Trails in Grand Teton National Park

Static Peak Divide is a very strenuous hike that takes a full day to complete. After heading into Death Canyon, take the split to Static Peak Divide. The trail switchbacks up the side of the canyon, gaining significant elevation over the next few miles. This can be hazardous for those not acclimated to high altitude. The best cure for altitude sickness is to retreat to a lower elevation. Once at the divide, hikers will have stunning views of the Teton Range and Alaska Basin. Static Peak Divide often holds snow until July. Those planning to hike the divide should stop by the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center or the Jenny Lake Ranger Station before attempting the hike. Ice axes and crampons – along with the knowledge of how to use them – may be necessary until mid-summer.

Hikers looking for a longer trail to Phelps Lake will enjoy this moderate loop. Leaving from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, follow the Aspen Ridge Trail. The trail takes hikers through aspen groves and boulder fields before reaching Phelps Lake. Once at the lake, the forest opens up to reveal the lake and views into Death Canyon. Follow the Boulder Ridge Trail to complete the loop back.

Hikers looking for a longer trail to Phelps Lake will enjoy this moderate loop. Leaving from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, follow the Aspen Ridge Trail. The trail takes hikers through aspen groves and boulder fields before reaching Phelps Lake. Once at the lake, the forest opens up to reveal the lake and views into Death Canyon. Follow the Boulder Ridge Trail to complete the loop back.

Hike to two alpine lakes on the Taggart Lake - Bradley Lake Loop. Leaving from the Taggart Lake Trailhead, hikers will wind up an aspen-covered moraine before the trail opens up to views of the Tetons. At the Bradley Lake trail split, follow the trail right to Bradley Lake. From Bradley Lake, follow signs to Taggart Lake and complete the loop back to the parking lot. Hikers will find spectacular views of two alpine lakes with the Teton Range behind.

Cascade Canyon, a glacially carved u-shaped canyon, passes between Teewinot and Mount St. John to provide easy access into the Teton backcountry. This out and back trail is a popular option with visitors who want to get into the mountains without gaining a significant amount of elevation. While following Cascade Creek, the trail provides spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including the Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot. This trail also provides an opportunity to spot wildlife like moose and bears, as well as some of our alpine species like pika. While the trail continues several miles back into the canyon before splitting, you may stop and find a turning point at any time, making the trail as long or as short as you would like.

One of the most popular trails within the park, hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point allows for spectacular views of Jenny Lake, a 100 ft cascading waterfall, and the Jackson Hole Valley. Visitors may choose to walk around the southern lakeshore or utilize the privately-run shuttle boat to cross the lake and shorten the hike. (If you are planning on using the shuttle, be sure to check their hours and prices . Tickets are purchased directly at the boat dock.) Once on the west side, the trail gently slopes up 200 ft in elevation towards Hidden Falls, a 100 ft tall cascade fed by snowmelt. Visitors wishing to hike further can continue up the trail another 0.5 mile to Inspiration Point, which provides a view above Jenny Lake and out into the Jackson Hole Valley, as well as a view of Cascade Canyon and the Cathedral Group: Mount Owen, Teewinot, and the Grand Teton.

This loop trail provides a plethora of views including Cascade Canyon, the Cathedral Group, and Jenny Lake. From the Jenny Lake Trailhead, follow the trail north, along the east side of the lake, to the south end of String Lake. Cross the bridge to stay around Jenny Lake and spot some incredible views of the Cathedral Group: Mount Owen, the Grand Teton, and Teewinot. Continue south along the west side of Jenny Lake, passing trail junctions for Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point and Cascade Canyon, all of which are great trails that may be added to this hike if wanted. Around the southern shore you will pass Moose Ponds. Here, a short spur trail leading to an overlook where moose and beaver are frequently sighted may be added to the hike if desired. The trail ends back at the Jenny Lake Trailhead, completing the loop. This hike is a great option for visitors who enjoy mountain and lake views and are looking for a longer trail without too much elevation gain.

This very strenuous 20 mile loop takes you up Paintbrush Canyon, over Paintbrush Divide to Lake Solitude, and down Cascade Canyon. The trail offers some of the most spectacular views in the park, with the 10,700ft Paintbrush Divide offering panoramic views of Mount Moran, Mount Woodring, and Rockchuck Peak. From Lake Solitude, hikers have a direct view of the Grand Teton and Mount Owen. Hikers should plan on a full day to hike the loop. Before attempting the loop, stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a ranger about conditions on Paintbrush Divide, as the divide often holds snow until mid-July and can be dangerous if attempted without the proper snow equipment.

The Christian Pond Loop is a trail that takes hikers through a variety of habitats. Starting from Jackson Lake Lodge, the trail loops the pond and travels through marsh habitat. The trail then climbs a forested ridge and offers views of the Teton Range. When traveling through dense willows, be alert for wildlife.

The Christian Pond Loop is a trail that takes hikers through a variety of habitats. Starting from Jackson Lake Lodge, the trail loops the pond and travels through marsh habitat. The trail then climbs a forested ridge and offers views of the Teton Range. When traveling through dense willows, be alert for wildlife.

Head into Death Canyon for spectacular views of Phelps Lake and the surrounding peaks. Starting from the Death Canyon Trailhead, hikers will climb to the Phelps Lake Overlook before dropping down to Phelps Lake and then climbing back up into Death Canyon. The trail winds through forests and up rocky slopes before reaching the patrol cabin. From there, hikers have the option to continue into the canyon, split off to the Static Peak Divide Trail, or head back to the trailhead. In spring and early summer the trail is often covered with snow and can be dangerous without experience and the proper equipment. Check conditions at a visitor center before attempting the trail early in the season.

This moderate loop hike provides access to Phelps Lake as well as views into Death Canyon and the southern end of the Teton Range. Start the trail from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and follow the trail as it loops Phelps Lake. Those looking to extend the hike can add the Aspen Ridge or Boulder Ridge trails on the way to and from the lake.

Travel into the heart of the Teton range on this strenuous hike. Leaving from the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, the trail switchbacks up to Three-Mile Junction where it splits. The trail to the left leads to Garnet Canyon. About a mile into the canyon the trail reaches a boulder field. Scrambling is required to cross the boulder field. Visitors should be physically fit and comfortable with route finding before attempting to cross it. Once in the canyon, hikers will find themselves surrounded by some of the more prominent peaks in the range: Nez Perce, South and Middle Teton, the Grand Teton, and Disappointment Peak. Hikers should exercise caution when taking the Garnet Canyon Trail, as boulder field crossings and significant elevation gain can be hazardous. If planning to travel into Garnet Canyon, stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a backcountry ranger about conditions.

Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead

Hike from the Teton Village base area to the top of Rendezvous Mountain via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails , or take the Aerial Tram ( fees apply ), to start this moderate hike down Granite Canyon. From the summit, the trail follows the ridgeline down to the South Fork of Granite Canyon with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trail takes visitors through dense forests and open fields that are bright with wildflowers during the growing season as they travel along Granite Creek down the canyon. Trails are not recommended for hiking until snow has melted, usually by late July. Take the Valley Trail and Jackson Hole Moutain Resort trails to return to the Teton Village base area.

Valley Trail Access

For a strenuous out and back hike, hike from the Teton Village base area via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails to the start of the Valley Trail. Take the Valley Trail to the Granite Canyon Trail and follow Granite Creek up the canyon through forests and wildflower meadows to the South Fork Granite Canyon trail junction. Return the same way.

Granite Canyon Trailhead

For a strenuous out and back hike, start from the Granite Canyon Trailhead and follow Granite Creek up the canyon through forests and wildflower meadows to the South Fork Granite Canyon trail junction. Return the same way.

Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead

Hike from the Teton Village base area to the top of Rendezvous Mountain via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails , or take the Aerial Tram ( fees apply ), to start this strenuous hike to Marion Lake. From the summit, the trail follows the ridgeline down to the Middle Fork of Granite Canyon with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and meadows full of bright wildflowers during the growing season. The trail ascends and descends several ridges before arriving at Marion Lake. Stop and rest at this spectacular alpine lake before making the return trip to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. Return via the North and South Forks of Granite Canyon to complete this loop hike. Trails are not recommended for hiking until snow has melted, usually by late July.

Granite Canyon Trailhead

Head back into Granite Canyon for a strenuous hike to Marion Lake. Starting from the Granite Canyon Trailhead, hikers will follow Granite Creek as they travel up through the canyon. The trail takes visitors through dense forests and open fields that are bright with wildflowers in early summer. Once in Upper Granite Canyon, the trail opens up to reveal stunning views of the surrounding peaks and canyon below. Stop and rest at Marion Lake – a spectacular alpine lake – before making the return trip.

Those looking for a longer, but relatively flat hike, will enjoy treking to Hermitage Point. From Colter Bay, take the trail to Heron Pond, but instead of circling back to Swan Lake, continue on towards Hermitage Point. The trail traverses rolling terrain through forests, meadows, and wetlands. Once at the point, hikers will be greeted by views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. Follow signs to continue the loop back to Colter Bay.

Head into Paintbrush Canyon for a strenuous 13 mile hike to Holly Lake. Starting at the String Lake Trailhead, cross the bridge over the String Lake outlet, and continue along the western side of the lake. Follow Paintbrush Canyon up until you reach the Holly Lake junction. From there, it’s another half mile to the lake. This hike offers panoramic views of Paintbrush Canyon and Leigh and Jackson Lakes below.

Take a hike down the South Fork of Cascade Canyon for some of the most spectacular views in the park. After starting at the Jenny Lake Trailhead, hikers may either walk around the southern end of the lake or take a shuttle boat across the lake to access Cascade Canyon. Hikers will then head down the relatively flat canyon, before taking a left at the forks of the canyon. From there begins a 5.3 mile uphill climb, passing Schoolroom Glacier, and ending at the 10,400 ft Hurricane Pass. Here, hikers have panoramic views of "Les Trois Tetons" (Grand, Middle, and South Teton), as well as an aerial view of Schoolroom Glacier. Stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a backcountry ranger before heading out, as the pass can retain snow until mid-July.

One of the most popular trails within the park, hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point allows for spectacular views of Jenny Lake, a 100 ft cascading waterfall, and the Jackson Hole Valley. Visitors may choose to walk around the southern lakeshore or utilize the privately-run shuttle boat to cross the lake and shorten the hike. (If you are planning on using the shuttle, be sure to check their hours and prices . Tickets are purchased directly at the boat dock.) Once on the west side, the trail gently slopes up 200 ft in elevation towards Hidden Falls, a 100 ft tall cascade fed by snowmelt. Visitors wishing to hike further can continue up the trail another 0.5 mile to Inspiration Point, which provides a view above Jenny Lake and out into the Jackson Hole Valley, as well as a view of Cascade Canyon and the Cathedral Group: Mount Owen, Teewinot, and the Grand Teton.

This loop trail provides a plethora of views including Cascade Canyon, the Cathedral Group, and Jenny Lake. From the Jenny Lake Trailhead, follow the trail north, along the east side of the lake, to the south end of String Lake. Cross the bridge to stay around Jenny Lake and spot some incredible views of the Cathedral Group: Mount Owen, the Grand Teton, and Teewinot. Continue south along the west side of Jenny Lake, passing trail junctions for Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point and Cascade Canyon, all of which are great trails that may be added to this hike if wanted. Around the southern shore you will pass Moose Ponds. Here, a short spur trail leading to an overlook where moose and beaver are frequently sighted may be added to the hike if desired. The trail ends back at the Jenny Lake Trailhead, completing the loop. This hike is a great option for visitors who enjoy mountain and lake views and are looking for a longer trail without too much elevation gain.

Take an easy hike along Lake Creek to the shore of Phelps Lake. The trail begins at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and winds through the surrounding forest and along the banks of Lake Creek. Once at Phelps Lake, the forest opens up to reveal the lake and views into Death Canyon. Follow the Woodland Trail to complete the loop back.

This popular Teton hike offers views of the surrounding peaks, alpine lakes, and ample wildlife viewing opportunities. Starting from the Jenny Lake Trailhead, visitors can hike around the south end of Jenny Lake or take a shuttle boat across for access to Cascade Canyon. Once in the canyon, follow the relatively flat trail to the Forks of Cascade Canyon. At the trail junction, take a right, following the signs for Lake Solitude. Hikers will climb over the next 2.5 miles to arrive at Lake Solitude. From here, hikers may turn around to make this an out and back day hike. The trail does continue from Lake Solitude however, passing over Paintbrush Divide and down Paintbrush Canyon. Those planning to complete the Paintbrush-Cascade Loop should stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a ranger about conditions on Paintbrush Divide, as the divide often holds snow until mid-July and can be dangerous if attempted without the proper snow equipment.

Take an easy hike down the Lakeshore Trail for views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range. Starting from the Colter Bay Visitor Center, follow signs for the Lakeshore Trail. The trail takes visitors through a forested area and along the shore of Jackson Lake.

Starting along the eastern shore of String Lake, this trail takes you through the forested shorelines and beyond Leigh Lake to Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes. While the trail is long, there is little elevation change, making it an easy to moderately difficult trail. The trail ends at Trapper Lake, a small lake in an open meadow, and allows for spectacular views of Mount Moran.

Hiking along the eastern shore of String Lake and beyond brings you to the southern end of Leigh Lake, accessible only by trail or by non-motorized boat. This allows for quieter, less populated lake and mountain views on a relatively flat, easy trail. For a longer hike, head further down the eastern shore of Leigh Lake, providing more beach access and less obstructed views.

Hike to the historic Murie Ranch on this easy out and back trail. Leaving from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, follow the trail as it winds through the woods and ends at the Murie Ranch. From there, visitors can explore the Murie Ranch or head back to the visitor center.

Park at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to access the trail.

Death Canyon Trailhead

Open Canyon is a very strenuous, out and back trail that winds through alpine forests along the shores of Phelps Lake before ascending into the canyon and transporting hikers to alpine terrain near Mount Hunt Divide. Take in the views at the divide before returning the same way. Before attempting this hike, stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a ranger about conditions on Mount Hunt Divide, as the divide often holds snow until mid-July and can be dangerous if attempted without the proper snow equipment.

Rendezvous Mountain Trailhead

Hike from the Teton Village base area to the top of Rendezvous Mountain via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails , or take the Aerial Tram ( fees apply ), to start this very strenuous point-to-point hike over Mount Hunt Divide and down Open Canyon. Take the Valley Trail and Jackson Hole Moutain Resort trails to return to the Teton Village base area. Before attempting this hike, stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a ranger about conditions on Mount Hunt Divide, as the divide often holds snow until mid-July and can be dangerous if attempted without the proper snow equipment.

Head into Paintbrush Canyon for a strenuous 13 mile hike to Holly Lake. Starting at the String Lake Trailhead, cross the bridge over the String Lake outlet, and continue along the western side of the lake. Follow Paintbrush Canyon up until you reach the Holly Lake junction. From there, it’s another half mile to the lake. This hike offers panoramic views of Paintbrush Canyon and Leigh and Jackson Lakes below.

This very strenuous 20 mile loop takes you up Paintbrush Canyon, over Paintbrush Divide to Lake Solitude, and down Cascade Canyon. The trail offers some of the most spectacular views in the park, with the 10,700ft Paintbrush Divide offering panoramic views of Mount Moran, Mount Woodring, and Rockchuck Peak. From Lake Solitude, hikers have a direct view of the Grand Teton and Mount Owen. Hikers should plan on a full day to hike the loop. Before attempting the loop, stop by the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak with a ranger about conditions on Paintbrush Divide, as the divide often holds snow until mid-July and can be dangerous if attempted without the proper snow equipment.

This moderate loop hike provides access to Phelps Lake as well as views into Death Canyon and the southern end of the Teton Range. Start the trail from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and follow the trail as it loops Phelps Lake. Those looking to extend the hike can add the Aspen Ridge or Boulder Ridge trails on the way to and from the lake.

Hike up Signal Mountain for spectacular views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. Starting from the Signal Mountain Lodge, cross the Teton Park Road and follow the signs to the trailhead. From there, the trail winds upwards through the forest to the summit of Signal Mountain where hikers are met with panoramic views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.

Circle around String Lake for views of Mount St. John, Rockchuck Peak, and the Jackson Hole Valley. Begin by heading south around the east shore of the lake for a more gradual elevation gain. This trail is mostly covered but passes through an older, open burned area below the peaks before ducking back into the trees.

Take an easy loop trail for access to two ponds and views of the Teton Range. From Colter Bay, take the trail to Heron Pond. From there, continue on to Swan Lake before heading back to Colter Bay. The trail winds through forests and wetlands. Swan Lake and Heron pond are both home to birds and other wildlife.

Those looking for a longer trail can drop down to Emma Matilda Lake for a 10.7 mile loop. Heading around the lakeshore, hikers will be met with views of the Teton Range. In early to mid-summer, wildflowers populate the area, brightening up the landscape and making for stunning views. Don’t forget the bug spray! Due to the wet, marshy nature of the landscape, Emma Matilda Lake is a popular area for mosquitos.

Those looking for a more secluded hike will enjoy looping Two Ocean Lake. Leaving from the Two Ocean Lake Trailhead, hikers can head around the lakeshore for views of the Teton Range. In early to mid-summer, wildflowers populate the area, brightening up the landscape and making for stunning views. Don’t forget the bug spray! Due to the wet, marshy nature of the landscape, Two Ocean Lake is a popular area for mosquitos.

Hikers hoping to view both Two Ocean and Emma Matilda Lakes can make a 13.2 mile loop around them both. Starting from the Two Ocean Lake Trailhead, the trail leads hikers around the north shore of Two Ocean Lake. The trail then crests at Grand View Point, which offers panoramic views of both lakes and Jackson Hole. The trail then goes downhill to Emma Matilda Lake to complete the loop. In early to mid-summer, wildflowers populate the area, brightening up the landscape and making for stunning views. Don’t forget the bug spray! Due to the wet, marshy nature of the landscape, this s a popular area for mosquitos.

The Valley Trail is a strenuous, out and back trail that winds through alpine forests, connecting Teton Village to Grand Teton National Park's valley lakes. Start the trail from the Teton Village base area. After an initial ascent to the start of the Valley Trail via Jackson Hole Mountain Resort trails , follow the trail across rolling terrain before ascending to the Phelps Lake Overlook. Return the same way or continue on for a longer hike.

Take an easy hike along Lake Creek to the shore of Phelps Lake. The trail begins at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and winds through the surrounding forest and along the banks of Lake Creek. Once at Phelps Lake, the forest opens up to reveal the lake and views into Death Canyon. Follow the Woodland Trail to complete the loop back.