12 Fun Things to do in Grand Teton National Park

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Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, a honeymoon, or whether you are simply a nature lover, you will enjoy the wonders that the Grand Teton National Park holds. When you drive into Jackson Hole, the stunning mountain peaks of the Grand Teton Park in the background seem to invite you for a stroll in the wild to explore wildlife, waterfalls, exotic birds, and wildflowers. If you are planning a trip to this park, read on to learn about some of the fun things you will do here.

  1. Go rafting or kayaking in the Snake River

If you love water sports, consider going rafting in the Snake River. Most of the sections in the river are easy to accommodate all rafters irrespective of their level of experience or expertise. However, for a better experience, I would advise you to get a guide or join a rafting tour. Guides are in a better position to offer you advice on how to kayak or canoe down the river and enjoy the nature around you safely. 

  1. Have a scenic drive at the 42 mile Loop

This loop offers you some of the most fantastic views of the Grand Teton National Park from the comfort of your car. You will drive along Teton Park Road and onto highway 89. Along the road, take pauses to enjoy Jenny Lake, the Snake River Outlook, the Signal Mountain Summit Road, and other scenic attractions.

  1. Horse-back riding

In Jackson Hole, there are many places where you can rent a horse and go to explore the beauty of the Grand Teton. This will be a great experience for your kids. There are guides to help you and your kids enjoy every moment of this experience. The Teton Horseback Adventures company is the most reputable company offering horse riding services in the Grand Teton National Park.

  1. Try spotting a Moose

You wouldn’t want to leave this park without having tried to spot a Moose. Since they are not many, this may become a worthwhile adventure. It is not very difficult to spot one though if you follow their trail to the wetlands. Some of the best locations to see a Moose include the Moose-Wilson road, the Two Ocean Lake, the Moose Pond, and the Oxbow Bend. You might also see other animals along the way. Some common ones include Bison, Elks, Pronghorns, Coyotes, and grizzly bears.

  1. Take a hike inside the Park

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Grand Teton National Park. It is also one of the most intimate ways to enjoy the beautiful park. There is no shortage of hiking trails inside the park and these trails range from easy for beginners to hard for experienced hikers. Some of the best trails you should explore include the Delta Lake trail (an 8.8 miles trail that takes you to the Delta Lake), Taggart Lake trail (a 4.1 miles loop that takes you to Taggart lake), and the Cascade Canyon Trail (a 9.7 miles loop).

  1. Go swimming in the Park

There are numerous places to go swimming inside the park. If you love flowing water, head to the Snake River or take a dip in one of the streams flowing from the park. You can also swim inside any of the several lakes you will come across as you take a hike. If you are pressed for time, the most accessible lakes are the Jackson Hole and Jenny Lakes.

  1. Skiing

In the winter, many people flock to Teton Village to enjoy skiing and snowshoeing. You will have an excellent time tracking wildlife as you ski. You will start your walk from Taggart Lake Trailhead and end at the Signal Mountain lodge. Be sure to check the regulations before you go skiing here. Some roads and sections get closed during the winter season for safety purposes.

  1. Visit the Mormon Row Historic District

Mormon Row Historic District has a historic significance as one of the oldest Mormon ranch settlements during the 1890s. Today, only a few houses and barns remain, but they still provide an excellent backdrop to take stunning photographs. You can also track and spot wildlife in this district.

  1. Camping 

Camping is also one of the most thrilling adventures in the Park. Thousands of people come to the park to enjoy backcountry camping. Most areas within the park are open for this exercise but if you want a more immersive experience, head deeper into the wild. The stunning views, massive landscape, and serene nature will be worth the trouble. Be on the lookout for bears and protect yourself. You may need a permit if you are going backcountry camping. Some of the best locations to go backcountry camping include the Death Canyon Shelf, the Teton Crest Trail, the Paintbrush Canyon, and the Marian Lake.

  1. Visit the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center

This was the first center built specifically to boost tourism in the Grand Teton National Park. The large, 22,000 square foot center offers visitors one of the best views of the park through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You will learn a lot about the park and the significance this park has for the promotion of natural heritage in the region.

  1. Go on a boat tour

If you are not a fan of kayaking or rafting, you can still enjoy the park through a boat tour. Several companies offer this service along the Snake River or on Jenny and Jackson Lakes. The guides are knowledgeable and helpful, offering you tips and tidbits about the park throughout the tour. The best time to catch a boat tour in the Grand Teton Park would be from mid-may to September. 

  1. Biking

There are more than 100 miles of paved roads inside Grand Teton Park. You can bike along these roads as you enjoy breathtaking views of the ranges. From Jackson, head north to the Moose Junction then down the Teton Park Road to South Jenny Lake. People who love extreme biking sports and adventures can head to the Two Ocean Lake for a dirt road excursion. These paved roads have been provided as a joint effort of the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway and the Grand Teton National Park.

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