Backpackers in North Fork Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton behind

National Park · WY

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.

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

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.