Hiking in Grand Teton National Park is one of the most popular things to do. A broad range of hikes are available from shorter and level to longer and steep ascents. They all have water features from cascading streams to both valley and high alpine lakes. Generally wildlife is viewable from moose, deer, black bear and smaller mammals.
Adequate planning is necessary from a check of the weather to proper hydration, clothing and caring bear spray. Rewarding experiences await those willing to leave the paved surface and get into the Teton backcountry. [Download Grand Teton Hiking Brochure]
Colter Bay
Colter Bay Village offers a multitude of activities including some great hiking option. You can combine a hike with renting a kayak or boat from the marina, attend a ranger talk or tour, horseback ride or take a lake cruise. Plan on spending a full day to make the most of it. [Download Hiking Brochure]
Hermitage Point
9.7 miles RT, 5 hours, 700 ft total climbing, Easy- Moderate. Trail traverses rolling terrain through forests, meadows, and wetlands providing wildlife habitat.
Heron Pond and Swan Lake Loop
3.0 miles RT, 2 hours, 200 ft total climbing, Easy. Follow mostly level trail to two ponds that are home to birds and other wildlife.
Lakeshore Trail
2.0 miles RT, 1 hour, 100 ft total climbing, Easy. Level trail follows Colter Bay shoreline with views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range.
Jenny Lake
A shuttle boat crosses from South Jenny Lake to the mouth of Cascade Canyon. Fee charged. [Download Brochure]
Jenny Lake Loop
7.1 miles RT, 4 hours, 450 ft total climbing, Moderate. Gently rolling trail skirts lakeshore.
Hidden Falls - Recently improved, it's wonderful!
Inspiration Point
6.0 miles RT, 4 hours, 700 ft total climbing, Moderate-Strenuous. Via shuttle boat: 2.0 miles RT, 2. hours, 420 ft total climbing, Moderate-Strenuous. Follow the trail to Hidden Falls, then continue to climb to Inspiration Point overlooking Jenny Lake.
Forks of Cascade Canyon
13.6 miles RT, 8 hours, 1500 ft total climbing. Via shuttle boat: 9.6 miles RT, 6 hours, 1220 ft total climbing, Moderate-Strenuous. A popular trail leads into Cascade Canyon with views of the Grand Teton, Mt. Owen and Teewinot.
Lake Solitude
19.0 miles RT, 12 hours, 2700 ft total climbing. Via shuttle boat: 15.0 miles RT, 8 hours, 2420 ft total climbing, Strenuous. Follow popular Cascade Canyon. North Fork leads to Lake Solitude; views of the Grand Teton and Mt. Owen.
South Fork of Cascade Canyon
24.8 miles RT, 14 hours, 4200 ft total climbing. Via shuttle boat: 20.8 miles RT, 12 hours, 3920 ft total climbing, Strenuous. Follow popular Cascade Canyon trail. South Fork leads to Schoolroom Glacier and Hurricane Pass.
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
Not accessible to vehicles over 23.3 feet long, RVs or trailers. Parking lot full 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in summer. Lake Creek-Woodland Trail Loop 3.0 miles RT, 1.5 hours, 300 ft total climbing, Easy. Hike along Lake Creek to the shore of Phelps Lake. [Download Brochure]
Aspen Ridge-Boulder Ridge Loop
5.8 miles RT, 3 hours, 700 ft total climbing, Moderate. Hike through aspen groves and boulder fields to the shore of Phelps Lake.
Phelps Lake Loop
6.3 miles RT, 4 hours, 600 ft total climbing, Moderate. Hike around Phelps Lake with stunning views of the Teton Range.
Leigh, Trapper, Holly Lakes
A great combination of Teton lakes. [Download Brochure]
Leigh Lake
1.8 miles RT, 1 hour, 40 ft total climbing, Easy. Hike along the east shore of String Lake, pass the bridge across a stream and climb to Leigh Lake.
Trapper Lake
9.2 miles RT, 5 hours, 400 ft total climbing, Easy-Moderate.From String Lake, follow forested shore of Leigh Lake to smaller lakes with views of Mount Moran.
Holly Lake
13.0 miles RT, 9 hours, 2600 ft total climbing, Strenuous. Follow Paintbrush Canyon trail through forests and wildflowers meadows to an alpine lake.
String Lake
The String Lake area provides lakeshore hiking, swimming and chances for spotting black bears. Great for beginners, families and those looking for an easy stroll. Should you decide to take the aggressive Paintbrush-Cascade loop you will be rewarded with seeing all the Teton Range has to offer from cascading falls, to high alpine lakes and terrian. [Download Brochure]
String Lake Loop
3.7 miles RT, 2 hours, 325 ft total climbing, Easy. The trail circles the lake through a burned area below Rockchuck Peak and Mount St. John.
Paintbrush-Cascade Loop
19.0 miles RT, 13 hours, 4350 ft total climbing, Very strenuous. Spectacular hike loops two canyons via Paintbrush Divide. An ice axe may be necessary through July.
Taggart Lake
A very popular hiking area for good reason. The combination of easy trails that take you are remote lakes that offer rewarding views. Good change to see a moose, deer or black bears. [Download Brochure]
Taggart Lake
3.0 miles RT, 2 hours, 350 ft total climbing, Easy. The out-and-back trail traverses sagebrush flats and forests to a lake with views of the Grand Teton.
Taggart Lake-Beaver Creek Loop
3.9 miles RT, 2 hours, 500 ft total climbing, Moderate. Hike this trail to the lake, climb the glacial moraine and return along Beaver Creek.
Taggart Lake-Bradley Lake
5.9 miles RT, 3 hours, 800 ft total climbing, Moderate. Loop hike visits two lakes dammed by glacial moraines.
Two Ocean Lake
Two Ocean Lake
6.4 miles RT, 3 hours, 400 ft total climbing, Moderate. Circle lake through forests and meadows.
Emma Matilda Lake
10.7 miles RT, 6 hours, 1100 ft total climbing,Moderate. Circle the lake. The north trail follows a ridge offering views of the Teton Range.
Two Ocean and Emma Matilda Lakes
13.2 miles RT, 7 hours, 1400 ft total climbing; moderate-strenuous. Follow north shore Two Ocean Lake and south shore of Emma Matilda Lake, crossing over Grand View Point.
Death Canyon
Not accessible to vehicles over 23.3 feet long, RVs or trailers.
Phelps Lake Overlook
2.0 miles RT, 1.5 hours, 430 ft total climbing, Moderate. Trail climbs moraine to overlook of Phelps Lake.
Phelps Lake
4.2 miles RT, 3 hours, 1050 ft total climbing, Strenuous.Trail climbs to overlook, then descends to Phelps Lake. Return involves steep hike back to overlook.
Death Canyon-Static Peak Trail Junction
7.9 miles RT, 6 hours, 2100 ft total climbing, Strenuous. Trail climbs to overlook, drops toward Phelps Lake, and then climbs the canyon to a patrol cabin.
Static Peak Divide
16.3 miles RT, 12 hours, 5100 ft total climbing, Very strenuous. From the patrol cabin, climb switchbacks through whitebark pine forest to high ridge. An ice axe may be necessary through July.
Lupine Meadows
If you are looking for an adventurous hike but don't want to commit to 20 miles, Amphitheater and Surprise lakes offer the right alternative. You'll have a chance to see moose and black bears as you ascend to the high alpine lakes where you'll want to stop for lunch and to soak your feet in the cool glacial lakes. [Download Brochure]
Amphitheater Lake
10.1 miles RT, 7 hours, 3000 ft total climbing, Strenuous. Hike to glacial lakes (Ampitheater and Surprise) surrounded by meadows. Disappointment Peak towers above.
Garnet Canyon
8.4 miles RT, 6 hours, 2650 ft total climbing, Strenuous. Trail climbs into Garnet Canyon offering spectacular views of the Middle Teton.
Aerial Tram - Teton Village
Trails are not recommended for hiking until snow has melted, usually by late July. Fee charged for Aerial Tram.
Marion Lake
11.8 miles RT, 9 hours, 4000 ft total climbing, Strenuous. Hike through alpine and subalpine terrain to Marion Lake and return to the tram.
Granite Canyon
2.3 miles total, 7 hours, 4200 ft total descent (with 450 ft climbing), Moderate. Start at the top of the tram, hike into the park, down Granite Canyon and return to Teton Village.
Teton Canyon
Table Mountain
12.0 miles RT, 9 hours, 4100 ft total climbing, Strenuous. Steep climb with incredible views of the Grand Teton and South Fork of Cascade Canyon below.
Granite Canyon
Not accessible to vehicles over 23.3 feet long, RVs or trailers.
Marion Lake
18.5 miles RT, 12 hours, 3000 ft total climbing, Strenuous. Follow Granite Creek to beautiful Marion Lake.
For Your Hiking Safety
- See our article on "What to pack for a hike in the Tetons."
- BE BEAR AWARE! Avoid surprising bears by making noise—call out and clap your hands. Bear bells are not sufficient. The use of personal audio devices is strongly discouraged.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Guard against accidental discharge.
- Proper food storage is required. Ask a ranger for more information.
- Carry drinking water.
- Be prepared for rapid weather changes; bring rain gear and extra clothing. Avoid wearing cotton.
- High elevation may cause breathing difficulties; pace yourself.
- Snow melts gradually, leaving valley trails by mid-June, canyon trails by late July. Be careful crossing snowfields and streams.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Solo hiking, off-trail hiking and trail running are not recommended. Check with a ranger for up-to-date information on trail conditions and closures.
RELATED STORY: Dress Like a Jackson Hole Hiker
Backcountry Regulations
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Respect wildlife: Do not approach or feed animals. Observe and photograph from a safe distance; stay at least 100 feet away from large animals.
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All overnight camping requires a permit.
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Carry out all your garbage.
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Hike on established trails to prevent erosion.
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Horses have the right-of-way. Step off the trail and remain quiet while horses pass.
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Pets, bicycles or vehicles are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry.
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Backcountry sanitation: To prevent contamination of waterways, bury feces in a hole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from streams and lakes. Pack out used toilet paper, tampons, sanitary napkins and diapers in sealed plastic bags. Do not bury or burn them.
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Please see the backcountry camping page for information backcountry overnight stays and food storage regulations.
