6 Must See Hikes In Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is known for its abundant wildlife and awe-inspiring peaks and has approximately 200 miles of trails to explore. If you are only visiting the area for a few days, it can be tough to narrow down the best hikes, so we did it for you! Here's a list of some of the most stunning hikes in Grand Teton for all types of outdoors people! 

Lake Solitude via Cascade Canyon

Distance: 14 miles out and back  |  Difficulty: Hard

Have time for just one big hike? Then don’t miss this one. It’s the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in everything The Grand Tetons have to offer. With an end elevation of 9,158 feet, this hike will showcase GTNP in all her glory. It's a 14-mile out-and-back trail full of wildflowers and winds through the picturesque Cascade Canyon into Paintbrush Canyon, ending at alpine Lake Solitude.

PRO TIP: Take the Jenny Lake ferry to the trailhead to chop off some miles.

Delta Lake

Distance: 8 miles out and back  |  Difficulty: Hard

If you have Instagram, chances are you’ve seen a photo of the infamous Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park. This lake was once a hidden, unmaintained trail in GTNP, but now that the secret is out, it is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Grand Teton National Park…and for good reason. To get to the lake, you’ll hike switchbacks for 3.5 miles until you reach the “off-roading” (our favorite part), which features boulder fields and very steep dirt trails. Your reward? An elevation gain of 2,349ft, an unmatchable view of the grand, and a magnificent lake.

PRO TIP: Beat the crowds (and the heat!) and start this hike at Sunrise.

Phelps Lake Overlook

Distance: 2 Miles  |  Difficulty: Easy

Need a quickie? Then, add this hike to your list while visiting GTNP. For one of the best views in the Grand Tetons with minimal elevation gain, it’s a great one for all hiking levels. Want to go further? Then hike another 2 miles past the overlook down to Phelps Lake and be greeted by crystal clear waters and a 40-foot jumping rock that all the locals frequent.

PRO TIP: Bring a blanket and a picnic and spend some time on the sandy beaches along the lake

Bradley & Taggart Lake

Distance: 5.5 miles  |  Difficulty: Easy

Get a 2-for-1 when hiking to Bradley and Taggart Lakes. This short but sweet hike will offer some of the best scenery one could hope for on an easy-breezy hike in Grand Teton National Park. This is a great option for the whole family, and the trail offers spectacular views of foliage and wildflowers. 

PRO TIP: Add this hike to the list July - September when temps are most pleasant, and wildflowers are in bloom.

Jackson Peak

Distance: 10.3 miles  |  Difficulty: Hard

Want a taste of where the locals hike? Then, head outside Grand Teton National Park and to the Jackson Peak Trail. This dog-friendly trail has an elevation gain of 2,641, at midpoint you’ll stumble upon Goodwin Lake (people also camp here), and once you reach the tip-top of Jackson Peak, you’ll be offered a mind-blowing view of The Grand Tetons. This is the best bang for your buck…while considered a “harder” hike…it offers the most elevation gain in the shortest amount of time.

PRO TIP: Opt for a 4WD while driving to the trailhead, the road is drivable but not maintained and can prove to be a very bumpy ride.

Teton Crest Trail

Distance: 40 miles  |  Difficulty: Hard

Looking for the ultimate backpacking trip? The Teton Crest Trail is an absolute fan-fave for the avid adventurer. This (roughly) 40-mile journey (depending on which route you choose) will provide the opportunity to see everything that Grand Teton National Park has to offer. Mile for mile, this route will keep on delivering breathtaking views and scenery. 

PRO TIP: You need a permit to hike the crest. Day of permits can be acquired on a first come, first serve basis at the Jenny Lake ranger station. Planner? Then visit [recreation.gov] and reserve.