Quick picks
Grand Teton National Park has hundreds of miles of trails, from flat lakeside walks to high alpine routes. Distances below are approximate and drawn from commonly published figures, so check current NPS trail information before you go.
- Easiest big payoff: Hidden Falls, especially with the Jenny Lake boat shuttle.
- Best moderate day: Cascade Canyon, with Inspiration Point on the way.
- Best for families: String Lake Loop or Taggart Lake.
- Biggest challenge: Paintbrush Divide and Cascade Canyon loop, or the Teton Crest Trail as a backpacking trip.
Easy hikes
- Taggart Lake Loop: Roughly 4 miles, mostly gentle, with views of the Teton Range.
- Hidden Falls: Roughly half a mile each way from the boat dock (check the current NPS map), or a longer walk around Jenny Lake if you skip the shuttle. It leads to a waterfall of around 100 feet.
- Lakeshore Trail at Colter Bay: A short walk along Jackson Lake, popular for easy views.
- String Lake Loop: A mostly flat loop, popular with families and for paddling and wading when conditions allow.
Moderate hikes
- Cascade Canyon: Often described as around 9 miles round trip from the boat dock, climbing past Inspiration Point into a glacial canyon. The farther you go the quieter it tends to become.
- Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop: Around 5.5 miles, with forest, meadow and lake views.
- Delta Lake: A popular but steeper route that is not an official maintained trail. It involves some scrambling and route finding, so only go if you are comfortable with that.
- Phelps Lake Loop: A moderate outing in the southern part of the park, near Death Canyon trailhead.
Strenuous hikes
- Paintbrush Divide and Cascade Canyon loop: A long, high-elevation loop that many hikers take as a very long day or an overnight. Snow can linger on the divide into summer.
- Alaska Basin and Death Canyon Shelf: Remote, high-country routes best suited to experienced hikers.
- Middle Teton via the Southwest Couloir: A mountaineering-style objective with steep scree and snow potential; it is not a standard hike.
- Teton Crest Trail: Typically done as a multi-day trip. See Grand Teton backpacking routes.
When to hike
Lower trails open earlier, often by early summer. High passes such as Paintbrush Divide often keep snow until mid-summer, and conditions vary each year. July through September is the main hiking season. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and check NPS trail and weather updates before you set out.
Bear and trail safety
Both black bears and grizzly bears live in the park. Encounters with people are uncommon relative to the number of visitors, but you should still take precautions:
- Carry bear spray where you can reach it, and know how to use it.
- Make noise in thick brush and on blind corners, and hike in groups when you can.
- Never approach wildlife, and store food as the park directs.
Check current park guidance for bear safety, since it is updated regularly.
The Scenic Loop drive
Visitors often ask how long the scenic loop is. The answer depends on which road you mean. Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is a short one-way road near the lake, while a full circuit of the main park roads is considerably longer and often described as a drive of a few hours with stops. Check the NPS map for exact distances and any seasonal closures.
Why Grand Teton is separate from Yellowstone
They are two distinct national parks, created at different times and managed separately, even though they sit close together and are connected by a parkway. Each charges its own entrance fee. To plan visits to both, see our Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary.
Next steps
If you are still choosing dates and lodging, start with our Grand Teton trip planning guide. If you are drawn to the highest peak, read about summiting Grand Teton. For ideas beyond the trail, see national park activities beyond the scenic overlook.