Grand Teton National Park: planning guide
A steep mountain wall rising above Jackson Hole in Wyoming. Lakes, valley floors, and short approaches to big scenery.
Grand Teton National Park is in WY, United States. The nearest town is Jackson — roughly 21.8 mi (35.1 km) out, about 50 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow. Shoulder season: late June and late September.
High passes and trails hold snow from October into June, and some roads close entirely for the winter.
Afternoon thunderstorms build fast above treeline in summer. Start early and be off exposed ridges by early afternoon.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 21.8 mi (35.1 km) | 50 min |
| Star Valley Ranch | 58.2 mi (93.7 km) | 1 hr 50 min |
| Afton | 74.7 mi (120 km) | 2 hr 13 min |
| Pinedale | 75.9 mi (122 km) | 2 hr 15 min |
| Marbleton | 90.1 mi (145 km) | 2 hr 35 min |
| Cody | 95.2 mi (153 km) | 2 hr 42 min |
| Powell | 116 mi (187 km) | 3 hr 12 min |
| Lander | 118 mi (190 km) | 3 hr 15 min |
Before you go
Grand Teton National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Teton National Park Backcountry Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Colter Bay | Reservable | — |
| Colter Bay Marina End Ties | Reservable | — |
| Colter Bay RV Park | Reservable | — |
| Colter Bay Tent Village | Reservable | — |
| Gros Ventre | Reservable | — |
| Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch | Reservable | — |
| Jenny Lake | Reservable | — |
| Lizard Creek | Reservable | — |
| Signal Mountain | Reservable | — |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Teton National Park Backcountry Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
Where Grand Teton National Park sits
Official Grand Teton National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park sits close enough to Yellowstone National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone National Park | 56.7 mi (91.2 km) | 1 hr 48 min |
Parks close by
- Yellowstone National Park
A large volcanic plateau with geysers, wildlife, and big loops of park road across Wyoming (and bits of Montana/Idaho).
- Rocky Mountain National Park
High peaks and alpine lakes west of Denver. Trail Ridge Road crosses the park when snow allows.
- Arches National Park
Red sandstone fins and natural arches in the Utah desert. Easy to see a lot from short walks near the road.
- Wind Cave National Park
A cave under mixed-grass prairie in South Dakota. Cave tours below; bison and prairie dogs on the surface.
Common questions
Where is Grand Teton National Park?
Grand Teton National Park sits in WY, United States. Jackson, about 21.8 mi (35.1 km) away — roughly 50 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park?
Generally July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow, with late June and late September quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Grand Teton National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 9 campgrounds at Grand Teton National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.