25 Apr 2016 05.00.18 PM
The beautiful Grand Tetons, located just outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, have a lot to offer curious visitors! A great place for birdwatching or checking out wildlife, fishing or boating on pristine, glacial lakes, or go hiking through stunning, alpine forests, Grand Teton has something for everyone to enjoy! Below, we’ve included some of the area’s unbeatable places to see and explore. Take a look at the Grand Teton Bucket List!
HIKING 1. Garnet Canyon - Level: Easy
This is an easy hike great for families with young children. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Grand Tetons as well as Bradley and Taggart Lake. Climb high enough and you can see as far as Jackson Hole.
2. Alaska Basin - Level: Tough
Alaska Basin has long been considered one of the most majestic spots to explore, but beware of the long and strenuous hike ahead of you. Beginning in an evergreen forest, this day-long hike soon ascends into rough wilderness. Take a break in a gorgeous alpine meadows or next to one of the serene lakes.
3. Amphitheater Lake - Level: Easy
This hiking trail offers spectacular views to Grand Teton hikers at multiple stops. Along your journey, you’ll find views of Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Disappointment Peak, Mt. Owen, and Teewinot Mountain.
4. Cascade Canyon - Level: Moderate
On this popular hiking trail, you have a great chance of spotting wildlife! Take the ferry across Jenny Lake and climb to Hidden Falls, featuring beautiful tumbling white water falling across solid rock and evergreens. Keep an eye out for animals and wildflowers.
5. Static Peak Divide - Level: Tough
Be prepared for high winds and cool temperatures as you venture up to Static Peak. This location received its name because of how many times it’s been struck by lightning! This is a popular, but strenuous hike in a forest filled with fresh mountain air and alpine trees.
FISHING & BOATING
1.Jackson Lake Fishing Jackson Lake is one of Grand Teton’s most popular fishing locations and for good reason! FIshermen have been known to catch massive fish here from time to time, some weighing as much as 50 lbs! This is a great spot to catch mackinaw, whitefish or any one of Grand Teton’s varieties of trout.
2.Kayaking Tours Join experienced guides for an adventurous afternoon paddling down Jackson Lake. This is a great location for families and first time kayakers to test the waters as the lake is smooth and calm, giving you lots of time to perfect your stroke.
3.Snake River Fly Fishing
Guided fly fishing tours are available at Snake River. Great for experts and beginners alike, you’ll have a blast spending the day trying to catch the top feeding Snake River Cutthroat Fine Spotted Trout. You can choose from a number of float trips with customizable lengths.
4.Jenny Lake Scenic Cruise
Relax on an unforgettable scenic cruise across the serene Jenny Lake. This quick, 1 hour boat ride is staffed by tour guides who offer lectures on the history and geology of the lake. Listen to their lectures or relax with friends as you gaze on the spectacular scenery surrounding this beautiful glacier-fed lake.
5.Float Trips
Enjoy a peaceful, scenic float trip as you glide down the Snake River on a raft. This trip offers unforgettable views and glimpses of wildlife. Guest will learn all about the history and ecology of Jackson Hole and the Snake River.
SCENIC DRIVES & OUTLOOKS
1.Scenic Loop Drive
A great option for those with less time. Scenic Loop Drive takes you on an entire loop around the park, offering stunning views of the mountain ranges, glimpses of wildlife, and a limited, but still majestic overview of the park.
2.Signal Mountain Summit Road
Another route featuring breathtaking views of the Tetons, Signal Mountain Summit Road leads up to a stop off with spectacular views of the whole park. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset!
3.Teton Park Road Teton Park Road is filled with gorgeous views and plenty of places to stop. Many of the lookouts offer display boards with interesting facts or stories about the Tetons. This route takes you past both Jackson and Jenny lakes as well as offering stunning views of the Tetons. Visitors have also reported seeing plenty of wildlife including elk, owls, bears, and eagles. 4.Jenny Lake Loop Road Enjoy a four mile drive around this pristine lake’s Eastern shore, nestled at the foot of the Tetons. Enjoy stunning views of the mountains and numerous outlooks that offer the perfect glimpse all the way to Jackson Hole.
5.Schwabacher Landing One of the best sites for photographers, Schwabacher Landing is an outlook that offers spectacular views of the Tetons and the perfect photo opportunity from every angle. Schwabacher Landing is filled with beautiful morning sunlight and contains an unparalleled reflection of the mountains across Snake River’s calm, glassy surface.
SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES 1.Chapel of the Transfiguration Chapel of the Transfiguration is a quaint, log church situated in a peaceful meadow, with a stunning view of the mountain range behind it. The name comes from a Biblical story where Christ went into the mountains for a few days, and when he returned, his disciples swore he was changed or “transfigured.”
2.Menors Ferry Historic District
See more old, historic buildings in the Menors Ferry District. Offering a fascinating look back into decades past, the old, log general store and cabins where western settlers live can’t be missed!
3.Mormon Row Historic District Located in the Antelope Flats, this historic district offers is a scenic location, featuring an old, isolated barn. Beautiful to behold year-round, Mormon Row boasts colorful leaves in the Fall and lush, green grass all summer long.
4.Visitor’s Center The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is a state-of-the-art building located in Moose. The center features a number of educational exhibits on the geology, history, animals, and activities as well as maps, hiking and camping permits, and a gift shop!
5.Colter Bay Indian Arts Museum The Colter Bay Visitor Center features exhibits on Native American arts, artifacts and jewelry with the occasional live art demonstration. The center shows a number of short, education films as well as different Ranger lectures on the history of Grand Teton’s native Shoshone tribe.
SPOTTING BIRDS & WILDLIFE 1. Oxbow Bend Owbox Bend is both a stunningly photogenic site as well as the perfect place to capture photos of native wildlife. Moose, elk, birds, and more are often found wandering across the soft, meadow floor.
2.Moose-Wilson Road
A great spot for viewing wildlife, this narrow road is lined by a beautiful, evergreen forest. You’re guaranteed to spot some of Grand Teton’s native creatures as you travel down Moose-Wilson Road. Visitors often see moose, elk, black bears, coyotes and more, all relaxed in their natural habitat.
3.Antelope Flats The iconic landscape of Antelope Valley, features stunning views of the Grand Tetons, and is another fantastic place to see wildlife! Bison, coyotes, bighorn sheep and other animals can be seen grazing in the meadows.
4.Blacktail Ponds Overlook
The Blacktail Ponds Overlook is perfect for viewing the pristine landscapes reaching out to the Blacktail Butte. This is a popular spot for viewing wildlife such as elk, deer, beavers, as well as songbirds, woodpeckers, bald eagles, and more!
5.Moran Junction This 5-mile road leads you straight through one of the most populated wildlife areas in Grand Teton. Trumpeter Swans, American White Pelicans, Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and river otters are just a few of the animals you’re likely to see when passing through or stopping for a while.
Grand Teton has an endless number of fun activities to enjoy amongst the gorgeous mountains, sparkling glacier-fed lakes, and the minty fresh air of alpine forests. With a bucket list filled with exciting hiking trails, fly-fishing trips, and all the best places to spot wild birds and animals, this is a trip you’ll never forget! Whether you’re drifting across a glassy lake or hiking up an adventurous mountain trail, you can count on an unforgettable stay at this idyllic location.