Hiking
To fully appreciate the grandeur of the park's soaring mountains and pristine lakes, it's best to try at least one or two trails that venture well beyond the parking areas. Of Grand Teton's more than 250 miles of maintained trails, the most popular are those around Jenny Lake, the Leigh and String lakes area, and Taggart Lake Trail, with views of Avalanche Canyon.
Frontcountry or backcountry you may see all kinds of wildlife—keep your distance, at least 25 yards from bison, elk, and moose, and 100 yards from bears and wolves. Pets are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry. Many of the park's most popular trails traverse rugged, challenging terrain. If you're inexperienced, start with an easier trek. Grand Teton has several short hikes, some of them paved, in the vicinity of developed areas, such as historic sites and park visitor centers, where you can also obtain advice and good trail maps.
Easy
Cascade Canyon–Hidden Falls–Inspiration Point Trail. Take Jenny Lake Boating's 20-minute boat ride or the 2¼-mile (each way) Jenny Loop Trail around the south side of the lake from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center to the start of a gentle, ½-mile climb to 200-foot Hidden Falls, the park's most popular (though crowded) hiking destination. Listen for the distinctive bleating of the rabbitlike pikas among the glacial boulders and pines. The trail continues half a mile to Inspiration Point over a moderately steep, rocky path with sweeping lake views. From here, continue west another 1½ miles into the heart of Cascade Canyon, with its dramatic views through the mountains and out toward Petersen Glacier. With the 10-minute boat shuttle ($18 round-trip), plan on a couple of hours to experience this trail—add another two hours if you hike the whole way, which is your only option from October through mid-May, when the shuttle doesn't run. Easy–Moderate. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83012. www.jennylakeboating.com.
Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail. This easy, wonderfully picturesque 1¾-mile round-trip excursion treats you to views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons. As you follow the level trail along the rocky shore and forest's edge, you may see moose and bald eagles. Allow two hours to complete the walk. Easy. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83013.
Moderate
Jenny Lake Loop Trail. You can walk to Hidden Falls from Jenny Lake Visitor Center by following the mostly level trail around the south shore of the lake to Cascade Canyon Trail. Jenny Lake Trail continues around the lake for a total of 6½ miles. It's an easily managed though somewhat long trail hike if you circumnavigate the whole lake—allow three hours, not counting any forays into Cascade Canyon on the west side of the lake. You'll walk through a lodgepole-pine forest, have expansive views of the lake and the land to the east, and hug the shoulder of the massive Teton range itself. Along the way you may see elk, foxes, pikas, golden-mantled ground squirrels, and a variety of ducks and water birds. Moderate. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83012.
Leigh Lake Trail. This flat trail follows String Lake's northeastern shore to Leigh Lake's southern shore, covering 2 miles in a round-trip of about an hour. You can extend your hike into a moderate 7½-mile, four-hour round-trip by following the forested east shore of Leigh Lake to tiny but pretty Bearpaw Lake. Along the way you'll have views of Mt. Moran across the lake, and you may be lucky enough to spot a moose or a bear. Another option from Leigh Lake's southern shore is the 13-mile round-trip hike into Paintbrush Canyon to Holly Lake. Moderate. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83012.
String Lake Trail. The 3½-mile loop around String Lake lies in the shadows of 11,144-foot Rockchuck Peak and 11,430-foot Mt. Saint John. This is also a good place to see moose and elk, hear songbirds, and view wildflowers. The hike, which takes about three hours, is a bit less crowded than others in the vicinity. Easy–Moderate. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83012.
Taggart Lake Trail. Hike 1½ miles from the trailhead to the lake and then, optionally, you can extend your trek by continuing on a 4-mile route around the lake where the terrain becomes steeper near Beaver Creek, or making the 5-mile loop trail around Bradley Lake, just to the north. There are views of Avalanche Canyon and areas where you might see moose. Allow an hour to get to the lake and back and another two to three hours to make it around one or both lakes. Moderate. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83012.
Difficult
Surprise and Amphitheater Lake Trails. A little more than 10 miles round-trip, this rigorous all-day hike starts at Lupine Meadows and switches back through steep pines and flowered meadows to Surprise Lake and the regal Amphitheater Lake, tucked away in an expansive rock basin. The trail weaves out for views of the sprawling valley, while Disappointment Peak looms above. Get to the trail early and allow six to eight hours to tackle the 3,000-foot gain. Difficult. Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83012.
Death Canyon Trail. This 7.9-mile round-trip trail to the junction with Static Peak Trail climbs some 2,100 feet, with lots of hills to traverse, a great view of Phelps Lake, and a final 1,061-foot climb up to a patrol cabin into this verdant glacial canyon. Give yourself about six hours to manage this rugged adventure. Difficult. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 83012.
Tours
The Hole Hiking Experience. For more than three decades, guides have led hikes and wildlife tours for all ages and ability levels in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The trips have an interpretive focus,with information about the history, geology, and ecology of the area. Many excursions incorporate yoga or have a holistic bent. In winter, cross-country ski and snowshoe tours in are offered in the park. Jackson, Wyoming, 83002. 307/690–4453; www.holehike.com.
