| Surprise, Amphitheater & Delta Lakes | up to 11.5 mi | up to 3,600 ft | Strenuous |
| Lake Solitude | 16.6 mi | 2,600 ft | Strenuous |
| Hermitage Point | 9.6 mi | 700 ft | Moderate |
| Moose Ponds | 3.2 mi | 100 ft | Easy |
| Mormon Row | short walk | Minimal | Easy (historic site) |
| Oxbow Bend Overlook | 0.1 mi | Minimal | Easy |
| Blacktail Ponds Spur | 4.7 mi | 250 ft | Easy |
2026 reality check: Grand Teton has no timed-entry reservation system; entry is $35 per vehicle for seven days, or use the $80 America the Beautiful pass. The big difference from many parks here is wildlife: this is grizzly and black bear country, so carry bear spray on every trail, know how to use it, and make noise on the canyon hikes. The Jenny Lake shuttle boat cuts about 4 miles off the round trip to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and Cascade Canyon; it runs roughly mid-May through September, weather depending. High routes like Lake Solitude, Delta Lake, and Death Canyon hold snow into July, so check the conditions page before committing to a long day.
If you only do one hike: Take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake and hike up Cascade Canyon. You get Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point in the first mile, then the trail opens into the Cathedral Group with the high peaks rising straight out of the canyon walls. It is the single best way to feel the scale of the Tetons without committing to a 16-mile day. Strong hikers with an early start should aim for Delta Lake instead, the most dramatic alpine lake in the park.
1. Taggart & Bradley Lakes Hike
Taggart and Bradley Lakes
- Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 750 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Bradley & Taggart Lakes
The Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake loop is one of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park featuring wide views of the mighty Tetons. This hike offers visitors a great taste of the pristine alpine scenery the park is known for.
The hike itself can be approached a couple ways starting either at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead or the Taggart Lake Trailhead. The Taggart Lake Trailhead is the shortest and most popular route for this hike.
Hikers will ascend up into the Tetons from the valley floor with the option to do a simple loop at Taggart Lake or pressing on to Bradley Lake if they so choose before heading back. Taggart is the more impressive lake in my opinion so if you are short on time feel free to cut this Grand Teton hike short.
2. Jenny Lake Loop Hike
Jenny Lake Loop
- Distance: 7.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Jenny Lake – Grand Teton National Park
Jenny Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Wyoming and as such one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park. The best views of the lake are from the east side with the Tetons as the backdrop but it is impressive all the way around.
The Jenny Lake Trail is a great Grand Teton hike for folks of all ages as you can pop on for as long as you’d like and turn around when you’re ready to go. If you’re feeling ambitious you can hike all the way around the lake and even up to Inspiration Point (more on that below).
There’s not too much elevation gain on this trail (600 feet) so it’s more of a long gentle stroll. The best views are from the side where you start so I personally recommend strolling along the eastern shore as an out and back.
3. Phelps Lake Hike
Phelps Lake
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Phelps Lake
The Phelps Lake Trail is a popular, family-friendly loop hike in Grand Teton National Park located off the heavily trafficked Moose-Wilson Road. The views from Phelps Lake are among the most spectacular and dramatic in the park with massive teton peaks reflected in one of the park’s largest lakes.
The hike is a great place to spot one of the park’s most notable residents, the moose.
Hikers ascend 700 feet steadily over the course of a few miles to reach the lake where there are composting toilets available. The lake itself is beautiful, especially on a calm day. Hikers frequently cool off in the lake’s (cold) waters.
RELATED: GRAND TETON National Park: An Expert Guide (Photos + Video)
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4. Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls Hike (via boat shuttle)
Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 410 feet
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking to Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls
Casual hikers will appreciate the shortcut of the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle during it’s open season which shaves several miles off of this favorite Grand Tetons hike.
Inspiration Point is an elevated prominence on the west side of Jenny Lake that gives hikers a view of Jenny Lake looking east (without the Tetons in the backdrop).
The hike itself is relatively easy ascending 400 feet over the course of just under a mile. Along the way, hikers are treated to the beautiful Hidden Falls.
5. Cascade Canyon Hike
Cascade Canyon
- Distance: 9.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking Cascade Canyon – Grand Teton
Rated by many as the best hike in Grand Teton National Park, the Cascade Canyon Trail offers hikers a look into the magic that is the “Cathedral Group” of the Tetons.
The best way to access the trailhead is via the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle which operates regularly during the park’s peak months and takes visitors to the west side of Jenny Lake. From the boat dock, hikers ascend past the beautiful Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point before arriving at the Cascade Canyon Trail.
From here, hikers ascend steadily up past Valhalla Canyon. This trail ends at a fork in the road where ambitious hikers can continue on toward Lake Solitude (right) or the Schoolroom Glacier and Hurricane Pass (left).
Bears are frequently spotted on this trail so be on the lookout!
Top 10 Best Grand Teton Hikes
6. Schwabacher Landing Hike
Schwabacher Landing
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Schwabacher Landing
Schwabacher Landing is one of the most heavily photographed and iconic locations in Grand Teton National Park. The hike to the landing itself represents one of the easiest hikes in Grand Teton.
Most folks don’t realize there is an Upper Schwabacher Landing and Lower Schwabacher Landing. The lower is the most popular of the two but the upper is worth checking out as well.
The water that gently glides by the landing is part of the snake river and has been slowed by the magnificent work of beavers which still populate the area today. The upper landing represents one of the best places in the park to witness the impressive work of beavers.
The best time to see the beavers at work is an hour or so before the sunset.
7. String & Leigh Lakes Hike
String and Leigh Lakes
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking String Lake & Leigh Lake – Grand Teton
String Lake & Leigh Lake are connected and really part of the same body of water. String Lake is more shallow features crystal clear water that is interrupted by kayakers. Leigh Lake is the larger of the two and is quite beautiful as well.
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Hiking to String Lake is more of a short walk, maybe a few hundred feet from the parking lot. From the north end of the String Lake parking lot you can pick up the best (most direct) entry point to Leigh Lake.
The hike itself is quite easy featuring minimal elevation gain and can be done as a loop or shorter out and back.
8. Death Canyon Hike (to Patrol Cabin)
Death Canyon to Patrol Cabin
- Distance: 9.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2100 feet
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking Death Canyon
Death Canyon is a popular hike in Grand Teton National Park located near Phelps Lake off of Moose-Wilson Road. Getting to the trailhead is a bit tricky requiring driving on a pothole filled gravel road for a couple of miles.
Construction aside, the hike itself is strenuous.
The hike itself is strenuous ascending over 2000 feet up into Death Canyon which can be seen of the far side of Phelps Lake. The canyon is remarkable, with dramatic cliff faces.
9. Colter Bay Lakeshore Hike
Colter Bay Lakeshore
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Colter Bay Lakeshore in Grand Teton
Colter Bay is a popular hiking trail in Grand Teton National Park that follows the shore of Jackson Lake. The hike itself is fairly secluded leading to a beach at the lake.
In recent years, the water levels at Jackson Lake have been quite low which has changed this hike.
Hikers can still enjoy a pleasant walk around the beach of Colter Bay and soak in the scenery. This hike does close seasonally for the Trumpeter Swan migrating.
10. Jackson Lake Overlook Hike (from Signal Mountain Road)
Jackson Lake Overlook
- Distance: .2 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Google Maps: Pin
Hiking to Jackson Lake Overlook
Jackson Lake Overlook is a great, little-known spot to get a high vantage of Grand Teton National Park’s largest body of water. The hike itself is just a short walk from a small parking lot located off of Signal Mountain Road.
I’ve dropped a pin to this exact location here as it often shows up in a different location on directions apps. From the parking lot, hikers (or walkers) can take a short jaunt to the overlook on a nice little trail.
When we were there at the beginning of July the mosquitoes were pretty wild so be aware.
11. Surprise, Amphitheater, & Delta Lakes Hike
Surprise, Amphitheater, and Delta Lakes
- Distance: 11.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3600 feet
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking to Surprise Lake, Amphitheater Lake, & Delta Lake
The hike to Delta, Surprise, & Amphitheater Lakes is one of the most challenging day hikes Grand Teton National Park. The view at Delta Lake rivals that of any alpine lake you’ll find in the world (I’d say similar to Colchuck Lake in Washington State).
The hike itself is fairly grueling with plenty of switchbacks and lots of elevation gain. There are two basic ways to do it from the Lupine Meadows Trailhead.
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Hikers can choose to either start with Delta Lake then double back for Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes or vice versa. I personally recommend starting with Delta as it is the most striking in my opinion and if there’s one hike to see on the trail it’s that one.
12. Lake Solitude Hike
Lake Solitude
- Distance: 16.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2600 feet
- Time: 8-10 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking to Solitude Lake – Grand Teton
Solitude Lake is one of the more difficult day hikes in Grand Teton National Park featuring some of the park’s best views. I recommend taking the ferry across Jenny Lake to save an extra couple of miles on your hike as it’s already an ambitious one!
Starting early is important for this hike as it’s no fun to be on this trail after dark. Along the way hikers frequently see bears, moose, deer, and pikas so be on the lookout! I highly recommend packing bear spray to be on the safe side.
The first part of the hike follows the Cascade Canyon Trail past Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. From there, hikers will ascend through Cascade Canyon eventually reaching a fork in the trail.
Taking the trail to the right leads to Solitude Lake. This section of the trail is the most difficult and steep so be prepared.
13. Hermitage Point Hike
Hermitage Point
- Distance: 9.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking to Hermitage Point in Colter Bay
Hermitage Point is a less traveled trail in Grand Teton National Park that hugs the shore of Jackson Lake in Colter Bay. All along the trail hikers can see beaver activity and spectacular views of the teton range.
The Hermitage point hike is a longer one so be prepared and pack plenty of water. A lot of folks just pop on for a shorter out and back which is great as well.
14. Moose Ponds Hike
Moose Ponds
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Moose Ponds Trail
The Moose Ponds Trail is a fairly popular, easy hike in Grand Teton National Park located adjacent to Jenny Lake. Many folks use the trail for running and bird watching. You may see an occasional moose on the trail as well!
All in all the hike is fairly easy and flat featuring beautiful alpine scenery. It is a great hike for families and people of all ages.
15. Mormon’s Row Hike
- Distance: .1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 0 feet
- Time: 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
It’s hard to call Mormon’s Row a hike as it’s just a few steps from where you park to the popular area with Moulton Barn and some more dwellings.
Sunrise is the best time to see this area as the light beautifully illuminates the barn and the Tetons.
Top 20 Grand Teton Hikes
16. Oxbow Bend Overlook Hike
Oxbow Bend Overlook
- Distance: .1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 0 feet
- Time: 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Oxbow Bend is one of the most iconic, heavily photographed locations in Grand Teton National Park as well as one of the easiest hikes.
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Finding parking can be tough, especially around sunrise when the area is covered with photographers. After you park the car there isn’t much area to really hike on so soak in the view, get the shot, and move on.
17. Blacktail Ponds Spur Trail
Blacktail Ponds Spur Trail
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 250 feet
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Blacktail Ponds Trail
Blacktail Ponds Trail is a lesser traveled, easy hike in Grand Teton National Park featuring beautiful views of the Teton mountains.
The hike starts at the Blacktail Ponds parking lot descending quickly about 100 feet or so onto the trail. The trail is a simple out and back providing visitors an opportunity to escape the crowds and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
List of the Best Grand Teton Hikes
- Taggart & Bradley Lakes Hike
- Jenny Lake Hike
- Phelps Lake Hike
- Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls Hike
- Cascade Canyon Hike
- Schwabacher Landing Hike
- String Lake & Leigh Lake Hike
- Death Canyon Hike
- Colter Bay Lakeshore Hike
- Jackson Lake Overlook Hike
- Surprise, Amphitheater, & Delta Lakes Hike
- Lake Solitude Hike
- Hermitage Point Hike
- Moose Ponds Hike
- Mormon’s Row Hike
- Oxbow Bend Hike
- Blacktail Ponds Hike
Getting To Grand Teton National Park: Directions & Location
There are many ways to get to Grand Teton. The deciding factors in getting to Grand Teton are cost and time.
Closest Airport: JAC, Jackson Hole, WY (distance 0 miles from the park)
The fastest way to get to Grand Teton National Park is by plane, flying into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). The airport is basically in the park and offers sweeping views of the Tetons from the grounds. If money is no issue and time is paramount this is the way to go. Major airlines such as Delta service this airport so finding a flight shouldn’t be a problem – the price, however is typically steep.
The cheapest way to get to Grand Teton is by simply driving to the park. This is a great, budget friendly option. Depending on your access to a car and the distance you’re willing to drive (see my national park road trips post), you may want to fly somewhere more affordable and rent a car from there.
My recommendation is to check both rental car prices and flight prices at other nearby airports like Salt Lake City (SLC) – 5 hours away and Twin Falls (TWF), 4.5 hours away. The savings for finding an alternative airport to fly into and rent a car from can sometimes be in the thousands.
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Related: Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point at Grand Teton
Map of Best Grand Teton National Park Hikes
Pin Best Grand Teton Hikes
Grand Teton Hiking FAQ
What is the best hike in Grand Teton National Park?
For most visitors, Cascade Canyon is the best hike. Taking the Jenny Lake boat shuttle puts you at the foot of the Cathedral Group, and the canyon delivers waterfalls, wildlife, and towering peaks for far less effort than the park’s longer routes. If you are after the single most striking destination and have the legs for it, Delta Lake is hard to beat.
Do you need bear spray to hike in Grand Teton?
Yes. This is both grizzly and black bear country, and we never hike the canyon trails here without bear spray on a hip belt where we can reach it fast. Make noise on Cascade Canyon, Death Canyon, and the Lake Solitude trail, hike in a group when you can, and know how to deploy a canister before you need it.
When does the Jenny Lake shuttle boat run?
The Jenny Lake shuttle boat typically runs from roughly mid-May through September, weather depending. It cuts about 4 miles off the round trip to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and the start of Cascade Canyon, so it is well worth the fare. Check current schedules and pricing on the park’s official page before you go, since dates shift year to year.
What is the easiest hike in Grand Teton?
The Jackson Lake Overlook and Oxbow Bend are roadside walks of a few hundred feet with huge payoffs. For a slightly longer easy outing with water and mountain views, the String Lake area and Colter Bay Lakeshore are both flat and family-friendly.
Does Grand Teton have a timed-entry reservation?
No. Unlike several other marquee parks, Grand Teton has no timed-entry or vehicle reservation system. Entry is $35 per vehicle for seven days, or you can use the $80 America the Beautiful pass. The trailheads do fill early in summer, so arrive before 8 a.m. for popular hikes like Cascade Canyon and the Lupine Meadows lakes.
Helpful Related Articles
What’s your favorite Grand Teton trail we missed? With hundreds of miles of trails in the park, there’s always a lesser-known spot. Let us know your top pick in the comments below.
Grand Teton Hikes: 17 Grand Teton National Park Hikes (Photos + Guide)
Grand Teton Guide: Grand Teton National Park Complete Guide
Things to Do Grand Teton: 17 Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
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What to Bring to Grand Teton
Gear we recommend for Grand Teton. Affiliate links support our work at no cost to you.
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