Get up close and personal with nature along the many trails in Grand Teton National Park. Trek through the backcountry to experience a true wilderness setting. You can hike along overnight trails that challenge the fittest of individuals. Shorter trails are available if you prefer a daytime stroll to mountaineering in the backcountry.
Day Hikes
Grand Teton National Park has hiking trails suitable for day hikes. For easy hikes you can check out the Flagg Ranch, Colter Bay, Jackson Lake Lodge, Taggart Lake, Menors Ferry, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Cunningham Cabin areas.
If you are looking for a day hike that will challenge the limits of your physical abilities, then try hiking the Cascade Canyon, Death Canyon, Lupine Meadows or Granite Canyon areas.
Guided Tours
During the winter months, Grand Teton National Park offers guided snowshoe tours leaving from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitors Center. The tours are available from December 19 through March. Contact the park at 307-739-3399 for reservations and information.
Parking
Parking at the most popular trailheads is limited. You are allowed to park only in designated areas. During the summer the parking areas to the Death Canyon, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Lupine Meadows, South Jenny Lake and Spring Lake are full by 10 a.m. Plan an alternate hike or arrive at the trailhead early.
Backcountry
Grand Teton National Park has pristine backcountry trails that take you to the most remote areas of the park. Permits are required for overnight hiking in the backcountry and there is a limit on how long you can stay there. Some of the most strenuous hiking will require mountaineering equipment, ice picks, a topography map and compass. Some trails allow horses, donkeys or llamas as pack animals.
Permits
In order to hike overnight in the backcountry you have to obtain a backcountry permit. Permits can be reserved online, and they must be picked up in person no later than 10 a.m. on the day you plan to hike. As of 2010 there is a $25 fee to reserve the permit. If you do not want to reserve a permit, you can try to obtain one in person for free.
Safety
Grand Teton National Park has an abundance of wildlife. Animals such as wolves, bears, elk and bison can be dangerous. It is recommended that you keep at least 300 feet away from all large animals and never approach them. If your hike includes an overnight stay, bear proof containers are required to store food.
You should never hike alone. Park officials recommend that you rely on self-rescue techniques if you get into trouble on the trails. Self rescue involves relying on your hiking party or yourself to administer emergency first aid and transport an injured person to safety. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
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