Just a few hundred yards off the road, things get a lot less crowded, and you’ll have the views and the wildlife (almost) to yourself. Getting out of the car and into the wilds is always worthwhile, but these shorter trips are the best of the best for those not doing extended,…
Grand Teton National Park Attractions
- Hiking/Biking Route
Amphitheater Lake
Beeline from the valley floor to the park’s stunning subalpine zone in 1 day on this exceptional (if quite steep—elevation gain is nearly 3,000 ft.) hike. Your views of the Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Jackson get better with every step, and soon you’ll ascend to vistas over Bradley…Jenny Lake Area - Hiking/Biking Route
Christian Pond to Grand View Point
This easy-access hike from Jackson Lake Lodge circles a pleasant pond before climbing to standout views of the Teton Range at 7,286-foot Grand View Point. Head east from the lodge to reach pint-size Christian Pond in just .2 mile. Follow its western shore to a hilltop vista on its…Jackson Lake Lodge - Hiking/Biking Route
Emma Matilda Lake
The larger of the two lakes tucked into this northeastern corner of the park, Emma Matilda Lake offers excellent wildlife habitat, rolling terrain, and a splendid backcountry waterfront. We like starting from the trailhead on Pacific Creek Road. Head for the north shore first to hike…Emma Matilda Lake - Hiking/Biking Route
Forks of Cascade Canyon
One of the park’s absolute stunners, Cascade Canyon is a U-shaped glacial valley surrounded by skyscraping peaks. Up here, incredibly jagged mountains fill the horizon, marmots and pikas scamper among boulders, and black and grizzly bears feast on abundant trailside berries. Cascade…Jenny Lake Area - Hiking/Biking Route
Hermitage Point Loop
This long loop out to Hermitage Point and back crosses through forest, rolling meadows, and wetlands out to the shore of Jackson Lake, making it an excellent opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, such as bears, moose, elk, beavers, osprey, and herons. Stay close to the lakeshore…Colter Bay - Hiking/Biking Route
Heron Pond/Swan Lake Loop
For a shorter route through the Hermitage Point area, this easy loop cruises past Heron Pond and Swan Lake. You’ll still explore a variety of habitats, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and summer wildflowers. From the Hermitage Point Trailhead, trace Jackson Lake’s shoreline to…Colter Bay - Hiking/Biking Route
Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point Trail
It’s easy to see why this short, beautiful hike is one of the park’s most popular: You can get a taste of the wildlife, views, and water features that make the Teton so special. The shortest route to Hidden Falls starts from the boat dock after taking the Jenny Lake shuttle; from…Jenny Lake Area - Cooking Class
Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
The same cherry-red tram that carries skiers to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Rendezvous Mountain in winter remains in operation for hikers and sightseers in the warmer months—and though it’s pricey, the 12-minute ride to 10,449 feet is one of Jackson’s iconic thrills.…Jackson Hole - Hiking/Biking Route
Jenny Lake Loop
]Circling the park’s second-largest lake makes for a mellow, view-packed trip. You can hike it in either direction, but hugging the eastern shore earlier in the day means you’ll escape more of the road noise from the Jenny Lake scenic drive. From the east side, the park’s biggest…Jenny Lake Area - Hiking/Biking Route
Lakeshore Trail
Trace both sides of a Jackson Lake peninsula on this figure-eight loop (one circle is .9 mile, the other 1.1 miles) with slap-in-the-face views of Mount Moran, Grand Teton, Teewinot, and the other marquee Teton peaks. You’ll follow a wide, tree-lined footpath to pebbly beaches with…Colter Bay - Hiking/Biking Route
Leigh Lake`
Mount Moran looms large in this hike along a large lake just north of Jenny Lake, especially at the start—but you’ll also earn a front-row view of Teewinot, Rockchuck, and Mount Woodring, and probably shake many of the Jenny Lake crowds. The trail starts on the northern end of String…Jenny Lake Area - Zoo/Aquarium
National Elk Refuge
It's not exactly nature's way, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes sure that the elk in this area eat well during the winter by feeding them alfalfa pellets. It keeps them out of the haystacks of area ranchers and creates a beautiful tableau on the peaceful flats along the…Jackson, WY - Museum
National Museum of Wildlife Art
This unique museum perched on a hill opposite the National Elk Refuge asks a provocative question: How do we see the animals that share our world? A series of well-curated galleries then goes about answering it with everything from 19th-century oil paintings of bighorn sheep and…Jackson Hole - Hiking/Biking Route
Paintbrush Canyon to Holly Lake
Gorgeous Paintbrush Canyon is a popular backpacking destination, but strong hikers can get a taste of the magic on this trip up to Holly Lake. You’ll climb to views over Leigh Lake and wander through a colorful canyon blanketed with paintbrush, gentian, and columbine blossoms, not to…Jenny Lake Area - Hiking/Biking Route
Phelps Lake Loop
The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve sits in the southern part of the park, encapsulating beautiful and lesser-traveled backcountry. For a quick taste of the area’s trails, loop around peak-ringed Phelps Lake: You’ll get views of the mouth of Death Canyon, 10,551-foot Albright Peak,…Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve - Hiking/Biking Route
Signal Mountain Trail
Why drive up a mountain when you can hike it? Hoofing it up the peak offers a chance to spot wildlife like bears and mule deer and wander among summer wildflowers—plus bragging rights over everyone who merely motored up. Hike through evergreen forest to a junction at one end of a…Jackson Lake Lodge - Hiking/Biking Route
String Lake Loop
Easy hiking with excellent views are what you get with this pleasant trip circumnavigating String Lake. The trail clings to the eastern shore, with views of Mount Moran and the Cathedral Group. Cross the Leigh Lake outlet and head into the forest, then traverse an open slope that…Jenny Lake Area - Hiking/Biking Route
Taggart and Bradley Lakes
The effort-to-reward ratio is stacked in your favor on this loop to a pair of super-scenic backcountry lakes: Views of major peaks like Grand Teton, Middle Teton, Teewinot, and Mount Owen await almost from the start, and the peaks look even more impressive rising behind the…Jenny Lake Area - Hiking/Biking Route
Two Ocean Lake
The hike around this lake is shorter and easier than Emma Matilda’s trail, but you still get the same wildlife-scoping, wildflowers, and lake views—plus a chance to ascend to awe-inspiring views at Grand View Point. From the Two Ocean Trailhead, hike counterclockwise through meadows…Two Ocean Lake - Hiking/Biking Route
Willow Flats Trail
What’s better than the lovely view from Willow Flats Overlook? This hike, which takes you right into the middle of that idyllic scene. From Colter Bay, head east to Cygnet Lake, then cross Pilgrim Creek to access the marshy, willow-filled wetlands. The mountain views are expansive,…Colter Bay
More To Do in Grand Teton National Park
The Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
The Best Day HikesJust a few hundred yards off the road, things get a lot less crowded, and you’ll have the views and the wildlife (almost) to yourself. Getting out of the car and into the wilds is always worthwhile, but these shorter trips are the best of the best for those not…
Best Backcountry Trails in Grand Teton National Park
To see the true heart of the parks, load up a backpack and spend a night or more in the wilderness. These remote areas make for unforgettable backpacking destinations, whether you’re up for an overnight or a real multiday epic.Cascade/Paintbrush Canyon Loop: Perhaps the most…
More To Do in Grand Teton National Park

The Best Scenic Drives in Grand Teton National Park

The Best Views in Grand Teton National Park

The Best Lodging in the Park in Grand Teton National Park

The Best Lodging Outside the Park in Grand Teton National Park

The Best Things to See & Do Outside the Parks in Grand Teton National Park

The Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

The Best Camping in Grand Teton National Park

