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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.
Table of Contents:
Information to Know About the Park
Where are the Tetons?
Why are the Tetons geologically unique?
How much does the park entrance cost?
How to stay safe?
How do I recreate responsibly?
What about wildlife?
Lodging, Transportation, and the Fun Stuff
When should I visit?
When should I make reservations?
Where should I camp?
How should I get to the park?
General tips for a smooth trip
How to Spend 3 Days in the Grand Teton National Park
Experinced Hikers
Moderate Hikers
Eager Beginners
Chill Hikers
Families or Experience-Driven Hikers
information to know about the park
TETONS? I DON'T KNOW HER.
Situated just an hour south of the first National Park in the United States, Yellowstone National Park established in 1872, sits Grand Teton National Park. While the assumption is that Wyoming may have little to offer in terms of scenery, you will be blown away by what the landscape actually has to offer. The Grand Teton National Park makes for a great road trip and is how I have preferred to visit the past three years. If you are on a time crunch, there are several other ways to get to the park. But, you will want a rental car while you are here to make the most of your time, as the park is large and you will want to see it all!
WHAT MAKES THE PARK SO UNIQUE?
Coined the mountains of imagination, the Teton Range are one of the youngest mountain ranges in North America. Giving erosion less time to wear down their ragged peaks, igneous granite form the highest peaks in the central Teton Range – Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and Mount Owen. While the peaks are stunning, the glacial canyons such as Cascade, Paintbrush, Death Canyon and Granite feature glacially polished bedrock as you hike up into the Range.
If you are curious about what makes the mountains so stunning, make it a point to stop into the Visitor Center in the Park.
How much does it cost to enter the park?
To enter the Grand Teton National Park, it will cost you $35. This $35 pass counts as a seven-day pass to enter the Tetons.
If you love a bargain and plan to visit more than one National Park per year, I suggest purchasing an America the Beautiful Park Pass. For the small cost of $80, the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass is your ticket to over 2000 recreation sites nationwide.
Here is a list of where this pass is honored!
More information about this pass (from Discover Your Northwest):
Honored nationwide at National Park Service, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites charging day-use or entrance fees.
Valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. Expires the last day of the month punched.
Includes two signature lines where two individuals may sign the pass.
Admits pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee sites.
At per person fee sites, admits pass holder and up to three persons age 16 and older. Children 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
Photo identification may be required to verify ownership.
Passes are NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE, and CANNOT BE REPLACED IF LOST OR STOLEN.
Physical pass must be present at time of use. Confirmation email(s) or receipt(s) are not acceptable for entry.
Fees vary widely across the thousands of Federal Recreation sites. To plan your trip and determine if this pass is the right one for you, please contact the offices of the federal recreation sites where you plan to visit.
How do I stay safe?
As someone who travels a TON, often leading outdoor excursions or venturing by myself, I ALWAYS look up these numbers. I always leave a typed itinerary for my trusted individuals and these numbers are included!
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
How do I recreate responsibly?
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.
What about wildlife?
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)!
Lodging, Transportation, and the fun stuff
When should I 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.
WHEN should I BOOK?
My suggestion for booking completely relies on the type of accommodations you are hoping to reserve. If you've picked out the season you are hoping to visit in based on your desired activities, book approximately 6 months ahead of time to secure your preferred accommodations.
All park campground sites are reserved by advanced reservations only. Campsites are reservable on Recreation.gov. Plan ahead and reserve your night under the stars up to six months in advance.
If you intend to dry camp or dispersed camp at a first-come, first-serve campground, you will not be able to secure reservations. I only recommend this if you can make it to the campsite early as the campsites are often full.
WHERE TO CAMP?
Below is a map of the Grand Teton National Park Camping Options.
Car camping or sleeping overnight in vehicles is NOT allowed in park pullouts, parking areas, picnic grounds, or any place other than a designated campground. Overnight parking at trailheads is only permitted with a backcountry permit.
Here is a detailed guide on Where to Camp in the Grand Teton National Park.