Grand Teton National Park rises from the Wyoming plains like a cathedral of stone and ice, its jagged peaks piercing 13,000 feet into crystalline mountain air. These dramatic spires frame pristine alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and forests where wildlife roams freely.
For hikers, Grand Teton represents the pinnacle of Rocky Mountain experiences. The park’s trail system connects visitors with glacial tarns, cascading waterfalls, and viewpoints that showcase some of America’s most photographed mountain scenery.
This guide covers the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park, ranked by scenic beauty, trail difficulty, and unique features. From family-friendly lake walks to challenging alpine routes, these trails offer something for every hiker seeking mountain adventure.
7 Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
These seven trails represent Grand Teton’s finest hiking experiences, each offering distinct rewards and challenges for different skill levels.
1. Delta Lake (with Amphitheater Lake Option)
Distance: 7.4 miles round trip to Delta Lake, 10 miles to Amphitheater Lake
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet to Delta Lake, 3,000 feet to Amphitheater Lake
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Delta Lake ranks among Grand Teton’s most rewarding hikes, leading to a turquoise glacial tarn nestled beneath towering granite walls. The trail begins at Lupine Meadows and follows well-maintained paths through aspen groves before climbing steadily toward the Teton Range.
The final approach requires off-trail boulder hopping, adding adventure to the experience. Early morning starts provide the best lighting on the lake’s glacial waters and reduce afternoon thunderstorm risk.
Bear activity occurs frequently in this area, making bear spray essential and group hiking recommended. The trail can extend to Amphitheater Lake for experienced hikers seeking additional alpine scenery and solitude.
2. Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude
Distance: 9.6 miles round trip to Hidden Falls, 14.4 miles to Lake Solitude
Elevation Gain: 200 feet to Hidden Falls, 2,300 feet to Lake Solitude
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (depending on destination)
Cascade Canyon provides Grand Teton’s most accessible introduction to the range’s dramatic interior. The trail begins at Jenny Lake, where boat shuttles ($20 round trip) reduce hiking distance by 4.8 miles across the lake.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with moose frequently spotted in willows near Hidden Falls and pikas calling from rockslides higher in the canyon. The gradual grade makes this trail suitable for families hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
Extending to Lake Solitude transforms this into a full-day adventure through increasingly dramatic alpine scenery. The final miles climb steadily through conifer forests to reach the peaceful mountain tarn surrounded by towering peaks.
3. Paintbrush Canyon to Holly Lake (or Lake Solitude Loop)
Distance: 6.4 miles round trip to Holly Lake, 19.2 miles for Solitude loop
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet to Holly Lake, 3,300 feet for the complete loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
Paintbrush Canyon showcases Grand Teton’s famous wildflower displays during mid-summer months when snow melts and alpine blooms peak. The trail climbs steeply through diverse ecosystems from sagebrush flats to alpine tundra.
Holly Lake serves as an excellent turnaround point for day hikers, offering mountain reflections and granite amphitheater views. Advanced hikers can continue over Paintbrush Divide for spectacular views before descending Cascade Canyon.
The complete loop combines two of the park’s premier canyons but requires early starts and strong fitness levels. Snow lingers on Paintbrush Divide through July, making this primarily an August-September option.
4. Taggart & Bradley Lake Loop
Distance: 5.9 miles for a complete loop
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This popular loop connects two pristine mountain lakes beneath the Cathedral Group’s soaring spires. Multiple route options allow customization based on time and energy, from visiting just one lake to completing the full circuit.
Bradley Lake sits higher and offers more dramatic mountain reflections, while Taggart Lake provides easier access and family-friendly shoreline exploration. The trail winds through diverse terrain, including sagebrush meadows, aspen groves, and conifer forests.
Peak autumn colors occur in late September when aspens turn golden against the granite peaks. This trail receives heavy use but remains rewarding for its accessibility and consistent mountain views.
5. Leigh Lake Trail
Distance: 7.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Leigh Lake offers Grand Teton’s most accessible lakefront hiking with minimal elevation gain and wide, well-maintained trails. The route follows the northern shore of String Lake before reaching the larger Leigh Lake basin.
Mountain reflections create perfect photography opportunities, especially during calm morning conditions when the Teton Range mirrors perfectly in the still water. Wildlife includes loons, osprey, and occasional moose in shoreline willows.
This trail attracts large crowds during peak season, making early morning or evening visits preferable for solitude. The flat terrain accommodates families with young children and provides an excellent introduction to Grand Teton’s lake country.
6. Moose Ponds
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Moose Ponds provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in a relatively quiet setting away from the park’s busiest trails. The short distance and minimal elevation gain make this ideal for families or visitors seeking a gentle introduction to park hiking.
The trail passes through diverse habitats, including sagebrush flats, willow thickets, and pond edges, where moose, beavers, and numerous bird species congregate. Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife activity.
This lesser-known trail receives far fewer visitors than nearby Jenny Lake or Taggart Lake, providing peaceful nature experiences within easy reach of Jackson and park lodging facilities.
7. Lake of the Crags
Distance: 9.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Lake of the Crags rewards determined hikers with solitude and dramatic alpine scenery in a remote cirque basin. The steep, challenging trail deters casual visitors, creating opportunities for peaceful mountain experiences.
The route climbs relentlessly through dense forests before emerging into open alpine terrain surrounding the pristine mountain tarn. Granite cliffs and talus slopes create an impressive amphitheater setting.
This trail serves as an excellent alternative for hikers seeking challenging terrain without the crowds found on more famous routes like Delta Lake or Cascade Canyon.
Bonus for Backpackers: Teton Crest Trail
Distance: 40 miles
Duration: 4-6 days
Difficulty: Very strenuous
The Teton Crest Trail represents the ultimate Grand Teton hiking experience, traversing the range’s spine for 40 miles of continuous alpine scenery. This multi-day adventure requires permits, extensive planning, and strong backpacking skills.
The route connects numerous canyon systems and crosses several high passes above 10,000 feet in elevation. Highlights include Marion Lake, Alaska Basin, and Hurricane Pass, each offering unique perspectives on the Teton Range.
Weather windows for completing the full trail typically occur between mid-July and early September. Resupply options are limited, requiring careful food planning and lightweight gear selection for successful completion.
Other Recommended Grand Teton Hikes
These additional trails offer unique experiences for hikers seeking alternatives to the most popular routes.
Amphitheater Lake Trail
Amphitheater Lake can be hiked as a standalone destination rather than an extension of Delta Lake. The 10-mile round trip gains 3,000 feet through diverse terrain to reach this dramatic cirque lake.
The trail provides excellent training for more challenging mountain routes while offering spectacular views of the Teton Range interior. Wildlife sightings include pikas, marmots, and occasional mountain goats.
Table Mountain Trail
Located just outside park boundaries in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness, Table Mountain offers the most dramatic frontal views of Grand Teton. The 12-mile round trip crosses into Idaho and gains 4,000 feet in elevation.
This challenging hike rewards visitors with unique perspectives unavailable from within the park. The trail requires crossing into different jurisdictions and may have varying regulations from park trails.
Goodwin Lake Trail
Hidden in the Gros Ventre Wilderness southeast of Jackson, Goodwin Lake provides a dog-friendly alternative to park trails where pets are restricted. The 6-mile round trip gains 1,000 feet to reach a peaceful mountain lake.
This lesser-known destination offers solitude and fishing opportunities away from park crowds. The trail showcases different geological formations and vegetation patterns than the main Teton Range.
Essential Hiking Tips for Grand Teton National Park
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support handle rocky terrain and provide stability on steep trails
- Layer systems work best for rapidly changing mountain weather, including base layers, insulating layers, and waterproof outer shells
- Trekking poles reduce joint stress on steep descents and provide stability on loose rock sections
- Carry EPA-approved bear spray and know how to use it properly in emergencies
- The optimal hiking season runs from June through October, with peak alpine conditions occurring from July through September
- Early season brings wildflowers but also lingering snow on high passes and potential trail closures
- Late summer provides the most reliable weather and full trail access, though afternoon thunderstorms develop regularly
- Fall offers excellent conditions with fewer crowds but requires preparation for possible early snow
Beyond Hiking: Other Activities in Grand Teton
Grand Teton offers numerous activities for visitors seeking alternatives or additions to hiking experiences.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
The park supports diverse wildlife, including moose, elk, bison, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and wolves. Prime viewing locations include Oxbow Bend, Willow Flats, and the Gros Ventre Road.
Early morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife activity when animals move to feed and drink. Binoculars or spotting scopes greatly enhance viewing experiences and allow safe observation distances.
Water Activities and Scenic Drives
Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake offer excellent canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities with spectacular mountain backdrops. Rental equipment is available at several park locations during the summer months.
The park’s scenic drives include Mormon Row for historic barn photography and the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive for accessible mountain views. These routes accommodate all vehicle types and provide numerous pullouts for photography.
Conclusion
Grand Teton’s hiking trails provide access to some of America’s most spectacular mountain scenery, from peaceful lakefront walks to challenging alpine adventures. The park’s compact size allows visitors to experience diverse ecosystems and dramatic elevation changes within a single day of hiking.
Mix easy, moderate, and strenuous trails to fully appreciate the range’s varied offerings. Each difficulty level provides unique perspectives on the park’s geology, wildlife, and natural beauty.
The combination of jagged peaks, pristine lakes, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained trails creates hiking experiences found nowhere else in the Rocky Mountains. Lace up your boots and experience these incredible trails for yourself.
Freqently Asked Questions
Do you need bear spray for Grand Teton hiking?
Yes, bear spray is essential. Both black bears and grizzly bears inhabit the park year-round. Carry an EPA-approved spray and know proper usage techniques.
Is hiking in Grand Teton safe for beginners?
Many trails accommodate beginners, especially lake loops and shorter canyon hikes. Start with easier routes, hike in groups, and check conditions at visitor centers.
How difficult is climbing Grand Teton itself?
Grand Teton requires technical rock climbing skills, specialized equipment, and permits. Most hikers enjoy viewpoint trails rather than attempting the actual summit climbing routes.
How many days should I plan for Grand Teton hiking?
Plan 3-5 days minimum to experience varied trail types and difficulty levels. This allows time for both easy lake walks and challenging mountain hikes.
Should I choose Yellowstone or Grand Teton for hiking?
Grand Teton offers more dramatic mountain scenery and challenging alpine hikes, while Yellowstone provides geothermal features and wildlife viewing with easier trail access.
