
National Park · Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton is what people picture when they picture mountains. The Teton Range rises 7,000 feet straight off the valley floor with no foothills to soften the line. It's an hour south of Yellowstone and constantly gets treated as the sidekick. Don't.
Best time to visit
Late June through September. Wildflowers peak in July. September brings fewer crowds and elk bugling. Winter is for skiers and stargazers.
How long you need
Three days as a standalone, or two days appended to a Yellowstone trip.
Don't miss
- Schwabacher Landing or Oxbow Bend at sunrise
- Jenny Lake boat shuttle to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
- Cascade Canyon hike (extends as far as you want)
- Mormon Row at dawn for the iconic Moulton barn
- Signal Mountain summit road for the valley overview
What people get wrong
Driving through on the way to Yellowstone. The Tetons reward slowing down. Also: the wildlife here — moose, bears, pronghorn — is easier to see than in Yellowstone because the valley is open and the animals are concentrated.
About Grand Teton National Park
Soaring over a landscape rich with wildlife, pristine lakes, and majestic alpine vistas, the Teton Range stands as a testament to generations of stewards. For over 11,000 years, communities have thrived in the valley known as Jackson Hole, turning these mountains into more than just peaks—they embody imagination and enduring human connection.
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Mountain Climbing
- Ice Climbing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Fly Fishing
Weather & when to go
Grand Teton National Park has long, cold winters—snow and frost are possible any month. April, May, & June - Mild days and cool nights alternate with rain and snow. July & August - Warm days and cool nights prevail, with afternoon thundershowers common. September, October, & November - Sunny days and cold nights alternate with rain and occasional snowstorms. December to April - Between storms the days are sunny and nights are frigid. Snow blankets the mountains and valley.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park entrance fee for 7 days for a private, non-commercial vehicle.
$35.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$30.00
Entrance - Per Person
Park entrance fee for 7 days for each visitor 16 years and older entering by foot, bicycle, ski, etc.
$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. The cost is $25 + $20 per person. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
$125.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
$200.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
$300.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
Schools or other bona fide educational institutions (accredited, officially recognized, or tax exempt for educational purposes) may request an educational fee waiver. The fee waiver will allow qualifying groups free entry into the park for educational or scientific purposes. Prior approval required before entry to park. See additional <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/eduwaiver.htm">Education Fee Waiver</a> page.
$0.00
Nonresident
Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Grand Teton National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
$100.00
Operating hours
Grand Teton National Park
Visitors may enter the park at any time, but visitor services and motor vehicle access vary throughout the year.
Campgrounds
Gros Ventre Campground
Jenny Lake Campground
Signal Mountain Campground
Colter Bay Campground
Colter Bay RV Park
Colter Bay Tent Village
Lizard Creek Campground
Headwaters Campground
FAQ
- Should I combine it with Yellowstone?
- Yes — they share the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. But give Tetons at least two full days of its own.
- Where should I stay?
- Jackson Hole has everything but is expensive. Colter Bay and Jackson Lake Lodge are in-park options. Camping at Jenny Lake or Signal Mountain books out fast.
- Can I climb the Grand?
- Yes, with a guide service like Exum, in a 2-day push. Otherwise it's a serious technical climb.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Grand Teton National Park.

Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
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