Heres everything it’s crucial that you know about visiting Grand Teton National Park.
We need to be visitors to the landscape.
To actually explore the park, though, youll likely enter through one of the three main road entrances.
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This is where youll find theCraig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center.
From each entrance, youll be able to access Grand Teton National Parks popular 42-mile Scenic Drive.
Always be sure to check the National Park Servicewebsiteorappbefore planning your route.
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Expect sudden weather changes, says Shill.
The weather can come in fast here.
Knowing what to bring is important, but so is knowing what not to bring.
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Drones are illegal in national parks.
You may also want to consider leaving your dog at home.
Dogs are welcome in the park, but with limitations, she explains.
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Theyre also not allowed on trails or boardwalks and must stay within 30 feet from the roadside.
Think of it this way: Dogs can only go where cars can go.
Wildlife is wild, says Robinson.
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If youre in town to observe the wildlife, the shoulder seasons will be your best bet.
Incidentally, these are also more affordable times to book a stay at one ofJackson Hole’s top hotels.
Spring is one of the most common times to spot grizzly bears and black bears…
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They are just waking up from hibernation and are hungrily searching for food.
This is also the season when elk, moose, and bison get ready to birth their calves.
If youre lucky, you might spot them, she adds.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
As the temperatures rise, wildlife, apart from bison and pronghorn, may be more elusive.
If youre prepared to navigate the traffic, youll be rewarded with pleasant weather and miles of beautiful wildflowers.
Summer is fairly consistent with warm days and cool nights.
When rainstorms do occur, they typically dont last very long, says Robinson.
Mid to late July is when you’re going to have that mixed meadow beauty, says Shill.
Elk take center stage during their rut as bulls with stunning antlers round up large harems of females.
Hearing their bugle is one of the most exciting elements of fall in the Tetons, says Robinson.
Several services in town, likeTeton Backcountry RentalsandSkinny Skis, offer equipment rentals if you dont have your own.
While bears may be hibernating during the colder months, other wildlife viewing is ongoing.
[But] probably the most exciting species that thrives in the winter months is the gray wolf.
Best Things to Do
Go on a wildlife tour.
Knowing where and when to look for wildlife is a specialty for locally-owned Jackson Hole tour companies.
Float the Snake River.
Shill suggestsBarker-Ewing Scenic Float TripsorSolitude Float Trips.
Catch the sunrise.
Grand Teton National Park is a photographers dream setting, particularly in the early hours of the morning.
I often let people know that sunrise in Grand Teton is typically far better than sunset, says Robinson.
Youll see incredible alpenglow on the peaks of the Tetons, ideal for breathtaking pictures.
Swim in an alpine lake.
The NPS also recommends wearing a life jacket for an additional layer of safety.
Best Hikes
Preparation is paramount before attempting any hike in Grand Teton National Park.
The route is about 1.3 miles one way, and its accompanied by creeks, wildlife, and wildflowers.
Note: Grand Teton National Park doesnt allow commercially guided day hiking.
Places to Eat
Both Robinson and Shill recommend bringing a picnic along for your national park adventure.
There are also a few sit-down restaurants to enjoy in Grand Teton National Park.
Incredible scenery is also on the menu at Signal Mountain LodgesTrapper Grilland Jackson Lake LodgesMural Room.
At the latter, notes Robinson, Every table has a view of the mountains.
You might even spot some wildlife while you dine.
