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Easily our favorite national park, the Grand Tetons offer an incredible selection of breathtaking hikes with a variety of distances and difficulty levels to suit all types of outdoor adventurers. From gentle strolls to bun-burning climbs, there’s something (read: too many options) for everyone in Grand Teton National Park. Prepare to be amazed by cerulean alpine lakes, iconic jagged peaks, abundant wildlife and colorful wildflowers at every turn. In this article, we’ll tell you the best hikes in the Grand Tetons and help you decide which hike (or hikes) is right for you!

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About Grand Teton National Park

With over 300,000 acres and 200 miles of hiking trails, there is plenty to explore in Grand Teton National Park. From the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Teton Range to the clear waters of the alpine lakes fed by melting snow and ice to the many moose, bears, and flowers and the meandering Snake River, we have yet to find a place as beautiful as Grand Teton National Park.

Located about 30 minutes north of the ever-growing Jackson, WY and about an hour or so south of Yellowstone National Park, no visit to the West is complete without some time spent with the Tetons. However, with so much to do and so many great hikes, it can be difficult to figure out how to best spend your time in Grand Teton National Park.

Other Grand Teton Resources

Overview | Best Hikes in the Grand Tetons

In this article, we’ve rounded up a list of 20 of the best hikes in the Grand Tetons, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about each. We have done every hike on this list so you can rest assured that our recommendations are accurate and honest. Happy hiking!

Without further ado, below are our favorite hikes in the Grand Tetons! If you are looking for a specific hike, you can use the links below to navigate around the article:

Map | Best hikes in the Grand Tetons

The map below displays each of the trailheads for the hikes covered in this article, as well as key landmarks along the hikes. Note that some hikes share the same trailhead, and several hikes can start from more than one trailhead. See below for the list of hikes that depart from each numbered trailhead on the map.

  1. Phelps Lake Loop Trailhead: Phelps Lake Loop
  2. Death Canyon Trailhead: Phelps Lake Overlook and Static Peak
  3. Taggart Lake Trailhead: Bradley and Taggart Lakes
  4. Lupine Meadows Trailhead: Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes, Delta Lake
  5. Jenny Lake Trailhead: Jenny Lake Loop, Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls, Cascade Canyon
  6. Jenny Lake West Shore Boat Dock: Cascade Canyon, Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls
  7. Leigh Lake Trailhead: Leigh Lake, Holly Lake, Paintbrush Divide, Paintbrush – Cascade Loop
  8. String Lake Trailhead: String Lake, Lake Solitude, Holly Lake, Paintbrush Divide, Paintbrush – Cascade Loop
  9. Schwabacher Landing
  10. Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail
  • To email this map to yourself for future use, click the three dots in the upper right corner.
  • To view more details about each location, click on the marker on the map.

Details | Best Hikes in the Grand Tetons

The trail system in the Grand Tetons is an interconnected web and many of the trails can be combined to create longer hikes. Some of the hikes included in the list will naturally include multiple landmarks along the way, which we will call out in the “Hike Stats” summary for each hike. Other hikes can be easily combined with other trails, also noted in the “Hike Stats.”

The section below will provide more detail on each hike, grouped by trailhead location, starting from the south entrance and making our way up to the northern end of the park.

1. Phelps Lake Overlook

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 2 miles
  • Elevation gain | 400 feet
  • Total time | 1 – 2 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 5
  • Difficulty | easy

Find this hike on AllTrails: Phelps Lake Overlook

This short, easy hike starts from the Death Canyon trailhead and leads to a lovely viewpoint overlooking Phelps Lake, the first of many beautiful alpine lakes on our list. From the overlook, you can continue down to the lake, which will add an extra 1.5 miles and 800 feet of elevation gain. The trail continues about 4 miles all the way around the perimeter of the lake.

Note: Death Canyon trailhead is located on a bumpy dirt road that gets worse the farther you go. While it’s typically passable without 4WD, use caution proceeding if the road is muddy and/or you don’t have high clearance.

2. Phelps Lake Trail

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 7 miles
  • Elevation gain | 1300 feet
  • Total time | 3 – 5 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 6
  • Difficulty | moderate
  • Easily combine with | Phelps Lake Overlook

Find this hike on AllTrails: Phelps Lake trail

If you’d rather get up close and personal with Phelps Lake, rather than viewing it from above, the Phelps Lake loop trail starts from Phelps Lake trailhead and leads around the perimeter of the lake.

The views of the Tetons towering over Phelps Lake from the eastern side of the lake make this hike more exciting than the Phelps Lake overlook (in our opinion). You can also add a detour to the overlook, but it’ll add about 1.5 miles to the hike.

3. Static Peak

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 16.8 miles
  • Elevation gain | 5400 feet
  • Total time | 8 – 12 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 8.5
  • Difficulty | Hard
  • Easily combine with | Phelps Lake Overlook

Find this hike on AllTrails: Static Peak

One of only a few peaks in the Tetons that are accessible via a hiking trail (as opposed to technical climbing routes), Static Peak is an extremely strenuous but rewarding hike featuring stunning views high among the jagged mountains.

The 16.8-mile hike departs from the Death Canyon trailhead and passes by the Phelps Lake Overlook before continuing up Death Canyon and turning right towards Alaska Basin. Although the hike is long and steep, the 360 degree views from the summit are well worth the effort.

Static Peak is aptly named due to the high frequency of lightning strikes the mountain receives. As such, it’s important to be mindful of weather conditions and start your hike early in the morning in order to be off the peak before mid-afternoon thunderstorms roll in.

4. Taggart Lake Loop

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 3.8 miles (entire loop)
  • Elevation gain | 400 feet
  • Total time | 1 – 2 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 6
  • Difficulty | easy

Find this hike on AllTrails: Taggart Lake Loop

If you’re looking for an easy hike with a big payoff, look no further than Taggart Lake. A short stroll through the woods brings you to this beautiful lake, with the dramatic Grand Tetons dominating the backdrop. Taggart Lake is huge, meaning there are plenty of spots to find a little slice of solitude and relax while you take in the views.

Tip: For the best chance of still waters for a clear reflection over the lake (like the photo below), go as early as possible. Winds tend to be lighter in the morning and pick up in the afternoon. The view is always better when it is doubled!

5. Taggart and Bradley Lakes

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 6 miles
  • Elevation gain | 780 feet
  • Total time | 3 – 4 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 7
  • Difficulty | easy-moderate
  • Includes | Taggart Lake Loop

Find this hike on AllTrails: Taggart And Bradley Lakes

The hike to Taggart Lake can be extended by continuing to Bradley Lake. Bradley Lake rivals Taggart in beauty, and the trail to get there is equally enjoyable with views of the Grand in the background as you wind through pine forests and open fields of wildflowers.

For more details about the hike to Bradley and Taggart Lakes, check out our complete trail guide:

6. Surprise Lake and Amphitheater Lake

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 10.1 miles
  • Elevation gain | 3000 feet
  • Total time | 5 – 7 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 7.5
  • Difficulty | hard

Find this hike on AllTrails: Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail

One hike, two incredible alpine lakes: what more could you ask for? The beautiful Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes are located less than half a mile from each other, but you’ll have to put in some work to reach these gems nestled high among the Teton peaks.

The five mile hike to reach the lakes climbs about 3000 feet with seemingly endless switchbacks. But, the pain is a bit more enjoyable with sweeping views overlooking the valley and lakes below. From the trail, you get a birds-eye view of Bradley and Taggart Lakes below. In the spring early summer, abundant yellow wildflowers cover the side of the mountain as far as the eye can see.

7. Delta Lake

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 7.2 miles
  • Elevation gain | 2250 feet
  • Total time | 4 – 6 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 9
  • Difficulty | hard
  • Easily combine with | Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes

Find this hike on AllTrails: Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows Access

The hike to this cerulean-colored lake with a close-up view of the Grand Tetons starts at Lupine Meadows Trailhead and shares much of the trail to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes, making these three lakes easy to combine into one hike. To reach Delta Lake, you will veer to the right on a spur trail about 90% of the way up to Surprise and Amphitheater.

Technically, the trail to Delta Lake that leaves the trail to Surprise and Amphitheater lakes isn’t an official trail and isn’t maintained by the park. Nonetheless, Delta Lake has become an increasingly popular destination in the Tetons, so don’t expect to have it to yourself.

The last leg of the hike is not well marked in places and can be difficult to follow. Keep an eye out for cairns (though they are not reliably available) or other hikers coming down to find your way.

Despite the challenges to get there, Delta Lake is absolutely worth the trek. It is truly stunning and undoubtedly one of the best hikes in the Grand Tetons!

You can read more about the hike to Delta Lake in our complete guide:

8. Leigh Lake

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 3 – 7 miles (3 miles roundtrip to reach the lake)
  • Elevation gain | 100 feet
  • Total time | 1 – 4 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 6
  • Difficulty | easy
  • Includes | part of String Lake

Find this hike on AllTrails: Leigh Lake Trail or Leigh Lake Trail: Short Version

If you’re looking for a casual hike with solid views, Leigh Lake is a great option. From the trailhead, it’s about a mile and a half to reach Leigh Lake, and you can continue for another 2 miles along its shore. Round trip your Leigh Lake hike can be as short as 3 miles or as long as 7 miles, and the entire trail is almost flat.

You’ll also get to catch a glimpse of String Lake, as the trail starts out along its northern shore.

9. String Lake Trail

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 4.4 miles
  • Elevation gain | 300 feet
  • Total time | 1 – 3 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 5
  • Difficulty | hard
  • Easily combine with | Leigh Lake

Find this hike on AllTrails: String Lake Trail

The shores of String Lake offer several beach-y areas that make for awesome spots to setup a picnic, hangout by the lake and go swimming.

However, if this sounds like the perfect way to spend a day in the Tetons, you are not alone! These spots along the lake (and parking spots at the trailhead) fill up quickly in the morning, so you’ll have to arrive early to secure your little slice of heaven.

The entire loop around the lake is 4.4 miles, but you can catch your first glimpse of the lake just steps from the trailhead. The trail also bumps up against the southern end of Leigh Lake and can be easily extended to combine the two into one hike.

10. Jenny Lake Loop Trail

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 7.5 miles (entire loop)
  • Elevation gain | 600 feet
  • Total time | 2 – 4 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 6
  • Difficulty | easy-moderate
  • Easily combine with | Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls, Cascade Canyon, String Lake

Find this hike on AllTrails: Jenny Lake Trail
Note: There are two possible trailheads: Jenny Lake Trailhead or String Lake Trailhead (both the same distance)

Jenny Lake is one of the most popular hikes in the Grand Tetons. The trail around the perimeter of Jenny Lake is a fairly flat 7 mile hike, departing from either Jenny Lake Trailhead or String Lake trailhead. The lake offers lovely views all the way around, looking down Cascade Canyon from its eastern shore or across to Jackson Hole from its western shore.

Jenny Lake is a central hub for several other hikes, including Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls and Cascade Canyon. You can also take a boat across the lake, which is a popular way to cut down the hiking distance on the aforementioned trails. Read more about ticket prices and departure times here.

11. Hidden Falls

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 1.1 miles (via boat shuttle) or 4.9 miles (via Jenny Lake trailhead)
  • Elevation gain | 200 feet (via boat shuttle) or 600 feet (via Jenny Lake trailhead)
  • Total time | 2 – 3 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 5
  • Difficulty | easy
  • Includes | Jenny Lake

Find this hike on AllTrails: Hidden Falls Trail

Did you know that Hidden Falls are the only accessible waterfall in the Grand Tetons? In a park filled with tons of alpine lakes, deep canyons and snowy peaks, it’s quite hard to believe! The 100 foot tall waterfall is fairly hidden from the main trail, and can be viewed head on from a short spur trail.

The hike to Hidden Falls is about 5 miles roundtrip from the Jenny Lake trailhead and can be shortened to just over a mile by taking the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake.

12. Inspiration Point

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 1.8 miles (via boat shuttle) or 5.8 miles (via Jenny Lake trailhead)
  • Elevation gain | 400 feet (via boat shuttle) or 800 feet (via Jenny Lake trailhead)
  • Total time | 2 – 3 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 6
  • Difficulty | moderate
  • Includes | Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls

Find this hike on AllTrails: Inspiration Point via Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle

Continue less than half a mile from Hidden Falls to Inspiration Point, one of the park’s most popular viewpoints. Inspiration Point offers nice views overlooking Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole. The entire roundtrip hike to Inspiration Point from Jenny Lake trailhead is about 5.8 miles and can be shortened to 1.8 miles by taking the shuttle across Jenny Lake.

We were personally somewhat unimpressed by the views, particularly after hiking other trails on this list, like Surprise Lake and Paintbrush Divide. If you’re looking for something quick, Inspiration Point is easily accessible, especially if you take the shuttle, but I’m not sure we would recommend going out of your way for this hike.

13. Cascade Canyon

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 9.1 miles with shuttle across Jenny Lake, 13.9 without shuttle
  • Elevation gain | 1100 feet (via boat shuttle) or 1500 feet (via Jenny Lake Trailhead)
  • Total time | 4 – 5 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 7
  • Difficulty | moderate
  • Includes | Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls

Find this hike on AllTrails: Cascade Canyon Trail

If you’re looking to extend your hike from Inspiration Point, continue on through Cascade Canyon. To the end of Cascade Canyon and back to the Jenny Lake Boat Dock is about 9 miles, but you can opt to continue as long as you’d like.

Cascade Canyon is nestled between Teewinot Mountain and Mount St. John, offering sublime views of the jagged peaks on either side of the trail and probably your best opportunity to see wildlife (we saw two moose from this trail).

Most of the elevation gain for this hike is up to Inspiration Point. Cascade Canyon itself is relatively flat, bringing you into the heart of the Tetons without the extreme elevation gain that many other hikes into the backcountry require.

If you plan to visit Inspiration Point, we highly recommend leaving the crowds behind and venturing into Cascade Canyon, even if you don’t go all the way to the end of the trail.

14. Lake Solitude

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 16.6 miles
  • Elevation gain | 2700 feet
  • Total time | 8 – 10 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 8
  • Difficulty | hard
  • Includes | Jenny Lake, Cascade Canyon, Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls

Find this hike on AllTrails: Lake Solitude Trail

For those looking for even more of a challenge, the hike to Lake Solitude extends beyond Cascade Canyon and gets you deeper into the Teton backcountry.

To reach Lake Solitude, you will hike through the entirety of Cascade Canyon before turning north into the North Fork of Cascade Canyon. This hike does include a bit more elevation gain than Cascade Canyon, but you will be rewarded with one of the best views of the Grand Teton perfectly framed by the sloping walls of the canyon.

Note that the route on AllTrails does not include Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls – if you want to include them be sure to take the right connector trail from Cascade Canyon past Jenny Lake.

Tip: There are a number of backcountry camping spots in the North Fork of Cascade Canyon, making it a popular place to pitch a tent and spend the night. Permits are required to camp in the Teton backcountry.

15. Holly Lake

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 12.5 miles
  • Elevation gain | 2800 feet
  • Total time | 6 – 8 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 7
  • Difficulty | hard

Find this hike on AllTrails: Holly Lake Trail

The hike to Holly Lake starts at String Lake trailhead, just north of Jenny Lake. This 12.5 mile hike follows Paintbrush Canyon and offers great views of Mt. Moran, My Woodring, and Rockchuck Peak. The trek to Holly Lake is another great way to escape the crowds and explore the Teton backcountry.

The views on this hike probably aren’t as epic as Solitude Lake (which has one of the most iconic views of the Grand Teton) but it is a bit shorter so is a more manageable day hike.

For more information about the hike to Holly Lake, check out our trail guide linked below:

16. Paintbrush Divide

hiking in the Grand Tetons

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 16 miles
  • Elevation gain | 4000 feet
  • Total time | 8 – 10 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 10
  • Difficulty | strenuous

Paintbrush Divide sits at 10,700 feet and separates the North Fork of the Cascade Canyon to the southwest from Paintbrush Canyon to the east. Most people doing this as a day hike start at String Lake Trailhead, pass through Paintbrush Canyon and continue for about 1.5 miles past Holly Lake until reaching the divide.

Make no mistake, this hike is a beast, especially if you are trying to do it in one day. The elevation gain is no joke but the views from the divide are absolutely breathtaking. Also, be sure to check the trail conditions before you depart. We hiked here in July and there was still snow at higher altitudes.

Many people do this hike as an out and back, returning through Paintbrush Canyon to String Lake trailhead, but you can continue over the divide, past Lake Solitude and continue through Cascade Canyon. More on that below!

17. Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop

Stunning rocky mountain views from Paintbrush Divide, one of the best hikes in the Grand Tetons

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 22 miles
  • Elevation gain | 4300 feet
  • Total time | 11 – 13 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 10
  • Difficulty | strenous
  • Includes | Holly Lake, Lake Solitude, Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls, Cascade Canyon, Paintbrush Divide, Jenny Lake

Find this hike on AllTrails: Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop

The Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop is hands down the best hike in the Grand Tetons, but these epic views won’t come easy. This strenuous hike covers 22 miles and 4300 feet, making it a very challenging day hike – you’ll have to get an early start to complete the loop before dark.

Alternatively, the Paintbrush – Cascade Canyon loop makes for an incredible backpacking trip, allowing you to take your time and soak in the epic views.

This loop trail offers an extensive tour of the Teton backcountry, including many of the sights mentioned in previous hikes: Holly Lake, Lake Solitude, Paintbrush Divide, Cascade Canyon, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

If you’re interested in hiking or backpacking the Paintbrush Canyon Cascade Canyon Loop trail, we’ve put together a complete guide to the hike here:

18. Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 2.5 miles
  • Elevation gain | essentially flat
  • Total time | 1 – 2 hours
  • Epic-ness rating | 7
  • Difficulty | easy

Find this hike on AllTrails: Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail

If you are staying at Colter Bay campground, this easy hike is a must do at sunset. There’s a small rocky beach area at the tip of the peninsula, which makes for the perfect spot to watch the sunset over Jackson Lake in peace. We saw one other couple the entire night and basically had the view to ourselves, while most people stick to the Colter Bay Beach.

From the Colter Bay Campground you can access the Lakeshore Trail via several short trails through the woods, leading towards the water. Even if you aren’t staying at the campground, it’s worth visiting the Colter Bay area for an afternoon hanging out by the lake and sunset stroll along this trail.

19. Schwabacher’s Landing Trail

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 1.7 miles
  • Elevation gain | essentially flat
  • Total time | 1 hour
  • Epic-ness rating | 7
  • Difficulty | easy

Find this hike on AllTrails: Schwabacher’s Landing Trail

Schwabacher’s Landing is one of the most popular viewpoints in the park, offering unbeatable sunrise views illuminating the tips of the Tetons in hues of orange and pink. On a calm morning, the entire scene is reflected in the calm waters.

The most popular viewpoint from this trail (which you’ve almost surely seen in photos, like the one below) is located just a few minutes from the trailhead, so expect heavy crowds. It’s certainly worth stopping here for a photo, but if you continue past this spot the crowds start to thin out and the views remain just as epic. The trail continues for another 0.8 miles or so until you reach the Snake River.

20. Teton Crest Trail

Amazing views of the Tetons at Hurricane Pass on the Teton Crest Trail

Hike Stats

  • Hiking distance | 40 miles (Phillips Canyon to Jenny Lake)
  • Elevation gain | approximately 10,000 feet
  • Total time | 4 – 6 days
  • Epic-ness rating | 9.6
  • Difficulty | hard

Find this hike on AllTrails: Teton Crest Trail

And last, but certainly not least, is Grand Teton’s crown jewel: the Teton Crest Trail! Traversing 40 miles along the western edge of the Tetons, the Teton Crest Trail is a dream for backpackers looking to get off the grid and up close and personal with the majestic mountains.

The Teton Crest Trail is one of our favorite backpacking trips of all time (although we also got engaged here, so we may be a tad bit biased!). The views from Hurricane Pass and Paintbrush Divide are hands down the best in the park, made even more special by the fact that most visitors to the part will never witness them.

So if you’re up for a big adventure, get out your maps and guidebooks and start planning your hike!

Planning your Grand Teton hiking trip

In the section below, we’ll tell you all the details you need to know to plan the perfect hiking trip in the Grand Tetons and help you decide which trails to hike!

Which hikes should I choose?

Alright, we realize you have tons of options when it comes to hikes in the Grand Tetons, so let us make it easier for you to decide. While all the hikes on this list are beautiful and certainly worthwhile, below, we have listed a few award winners, based on our extensive research and rigorous review process:

  • Most challenging + best views in the park | Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop
  • Most stunning alpine lake |Delta Lake
  • Best easy hike | Leigh Lake
  • Best hike with kids |Take the boat across Jenny Lake, then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
  • Best backpacking | Teton Crest Trail
  • Sunset views | Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail
  • Sunrise views | Schwabacher Landing Trail

When is the best time to hike in the Grand Tetons?

The hikes at higher elevation in the Grands Tetons (ex: Paintbrush Divide) can be covered in snow as late as July.

Lower elevation trails at the base of the Tetons (ex: Bradley and Taggart Lake, Jenny Lake, String Lake, Schwabacher Landing) should be snow-free by late May. June is a great time to hike at lower elevations, as the wildflowers are absolutely beautiful during the Teton’s springtime.

When is Paintbrush Divide passable?

If you plan to hike Paintbrush Divide, don’t bank on it being passable until mid-to-late July. There is one very steep section that is dangerous when snow covered if you don’t have the right gear.

We planned a backpacking trip across the divide for the first week in July and got very lucky with an unseasonably warm month. In fact, the park rangers announced the divide was passable just the day before we were set to leave.

The Jenny Lake rangers keep a blog with updates on current weather and trail conditions, which will tell you if Paintbrush Divide is clear of snow. Alternatively, stop by a ranger station to speak with a ranger about whether it’s safe to hike.

Tips for hiking in the Grand Tetons

Below are a few tips to ensure you have a great experience hiking in the Grand Tetons:

  • Entrance to the park costs $35 per vehicle for 7 days. If you plan to visit more than 2 U.S. National Parks over the next year, it typically makes sense to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which gives you entrance to all national parks for one year.
  • Start your hikes early! Most of the parking lots in the Grand Tetons fill up very quickly, so be sure to get an early start to avoid circling the parking lot.
  • Be sure to carry bear spray. Each person in your group should have their own bear spray attached in an easily accessible location. Odds are you won’t need it, but this is grizzly territory so it’s best to be prepared!
  • If you plan to backpack in the Grand Tetons, advance permits are released the first Wednesday of January for the entire season. Permits are in high demand and typically sell out fast. Read more about backpacking in the Grand Tetons on the NPS website.
  • The lowlands of Grand Teton National Park sits at an elevation of around 6800 feet. Many of the hikes on this list climb several thousand feet over a few miles, so altitude sickness can be a problem. If you are coming from a lower elevation, it may be best to acclimate for a few days before attempting any of the more challenging hikes on this list. Hikes in the foothills, like Bradley Lake, Phelps Lake and Jenny Lake, are also good warmup hikes to help your lungs get accustomed.
  • We highly recommend using hiking poles and a pair of hiking boots with good traction for hiking in the Grand Tetons. Many of the trails in the area are steep, with some exposed sections.

P.S. Looking for a complete list of what to pack for a day hike in the Grand Tetons? We’ve compiled our complete list of essentials here:

Hiking in the Tetons

Other Useful Resources

Below is a list of more detailed resources for several of the best hikes in the Grand Tetons:

Looking for more to do in the Grand Tetons? Check out our adventure-packed 2-day itinerary for more ideas on how to spend your time:

For all things Wyoming: Wyoming Travel Guide

Have you been hiking in the Grand Tetons? What hike would you add to our list of best hikes in the Grand Tetons?!

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Hi there! We’re Sarah and Matt, two nomads road tripping across the United States with our cat, Fitzgerald, making a new place our home month to month while working full time and adventuring as much as possible. We spend any free time we can get hiking, camping, backpacking, and exploring new places! We hope that our experiences will help you plan for your next adventure and inspire you to be an outlier!