Photo: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Tetons shoot up from the valley floor with no foothills in the way, so every lake along their base doubles as a mirror. Most of the best hikes start at those lakes and climb into canyons full of moose, waterfalls and wildflowers. Two or three days covers the classics: Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon, a lake loop, and one big climb. Start early for calm water, cooler trails and open parking.
TRAILS
1 OF 7
Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
1.8 mi
Elevation gain
550 ft
Jenny Lake · Jenny Lake Visitor Center — The classic Teton outing. Take the boat across Jenny Lake, walk up to Hidden Falls tumbling through the forest, then climb a rocky ledge to Inspiration Point, high above the lake with the whole valley spread out. Skip the boat and walk the shore trail instead for about 5.7 miles round trip. Catch an early boat to beat the crowds.
⚠︎ Distance shown uses the Jenny Lake boat (seasonal, fee).
Photo: Buidhe, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 7
Cascade Canyon to the Forks
Difficulty
Hard
Length
9.4 mi
Elevation gain
1,500 ft
Jenny Lake · West Shore boat dock — Past Inspiration Point, the trail levels into a long glacial canyon with Teewinot and the Grand towering overhead and a creek running alongside. It's one of the best places in the park to see moose, and the climbing is gentle once you're in. Walk as far as you like; the forks make a natural turnaround. Carry bear spray and make noise on blind corners.
⚠︎ Distance shown uses the Jenny Lake boat; add about 4 miles without it.
Photo: G. Edward Johnson, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 7
Taggart Lake
Difficulty
Easy
Length
3 mi
Elevation gain
350 ft
Teton Park Road · Taggart Lake trailhead — The quickest way to an alpine lake at the foot of the Grand. The trail crosses open sage and a burn area full of wildflowers and young aspens, then reaches a clear lake with the peaks rising right behind it. Add Bradley Lake for a 5.6-mile loop. Great at sunrise, and the lot fills by mid-morning in summer.
Photo: mellow cat from Redwood City, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 7
Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes
Difficulty
Strenuous
Length
9.8 mi
Elevation gain
3,100 ft
Teton Park Road · Lupine Meadows trailhead — A relentless set of switchbacks climbs straight up the face of the range to two small lakes tucked in cirques just below the Grand Teton. The views back over Jackson Hole get bigger with every turn. It's a real workout at altitude, so start early and pace yourself. Snow can linger near the lakes into July.
Photo: Untitledmind72 (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 7
String Lake Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Length
3.7 mi loop
Elevation gain
540 ft
Jenny Lake area · String Lake trailhead — A relaxed loop around a slim, shallow lake that's warmer than its neighbors and perfect for wading or paddling. The west side runs right below Rockchuck Peak and Mount Saint John, with Mount Moran reflected on calm mornings. A great family hike and an easy add-on to a lazy lake day.
Photo: Stan Petersen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 7
Phelps Lake Loop
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
6.4 mi loop
Elevation gain
1,050 ft
Moose-Wilson Road · Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve — The Rockefeller Preserve feels like a quieter, gentler side of the park, with forest trails, streams and a lovely visitor center. The loop circles Phelps Lake, passing beaches, boulders and views up Death Canyon. Wildlife is common here, from moose to black bears. The parking lot is small and fills early, so arrive first thing.
Photo: GrandTetonNPS, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
7 OF 7
Lake Solitude
Difficulty
Strenuous
Length
14.4 mi
Elevation gain
2,700 ft
Jenny Lake · West Shore boat dock — Continue up the North Fork of Cascade Canyon past the forks to a high lake ringed by meadows, with the Grand and Mount Owen framed down-canyon. It's a long day, but the grades stay friendly and the scenery gets wilder all the way. Pikas whistle from the rock piles near the top. Start on the first boat.
⚠︎ Distance shown uses the Jenny Lake boat. Snow often lingers into July.
Photo: GrandTetonNPS, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Grand Teton trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.