Traveling through the Tetons in Fall feels like stepping into a painting. Yellows, reds, and greens cover the trees, while the rugged peaks sit overhead. It’s a breathtaking scene.
I’ve been to all 50 states, most of the National Parks, and still the Grand Tetons are my favorite place in entire country. There’s something that’s truly so awe inspiring about these mountains. I just feel like I’m somewhere really special.
That being said, Fall is a spectacular time to visit the Tetons. I’ve gotten the chance to watch the seasons change there in front of my eyes, and I want to give you guys that opportunity as well.
This guide for autumn has everything that you need to know before your trip. It includes special considerations for the fall, the typical weather, and my recommendations on what you should do while you’re there! I know you’ll love it. 💕
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How to Visit Grand Tetons in the Fall
Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Tetons
Vibrant yellow aspens, red mountain ash trees, and orange willow trees cover the landscape in the Tetons in the Fall. It becomes a gorgeous scene inspiring all who visit.
I visited the Tetons over the last weekend of September and I literally watched as the new season came in. Over the weekend, it felt like summer with warm temperatures, gorgeous sun, and green covering the trees. But, by the end of the week yellows and oranges blanketed the park with layers of frost.
But, if you want to see the park during the peak colors, then you will want to visit early in the season. The park sits at an elevation of around 6000 feet, so winter and cold weather comes in early and it comes in quickly.
Peak Fall typically occurs in late September through early October! 🍁
Although some colors will still hang on until the end of October, there’s a chance you may also experience cold temperatures and even snow!
Typical Fall Weather
While Fall in the Tetons is insanely gorgeous, it also brings in more inclement weather. During the early part of the season, you may experience some rain or wind.
Then, as the season progresses, snow becomes more of a possibility ❄️. The Tetons can see snow as early as September, while it becomes more frequent in the end of October and November.
You’ll also have to pack layers, because the weather changes quickly, but temperatures also shift wildly during the day. In early Fall the mornings and nights may be in the 30s, but then by mid-day you’ll get temperatures in the 60s. Later in the season, temperatures hover around the 40s and dip into the 20s at morning and night.
Packing list key items:
- Magma 850 Down Jacket– Bring a warm jacket, that you can easily put on or take off as the day progresses.
- Rain Jacket– Fall tends to have some rainier days, so it’s always good to have a jacket.
- Beanie– You tend to lose a lot of heat from your head, so I recommend bringing a warm hat.
- Base Layer – Merino Wool is an awesome material for getting outdoors in the Tetons to keep you warm.
- Hiking Shoes – If you plan on doing any hiking, then you will need good shoes with traction!
Things to Know About Visiting in the Fall
While autumn is a fantastic time to see the Tetons, there are some extra things you’ll need to consider. Below, I’ve listed a few things that you should be aware of before you head out into the park!
Road, Trail, & Boat Closures
Although most things still run through the early Fall, there are often trail closures, road closures, and shorter hours at visitor centers in the late Fall.
Many visitors like to take the boat across Jenny Lake, but it only runs until the end of September. Hours are also shorter after Labor Day, so it only has boats from 9 am to 5 pm. So something to consider if you’re visiting.
While the Scenic Loop Drive is usually open through October, it can occasionally be closed due to snowfall. So, just check for any announcements before you go.
Weekend crowds
Unfortunately, you’re not the only one that will be seeking fall foliage in the Tetons. As the years go by, the park just seems to get more and more popular.
When I was there, I was seriously shocked at the amount of people that were there, especially on the weekends. But, it felt like the middle of summer with the crowds. So, my biggest advice is to try and see things during the week, go early, and have patience.
We still had an incredible time, but it was just something we had to think about when planning for hikes and parking.
Wildlife activity
Wildlife are a major concern during this time of year, while they’re all preparing for the long winter.
In fact, the only thing I wanted was to not see a bear anywhere nearby. In the Fall, grizzlies are getting ready for hibernation, which means they are trying to get as much food as possible. So, you do not want to get in their way. This is the most common time for attacks.
Also, elks are in their rutting season or their mating season in the end of September and early October. You’ll often hear them bugling or calling throughout the parks. But, the males are also extremely aggressive as they fight the competition. So, give them all plenty of space.
Luckily, I saw a couple mooses, some elk, and even a grizzly but none of them were close enough to worry about!
Quick Facts
💵 Grand Teton National Park costs $35 for a private vehicle which lasts 7 days. You can also use annual passes like America the Beautiful Pass for entry. Non-US residents will need to pay the standard fee plus $100 per person over 16 or $250 for the annual pass.
☀️ Weather changes quickly in the Tetons. Make sure that you stay updated and that you take the proper precautions. If there are signs up bad weather, then stay off the trails and remain at the lower elevations.
⛺️ All campgrounds in the Tetons must be reserved in advance. You can find reservations on recreation.gov. Most campgrounds close after the first week or so in October.
🐻 Grand Tetons is bear country, so make sure to stay bear aware and bring bear spray to hike on trails. Moose are very active during this time of year and elks are in rutting season. So stay far away from any wildlife you see.
🦮 Pets are not allowed in the park and they must stay leashed in parking lots as well.
⚠️ The Scenic Loop Drive usually closes on November 1st. You can check on the road status on the NPS website to see what parts of the road are open.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
Where to Stay
I’ve written a complete guide on where to stay in the Tetons that you can read. But, I’ll cover the special considerations for the Fall.
Lodging tends to fill up quickly in the park itself and Jackson Hole, especially on the weekends. Fall is also a popular wedding destination, which makes things book up even faster. So, I recommend getting your lodging secured early.
If you are someone that likes to camp, then there are a few great options. While Jenny Lake Campground closes by the end of September, most of the other campgrounds close by October 10th.
But, one of the best thing is that there’s tons of free camping right outside the park. In fact, when I visit I ALWAYS stay at free camping in the national forests next to the park. It’s some of the best camping in the country!
Great Hotels in Jackson hole:
What to Do in Grand Tetons in the Fall
Chase Fall Foliage
Odds are if you’re visiting the Tetons in the Fall, that you’re there to see the gorgeous foliage! Luckily, you can truly see the picturesque landscape throughout the park.
One of the best parts is that many of these spots are just off the road, so there’s no hiking required!
But, there are a few spots that really shine above the rest when it comes to the fall scene. Some of the best spots in the Fall include Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, Jenny Lake, and Moose-Wilson Road.
Watch the Sunrise
Every single time I’m in the Tetons, I make sunrise an absolute priority. There are so many incredible places to watch the sunrise in the park and it’s the perfect way to start your day.
I recommend sunrise over sunset, because the sun actually sets behind the Tetons, meaning that the sun goes down quickly and then you don’t always get the vibrant colors you may want. That being said, some of the prettiest sunsets I’ve seen have also been in the park.
Best sunrise Spots:
- Schwabacher Landing– This is one of the most POPULAR spots in the whole park! Last time I was there, I was shocked at the number of people getting up for the sunrise. But, it’s popular for a reason, it’s truly one of the prettiest sunrise scenes you’ll see.
- Oxbow Bend– Another one of my all time favorite spots! You’ll see an amazing reflection of the Tetons here and if you’re lucky you may even see a moose.
- Mormon Row– Mormon Row is one of the most iconic spots in the park for a photo. Watching the sunrise and colors reflect over the cabins at Mormon Row is Spectacular.
Go Hiking
There’s truly nothing better than hiking through the Tetons with stunning colors surrounding you on the trees and sun shining down on you.
I’ve done pretty much all of the major hikes in the park and there’s no bad options. Get out on the trails to get away from the crowds and into the beauty of the park!
Just remember to check for trail closures and updates before you head out!
One of my all time favorite hikes that I did in the Fall was Paintbrush Canyon. It seriously felt like I had transported into a scene from a painting. This is one of the best fall hikes, if you don’t mind a longer more challenging trek.
If you’re looking for something that’s a bit easier, then head out on the Jenny Lake Loop Trail, which is a great path that goes around this iconic lake. It’s perfect for the whole family, has plenty of fall colors, and you may even see a moose!
Best hikes in the tetons:
- Jenny Lake Loop (7 miles, 470 Feet, Moderate)- You don’t have to do the whole loop!
- Bradley and Taggart Lakes (3-8 miles, Moderate)- Great family friendly trail.
- Hidden Falls to Cascade Canyon & Lake Solitude (4-14 miles, 600-2500 feet, Moderate to Hard)- Take the boat across to Cascade Canyon, see Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and if you want a challenge go all the way to Lake Solitude.
- Paintbrush Canyon (13-19 miles, 2500-4000 feet, Hard)- Long, but so worth it.
- Delta Lake (7 miles, 2200 feet, Hard)- A challenging climb to one of the prettiest lakes.
Seek Wildlife
I know I said that you should stay away from wildlife, which is true, but there are safe ways to try and scope out these amazing creatures!
First of all, you can join wildlife safaris through the Tetons where local guides will take you to find all of the best animals. They will also tell you about them and their behavior.
However, I’ve never done one of those and I’ve seen a ton of great animals! In order to see them, I recommend getting up early and driving through the park. Then, head out to a few different areas.
The Elk Ranch Flats area often has elk, pronghorn, or bison. But, if you want to see moose, they’re often on Moose-Wilson Road and off of the Jenny Lake Loop hike.
Just remember to always give the wildlife plenty of distance and be a respectful distance!
Final Tips for Visiting the Grand Tetons in the Fall
Honestly, the fall is one of the BEST times to visit the park. While it’s still crowded, it’s much quieter than summer. Colors are changing and its a season of transformation.
If you plan on visiting the park, I recommend staying updated on the park website or talking to a park ranger about whats open and not. That way, you’ll be prepared for a great trip.
I hope you fall in love with my favorite place in the country!
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this guide!
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