Explore the enchanting landscapes of Wyoming on your trip to one of the most magical national parks in the country. Make your trip memorable by taking on the best Grand Teton hikes that showcase its true beauty.
I have been to 56 National Parks and yet Grand Teton will always be number one in my heart. 💕
I’ve been a few times now in multiple seasons, so I’ve had the pleasure of going on many of the trails in the park. The ones in this guide are the best of the best and I know you’ll love them too!
Get ready to take on the Tetons and go for a hike! This post has all of the best hikes including many that are family friendly. You’ll find out why these hikes are so special and tips for hitting the trails!
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5 Best Grand Teton Hikes
1) Delta Lake
There’s no doubt about it, Delta Lake is the most stunning trail in the Tetons. You climb up, up in the mountains and arrive at a vibrant turquoise lake set against a backdrop of jagged peaks.
Although Delta Lake is an incredible hike, it’s also very challenging. This hike gains 2200 feet and you’ll need to climb over a section of loose boulders. So, it’s not for the faint of heart.
However, if you do end up making it to the lake, then you will be overwhelmed by the beauty. You’ll want to just sit and take it all in for hours. If you are more daring, then you can even dip in the water for a frigid swim!
Delta Lake Hike Info
Distance: 7.6 miles
Elevation: 2200 feet of gain
Type: Out and Back
Length: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
2) Phelps Lake
Phelps Lake is one of the best Grand Teton hikes in the summer! The trail loops around a brilliant lake, offering picturesque views, and features a 30 foot tall jumping rock.
Adventure-seekers of all kinds travel to this lake to take a leap off this rock and submerge into the cool lake below. It’s a fantastic thrill for those who are willing to take the jump. My biggest tip is to just go for it without hestitation.
For those who’d prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, don’t worry this hike is still incredible. You can do the entire loop around the lake, enjoy wildflowers, and get the chance to see moose along the shore! The trail is level, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Phelps Lake Hike Info
Distance: 1-7 miles
Elevation: 725 feet of gain
Type: Out and Back or Loop
Length: 1-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
3) Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon & Lake Solitude
The Cascade Canyon trail is one that you get to choose your own adventure. Start your journey at the boat dock and then travel up through the mountains. Opt for an easier hike and stop a mile in at Hidden Falls, or continue all the way up to the stunning Lake Solitude.
No matter how far you venture, this trail offers an incredible experience. Hidden Falls cascades over boulders in the depth of the forested landscape. Then, it climbs up past the panoramic Inspiration Point leading to the serene valley in Cascade Canyon.
The incredibly adventurous or active individuals can hike 8 miles up to Lake Solitude. Because it’s nestled high up in the mountains most visitors do not make it that far. I haven’t gotten there yet, but I can’t wait to return to tackle this challenge.
Hidden Falls to Lake Solitude Hike Info
Distance: 1-16.6 miles
Elevation: 187-2600 feet of gain
Type: Out and Back
Length: 30 mins-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
4) Bradley & Taggart Lake
Bradley & Taggart Lakes will take you to two stunning glacially carved lakes framed by the majestic mountains. This family friendly trail is a popular hike for individuals with varying abilities.
But, one of the best things about this hike is that it is accessible year round.
In the winter, you can go show shoeing and in the summer you can dip into the refreshing lakes. The trail starts out flat, but it gets harder as it ascends 500 feet of elevation to get to Bradley Lake, the most demanding section. If you want, you can skip this lake and go straight to Taggart Lake and back for an easier day!
Bradley & Taggart Hike Info
Distance: 3-8.8 miles
Elevation: 350-760 feet of gain
Type: Out and Back or Loop
Length: 1.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
5) Jenny Lake
Go on a fantastic hike around one of the most enchanting lakes in the Tetons. This hike around Jenny Lake is fairly flat, which means that it’s great for hikers of all abilities. Also, it’s one of the most common places in the park to see moose!
You can choose to hike all the way around the lake or take the trails from Jenny Lake further to Hidden Falls. Then, you can take the boat back to the Jenny Lake parking lot, to shorten the hike.
Jenny Lake Hike Info
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation: 450 feet of gain
Type: Loop
Length: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking in Grand Tetons
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 Grand Teton costs $35 for a private vehicle that covers 7 day. You can also use any of the annual passes like the America the Beautiful Pass to get in. Non-US residents will need to pay the standard fee plus $100 per person over 16 or an annual pass for $250.
⚠️ Teton Park Road is closed from November through May. You will not be able to access this hike during that time. The trail is also not maintained by the Park service, so you may have to walk over fallen trees or snow.
☀️ Weather changes quickly in the Grand Tetons, especially up at higher elevations. Make sure that you stay updated and that you take the proper precautions.
🐻 The Tetons are bear country, so make sure to stay bear aware and make loud noises when hiking on the trails. Use the rule of thumb when viewing wildlife, so that you stay the correct distance away. Pack bear spray in case of emergencies.
🦮 Pets are allowed in the park, but they are not permitted on any of the hiking trails, beaches, swim areas, or inside Park buildings. They must be on a leash at all times.
⛺️ There are many campgrounds in the Grand Tetons, but you have to make reservations in advance.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
Best Time to Hike in the Tetons
Hiking season in the Tetons lasts from around mid-June until early September. Because the Grand Tetons is at a higher elevation, the winter weather can last longer than other destinations.
Summer is the best time to hit the trails in the Tetons! 😎
Although, the trail conditions are great in the summer with higher temperatures and sunny skies, they do get crowded. So, try to get to the hiking trails early so that you can avoid the crowds.
Grand Tetons Hiking Safety Tips
🏔 Grand Teton National Park is at a higher elevation. I recommend waiting a couple of days to get acclimated before doing any strenuous hikes.
📱There is little to no cell service on the trails. So, download the Alltrails maps before you go!
👫 Many of the best Grand Tetons hikes are crowded with other visitors. It’s important to remember that the people going up have the right of way.
💦 Pack plenty of water and sunscreen, because the sun is strong in the mountains.
🐐 If you see wildlife on the trails, give them plenty of space and do not pass them unless absolutely necessary.
🪨 Many of the trails have loose rocks, so you may want hiking poles to stay steady. Also, do not follow too closely behind others.
Packing Guide
It’s important to be prepared when you go for a hike in the Tetons. I recommend packing layers, because it can get cooler as elevation climbs.
Also, it’s important to pack bear spray, a first aid kit, layers, and plenty of water. That way you will be ready to hit the trails with the necessities. You can read my complete packing list below.
Packing List for Hiking in the Tetons
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Microspikes (if there is snow on the trail)
- Day Pack
- Hiking poles
- Water Reservoir
- Plenty of Water
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Bear Spray
- Swimsuit (If you’re going in the summer)
- Towel (for the summer)
- Headlamp
- Rain jacket
- Light winter jacket
- Satellite phone
- Downloaded AllTrails Maps
Final Tips for Hiking in the Tetons
Grand Teton has many incredible trails with varying degrees of difficulty. So, there are plenty of options from family friendly strolls to strenuous climbs. However, it’s important to take the proper precautions, look out for wildlife, and be respectful. I hope you love this park as much as I do.
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this post!
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- Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park: Hotels & Campgrounds
- Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Grand Tetons in May
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