10 Must Visit Natural sights at Grand Teton National Park

With symphonious river streams and snow capped mountains in the distance, Wyoming is home to 310,000 acres of serene land dedicated to Grand Tetons National Park. Since its establishment in 1950, the land of lush forests, majestic wildlife, and cultural richness has never failed to attract visitors from around the world.

Besides all the God gifted treasures this place possesses, there are a variety of outdoor adventures ranging from hiking, biking, and cruising to numerous water activities that keep you hooked.

Can’t wait to be fascinated by the awe-inspiring landscapes? Here is your guide to ‘must-not-miss’ while you’re off to the Great Tetons

Jackson Hole

Surrounded by the glorious mountain ranges of Gros Ventre and Teton, Jackson Hole is a 48 miles-long valley of breath-taking views and the spirit of modern adventure. With an impressive heritage, Jackson Hole occupies the “Town of Jackson” that offers visits to cultural art centers, numerous restaurants, and recreational activities, besides the unimaginable natural masterpieces.

Your visit to Jackson Hole is incomplete without Town Square - the central and go-to place for meals, shopping, and entertainment.

Jenny Lake

Resting in the center of Tetons Range, Jenny Lake is one of the most visited places in the Grand Tetons National Park. It allows you to immerse in its beauty the way you like it; enjoy the boat ride, camp by the lakeshore, learn about the history of the Great Tetons at the visitor’s center, or take a hike for Inspiration point, Hidden Falls or Cascade Canyon from Jenny lake.

Safety Tip: Be prepared with hiking equipment if you decide to take trails as you may encounter wildlife in the area.

Schwabacher Landing

Located to the east of Grand Teton, Schwabacher Landing is a spot on Snake River famous for its picturesque beauty. With an eye-pleasing reflection of Teton Range in the flat streams of Snake River, the spot is open to all kinds of water sports like rafting and angling.

The area also includes a 4-mile long Schwabacher Landing Trail along the banks of Snake River that leads to Beaver dam. The trail passes through an impressive wildlife habitat; you may encounter moose, coyote, mule deer, antelope, and bald eagles on your hike alongside the splendid panoramic views.

Phelps Lake

A 40-minute drive from the Town of Jackson welcomes you to Phelps Lake Overlook - a low-elevation spot surrounded by a backdrop of snow-capped Teton Range. Phelps Lake Overlook is one of the most popular areas in Grand Teton National Park, famous for its outstanding views of the Teton Range and wildlife. From the overlook, you can see Phelps Lake, which is about a 40-minute drive from Jackson, Wyoming. The lake was formed by glaciers during the last ice age over 10,000 years ago. The lake is fed by runoff from snow melt and glacial moraine that flows downstream to Jackson Lake. 

The trail to this heavenly glacial lake is one of the easiest. The best time for a family visit to Phelps Lake is May until September.

To add to your adventure: Visit to Phelps Lake is incomplete without a 20-foot jump in the refreshing waters of ‘Jumping Rocks’, accessed through Death Canyon Trailhead.

Snake River Overlook

The beauty of Tetons over curves of the Snake River has made its place in the Famous Four Sights of the Grand Teton National Park. The credit of the fame goes to Ansel Adams, a photographer appreciated for the most critically acclaimed photograph of the Great Tetons region.

Being the most photographed, recognizable, and picturesque area of the park, it attracts a large crowd to immerse in the breath-taking views and click gram-able pictures. This must top your list if you live through the lens, just like many of us!

Signal Mountain

Offering the panoramic views of Jackson Valley, Snake River, and Teton Range, the Signal Mountain is a 7,727ft high Summit in the Jackson Hole accessed both by Signal Mountain Summit road and by Signal Mountain Trail from the Parking Lot. Wildlife observation, hillsides and the lake overlook keeps you entertained on the five miles distance.

Emerge in the glacial lake below or appreciate the towering Teton in the distance, no tour of Grand Teton National Park is complete without driving to Signal Mountain Summit.

Hidden Falls

From being unseen by the hikers of the Cascade Canyon Trail to being the most accessible falls in the National Park, hidden falls hold their own charm. This rare waterfall of the Grand Tetons is 75-100ft tall accessed through the Jenny Lake Trailhead.

Due to its rarity, it is one of the busiest waterfalls in the summertime. You may also take a boat ride across Jenny Lake to shorten a 5 miles hike to a 1.2 miles hike to the hidden falls through Cascade Canyon trailhead.

Travel trip: Gather the time and energy to further up the trail to catch the Inspiration Point Overlook. Treat yourself with views of Teewinot Mountain on the West and Jenny Lake below.

Mount Moran

Located in the Northwest corner of Grand Tetons National Park, Mount Moran is the most striking mountain in the range. The climbing difficulty may range from moderate to hard depending on the season. During the early summer, the summit can be climbed through the Skillet Glacier whereas when the snow melts, the mountain is accessed through CMC rock route.

The summit is complex and time-consuming, but worth every bit. You may also require some training at the base camp before a 2-3 days summit of Mt. Moran.

Taggart Lake Trail

2.3 miles to the north of Moose Entrance station is the trailhead to access the serene Taggart Lake. Considered one of the easiest trails, a visit to Taggart Lake is ideal on a family trip.

Find yourself enjoying the towering views of Grand Teton through the base of sparkling Taggart Lake. If the time allows, hike beyond Taggart Lake to bless yourself with the overlook of Bradley Lake.

Jackson Lake Dam

To fulfil your adventurous soul with recreational activities, head northwest of Grand Teton to visit Jackson lake dam offering a variety of outdoor sports. Rent a boat, try water skiing, boarding, and fishing. Enjoy horse rides in the lush green meadows of Colter Bay Village. Bless yourself with a camp night under the starry skies of Elk Island.

Now that you know what the magnificent Grand Teton National Park holds, I recommend that you plan a week-long trip and visit each of the suggested places keeping first your convenience and ease. Pack your backpacks and prepare your hiking gears, ain’t no experience like this one!