Grand Teton National Park is a stunningly beautiful place full of adventure and exploration opportunities. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to even begin. To help you get started on your Grand Teton adventure, this article will guide you through the top six starting points for exploring the park.
From breathtaking views and captivating wildlife to amazing hiking trails and other outdoor activities, these starting points will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
At the start of your journey, you’ll want to get a good overview of Grand Teton National Park. The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is an excellent choice for this. This gorgeous drive takes you around the lake and provides stunning views of Mount Moran and Cascade Canyon, as well as wildlife spotting opportunities along the way. Other great places to explore include Signal Mountain, Jackson Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village, and Oxbow Bend.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, there are plenty of hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park that will take you on a journey through the park’s diverse terrain. Trails like Garnet Canyon and Phelps Lake Loop provide breathtaking views of the majestic Tetons while offering challenging hikes with rewarding experiences. You can also explore backcountry areas like Death Canyon Shelf or Paintbrush Divide to find hidden gems within the park.
The park also offers a variety of other outdoor activities such as boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an exhilarating adventure into nature’s beauty, Grand Teton National Park has something for everyone!
No matter what type of experience you’re seeking in Grand Teton National
Teton Village, WY
Teton Village, located in the town of Jackson Hole, is the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. The village is home to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which offers access to the park’s ski and snowboarding terrain. In summer, the resort’s gondola provides breathtaking views of the Teton Range. The village also has several restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Grand Teton National Park is full of incredible views, wildlife, and photo ops. And while there are many ways to explore the park, we think the best way to start is from Teton Village.
Teton Village is home to some of the best hotels in Grand Teton National Park, as well as great restaurants and shops. Plus, it’s close to some of the park’s most popular attractions.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Teton Village:
1. Take the Aerial Tram up to Rendezvous Mountain
2. Hike or bike the trails around Teton Village
3. Go fishing on Jackson Lake
4. Visit Jenny Lake and take a boat ride or hike around Cascade Canyon
5. Drive through Moran Junction and see Yellowstone National Park
National Elk Refuge, Jackson WY
One of the best places to start exploring Grand Teton National Park is the National Elk Refuge. The National Elk Refuge is located in Jackson, Wyoming and is home to a large herd of elk. The refuge also offers a variety of other wildlife, including bison, coyotes, eagles, and trumpeter swans.
Visitors can explore the National Elk Refuge on foot, by horseback, or by car. There are several loop trails that wind through the refuge, offering up-close views of the wildlife. The refuge also has an auto tour route that takes visitors through some of the best spots for wildlife viewing.
Whether you’re looking to view wildlife or just soak up some beautiful scenery, the National Elk Refuge is a great place to start your exploration of Grand Teton National Park.
Jackson, WY
If you’re looking to explore Grand Teton National Park, one of the best places to start is Jackson, Wyoming. This vibrant town is located just south of the park and is a great basecamp for all your adventures. From here, you can easily access all the major highlights of the park including Jenny Lake, String Lake, and Cascade Canyon.
There are plenty of things to do in Jackson even if you’re not planning on spending time in the national park. The town is home to several art galleries, museums, shops, and restaurants. You can also take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the area including hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something to do in Jackson.
Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. The park covers nearly 310,000 acres and includes the Teton Mountain Range, Yellowstone National Park, and the Jackson Hole valley. There are many different ways to explore Grand Teton, but one of the best starting points is Moose, Wyoming.
Moose is a small town located just outside of Grand Teton National Park. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to all the action but still have a little bit of peace and quiet. There are plenty of hotels and lodges in Moose, as well as restaurants and shops. You can also find several tour companies in town that offer guided tours of the park.
Moose, WY
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, there are also several hiking and camping options in Moose. One of the most popular trails is the Teton Crest Trail, which offers stunning views of the mountains and wildlife. There are also numerous lakes and rivers nearby that are perfect for fishing or paddling.
No matter what your interests are, Moose is a great place to start exploring Grand Teton National Park.
Moran, WY
Moran, WY is the perfect starting point for exploring Grand Teton National Park. From Moran, you can easily access all of the park’s major attractions. And, because Moran is located right at the edge of the park, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the Tetons throughout your visit.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Moran, we recommend the Jackson Lake Lodge. The lodge is situated right on Jackson Lake and offers beautiful views of the Tetons. It’s also a great place to enjoy some of the park’s many activities, like hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
Wilson, WY
Wilson, WY is the perfect starting point for exploring Grand Teton National Park. Located just south of the park, Wilson is a quaint town with plenty of character. From here, you can easily access all of the park’s major attractions.
Some of the must-see sights in Grand Teton National Park include Jackson Hole, Jenny Lake, and the Snake River. Wilson is also a great base for enjoying some of the area’s other popular activities, like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Wilson is the ideal place to start your journey through Grand Teton National Park.
Tips while visiting the Grand Teton National Park
When visiting Grand Teton National Park, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience. Here are some tips:
-Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall for the best weather and fewer crowds.
-Start your visit at one of the park’s visitor centers to get orientated and pick up a map.
-There are many ranger-led activities available throughout the park, so be sure to ask about these when you’re at the visitor center.
-There are plenty of trails suitable for all levels of hikers, so don’t be afraid to explore.
-Be aware of wildlife while you’re in the park and give them space if you see them.
-And finally, enjoy your time in this beautiful place!
Conclusion
Exploring Grand Teton National Park is an amazing experience that you will never forget. We hope this guide has helped you decide which starting point is best for your adventure, as well as what to expect when visiting each spot.
Whether you like hiking, fishing, camping, or just want to take in the beauty of nature, Grand Teton National Park has something for every type of explorer. So get out there and explore!
Additionally, we recommend taking some time to visit the other nearby national parks as well. Yellowstone National Park is just a few miles away and provides an entirely different landscape with its geothermal hot springs, geysers, and wildlife.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is also close by and provides a great base camp for your adventure with its downtown shops and restaurants. With so much to explore in this area of the Rocky Mountains, you will never run out of amazing experiences to be had!
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