When is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park?

If you want fewer people, go in May, the quietest shoulder-season month. July is the busiest month on average, and December the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.

How much does it cost to visit Grand Teton National Park?

$35 / vehicle. Also: $100 nonresident fee (16+). An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park, and waives the nonresident fee.

What are some things to do in Grand Teton National Park?

The National Park Service lists 53 things to do in Grand Teton National Park, including Chapel of the Transfiguration, Oxbow Bend, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, Lunch Tree Hill, Moose-Wilson Road. Each has its own page on nps.gov with current conditions.

When did Grand Teton National Park become a national park?

Grand Teton National Park was established as a national park on February 26, 1929.

What is the closest national park to Grand Teton?

Yellowstone National Park, about 54 miles away in a straight line (roughly 1 hours' drive, estimated).

Wyoming · Est. 1929

Grand Teton National Park

Last verified October 1, 2026$35 / vehicle

Soaring over a landscape rich with wildlife, pristine lakes, and majestic alpine vistas, the Teton Range stands as a testament to generations of stewards. For over 11,000 years, communities have thrived in the valley known as Jackson Hole, turning these mountains into more than just peaks—they embody imagination and enduring human connection. — nps.gov

Granite mountains with a cloudy blue sky and green and yellow trees and plants in the foreground — Photo: NPS Photo/Tobiason

State: Wyoming
Established: February 26, 1929
Size: 310,044 acres
2025 visits: 3,800,648
Busiest-park rank: #8 of 63
Entrance: $35 / vehicle

Best time to visit

When is Grand Teton quiet?

Grand Teton is busiest in July and quietest in December. For a quieter visit outside the dead of the off-season, May is the quietest shoulder-season month, going by National Park Service visitor counts for 2021–2025.

In 2025 the park logged 3,800,648 recreation visits, the #8 busiest of the 63 national parks. Quiet months can also mean closed roads or facilities, so check current conditions before you go.

Crowd calendar, all 63 parks →Is Grand Teton open right now? →

Average visits by month

2021–2025 · NPS IRMA

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Quietest: DecemberBusiest: July

Fees & passes

What it costs to visit Grand Teton

Private vehicle$35

Motorcycle$30

Per person (on foot / bike)$20

Nonresident fee, per person 16+$100

Grand Teton annual pass$70

From the NPS fees data, checked October 1, 2026. Fees on nps.gov

Visiting several parks this year? The pass calculator shows whether the America the Beautiful pass pays off.

Reservations · 2026

No park-wide reservation

The National Park Service lists no timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Grand Teton National Park. Campgrounds, tours and backcountry permits may still need booking, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.

Every park that needs a reservation in 2026 →

Things to do

Things to do in Grand Teton

The National Park Service lists 53 things to do in Grand Teton National Park, from quick stops to full-day outings. The shortest come first.

All activities →

Chapel of the Transfiguration5-60 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Visit the historic Chapel of the Transfiguration.
Oxbow Bend5-60 Minutes · All year
Visit Oxbow Bend for iconic views of the Teton Range.
Pets OK
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive15-30 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive skirts the east shore of Jenny Lake and provides spectacular views of the peaks
Pets OK
Lunch Tree Hill20-45 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Lunch Tree Hill is an easy walk with spectacular views of the Teton Range.
Moose-Wilson Road20-60 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
The Moose-Wilson Road is a corridor road connecting the towns of Moose and Wilson.
Pets OK
Murie Ranch Hike30-60 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike to the Murie Ranch on this easy out and back trail.
North Park Road30-60 Minutes · All year
Take a drive on the North Park Road to view wildlife and enjoy dramatic views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons.
Pets OK
Signal Mountain Summit Road30-60 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Drive the Signal Mountain Summit Road for panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.
Pets OK

Show all 53 things to do

Teton Park Road30-60 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Christian Pond Loop1-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Grand View Point1-4 Hours · Summer, Fall
Grassy Lake Road1-4 Hours · Summer, Fall
Pets OK
Heron Pond - Swan Lake Loop Trail1-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Hidden Falls1-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Lake Creek - Woodland Trail Loop1-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Lakeshore Trail1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Leigh Lake1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Moose Ponds1-3 Hours · All year
Mormon Row1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Outer Park Road60-150 Minutes · All year
Pets OK
Phelps Lake1-3 Hours · Summer, Fall
Phelps Lake Overlook1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Polecat Creek Loop1-2 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Taggart Lake1-2 Hours · All year
Flagg Canyon2-4 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Inspiration Point2-4 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
String Lake2-3 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Taggart Lake - Beaver Creek Loop2-3 Hours · All year
Taggart Lake - Bradley Lake Loop2-3 Hours · All year
Aspen Ridge - Boulder Ridge3-5 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Jenny Lake Loop3-5 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Phelps Lake Loop3-5 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Signal Mountain Trail3-5 Hours · Summer, Fall
Two Ocean Lake3-5 Hours · Summer, Fall
Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes4-6 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Death Canyon - Static Peak Divide Junction4-6 Hours · Summer, Fall
Garnet Canyon4-6 Hours · Summer, Fall
Hermitage Point4-7 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Emma Matilda Lake5-7 Hours · Summer, Fall
Forks of Cascade Canyon5-9 Hours · Summer, Fall
Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes5-7 Hours · Summer, Fall
Granite Canyon7-11 Hours · Summer, Fall
Holly Lake7-9 Hours · Summer, Fall
Open Canyon7-14 Hours · Summer, Fall
Two Ocean Lake - Emma Matilda Lake Loop7-9 Hours · Summer, Fall
Valley Trail - Phelps Lake Overlook7-9 Hours · Spring, Summer, Fall
Lake Solitude9-13 Hours · Summer, Fall
Marion Lake9-13 Hours · Summer, Fall
Static Peak Divide Trail9-11 Hours · Summer, Fall
Paintbrush Canyon - Cascade Canyon Loop11-14 Hours · Summer, Fall
Hurricane Pass12-16 Hours · Summer, Fall
Moose-Wilson Road in WinterWinter
Pets OK
Teton Park Road in WinterWinter
Pets OK

From the National Park Service (checked October 1, 2026). Each title opens its nps.gov page with current conditions.

By activity

The number shows how many of the 63 national parks offer each activity.

Weather

Weather at Grand Teton

Grand Teton National Park has long, cold winters—snow and frost are possible any month. April, May, & June - Mild days and cool nights alternate with rain and snow. July & August - Warm days and cool nights prevail, with afternoon thundershowers common. September, October, & November - Sunny days and cold nights alternate with rain and occasional snowstorms.

December to April - Between storms the days are sunny and nights are frigid. Snow blankets the mountains and valley.

From the National Park Service.

Getting there

Getting to Grand Teton

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming; north of the town of Jackson, Wyoming and south of Yellowstone National Park. By car from Salt Lake City, Utah is approximately 300 miles and about 5-6 hours from the park and from Denver, Colorado is approximately 550 miles and about 8-10 hours from the park.

Grand Teton National Park is unique in that it is the only national park that has a commercial airport within its border, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). For current road info:

103 Headquarters Loop, Moose, WY, 83012 · Directions on nps.gov

Nearby

National parks near Grand Teton

Straight-line distance between park centers; drive times are rough estimates.

Closest big cities: Salt Lake City (219 mi)

Road trip

Grand Teton & Yellowstone

2 parks, about 54 miles between them (~1 h of driving, estimated).

Grand Teton is the orange dot. Tap any park to tick it off your checklist.

Two backpackers hiking through the mountains — Photo: NPS Photo/Lehle

A wooden barn with snowy peaks in the background and green vegetation in the foreground — Photo: NPS Photo/Tobiason

FAQ

Grand Teton, quickly

When is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park?: If you want fewer people, go in May, the quietest shoulder-season month. July is the busiest month on average, and December the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.
How much does it cost to visit Grand Teton National Park?: $35 / vehicle. Also: $100 nonresident fee (16+). An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park, and waives the nonresident fee.
Do you need a reservation for Grand Teton National Park in 2026?: The National Park Service lists no park-wide timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Grand Teton National Park. Campgrounds, tours and some popular hikes may still need bookings, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
What are some things to do in Grand Teton National Park?: The National Park Service lists 53 things to do in Grand Teton National Park, including Chapel of the Transfiguration, Oxbow Bend, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, Lunch Tree Hill, Moose-Wilson Road. Each has its own page on nps.gov with current conditions.
When did Grand Teton National Park become a national park?: Grand Teton National Park was established as a national park on February 26, 1929.
What is the closest national park to Grand Teton?: Yellowstone National Park, about 54 miles away in a straight line (roughly 1 hours' drive, estimated).

Sources · 3

1.Grand Teton National Park — official site · National Park Service
2.NPS Data API — /parks (all park units) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
3.Grand Teton National Park — Visitor Use Statistics · National Park Service (IRMA)

About this page

Park facts, photos, fees and visitor counts come from the National Park Service (NPS Data API and Visitor Use Statistics), last checked October 1, 2026. Park'd is an independent app and is not affiliated with the National Park Service. For official, current information, visit nps.gov/grte.

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Grand Teton National Park