Are you hoping to visit the Grand Teton National Park this upcoming summer? If the answer is yes, then you are in the right place.
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With my last three summers spent in this remote and stunning National Park, I know my way around the 485 square miles that make up the park.
I could spend one month in the Tetons (ahem, and I have before and did not get bored)! But, I know that summers are valuable time and unless you are a student you may not have summers off to spend all the time in the world adventuring.
So if you are pressed for time, here are 5 different ways I would spend one day in the Grand Teton National Park. I have three itineraries for varying levels of adventurers, which I will break down here.
PSA: these are archetypes that I created based on my experience of people I see hiking trails and what I would personally recommend. I fully believe that no hiker is cooler or better than another because we are all outside together!
EXPERIENCED HIKER: This is the hiker who is not afraid of a challenge, is familiar with their body in the wilderness, and knows how to pack their bag, and how to fuel for a long day of hiking. This hiker can expect to hike 10-12 miles in one day. This is the most intense type of hiker there is. Now, there is a few levels above this such as ultramarathoners, trail runners, and alpinists. I am not going to hop into that range of intense, simply because I don't have much of my own experience.
MODERATE HIKER: This is the hiker that loves a thigh burner and heart pumper, but couples a hard hike with a slow afternoon. This hiker can expect to hike 7-9 miles in one day. Preferably with beer, food, and lounging in a hammock or some form of a lake. This is the type of hiker that can get around most of the park, just sticking to maybe one long hike or two shorter hikes in a day.
EAGER BEGINNER: This is the hiker that will hike a good mid-afternoon hike after a morning spent sightseeing while grabbing iced coffee. Then afterward, will hit up the town for some dinner and drinks. This hiker can expect to hike 4-7 miles in one day. This type of hiker knows how to have a good time and is there for a good time, not a hard time!
CHILL HIKER: This is the hiker that prefers a stroll over heart-thumping switchbacks. They would rather spot bears, moose, and birds than wake up at 5 am and put in some hard work until lunch. This hiker can expect to be seen on 2 miles of trails and at all the pullouts. They definitely have an animal spotter blog on their phone and a birding book. They also have Nocs and a cool-brimmed sun hat.
THE FAMILY or EXPERIENCE-DRIVEN HIKERS: These are the hikers that either have children that prevent them from expending too much energy on a hike or would rather drive to landmarks. This hiker only hikes short viewpoints, takes advantage of all shortcuts to save energy, and has a short and structured day.
information to know about the park
Below is a map of the Grand Teton National Park Camping Options.
Ideal Times to Visit
Depending on your activity, you may adjust your time of year, but I don't think there is a bad time to travel to the park.
Weather
Backpacking and Hiking
If you are hoping to get the most out of your adventure, I recommend traveling in the summer months, specifically June through September. If you are day hiking, most trails should be cleared from snow by June, however, this depends on snowpack from year to year.
Winter Activities
Now, if you are a winter adventurer, there are abundant winter activities to participate in. Winter is a different beast in Wyoming. Instead of lacing up your hiking boots, you are locking in your ski boots or snowshoes.
Ideal Ways to get to the park
Flying In & Renting a Car
Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson Hole, WY
The easiest and most efficient way to get to the Grand Teton National Park is to fly into Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson Hole, WY. This airport is serviced by Alaska, American, Delta, and United. The airport can be more expensive than others within a day's drive, but if you are pressed for time this is your best bet to get the most out of this golden location.
Bozeman, MT
This is a popular location to fly into while planning out your trip, most used to cut down the costs of flying into the small boutique airport near the park. Bozeman sits about 4 and a 1/2 hours away and 222 miles away.
Salt Lake City, UT
This is another popular location to fly into, making this likely the cheapest option for budget travel. Salt Lake City is approximately 300 miles southwest of the park and just around a 5 hour drive.
Car Rentals
It is super convenient to rent a car at the airport, which is what I recommend to avoid taking Ubers or taxi services. Renting a campervan is also a great idea if sleeping on the ground in bear country sounds terrifying (or rent an RV or campervan with Outdoorsy). If you're under 25, here are my car rental tips to avoid pesky underage charges.
Packing up & Roadtripping
I am partial to this option because I LOVE a good road trip and you can avoid flying with your backpacking or hiking gear. Which is great if you need to bring larger things like a cooler or stand-up paddle board. Again, this a good option, if you are carpooling with friends because you can split the costs unlike you can with flights.
Local Emergency Numbers
Universal Emergency Services: 911
Ranger Station: Grand Tetons Park Ranger Station: Phone #: 307-739-3300 (press 6 for emergency dispatch)
Local Medical Center: Grand Teton Medical Clinic: (307) 543-2514
Address: 100 Jackson Lake Lodge Rd, Moran, WY 83013
Hours: 9am to 5pm (7 days a week)
Hospital: St. Johns Health: (307) 733-3636
Address: 625 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
Hours: 24 hours/7 days a week
LEave no trace
In order to preserve public land and sacred places for years to come, please follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when hiking and camping. If you need a refresher on what those may be, watch this video or READ here.
Bear Country
Grand Teton is populated by black and brown bears, which means that while camping, hiking, and backpacking you need to be bear-aware. This involves storing food properly, carrying scented items properly, carrying bear spray, knowing difference between each bear, and knowing how to engage with a bear if you happen to come across one while camping or adventuring.
If you plan to go backpacking in the Grand Teton National Park, you will need to store all food in a hard-sided bear-resistant bear container (NOT A BEAR BAG)!
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Plan your stay as soon as you can (or as soon as reservations are live). These campsites are VERY difficult to reserve last minute. The Grand Teton National Park is a well-traveled park. (or as soon as reservations are live). The National Park Service manages all the campgrounds, so you can make reservations via Recreation.gov. Each campsite has different open dates, covered below, therefore they open for reservations at different times. Each reservation window opens approximately 180 days or 6 months prior to the season. For example, a reservation for July 1, 2023, opens on January 1, 2023, at 8 AM mountain time.
Make sure the campsites location is proximal to the activities you want to do and parts of the park you want to explore.
Purchase an America the Beautiful pass to save money throughout the year on all of your National Park adventures. Coming in at $80, which is the cost of two entrance fees a year, this is the best purchase for any outdoor adventurer!