Crystalline lakes. Towering granite peaks. Lush fields of wildflowers. Whether you’re standing on top of Paintbrush Divide, sweating your way up to Static Peak Divide, or enjoying the views across String Lake, the hikes in Grand Teton National Park are a force to be reckoned with. To say there are certain trails that are “best” isn’t entirely true because you would have to try really hard to not have a memorable hiking experience in this park. However, to really feel the magnitude and essence of these infamous mountains, you must hike through the canyons carved by glaciers and over the divides that make you feel as though you’re on top of the world. Grand Teton National Park is home to one of the most famous alpine skylines in the country, which I feel, falls way too far under the radar for those that seek adventure elsewhere in the United States. But that just means more fun for us right?
I’ve explored a lot of the most scenic Grand Teton National Park hikes, so I am thrilled to be sharing this guide. These hikes in the Tetons start off shorter and easier, but will gradually increase in length and difficulty as you go down the list. All of these trails are considered day hikes, but some might not be as doable depending on your fitness levels and prior hiking experience, so always keep that in mind as you plan. Wildlife is plentiful no matter what trail you take: black bears, grizzly bears, elk, moose, marmots, pika, bald eagles, so make sure you brush up on wildlife safety before you head out, and don’t forget your bear spray! I include tips and tidbits for each trail underneath the stats for them, so read further for more helpful advice for your trip. Without further ado, here are the fourteen, best day hikes in Grand Teton National Park.
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What To Pack for Hiking in Grand Teton
– SUN PROTECTION | A lot of the hikes in Grand Teton are exposed, so you’ll need chapstick with SPF, a hat, and sunscreen.
– BEAR SPRAY | You can purchase or rent this in the park or nearby in Jackson Hole. Don’t even think about hiking without it.
– FIRST AID KID | Large or small accidents, you want to be covered. This lightweight first aid kit fits nicely in my bag and has everything I need.
– WATERPROOF LAYERS | Afternoon showers are common in the mountains, so it’s best to be prepared with a raincoat and rain pants.
– PROPER SOCKS | Avoid cotton at all costs to prevent blisters. These are my favorite!
– GPS/NAVIGATION TOOL | This is crucial to keep you from getting lost. GAIA, All Trails, and Hiking Project are great apps to consider.
– WATER/SNACKS | Pack plenty of food and snacks for the day, as well as a 2.5L hydration bladder or equivalent in water bottles. Consider a lightweight water filter for the longer trails.
CLICK BELOW FOR THE COMPLETE LIST
Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
String Lake Trail
One of the most popular Grand Teton hikes is the String Lake Trail. With the trail being mostly flat, easily accessible, and serving iconic views, you’d think these trails would get crazy, but you really don’t run into as many people as you’d think. Especially once you leave the main beach areas and go further onto the trails. I recommend doing the whole loop, adding on Leigh Lake, and then take a break to go swimming along the way. These past few summers have been especially hot, so this will feel really really refreshing after a morning trail.
This hike in Grand Teton is relatively straightforward and a pretty universal trail for all hiking abilities and experience. You’ll be able to see this crystalline lake with the Tetons iconic granite peaks through the entirety of your hike. You can even rent kayaks or paddleboards to take out here!
DISTANCE | 4.4 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Moderate
TYPE OF TRAIL | Loop
ELEVATION GAIN | 291 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.7849616292515, -110.72782375972359
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Leigh Lake Trail
If you’re looking for a flat, easy day hike in Grand Teton National Park, then the Leigh Lake Trail is an incredibly scenic option. One of the things I enjoy most about hiking in the Tetons is that you don’t have to go out of your way or do any extra effort to see incredible views. This trail is basically flat the entire way, but there is quite a bit of sun exposure so make sure you have plenty of water or a water filter so that you can keep hydrated. It follows the Eastern side of Leigh Lake all the way up to Bearpaw & Trapper Lakes, so you can hike a little further up and explore those as well if you want. There is a view with every step you take, and I was fortunate enough to see a cinnamon bear and her cub near the campsites a few miles in! The very end of the trail has a shaded area on a small beach that is perfect for a scenic lunch spot before you head back.
Most hikers only go a mile or two in and then turn around, so if you want to avoid crowds on this trail, go all the way to the other two lakes and start fairly early. The Leigh Lake Trailhead is shared with the String Lake Trail parking lot, which means parking will be completely full by 9:00 am in the summer season. The trail starts on a small portion of the String Lake Trail for about a mile and then it links onto Leigh Lake, so if you want to do both of these trails in one go that is doable! They’re both pretty flat and String Lake is only 4.4 miles, so it’s definitely worth doing! Out of a lot of the Grand Teton hikes, these two lakes will be surprise you in their beauty despite them being so accessible!
DISTANCE | 7.0 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Easy
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | 111 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.78872909384276, -110.73070023037525
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Jenny Lake Loop Trail
The Jenny Lake Loop Trail is the scenic centerpiece of Grand Teton National Park. You can start at the String Lake Trailhead or South Jenny Lake, but I recommend String Lake for a few reasons: you can hike the more remote west side in the early morning hours, stop by the South Jenny Lake general store for a snack refill, go to the Jenny Lake Visitor’s Center, and hike the more scenic eastern side in the early afternoon.
The main trail is just south of the trailhead at the bridge leaving String Lake. Go right and cross the bridge, continue on the trail, then you’ll go left to get on the Jenny Lake Trail. At about two miles in you’re going to approach the west end where the Jenny Lake Shuttle Service drops off hikers headed up Cascade Canyon or those going to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. If you’re not already planning on going up Cascade Canyon, I highly recommend both of these detours as you make your way around Jenny Lake. They’re very short and straightforward, with more awe-inspiring views over the lake and Grand Teton National Park. Continuing south on the trail, you’ll eventually run into the East-Shore boating dock. Expect this area to be very busy as you approach because the boat ride across Jenny Lake is extremely popular. Plus, you’ll be near the ranger station and visitor’s center which tends to be bustling all day. Head north on the trail to loop back around to the String Lake Trailhead.
DISTANCE | 7.5 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Moderate
TYPE OF TRAIL | Loop
ELEVATION GAIN | 688 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.78485, -110.72729
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Taggart & Bradley Lakes Trail
For a hike in Grand Teton that isn’t terribly difficult, short, with little elevation gain, the Taggart & Bradley Lakes Trail is one of the most scenic in the entire park, in my own opinion. You’ll gain elevation, look back, and feel like you’re in the middle of Grand Teton National Park’s backcountry. Once you reach Taggart Lake, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a desktop background because the views are unmatched by a lot of the other lakes on this list. This is a perfect lake to spend the day swimming and soaking up the alpine sun! The lake has multiple access points and a couple of bridges, so there is plenty of space to put your personal items away from everyone else. Always keep them within view so marmots, foxes, and other animals don’t get into your bag, or worse, carry them away. There is a portion of the trail that is a decent climb if you’re going clockwise, but nothing too strenuous or impossible for the everyday joe.
The same protocol goes for Bradley Lake. You’ll get similar views here of the jagged, granite mountains behind a crystal clear lake. Take a dip here or at Taggart Lake, then complete the loop back to the Bradley-Taggart Trailhead. This trail is well-trafficked, so arrive here as early as you can. Go to Bradley Lake first and then you’ll have better views and fewer crowds on your way to Taggart Lake.
DISTANCE | 6.0 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Moderate
TYPE OF TRAIL | Loop Trail
ELEVATION GAIN | ~761 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.693177889621474, -110.73286684173395
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Phelps Lake Trail
One of the most popular lakes in Grand Teton is Phelps Lake. If you’ve ever seen an iconic photo of someone cliff jumping in the Tetons, it’s from a spot on the Phelps Lake Trail. This exciting trail can be accessed in a variety of different ways, with the most popular being from the actual Phelps Lake Trailhead next to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. If you’re aiming to get to the trailhead very early in the morning to secure a spot, this is definitely a great option. If you’re getting here midday, things get a little sticky and you’ll likely have to wait in line for a parking spot. This year around midday, the wait to get in was around an hour. If this is the case for you, or you want a shorter route to the lake, use the Death Canyon Trailhead. This may also be full midday due to its popularity. The road to get to the trailhead is a little rough, but doable even without a 4×4, just take it slow and go as far as you’re comfortable with. Regardless, I recommend getting to either trailhead very early.
I believe the cliff jumping is halfway up the lake on the eastern (right) side. It’s labeled on the All Trails map, but it’s around 4.5 miles into the trail if you’re going clockwise from the Preserve. Moose, black bears, and other animals frequent the area, so keep an eye out and don’t leave your bags unattended to keep the wildlife safe. You could easily spend the day here soaking up the sun, swimming, and even fishing! This is one of the Grand Teton hikes that should be near the top of the must-see list while you’re here!
DISTANCE | 7.0 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Moderate
TYPE OF TRAIL | Loop Trail
ELEVATION GAIN | 725 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.62645, -110.77578
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Cascade Canyon Trail
One of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park is the Cascade Canyon Trail. The trailhead is best accessed using the Jenny Lake Shuttle Service to take you across Jenny Lake, but if you don’t mind a little more mileage, you can start at the String Lake Trailhead then access Cascade Canyon via the Jenny Lake Loop Trail. The shuttle runs starting from 7:00 am in the summer season, running every 15 minutes, so if you really want to avoid crowds, start at String Lake around 5-6:00 am and you’ll get a lot more solitude. When I hiked the Teton Crest Trail, this area had the most hikers I had seen for over 50-miles, so you definitely won’t regret getting up a little earlier.
On this trail, you’ll be able to spot Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, which you want to make sure you go and see! Most of the elevation on this hike is getting to these two points, so the rest of the hike is a lot easier and more steady. All the way up the canyon, you’ll be able to see unobstructed views of the Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and South Teton, up until you reach the patrol cabin, then that’s where you’ll turn around. Most of the canyon is exposed, so once you get to the end, there is a ton of shade and seats on logs to eat a snack and rehydrate. The way back down will be mostly downhill, so it’ll go by a lot quicker!
If you’re up for a real challenge to see some jaw-dropping views of the Tetons, then try the Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop Trail. Travel up Paintbrush Canyon and conquer the infamous, but daunting Paintbrush Divide! This makes for roughly a 21-mile day, but if you’re experienced, this is MORE than worth it.
DISTANCE | 9.1 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Moderate
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | ~1,102 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.764997456698815, -110.74507283143717
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Lake Solitude Trail
The Lake Solitude Trail is essentially the same as the Cascade Canyon Trail except once you arrive at the patrol cabin, you’re going to continue up the North Fork of Cascade Canyon until you arrive at Lake Solitude. This is a stunning trail, and the North Fork of the canyon is one of my favorite spots in the park. The difficult part of this hike is more the distance than the actual terrain, so don’t let the trail stats steer you away. If you’re doing the full route, I definitely recommend taking the Jenny Lake Shuttle Service across Jenny Lake. This will save you about 4-miles roundtrip! The only downside to this is that the trail will likely be more crowded since the shuttle leaves around 7:00 am, but your feet will thank you by the end of the day. The further up the canyon you go, the more people you will lose, too.
Lake Solitude can also be accessed via Paintbrush Canyon, but this will be a lot more difficult of a trek if you’re going out and back. Plus you’ll have to get over Paintbrush Divide from both ends doing it this way, which is a trek in and of itself, so I really don’t recommend it. Only start from Paintbrush if you’re an experienced hiker and/if you’re tackling the full Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop Trail. Alternatively, if you have the energy and the time (make sure you have both) you can extend your trip from Cascade to the top of Paintbrush Divide, then turn around and go back through Cascade Canyon. Just make sure you’re back in time to catch the last shuttle.
DISTANCE | 16.1 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Strenuous
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | 2,641 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.7849616292515, -110.72782375972359
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
ALL TRAILS APP
Death Canyon Trail
With a name like Death Canyon, you’d think this trail would be rather morbid, but in fact, it’s another place in Grand Teton National Park that is my favorite for hiking. The Death Canyon Trail takes you up the canyon all the way to the patrol cabin, but the real beauty of the canyon is revealed if you go skip the patrol cabin and head left on the fork towards Fox Creek Pass. This makes for a long, 18-mile day, but it can be easily made into a solid overnight trip since you don’t need a permit to camp at Fox Creek Pass. No matter which route you choose, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views.
The entire way up will be an intense uphill climb, so bring plenty of water and snacks so you’re fueled properly! Once you reach the patrol cabin, if you have the time and energy, you can opt to head up to Static Peak, otherwise, you’ll come back the way you came. One of the things I love most about the canyons in Grand Teton is that each of them comes with unique views, so just because you’ve hiked one doesn’t mean you’ve hiked them all, and that’s why the hikes here are so special. None are the exact same!
DISTANCE | 9.1 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Strenuous
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | 2,122 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.65607, -110.7813
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Delta Lake Trail
If you could only hike one trail in Grand Teton National Park, the Delta Lake Trail should be your first pick! Although this trail is not recommended for beginners, if you’re up for a challenge and are committed to getting the best views in the park, this hike won’t let you down, just know your limits. It’s best to tackle this trail as early as you can get to the trailhead. Since this is an out and back trail, it’s 4-miles up to the lake, then another four on the way down, so I recommend arriving at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead by at least 5-6:00 am, early than that if you can manage. Delta Lake has increased in popularity these last few years, so this will help to avoid crowds, guarantee you a parking spot, and keep the trail cool because trust me, you don’t want to do this hike in the midday heat.
The biggest safety hazard on this trail is at the very end, about 0.5 miles from Delta Lake. The entire way you’ll be following the Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail, but the actual trail to Delta breaks off this trail once you hit the switchbacks and isn’t labeled. You definitely want to have All Trails downloaded to ensure you’re on the right path. The last 0.5 mile is a steep rock scramble, but follow the dirty rocks since those mark the well-worn path up to the lake, and you’ll be fine. Bears frequent this trail as well as elk and other wildlife, so keep your eyes open and don’t forget your bear spray!
DISTANCE | 8.2 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Strenuous
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | 2,349 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.73468126797773, -110.74153653131263
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes Trail
After the Delta Lake Trail, the Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail is neck and neck for being one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park. If you wanted, you can even combine this trail with Delta and hit all three lakes in one day! It isn’t uncommon, just make sure you have all the proper day hiking essentials. This trail is longer than most trails, especially with all the elevation gain, but it’s still comparable to Delta Lake in difficulty. I would even say it’s a bit easier since you don’t have the rock scramble, just more switchbacks. Since it’s more daunting, you’ll encounter far fewer people here, and you may even be able to catch the lakes all to yourself as long as you start early enough!
This is another amazing trail for spotting all kinds of wildlife: black bears, grizzly bears, elk, marmots, pika, and moose! This trail is pretty exposed the entire way, so make sure you pack ample sun protection, sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks. Adding Delta Lake to the mix will put the new route closer to 12-miles, but be sure to hit Delta first to avoid all the crowds, and still apply all the advice we spoke about above.
DISTANCE | 10.1 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Strenuous
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | 3,001 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.73477842122454, -110.74147745751014
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Granite Canyon Trail
If you want to feel as though you have stepped into an alpine fairytale, hike up Granite Canyon to the patrol cabin. The trail begins on the valley floor through lush forests, gradually ascends through granite boulder fields and avalanche debris then takes you through the most beautiful alpine forest I have had the pleasure of walking through. The sun comes through the trees and illuminates miles and miles of lush grass, colorful wildflowers, all while butterflies dance around you and the trail. It transports you to a whole different world. There is something to this trail that makes it different from all the rest, but you’ll need to see it and experience it to truly know what I mean. It’s straight-up jaw-dropping. Plus, around August, there are fresh blueberries on the trail that will top anything you’ve ever had from your local grocery store.
If you’re debating between hiking up Death Canyon or Granite Canyon, Granite is going to have more forest coverage, while Death Canyon is rockier. A little ironic if you ask me, but that tends to be the way things roll. If you only go to the Death Canyon patrol cabin, I don’t feel as though you’re getting the best views possible. If you’re going all the way up to Fox Creek Pass definitely choose that one, otherwise I recommend hiking up Granite Canyon by a landslide.
DISTANCE | 11.7 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Moderate
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | 1,876 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.60736, -110.79268
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Marion Lake
One of the MOST BEAUTIFUL areas of Grand Teton National Park is, as I said above Granite Canyon, but also its northern neighbor, Marion Lake. This arrival will blow you out of the water! You can begin this trail at the Granite Canyon Trailhead, but that makes for a stupidly long day, so I only recommend it if you have the experience and stamina, or if you’re doing an overnight trip. Going up from the Granite Trailhead would easily make this a 20+ mile day, which is why I recommend taking the aerial tram in Teton Village up to Rendezvous Mountain, and then heading to Marion Lake from there. The massive benefit to taking the tram is that is bypasses a lot of the elevation gain it’ll take to get to the lake, not all, but a good chunk of the climb you’ll enjoy sitting down and trust me, you’ll want it.
There are plenty of water sources along the trail, so make sure you have a hydration bladder or a few bottles with a water filter so that you can stay hydrated. You cannot beat a lunch view like this one either, so pack a sammy with some chips and take in that gorgeous afternoon eye candy. The lake has plenty of places to sit your things down and taking a dip is highly recommended! I’ve visited Marion Lake twice now and each time I am mesmerized coming over that last hill, out of breath of course!
DISTANCE | 14.7 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Very Strenuous
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | 3,812 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | Granite Canyon Aerial Tram
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Paintbrush Canyon Trail / Paintbrush Divide
One of the Grand Teton hikes that could be named the crown jewel of the park is none other than the Paintbrush Canyon Trail that takes you all the way up the infamous Paintbrush Divide. You’ll bust a serious sweat getting all the way up to the divide, but I do want to warn that the last push to the top of the divide is not for the faint of heart. If you’re attempting this trail before August, you’ll likely need an ice ax and microspikes in order to cross safely. Before you head out, check this forecast and it will tell you the current conditions of Paintbrush Divide so you can make the best decision for your experience and comfort level. If you don’t choose to push to the top, the area below has views that are still worth the sweat, so you won’t be disappointed either way.
Along this trail, you’ll pass Holly Lake, one of Grand Teton’s most memorable alpine lakes, and have views of Mt. Woodring, The Jaw, and Mt. Saint John. This is one of the lesser-trafficked hikes in Grand Teton, so you’ll ditch those crowds and enjoy the scenery that will make you feel like you’re in the middle of the backcountry! For those that want a greater challenge and want to see some extra views, once you reach the top of the divide, you can opt to go down the other side, passing Lake Solitude, and finishing the loop trail coming down Cascade Canyon. This is a long day, but perfect for those with the time and energy. You can read more about this loop here!
DISTANCE | 16.8 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Very Strenuous
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | 3,578 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.7849616292515, -110.72782375972359
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Static Peak Divide Trail
The long and hard journey to Static Peak begins at the Death Canyon Trailhead. Although its difficulty steers many away, this is one of the best Grand Teton hikes! For the first few miles, you’ll be hiking past the Phelps Lake Overlook and up the Death Canyon Trail all the up to the Patrol Cabin. Once you reach the cabin, you’re halfway there! From here, you’re going to link onto the Alaska Basin Trail and continue the uphill climb all the way until you reach the peak. Prepare to feel the burning in your thighs and the sweat on your back because it’s a trek to get up there, but you’re rewarded with panoramic views over Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, and Buck Mountain, Veiled Peak, Mount Wister next door.
Your mission, if you choose to accept, combines a ton of other smaller trails from the park all packed into this one, so you get the most bang for your buck on the Static Peak Divide Trail! There are few greater views in the Tetons than standing at almost 11,000 feet soaring above one of the most beautiful National Parks in the country!
DISTANCE | 16.8 Miles
DIFFICULTY | Very Strenuous
TYPE OF TRAIL | Out & Back
ELEVATION GAIN | 5,423 Feet
TRAILHEAD LOCATION | 43.65620913766874, -110.78130750169146
TRAIL GUIDE | LINK
Map of the Best Hikes In Grand Teton National Park
MORE HELPFUL GUIDES FOR YOUR TRIP TO WYOMING:
– Ultimate Grand Teton Itinerary: 1 to 5 Days in Grand Teton National Park
– Hiking The Teton Crest Trail (Complete Guide)
– Packing For A Day Hike: 12 Adventure Essentials To Get You Exploring
DREAMING OF HIKING IN OTHER US NATIONAL PARKS? THESE ARE MY FAVORITES:
– 10 Arches National Park Hikes That Will BLOW Your Mind
– The 10 BEST Hikes In Canyonlands National Park
– 10 Jaw-Dropping Bryce Canyon National Park Hikes You CANNOT Miss
– The ONLY Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary You Need
DO THESE GRAND TETON HIKES HAVE YOU FUELED WITH WANDERLUST? SHARE WITH ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
DID YOU FIND THIS LIST OF GRAND TETON HIKES HELPFUL? SAVE IT FOR LATER!
