Planning a visit to Grand Teton National Park? Here’s all you need to know.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast craving a taste of the Old West, it’s hard to find a better destination than Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. Tucked between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, Jackson Hole offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and breathtaking hiking trails in the summer.

We visited Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park in mid-October, during the off-season between the busy summer months and the start of ski season. Even in this quieter time, there was still plenty to do and enjoy. Here are our favorite hikes and things to do in Jackson, WY.

What we loved about Grand Teton National Park:

  • Accessible hikes
  • Dramatic mountain views
  • Abundant wildlife
  • Jackson- restaurants, shopping, lodging

What you should keep in mind:

  • Crowds
  • Be bear aware and bring bear spray
  • Wear layers if visiting in the spring or fall- temperatures can change quickly this time of the year.

Here are our favorite day hikes at Grand Teton National Park as well as your camping/lodging options:

Top Hiking in Grand Teton National Park

Jenny Lake Trail

Distance: 7.9 miles, Difficulty: Moderate, Time: 3 hours, Elevation Gain: 623 ft., Type: Loop

Deer on Jenny Lake Trail
Grand Teton waterfall on Jenny Lake Trail
Grand Teton Rockslide and view of Jenny lake
Grand Teton National Park Jenny Lake Trail view of mountains and lake
Grand Teton National Park Jenny Lake with double rainbow

Jenny Lake Trail is a gently sloped loop which skirts the shoreline of Jenny Lake. You can hike this trail clockwise or counterclockwise starting from Jenny Lake Trailhead or String Lake Trailhead. We hiked the trail counterclockwise to have the best morning light on the Teton Range to the west. Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point are quick and worthwhile side trips on this trek.

Surprise and Amphitheatre Lakes Trail

Distance: 8.9 miles, Difficulty: Hard, Time: 3.5 hours, Elevation Gain: 2,942 ft., Type: Out & Back

Grand Teton National Park Amphitheater Lake
Grand Teton National Park view of Jenny Lake from Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail

Starting at the Lupine Meadows trailhead, this challenging trail has plenty of switchbacks and stunning views. Trekking poles were handy during the incline and we used spikes during the last half mile due to snow in mid-October. You reach Surprise Lake first and Amphitheatre Lake sits another half mile down the trail. We stopped for lunch at the top; if it’s a chilly day the trees around Surprise Lake offer more shelter from the wind.

Colter Bay Hermitage Point Trail

Distance: 9.6 miles, Difficulty: Easy, Time: 4 hours, Elevation Gain: 738 ft., Type: Loop

Colter Bay mountain view

This fairly flat loop trail takes you past several ponds, through meadows and piney woods to the breathtaking hermitage point. The rocky beach at hermitage point offers beautiful views of Jackson Lake and the Teton mountain range. We spotted several elk and deer along this trail and bear sightings are common so be sure to bring your bear spray!

Bearpaw and Trapper Lake Trail

Distance: 7.8 miles, Difficulty: Moderate, Time: 3.5 hours,  Elevation Gain: 137 ft., Type: Out & Back

Grand Teton National Park Bearpaw and Trapper Lake Trail lakeside view with trees
Grand Teton National Park Bearpaw and Trapper Lake Trail lakeside view of mountains

If you are adjusting to the elevation change of Grand Teton National Park, this is a good hike to stretch out your legs. This trail has a mild incline and has pretty views of Bearpaw, Leigh, and String Lake. The parking lot can fill up by mid-morning so you might consider an early start.

If you have the time and energy…

Where to Stay in Grand Teton: Lodges, Hotels & Campgrounds

Camping and RV Parks In and Near Grand Teton National Park:

There are seven campgrounds within Grand Teton National Park. Most sites are first-come, first-served but reservations are accepted for large group campsites.

  • Gros Ventre Campground: This is the largest campground in the park and the closest to Jackson, WY. Campsites are $33 per night and available on a first-come, first-served basis from late May to early October. The campground offers 295 sites, each equipped with a fire ring, food storage locker, access to flush toilets, and potable water. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
  • Jenny Lake Campground: Located on the east shore of Jenny Lake, this campground offers 59 first-come, first-served tent-only sites with a scenic backdrop of the Teton Range.
  • Signal Mountain Campground: If you are looking for a campground with more amenities, check out Signal Mountain. It has sites for tents and up to 30 ft. RVs. This campground has a marina, restaurants, general store, laundry, and showers.
  • Colter Bay Campground: This campground sits near Colter Bay Village which offers more amenities including cabins, restaurants, laundry, and showers. The Hermitage Point trailhead is also within walking distance.
  • Colter Bay RV Park: All 112 sites at the RV park can be reserved and offer full hookups.
  • Lizard Creek Campground: Lizard Creek campground would be a great basecamp if you are visiting Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It has 60 sites that are all first-come, first-served on the shores of Jackson Lake.
  • Headwaters Campground and RV Park at Flagg Ranch: This site is another good option if you are visiting both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Half of the tent sites and all of the RV sites may be reserved. Flagg Ranch also offers cabins, Sheffield Restaurant and Saloon, horseback riding, and fishing on the Snake River. As Headwaters Campground is farther north than the other sites, it is closed from September 29-June 4.

Best Hotel Options in Jackson, Wyoming Near Grand Teton:

There are plenty of hotel options in Jackson Hole within walking distance of the main street and restaurants. Plus, these are all a short drive away from Grand Teton National Park.

  • 49’er Inn and Suites: We stayed here! This hotel was good value and has a nice gym, pool, and continental breakfast.
  • Antler Inn: If you are visiting in ski season, consider staying at the Antler Inn. They offer free round-trip shuttles to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Things to Do in Jackson, Wyoming Near Grand Teton

Restaurants:

Quick stops for lunch:

  • Pearl Street Bagels: Coffee, bagels, sandwiches, salad, and soups. A great place to grab a coffee and a sack lunch on your way into Grand Teton National Park.
  • Liberty Burger: Burgers, salads, and shakes.
  • Jackson Drug: Nostalgic soda fountain with burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream.

Coffee and Breakfast:

Shopping and Other Attractions:

Itinerary for a 2-Day Trip to Grand Teton National Park:

Day 1:

  • Breakfast: Grab a coffee, bagel, and a sack lunch at Pearl Street Bagels
  • Hike: Beat the crowds and hike the Jenny Lake Trail
  • Lunch: Have a picnic in the park
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the full length of the park.
  • Dinner: Check out one of the many restaurants in Jackson Hole or enjoy a drink at StillWest Brewery and Grill.
  • Take a stroll around the downtown and take a picture at town square’s iconic antler arches.

Day 2:

  • Breakfast: Persephone Bakery– their breakfast sandwich is amazing!
  • Hike: Surprise Lake and Amphitheatre Lakes Trail
  • Lunch: Enjoy a well-earned lunch at Surprise Lake
  • Hike: Bearpaw and Trapper Lake Trail

Or

  • Explore Jackson Hole and pick up a souvenir
  • Dinner: Grab dinner at Hand Fire Pizza or Merry Piglets Mexican Grill
  • Enjoy some brews at Snake River Brewing

Final Thoughts on Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park are stunning year-round, offering a wide range of activities for both adventure and relaxation. You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: a wild, rugged national park and a charming western town filled with amenities. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or simply exploring the town, Jackson Hole has something for everyone.