Wide open spaces, towering peaks, and some of the greatest wildlife in North America.  Sound like a good combination?  Grand Teton National Park combines all of these amazing features, and its all accessible in the US!  Keep reading to learn more about planning your Grand Teton Hiking adventure!

I’m not going to say these are the 15 BEST hikes in Grand Teton National Park.  There are some truly awesome hikes that I did not include on this list, and honestly, there are way more than 15 trails worth your time.  We could spend all day arguing over what the best really is, so to avoid that controversy, I’m just calling these 15 of the best hikes!

Interested in a trip to Grand Teton?  Be sure to check our out full guide here!

I’ve organized 15 of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park into 3 categories: easy, moderate, and difficult. 

Easy hikes can be completed by anyone who is capable of walking the required distance and don’t have any health complications. 

Moderate hikes will be a challenge if you aren’t a frequent hiker, but will be easy if you are in shape. 

Difficult hikes are a challenge for all but the most fit hikers, and should be taken seriously before being attempted.

Keep reading to learn more about each!

Grand Teton is grizzly country, so make sure you are bear safe anytime you are on trail!

Top 5 Easy Hikes

Jenny Lake Trail 

The Jenny Lake Trail is one of the longer hikes in the easy section, but it is quite flat throughout.  If you are intimidated by the nearly 8 mile distance, cut some time off by taking the boat shuttle across the lake and hiking back, or doing an out and back trail instead of the full loop.

The Jenny Lake Trail is one of the great gateways to moderate and difficult hikes in the park, so there are also lots of ways to make this hike more difficult if you want a longer outing.  

This is definitely bear country, so always be alert and be ready to encounter wildlife!

Hidden Falls Trail

One of the trails that branches off the Jenny Lake Trail, the hike to Hidden Falls is an easy, albeit uphill, hike.  If you take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, this hike is very short, around 2 miles.  If you hike the full distance around Jenny Lake, the trail will come in around 5 miles.

This is a very popular hike, so be aware you are not likely to have it to yourself, and parking may be difficult to find later in the day.  Arrive early to give yourself the best chance at parking!

Phelps Lake Trail

The Teton Range has loads of lakes at the base of the range that are easily accessible, and feature flat trails to and around them.  Phelps Lake is one example of this, and is located in the southern portion of the park.

The full loop is about 7 miles and mostly flat, but you can also cut it shorter and avoid most of the distance and elevation gain.  Like most areas in the park, you will be spoiled with huge views and the chance to see wildlife.

Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop 

This hike gives you the chance to see two of Grand Tetons beautiful lakes in a single hike.  The full loop as shown in the link is about 6 miles, but you could hike to both lakes on a more direct route with less mileage.  

For a shorter hike, limit your visit to just one of the lakes, or for a longer hike continue past Bradley Lake and hike uphill towards Surprise, Amphitheater, and Delta Lakes, though that would be a tough day!

Inspiration Point via Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle 

Likely the busiest hike in the park, this trail is another that branches off from Jenny Lake.  For the easiest outing, take the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle across the lake and begin hiking towards Inspiration Point.  There is some climbing as the hike does ascend towards a viewpoint, but it is manageable, and the trail is short.

Once you arrive at Inspiration Point, you will realize the effort was well worth it!  Jackson Hole lies before you hundreds of feet below.  You will have an aerial view of Jenny Lake directly below, and behind you the Cathedral Group featuring The Grand looming above you!

If you’re up to it, hike all the way back around Jenny Lake, or get in line for the boat shuttle back across!

Consider picking up an America the Beautiful Pass if you’re heading to Grand Teton!

Top 5 Moderate Hikes

Cascade Canyon Trail 

Probably the most popular non-short hike in the park, Cascade Canyon is definitely a must do hike in Grand Teton.  Branching off the Jenny Lake Trail, the full Cascade Canyon Trail actually includes the Inspiration Point Trail, and you will hike to the point on your hike.  It also is very close to Hidden Falls, so that is a possible addition to your hike.

The hike as it is described in the link stops when the trail branches in two.  To the right the trail continues toward Lake Solitude, which is one of the best long hikes in the park.  To the left, the trail continues on as the South Fork of Cascade Canyon Trail. 

The hike to Lake Solitude is worthwhile if you want to make your hike into a full day affair, as described its definitely a park highlight!

Signal Mountain Trail 

This is one of my personal favorites in the park, and I think it flies pretty under the radar.  The trail ascends Signal Mountain, a relatively insignificant peak in Jackson Hole.  You won’t notice it driving through, and it’s not a part of the main Teton Range.  However, that’s actually a good thing because the views of the Tetons are incredible from the summit!

Starting from the Signal Mountain Lodge near Jackson Lake, the trail climbs through both dense forest and open valleys.  This is a great hike for wildlife viewing, and I have actually seen a bear on this trail!  

The trail also is not overly steep.  It is a climb, and if you aren’t in shape, the climb and elevation will make it a challenge, but the climb should be manageable for most people in decent shape.  

Overall, this trail gives you the chance to say you’ve climbed a mountain, the opportunity to see wildlife, and get to one of the best views of the Tetons in the park!

Granite Canyon Trail 

One of the most southerly hikes on this list, Granite Canyon lies at the bottom of the park.  The full hike comes in at just under 12 miles with close to 1900 feet of climbing, but as an out and back you can turn around any time you feel like it.

The trail begins in Jackson Hole and climbs into one of the many canyons that penetrate into the Tetons.  You will climb through forest and open meadows, and there will be tons of awesome views.  Stone walls rise dramatically above you on either side making for a great day hike!

Black Tail Butte Peak

Starting from just off the highway near the park entrance, the hike to Black Tail Butte begins in Jackson Hole and climbs to a small and easily missed peak.

Similar to the Signal Mountain Trail, this hike climbs from the valley floor to the summit of a rather unspectacular mountain itself, but from the summit will provide breathtaking views of the Teton Range.  

Black Tail Butte Peak is closer to Jackson than Signal Mountain, and is a little bit shorter distance wise.  I personally wouldn’t do this hike and Signal Mountain in the same visit, but it’s a good option and will certainly give you great views!  

Be prepared for wildlife as many reviewers have noted tons of bear scat around the trail!

Antelope Spring Loop Trail 

While this hike is also very similar to Signal Mountain and Black Tail Butte, you really can’t complain about the views!  This is another hike that begins in Jackson Hole and climbs to a most unnoticeable peak across from the Tetons.

This hike again is very similar to the previous two, but it’s another place to get awesome views, and get into the woods!

Always be sure to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when in the outdoors!

Top 5 Difficult Hikes

Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows Trailhead 

The real magic of Grand Teton National Park, like most national parks really, are the tough hikes that really get you into the mountains.  This first hike definitely ups the difficulty from the previous hikes, but the payoff is much better!

The hike to Delta Lake is my favorite in the park, and if you could only do one hike in Grand Teton, this is the one I would recommend.  The hike begins at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, which does require driving on a gravel road, but it is smooth and well graded.

The hike begins easily.  You will hike into the forest through flat ground.  Pay attention for wildlife, as I have seen elk while hiking in this area.

After the first mile or so, the trail begins to climb, and it climbs for a long time.  You will essentially hike up the face of the mountain range through long sets of switchbacks.  Looking uphill it’s basically a 60 degree slope which is crazy, but it’s somehow doable with the switchbacks!

Eventually, a small unmarked trail branches off from the main trail and heads north.  This trail is unmaintained and presents some challenges. 

There are narrow sections of trail where you will have to hold onto trees to not slide down the hill.  There are boulder fields you will have to scramble across, and there is an obnoxiously steep climb to finish the hike off, but its worth it for the view at the end!

Hanging Canyon to Lake of the Crags 

My second favorite hike in the park, the hike to Hanging Canyon is definitely a challenge.  I actually tried this hike and turned around because I wasn’t prepared for it, and came back and did it another day.  It shouldn’t be taken lightly!

Begin by hiking around Jenny Lake.  On the far side of the lake, you will come across a small unmarked trail that heads into the woods.  From this point, none of the trail is maintained, and it definitely shows. 

You will hike through overgrown forest and bushes that will pull at your clothes and cut any exposed skin.  You will hike up loose scree and boulder fields.  You will climb up steep gullies with terrible footing, and you will probably slip and fall on the steep and slick dirt that makes up some of the trail!

If you’re still intrigued, this hike is probably for you!  Make sure you wear pants and long sleeves, as you will definitely be bleeding if you don’t!  Be prepared for an absolute slog. 

On its surface, the hike doesn’t seem too bad.  9 miles and 3000 feet of climbing isn’t that crazy for fit hikers.  However, be aware that the first 1.8 miles and last 1.8 miles along Jenny Lake are essentially flat, so that 3000 feet of ascending and descending happens in the middle five-ish miles.  That’s pretty steep!

The payoff at the end is 100% worth it if you can make it, and for the adventurous, there are summit opportunities beyond the lake.  If you’re fit enough and prepared for a brutal day off of maintained trails, this can be a super rewarding hike!

Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes via Lupine Meadows Trailhead 

From the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, the hike to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes continues along the same trail as the hike to Delta Lake for the first few miles.  You will be climbing the face of the Teton Range, so be prepared for a big climb up switchbacks!

The trail is relatively straightforward.  Continue up the switchbacks and eventually you will crest the face of the range and head into a valley.  There you will soon come across Surprise Lake, Surprise!  In itself, its a beautiful spot, but the real payoff is the second lake, Amphitheater.  

It’s only a few minutes beyond Surprise Lake, but the views are totally different.  Above Amphitheater Lake The Grand stands tall soaring thousands of feet more above you.  

This is one of the best alpine lakes in Grand Teton National Park, and it’s definitely one of the best that can be reached as a day hike.  For a challenge, combine these two lakes with Delta Lake.  It’s doable as a day hike, but the vertical gain is nothing to sneeze at!

Lake Solitude Trail 

Starting either at the Jenny Lake Trail or across the lake at the boat shuttle, the hike to Lake Solitude makes for a full day outing.  Coming in at about 16 miles, this one will take you pretty much a full day!

The first half or so of the trail ascends Cascade Canyon, which in itself is a great day hike.  To continue on to Lake Solitude, Turn right at the T near the top of Cascade Canyon.  At this point, you have about half of the days climbing still ahead of you.

Ascend another 1300 feet or so over the course of another 2.5 miles to arrive at Lake Solitude.  It’s right in the name, this Lake is one of the quieter places in the park!  You are far enough from the trailheads that the vast majority of day hikers will not make it this far, so much of your company will be overnight backpackers.  

You will be at one of the best alpine lakes Grand Teton has to offer, and you will have much fewer people sharing it with you!

Alaska Basin Trail 

Little known to most visitors, Grand Teton National Park actually has a backside that you have to drive through Idaho to reach.  Surprised?  So are most people, which is why this part of the park receives far fewer visitors than the main area in Jackson Hole.

The hike to Alaska Basin is more often done as a backpacking trip, as Alaska Basin is one of the premier backpacking areas in Wyoming; however, it is reachable as a long day hike.  

From Alta Wyoming, just across the border from Idaho, drive up Teton Canyon Road.  Heads up, this is a fairly rough gravel road and has lots of potholes that low clearance cars will not enjoy.  I lost a chunk of the S2000’s front lip going through one such pothole, be careful if you don’t have a truck or SUV.

The trailhead is at the end of the road, you can’t miss it (the road literally ends so….).  Head down the southernmost trail which will be on your right from the parking area.

The real question is which trail you will take.  You have two choices after the initial 2.5 miles.  The trail splits in two: to the left is the Alaska Basin Trail, to the right is the Teton Shelf Trail. 

The Teton Shelf Trail has about 1000 feet of elevation change over the course of about .6 miles, so be aware that will be the steepest section of your hike.  I personally would rather climb something that steep as opposed to descend it, but it’s ultimately up to you!  Or, avoid it altogether and hike there and back along the Alaska Basin Trail.

Don’t be rude; always following basic etiquette when on trail!

Consider heading to Yellowstone during your visit to Grand Teton!

If you’re going to Grand Teton National Park, congratulations you have made a great choice!  The park is jam packed with some of the best hiking in the United States, with some of the best wildlife viewing in North America.  

Whether you are looking for a challenging all day outing, or a quick jaunt to get the legs moving to break up a long driving day, there is something for you!  

This guide left out tons of amazing trails that I wish I could talk about, but I can’t include every single mile of trail in the entire park!  Not to mention, arguably the biggest attraction of Grand Teton National Park is the mountaineering.  If you are interested in climbing mountains, this is a great place to do it!  

Whatever you do, visiting Grand Teton will be a highlight of your trip, summer, year, or life.  It’s an incredible place, and the hiking is absolutely world class!