Grand Teton National Park, UNESCO SITE
Not finished yet!!
* All the writing and photos below are my own work, except for the links
Often overlooked by it's famous neighbour Yellowstone, just 31 miles away, Grand Teton National Park is certainly worth adding another couple of days add on to your Yellowstone trip.You can see most of the main viewpoints on your drive south from Yellowstone to Jackson, then go back the next day to hike. This park was established in 1929 and is 310,000 acres of stunning valleys, a spectacular mountain range (part of the Rockies) and pristine lakes. There is a scenic loop road around the park of 42 miles, with many overlooks, just off the road, so perfect for anyone with limited mobility.
May and June are great months to visit for less crowds, but July, August, September are best for hiking as snow may be present at higher hikes before then. Be prepared for mosquitoes, so bug spray and hiking clothes are recommended. The park sits at an elevation of 6,320-13,770 feet, with Jenny Lake being the best hike to avoid elevation. The road between Yellowstone and Grand Teton doesn't open until the end of May, so June is better than May if you wish to see both parks.
This park is one of the best to see wildlife such as Grizzly and black bears, moose, elk, bison, pronghorn, marmot, coyotes, bald Eagles etc. Bear spray is necessary, but know how to use it and only use it if you are being threatened. Keep your distance from wildlife at all times, they are safest viewed through your camera lens from a distance barely visible with your naked eye.
These are the top viewpoints that I would recommend, but there are more.
Jackson Lake, signal overlook and colter bay
Colter Bay village store for toilets, fuel and drinks
Willow Flats overlook for Elk
Oxbow Bend viewpoint to see Eagles, pelicans and other birds
Elk ranch flats to see Bison
Snake River overlook
Teton point turn point
Scheabacher landing viewpoint to see Moose
Glacier view turn point
Mormon row barn ( John moulting homestead) on Antelope flats, great for that iconic photo with the barn and mountains.
Moose, Chapel of Transfiguration
Jenny Lake to see Moose
Albright view overlook
Sleeping Indian overlook
Popular Hikes
Taggart Lake Trail ( Easy hike 3.8 miles)
Phelps Lake Loop ( Moderate 7 miles)
Cascade Canyon Trail (Moderate hike 9.1 miles)
Jenny Lake Trail (moderate, but very little elevation, 7.9 miles)
Amphitheater and Surprise Lake Trail (Difficult 10.1 miles)
Table Mountain Trail (North and Face) (11.5 miles Very Difficult and high elevation
Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls (Moderate hike 1.8 miles)
Lakeshore trail (Easy 2.2 miles)
String and Leigh lakes (Moderate 7 miles)
Paintbrush divide (Difficult hike 15.9 miles)
Lake Solitude Trail (Difficult hike 16.6 miles)
Delta Lake Trail (Difficult 7.2 miles)
Where to stay to visit the Grand Teton National Park
I would recommend staying in the beautiful upmarket town of Jackson Wyoming. It isn't a cheap destination though, so book at least 8-12 months in advance to get affordable accommodation. We chose to stay in Jackson and it was our most expensive accommodation on our two week road trip from Seattle to Yellowstone/Grand Teton! You can stay in the Park itself, but that is the most expensive option, particularly for dining. Other options would be to stay in Wilson, Moran , Teton Village or the cheapest option Driggs, Idaho (1 hour away!)