Ashlyn Hayes
If you’re here, it’s likely because you are wondering “When is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park?” or “Which month is the best to visit the Tetons?”
Spoiler alert. There is no right or wrong answer here.
Grand Teton National Park is an incredible destination year-round, where each season brings its own beauty and unique activities. While there isn’t a single “best time” to visit, knowing what each season offers can help you plan the perfect trip based on the activities and experiences you want. Here’s a guide to making the most out of your visit to Grand Teton National Park, no matter when you go.
Table of Contents
About Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in northwest Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park. Together, these parks form part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest temperate-zone ecosystems on Earth.
The Teton Range towers over the landscape with dramatic, snow-capped peaks, and the valley floor is dotted with serene alpine lakes, lush meadows, and rich wildlife such as black bear, Grizzly bear, moose, elk, wolves, and bison.
What makes the Teton range unique is its elevation profile. The eastern side of the range lacks significant lower peaks or foothills, which creates a dramatic, imposing presence of the mountains. This is one of the best things about the Tetons that make them one of my favorite ranges.
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How to Get to Grand Teton National Park
The park is accessible from Jackson Hole Airport, which is just minutes away from the park’s Moose Entrance. This is one of the only National Parks with an airport right inside its boundaries, making it uniquely easy to reach.
Alternatively, travelers can also fly into major international airports like Salt Lake City or Bozeman.
Salt Lake City (SLC) to GTNP: approximately 5 hours
Bozeman (BZN) to GTNP: approximately 4 hours 45 minutes
Nearby regional airports include:
Idaho Falls (IDA) to GTNP: approximately 2 hours
Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming (COD) to GTNP: approximately 4 hours 45 minutes
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Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park?
There are few lodging options within the park itself. These include Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, and Colter Bay Cabins. These options are glamorous, don’t get me wrong. But if I’m being honest, I don’t think they are worth the exorbitant price tag.
You will get a better deal staying in the town of Jackson, which is only a 20-minute drive from the entrance of the park (and it’s an incredibly scenic drive).
Jackson has loads of options, from basic budget motels to classy retreats.
My favorite option in Jackson is The Lodge at Jackson Hole. This 4-star hotel is the perfect combination of rustic charm with modern elegance. The rooms are clean and spacious. The complimentary breakfast is delightful- there is a large variety and it is served in their beautiful dining room. They have a spacious indoor-outdoor pool that the kids love. It is located on the western part of town, removing the premium price tag but they still offer a complimentary shuttle downtown.
There is also the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort a few miles outside of Jackson that offers incredible year-round activities I talk about later in the article.
Regardless of where you choose to stay, it is crucial that you book your accommodations early. I’m talking up to a year in advance. It’s no secret that Jackson Hole is an incredibly popular area, and hotels book out fast. Planning a Grand Teton trip requires an early start.
Planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park? Book your accommodations through me! I will get you the best deal on your hotel, and may even be able to get you some perks like complimentary room upgrades and spa credit. When you book through me, you get access to itinerary planning for free. I am deeply familiar with this area, and can help you plan your dream trip to the Tetons!
So, when should you visit Grand Teton National Park? It depends on what you want to get out of the trip, and what your priorities are. Every time I have visited it has been during the summer months because I love to camp and hike. Warm weather and clear hiking trails have been the priority. I don’t mind bigger crowds. These are some things to keep in mind when planning your trip.
This article will cover the advantages of visiting the Tetons in each season.
Spring in Grand Teton National Park [March to May]
The weather in Grand Teton National Park stays chilly well throughout the spring. Temperatures average 60°F during the day and drop to around 30°F overnight in May.
The spring also tends to have relatively more precipitation. The area will see snowfall into April. This will cause muddy and slippery hiking trails.
Spring is technically considered a shoulder season in Grand Teton National Park. The crowds may be slightly smaller during the spring, however, Grand Teton National Park draws visitors year-round.
Spring is prime time for wildlife viewing. Bison, elk, and moose come down from higher elevations to graze in the valley, and you may spot grizzly bears and black bears as they emerge from hibernation.
Grand Teton National Park and the entire Jackson Hole area is Grizzly Country. Always carry bear spray and make noise while hiking.
There are many places in GTNP to spot wildlife, including the highway! If seeing wildlife is a high priority for you, I always recommend Moose-Wilson Road, which is known for its moose sightings.
Summer in Grand Teton National Park [June to August]
Summer is peak season in Grand Teton National Park. From June to August, warm weather opens up nearly every trail and lake in the park, offering access to activities at all elevations. Crowds are common, but the long days make it possible to check so many activities off of your list.
With the snow gone from higher elevations, summer is the ideal season for hiking the park’s trails. A quick list of some of my favorite hikes:
Taggart Lake Trail: offers an easy hike with gorgeous lake views
Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point: the most popular hike in the park, but for good reason. The hike is relatively easy and gives you an incredible view over Jenny Lake as well as an easy detour to a beautiful waterfall. The parking lots fill up early for this one so you have to plan to do this hike early in the day.
Cirque Trail: accessed from the top of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort aerial tram, this is one of my favorite hikes I have ever done. The hike starts at over 10,000 feet elevation, and you can start from the tram and only do the downhill portion of the hike to a ski lift that will take you back down. If you do this hike in late July, you will be treated to an incredible display of wildflowers.
Hiking with kids? Check out my favorite hiking boots for kids to keep your kiddos going strong on the trails Kids Hiking Boots: Protecting Little Feet on the Trail
Summer is the best season to enjoy the alpine lakes. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes at various outfitters, or take a scenic boat tour on Jackson Lake. Jackson Lake Dam is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking, and there are a handful of companies that offer guided float trips down the Snake River.
Summer is ideal for camping, though keep in mind the park’s campgrounds fill up as quickly as the hotels. Early reservations are necessary. There are a lot of really neat spots for dispersed camping throughout the area if you aren’t able to secure a spot. The last time I was in the Tetons I drove by a lot of these spots that were unoccupied.
Planning a camping trip with kids? Here’s everything you need to know! Camping with Kids Checklist: Must-Have Outdoor Camping Gear for Kids
Fall in Grand Teton National Park [September to November]
Early fall is a magical time in Grand Teton National Park. From late September to October, cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make for an ethereal time to enjoy the park’s trails and viewpoints. Fall brings brilliant autumn colors, with aspen trees and cottonwoods turning vibrant shades of yellow and orange.
With the retreating sunshine comes retreating temperatures. In October, expect the daytime temperatures to average 45°F and the overnight temperatures to average 25°F.
Fall color transforms the valley floor and mountainsides, making it one of the most photogenic times of year in Grand Teton. Iconic spots like Mormon Row and Snake River Overlook are perfect for capturing the golden hues of the aspen trees against the dramatic backdrop of the Tetons. Photographers flock to the park during this time, as it’s also a season of clear skies and striking sunsets.
We have had a lot of fun chasing the perfect sunrise and sunset at Grand Teton National Park. For both sunrise and sunset, my two favorite places I recommend capturing the dramatic sky are Oxbow Bend and the Snake River Overlook. I also want to mention how much I love photographing Mormon Row during golden hour. Those are some of my favorite photos I have taken in the Tetons.
Fall is the start of the elk rut, the mating season that draws elk herds into the valley floor. You may even hear elk calls through the valley. The cooler weather also brings more sightings of bighorn sheep and brings bear sightings closer to the park’s roads. Again, you will have a good chance of seeing moose on Moose-Wilson Road or Teton Park Road.
Horseback riding is popular within the area and many outfitters will run through mid to late September, depending on trail conditions.
Winter in Grand Teton National Park [December to February]
Winter in Grand Teton National Park transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. Snow blankets the valley floor and the Teton Range, and tranquility fills the park. While many park roads close, Teton Park Road remains open for cross-country skiing, offering a peaceful and unique way to explore the park.
Jackson Hole is known for incredible skiing and snowboarding. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a popular winter destination. Snow King Mountain Resort is another popular option right within the town of Jackson. For those leaving the resorts to explore the park, GTNP becomes a winter playground. Teton Park Road becomes a groomed trail for skiing. Other trails around Colter Bay Village and Taggart Lake Trailhead are also popular. Snow-covered meadows and frozen lakes make for a great place to experience the park’s serene winter atmosphere.
Winter isn’t the hot time to spot wildlife, but spottings certainly still occur. Elk, bison, and moose can be seen in lower elevations, and the National Elk Refuge near Jackson is a popular destination for winter wildlife viewing. Visitors can take a scenic sleigh ride through the refuge, adding a unique winter experience.
Planning Your GTNP Trip Around A Specific Activity?
- Best Time for Wildlife Viewing: Spring and fall are ideal, with animals like bears, elk, and moose actively foraging and preparing for seasonal changes.
- Best Time for Hiking: Summer and early fall are optimal, with open trails, warm weather, and fewer trail closures. Lower elevation trails are accessible earlier in the year, while higher elevation hikes are best reserved for late summer.
- Best Time for Photography: Fall and winter provide spectacular scenery for photography. The autumn foliage and winter snow create beautiful contrasts with the Teton Range for the most unique photos. Although, there is no bad time to photograph the Tetons.
- Best Time for Wildflowers: If you have never experienced alpine wildflowers, Grand Teton National Park is one of the best places to do it. Summer is wildflower season in the Tetons, and the higher up in elevation you go, the later in the season you will see the bloom. My favorite place to see wildflowers in the park are on the Cirque Trail, which is accessed by the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort aerial tram.
- Best Time for Visiting Jackson: Jackson is a super fun town, although not all shops and restaurants are open year-round. Going in the peak season (summer) will ensure all of the cute gift stores, coffee shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants that make Jackson such a great time will be open.
- Best Time for Tent Camping: For tent camping I only recommend camping in the summer. The earliest in the season we tent camped was early June and it was quite chilly. We were able to get a reservation on relatively short notice, though, and that would not have been possible later in the season.
- Best Time for Water Activities: Summer is the best time for enjoying Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake, with options for kayaking, canoeing, and more.
- Best Time for Winter Sports: Winter months are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter photography, with access to trails around Jackson Lake and the valley floor.
- Best Time for Stargazing: Summer and early fall bring clear skies ideal for stargazing. The park’s high elevation and low light pollution offer spectacular views of the Milky Way, particularly in remote areas like Colter Bay or Signal Mountain.
- Best Time for Horseback Riding: Late spring through early fall provides the best conditions for horseback riding, with various guided tours available around the park. Trails are generally open and accessible during these months, offering incredible backcountry views.
On a National Park Road Trip?
Many people visit Grand Teton on a road trip through multiple National Parks. Most commonly Grand Teton National Park is visited on a trip along with Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, known as a Northern Rockies National Park Road Trip.
It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes driving north to reach Yellowstone, and then about 9 hours and 30 minutes north of Yellowstone to reach Glacier in Montana.
This road trip needs to be done in the summer due to mountain passes that are closed in the off-season. Even the road connecting Grand Teton to Yellowstone, the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway, closes from November through April each year.
Looking for more National Park inspiration? Check out these guides:
Yellowstone in 2 Days: Hiking & Family Adventure Itinerary
Incredible Places to Visit in Death Valley National Park
An Incredible Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park With Kids
5 Best National Parks to Visit With Kids
8 Most Beautiful National Parks in the US
Planning a Trip to Grand Teton National Park?
Each season in Grand Teton National Park offers something unique, making it a great place to visit any time of year. From the wildflowers and wildlife of summer to the vibrant fall colors, every time of year offers something different. I think this is one of the most magical things about Grand Teton National Park, and the entire Jackson Hole area. You could visit during the summer and then again in the winter and have two completely different but equally incredible vacations.
Planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park? As a travel advisor deeply familiar with the Tetons and surrounding areas, book your vacation through me! I will get you the best deal on hotels, help you coordinate your perfect itinerary, and may even be able to secure you perks like room upgrades and spa credit. Best of all, this comes at no cost to you!
For more information about booking travel with me, see my Services page.
Have you been to Grand Teton National Park? Which season was your favorite and why? Do you have any questions about visiting the park? Leave your comments below!
