7 Amazing Adventures in Grand Tetons National Park

Few places we’ve traveled have felt as grand and utterly impressive as Grand Tetons National Park in western Wyoming. These impressively tall mountains host a wide variety of activities and scenery for its nearly 5 million yearly visitors. Without a doubt, any amount of time in the Tetons will feel too short. While much smaller than “that park just north,” the Grand Tetons manage to pack a lifetime of outdoor adventure into some of the United States’ youngest mountains. Without question, there are many beautiful places in America, but the Grand Tetons are a captivating example of what public lands can be. Outdoor adventurers, eat your heart out, we’ve got seven amazing adventures for you to dream about and start planning your next trip.

No guide will do the Grand Tetons complete justice, but getting a footing in this outdoor wonderland can be a daunting task. Our guide should serve as a starting block on exploring this rugged terrain and hopefully provide new visitors and seasoned patrons with some fuel for thought on their next adventures around Jackson, WY.

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1. Day Hike or Backcountry in the Paintbrush Canyon

Paintbrush Canyon – Named for the lush and colorful flora outlining this scenic trail and its meadows.

The Paintbrush Canyon is the perfect place to see fall colors year round as yellow and red vegetation follows the trail that cuts between Mt. St. John and Mt. Woodring. This fairly easy hike starts at the Leigh Lake Trailhead and ascends gently upwards for four and a half miles through a lush green forest to the Paintbrush Falls and some backcountry campsites. We did this route and circled back in three hours total. If you are feeling particularly venturesome, get a backcountry permit and stay overnight at the Paintbrush Canyon Backcountry Campsites, in the morning you can push on for another five and a half miles traversing this unusually colorful canyon to Lake Solitude. From here you can choose to hike back the way you came, or circle around southeast through the famous Cascade Canyon and then on to Jenny Lake whose trail continues back to Leigh Lake Trailhead. All in all this strenuous hike will cover nearly twenty miles, quite the adventure!

Also in the Area:

Leigh Lake – This beautiful lake with crystal clear cyan waters with stunning views of Mt. Moran is the perfect place to post up for the afternoon
String Lake Loop – A popular loop trail that circles the three most popular lakes in the park: Jenny, String, and Leigh Lakes
Cathedral Group Turnout – The perfect place to see falling glacier ice on Mt. Moran’s summit.

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2. See the Sunrise at Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake – Named for the Shoshone guide who helped map the area with her husband, Dick Leigh.

Even if you are not a morning person, seeing the sunrise along the rugged mountain range of the Grand Tetons is a must. With the sun rising from the East, this dramatic lighting of the mountains is the best of the day. Arrive early, pay nothing on entrance to the park, and wait for the dawn to transform the surrounding landscape with warm light. After you snag a few snapshots, wake up with a hike out to Inspiration Point. This is one of the most popular hikes of the park, so getting there around sunrise will certainly cut down on the number of people you will be sharing the trail with. Early morning hours will also put you in perfect position for spotting wildlife. The animals flock to the lake in the morning hours and are often seen while hiking the two mile trail.

Also in the Area:

The Ferry to Inspiration Point – Begins operation at different times throughout the season. Check their website for up to date timetables and fees.
Hike into Cascade Canyon – Gradual climbs through the canyon from Inspiration Point are sure to wow you, or you can choose to hike deeper all the way to Lake Solitude and on to the Paintbrush Canyon
Hike to Leigh Lake – The easy hike connects Jenny Lake to String and Leigh Lake in an easy day hike loop trail

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3. Free Overnight Camping With a View

Bridger – Teton National Forest Campsite – 2 miles in along a unpaved road. Best to go early or on a weekday to avoid the crowds and snag one of the mountain view campsites.

What’s more adventurous than camping out in the middle of bear country? Grab a can of bear spray because this site is oh so worth it. In all seriousness, we saw no bears in our three days camped here. The southeastern area of the Bridger – Teton National Forest has much less bear sightings as the northern Rockefeller Parkway campsites. AND THOSE VIEWS. You’ll never want to leave this campsite after you hear the silence of the forest and see the most spectacular sunrises that dawn can bring. Why pay for campsites, many of which fill up quickly during the high season, when you can stay at this beaut for free?

More in depth information and reminders for the area:

Bring bear spray and a bear proof food bag . There may be less bears in the eastern forests, but better safe than sorry!
There is a 14 day limit in any 30 day period in any of the Bridger Teton National Forest
Pack it out. Leave the area better than when you arrived. Pack out any trash or waste and only dump grey water if you use biodegradable soap.
Hard sided vehicle camping is recommended due to the bears, but tent camping is allowed.

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4. Picnic and Hike at Leigh Lake

Leigh Lake was named after Dick Leigh, a famous beaver trapper from the early days of the park who helped to map some of the area with his wife.

Sometimes adventures can also be lazy afternoons spent picnicking on the side of a lake, and the gorgeous cyan blue waters of Leigh Lake are the perfect spot for just a day. Situated near Leigh Lake Trailhead and with loads of ample parking, you can easily haul all your food, gear, drinks, kids, and kitchen sink out to the shores for a perfect day in the shade. The 12,605 foot Mt. Moran lies to the northwest and towers over the lake giving you incredible views of the falling glacier ice near its peak. Mystic Isle and Boulder Island stand out iconically from the middle of the lake waters and can easily be circumnavigated if you bring a kayak. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend an entire day!

Also in the Area:

Trapper and Bearpaw Lake – The northernmost points of the Leigh Lake hike and usually quite empty!
Falling Glacier Ice – Look up towards the top of Mt. Moran for views of the glacier.

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5. See the Iconic Reflections of the Tetons

Schwabacher Road – A pullout along Highway 89, before you enter the park

A far less traveled, but equally stunning location just outside of the park is Schwabacher Road along the Highway 89. If you are driving too quickly, you might just miss the turnout! This small road leads to three small parking lots situated along the Snake River. At dawn and dusk, you can see moose, elk, otters, muskrats, beavers, bison, herons, swans, and bald eagles if you are quiet and watch patiently. The best time to go, however, is in the morning as the mountains light up and their reflections fall beautifully on the river. Take your camera and get ready to be wowed in this free access to the park!

Also in the Area:

Glacier View Turnout – Another free turnout along Highway 89 with stunning views of the range and its glaciers.
Death Canyon Trail – A moderate, four hour hike with sheer rock walls rising on either side of the trail.
Moose City – A historic town with a great visitor center offering exhibits, videos, permits, and general information.

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6. Kayak Along the Snake River or One of the Many Lakes

The Snake River winds along the southeastern side of the Teton range and is simply teeming with wildlife and picture perfect scenes of the rocky mountains. Kayaking, rafting, and canoeing are some of the most popular ways to experience the National Park. Starting at Moran Junction, float your way down along the banks of the river towards Moose Landing. Most of the river seems tame enough, but it is deceptively rugged near the Deadman’s Bar halfway point, so if you aren’t up for the journey alone, consider a guided trip with one of the outfitters around Moran Junction. Any adventure down the Snake River is bound to be an epic memory of your time in the park!

And now some safety info and reminders:

Check with park rangers about permits for some areas of the Snake River may require them depending on the season.
Take your trash with you! Bring a trash bag with you and pack out your waste.
First time kayakers, consider a guide! You can also rent kayaks at many of the outfitters in Moran Junction.

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7. Explore the Park on Bike

Though there may be several free public access trails along the park highways with views of the range, the park itself boasts nine moderate mountain biking trails that are sure to be a highlight of your trip! The distances vary greatly from quick and easy five mile rides, to strenuous day long journeys that go on for more than twenty miles. Bold or adventurous riders should find plenty of views of the park, wildflowers, and rugged landscape that are truly excellent. These paths will challenge anyone and are a unique way to experience the Grand Tetons.

Hey, be safe out there! Don’t forget:

Take plenty of water and snacks for the journey, you’re going to need them on this adventure!
There are several trails in the park, so be sure that biking is allowed. Most of the trails are for foot traffic or pack animals only.
Grab a detailed topographic map of the area for more in depth information. We love the waterproof maps of the parks and they have detailed info on all the bike trails and hikes offered.