Top 15 Scenic Trails in Grand Teton National Park

1. Overview

With the second-highest peak in all of Wyoming, hikes in Grand Teton National Park are a mountaineering dream. The park caters to every skill level and adventure seeker. From canyons to glacial lakes and snowy peaks, this stunning park will have you returning again and again. Not only can you explore, but you can also stay for a while.

2. Where to Stay

Grand Teton National Park has camping facilities and lodging, including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Signal Mountain Lodge. National park service permits are required to stay on national park campgrounds. Jackson Hole resort offers incredible skiing in the Rocky Mountain Teton Range.

3. Best Grand Teton Hiking Trails

Grand Teton is the only mountain peak in Grand Teton National Park that compares to the majestic heights of the Wind River range in the Rocky Mountains. This makes for some incredible views from any hiking trail in the park. Here are the 15 best hikes in Grand Teton National Park.

1. The Cascade Canyon Jenny Loop Trail

Cascade Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park, featuring plenty of trails to choose from. The mother trail is the Jenny Lake Trail, which connects to other trails. The Jenny Loop Trail is 8 miles long with a 623 feet elevation gain.

You can reach the trailhead by heading to Jenny Lake Visitor Center, accessible from Moose Junction. From Jenny Lake Visitor Center, take the Jenny Lake Loop Trail to the lake’s south end and onward to the Cascade Canyon Trailhead.

• Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km)
• Elevation Gain: 623 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate

2. Forks of Cascade Canyon Trail

The Forks of Cascade Canyon is a heart-pumping hike that totals 14.6 miles round trip. At the junction, you can climb to Hurricane Pass or head towards Lake Solitude, depending on your adventure preference.

• Distance: 14.6 miles (23.5 km)
• Elevation Gain: 2040 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate

3. Hidden Falls Trail

The Hidden Falls Trail is a moderate hike, spanning 5 miles out and back. You can take the shuttle across the lake to shorten your trek significantly. This busy trail offers stunning waterfall views as well as views of Jenny Lake, the second largest lake in the park.

• Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
• Elevation Gain: 550 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

4. Inspiration Point

The journey to Inspiration Point can be challenging for inexperienced hikers, spanning 5.8 miles round trip. You can reduce the trip by taking the lake shuttle as well.

• Distance: 5.8 miles (9.3 km) with Shuttle: 2.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 410 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

5. Shwabackers Landing

Shwabackers Landing is perfect for photography enthusiasts, featuring a short 1.3-mile hike, making it accessible for everyone.

• Distance: 1.3 miles (2.9 km)
• Elevation Gain: 15 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

6. Taggart Lake Trailhead

A family-friendly hike, the Taggart Lake Trail is 3.5 miles long with a 384-foot elevation change. The trail features beautiful reflections of the mountains in Taggart Lake.

• Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
• Elevation Gain: 400 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

7. Jackson Lake Trail

The Jackson Lake Trail is a 7.5-mile round trip with minimal elevation gain. There is a Jackson Lake Campground available for those wanting to extend their hike over multiple days.

• Distance: 7.5 miles (12.1 km)
• Elevation Gain: 102 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

8. String Lake Loop

A charming 3.8-mile trek with an elevation gain of 280 feet, the String Lake Loop trailhead is accessible via Teton Park Road.

• Distance: 3.8 miles (6.1 km)
• Elevation Gain: 280 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

9. Phelps Lake Overlook Trail

Phelps Lake is a highly rated day hike at 6.78 miles with a 729 feet elevation gain. The trail features lovely flora and fauna along the way, especially during the huckleberry season.

• Distance: 6.78 miles (11 km)
• Elevation Gain: 729 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate

10. Static Peak Divide

This strenuous hike is 16 miles long with an elevation gain of 5,000 feet, providing incredible views throughout the trek.

• Distance: 16 miles (25.75 km)
• Elevation Gain: 5000 feet
• Difficulty: Hard

11. Leigh Lake Trail

Leigh Lake offers an easy hiking experience at 3.7 miles, featuring minimal elevation gain.

• Distance: 7.1 miles (11.5 km)
• Elevation Gain: 100 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

12. Lake Solitude Trail

A challenging trek, the Lake Solitude Trail spans 15 miles with an elevation gain of 2,300 feet, rewarding hikers with stunning views at the lake.

• Distance: 15 miles (24.2 km)
• Elevation Gain: 2300 feet
• Difficulty: Hard

13. Taggart Lake – Bradley Lake Loop

The Bradley Lake Loop, 5.5 miles long, is an enjoyable hike with a 580 feet elevation change, ideal for moderate hikers.

• Distance: 5.5 miles (8.85 km)
• Elevation Gain: 580 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate

14. Paintbrush Canyon Trail

A demanding hike, Paintbrush Canyon stretches nearly 20 miles with an elevation gain of 4,000 feet.

• Distance: 20 miles (32.2 km)
• Elevation Gain: 4000 feet
• Difficulty: Hard

15. Two Ocean Lake

The Two Ocean Lake trail, 6.5 miles long, is a fantastic day hike featuring a 6,910 feet elevation gain, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Distance: 6.5 miles (10.4 km)
• Elevation Gain: 6910 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate