Contributor: heyitsbryanmContributor: dombusher
Feb 25, 2022

Overview

Famed for the abundance and diversity of its wildlife, The Grand Tetons offer a massive range of hiking options, from leisurely lake loops with easy but stunning views and ferry trips, to high alpine adventure. So get your Backcountry Permits and your bear spray and go for an adventure!

Cascade Canyon Trial

Cascade Canyon Trial

Nine miles of natural beauty and breathtaking views of the canyon, cascades, and Teewinot Mountain. It's very accessible, rated moderate, and therefore one of the Tetons' most popular and busy trails. Get started early to avoid the crowds around Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. Wildflower species are abundant, and wildlife includes moose, mule deer, and pika.

Delta Lake Trail

Delta Lake Trail

In the shadow of Grand Teton, this stunning glacial lake is accessed by a 5-mile trail, with a climb of 2300m and a little scramble on the unmaintained section of path. It is a well-worn path as many people flock here, and with good reason. Snow typically makes access very challenging from around October.

Jenny Lake Loop

Jenny Lake Loop

This is one of the most accessible trails, with minimal elevation, as it works its way all around the lake to complete a satisfying loop. Beautiful and serene scenery despite the crowds, and either direction works well around the circuit. A ferry runs, which gives you the option of hiking roughly halfway around the lake.

Phelps Lake Trail

Phelps Lake Trail

Phelps Lake is quieter than Jenny Lake, an accessible and easy-going option to get you away from the crowds. There's a sandy beach about halfway around, making an ideal spot to play in the water and stop for a picnic. The views are even more scenic if you make the lake loop in a counter-clockwise direction. You'll be treated to views of Death Canyon. Another nice feature is the campsite on the lakeside, to soak it up overnight. A roundtrip of 7.2miles starting from the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve visitors center.

Taggart Lake

Taggart Lake

This 3.8-mile circular route has beautiful lakeside views and easy paths all the way. It's an excellent trail to begin your exploration of the Tetons. It's best accessed from May to October, and beyond that, you should consider carrying snowshoes. It's a great trail to spot wildlife with regular sitings of moose and bears.

Paintbrush Canyon Trail

Paintbrush Canyon Trail

This 21.9-mile trail takes you through Paintbrush Canyon, with its abundance of wildflowers, and up to a pass that will take your breath away. The climb up Paint Brush divide is challenging but well worth it. It's a great trail to camp out on from May to September to break up the hike, or you could do a shorter out and back route of 11.3 miles from Stringer Lake.

Death Canyon Trail

Death Canyon Trail

This beautiful valley sees fewer visitors and is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature, with abundant wildflowers, moose, bears, birds, and deer, amongst others. The complete trail is quite demanding, but there are good options to shorten it by turning back at Phelps Lake Overlook or at Phelps Lake, both of which make for delightful shorter hikes. The highlight is the breathless ascent up the gorge itself.

Hermitage Point Trail

Hermitage Point Trail

This trail is a full-day but easygoing lowland hike. It invites you to enjoy the glorious mountain views from gentle meadows and overgrown willows. The first section is popular with families, but you'll find the numbers drop off as you continue along the loop. Beyond Hermitage Point there are fine views of the Tetons and Jackson Lake.

Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain

This trail takes you through peaceful forest and meadows, a beautiful and secluded route, leading gradually upwards to the summit with spectacular views. The last bit of the trail is on the road, and some people drive to reach the summit. It's an 8.2-mile trail rated moderate.

Two Ocean Lake Loop

Two Ocean Lake Loop

Around Two Ocean Lake, this trail offers a mellow 6-mile loop. It's a great place to look out for wildlife, particularly elk, bears, moose, as well as water birds, herons, and osprey. Also by the lake there are horseflies and mosquitoes so go prepared.

Granite Canyon

Granite Canyon

Granite Canyon has various options to tailor longer or shorter hikes, but the full trail is 11.7 miles out and back starting gently upwards through boulder-strewn meadows and forests. At the end, you reach Marion Lake with beautiful views, well worth the 300ft strenuous climb.

Marion Lake

Marion Lake

Marion Lake can be reached via the Granite Canyon Trail or the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram in Teton Village. The tram takes you 4139 feet up to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. From there, it's a 13-mile out-and-back hike, though you can do it as a loop by returning from the lake via the Granite Canyon Trail. There are stunning views of the Tetons and the Gros Ventre Mountains from the lake.

Alaska Basin

Alaska Basin

This 15-mile circular trail can be challenging but offers some of the best alpine landscapes in the Teton range. From the Treasure Mountain Scout Camp it's a 9-mile hike to reach the Alaska Basin, including plenty of ups and downs, noteably the Devils Stairs.

Teton Crest Loop

Teton Crest Loop

Up to 45 miles depending on your route, the Teton Crest Loop is a glorious trail through passes and alpine lakes, including Death Canyon Shelf, and the Lower and Upper Paintbrush Canyons. It rarely drops below 8000ft altitude and offers fantastic opportunities to see wildlife, including mountain lions, wolves, black and grizzly bears. Design your itinerary for 3-5 days to take it all in.

That's all folks!

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