With towering alpine backdrops, glacier-fed lakes and rivers, and a wide variety of wildlife the Grand Teton National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. One of the best ways to explore its beauty is by discovering one of the park’s many hiking trails. From iconic hikes like the Teton Crest Trail to lesser known more accessible trails Grand Teton National Park has a lot to offer. Find your favorite trail with our list of the top hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park.
Cascade Canyon Trail
Venture through the North Fork of Cascade Canyon and take in the beautiful Grand Teton landscape that eventually leads you to Solitude Lake. There are two ways to begin this hike. For those who want to do the entire nine miles, you will start by hiking around Jenny Lake, where the trail begins. Or hop on the Jenny Lake Ferry that crosses the water every fifteen minutes. This 9-mile out and back trail that is rated as moderate.
Jenny Lake Trail
Enjoy a 7.6-mile loop around Jenny Lake. Following the shoreline of Jenny Lake, the trail makes an occasional climb into denser forests for bigger views of the mountains. If you want to add on to the trip, head up to Inspiration Point. Here, higher elevations will provide breathtaking views that make the extra mileage worth it. This highly trafficked loop is good for all skill levels with less than 800 feet in elevation gain.
Hermitage Point Trail
If you love water views, this is the hike for you. Hermitage Point Trail guides hikers along water-covered landscape leading to the shores of Jackson Lake. Because of the plentiful wet environment, this is a great trail to spot wildlife such as moose, beavers, and even bears. This is a 9.6-mile loop that is good for all skill levels with less than 800 feet in elevation gain.
Phelps Lake Trail
As one of the most recognized features of Death Canyon Trail, Phelps Lake Trail is one of our favorite hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park. The main part of the trail circles Phelps Lake with several climbs that take you above the waters for a beautiful view. As you make your way back down to shoreline the trail becomes a bit steep, so be sure to take extra caution. This 7-mile lightly trafficked loop trail is rated as moderate
Taggart Lake
For a shorter hike that provides instant views of Grand Teton, the Taggart Lake Trail is perfect! As one of the most accessible and populated trails in the park so be prepared for crowds. This trail is a 3.8-mile loop that is rated as easy and is good for all skill levels.
Menor’s Ferry Historical Trail
Add a bit of history to your outdoor adventures with the Menor’s Ferry Historic Trail. While the trail is not long, at just under half a mile round trip it is a great way to discover the history and beauty of the Grand Teton National Park. The original site was a homestead for Bill Menor in the late 1890s that contained a house and general store, plus a ferry that became an important crossing point for early settlers in the area.
Stay at Pony Express Motel
Discover the best of Jackson Hole and the Grand Teton National Park with a stay at the Pony Express Motel. Only 11 minutes from Grand Teton National Park, our affordable and comfortable rooms, make the perfect home base for exploring the beauty of Wyoming. With rates ranging from $77 a night in the off-season to $217 in the peak of summer – The Pony Express is Jackson Hole’s best value any time of year.