Ranger Programs

Park rangers provide a wide variety of activities for park visitors including hikes, slide shows, children's activities and wildlife viewing. While most programs are offered during the busy summer season, fall brings the wildlife caravan for wildlife watching and spring is the time to visit if you would like to see the sage grouse strut. Check at a visitor center to learn about special programs. For more information about program schedules download the park newspaper.

Winter Programs
Spring Programs
Summer Programs
Autumn Programs

---

 

Sage grouse displaying during spring strut.

Spring Programs

Join a ranger for a special opportunity to view sage grouse during their spring strut. Meet the ranger at 5:30 a.m. and caravan to a lek where male sage grouse put on a spectacular display for the females. This program usually occurs the last three weekends in April. Reservations are required, call [phone] for more details and to make reservations. Reservations are accepted beginning on April 1, 2012. Grouse strut programs will be offered the last three weekends in April; 4/14-15, 4/21-22, and 4/28-29. Come join us to witness this amazing display!

back to top

---

 

Junior Ranger Program

Summer Programs

A variety of ranger-led activities take place throughout the park during the summer season. Summer programs begin in early June and last through Labor Day weekend. Join a ranger to learn about the wild communities, history and geology of the park. Regularly scheduled programs are described below, but districts also offer special programs throughout the summer. Check at a visitor center for upcoming special programs. Summer programs are grouped by park district. For more detailed information about these activities, please view the park newspaper or inquire at a visitor center.

Moose District

Taggart Lake Hike
Hike with a ranger along the scenic Taggart Lake Trail, where a variety of stories unfold. The hike leaves at 9 a.m. from the Taggart Lake Trailhead. Be prepared for a 3 mile, 2 hour long hike. Topics vary. Offered daily.

Map Chat
Join a ranger around the raised-relief map in the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose hear about the stories behind the scenery. Learn about the wildlife that calls this place home and the forces that shaped this landscape during a 30 minute presentation at 11 a.m. Topics vary. Offered daily.

A Walk into the Past
Join a ranger for a walking tour of the Menor's Ferry Historic District. Discover the history of this homestead, settlement of the valley and formation of the park. See a replica of the ferry that once crossed the Snake River. Meet at the ferry dock for a 45 minute tour beginning at 2 p.m. Offered daily.

Nature in a Nutshell
Short on time? Explore Grand Teton's diverse natural world in 20 minutes. Topics vary. Program begins a 3 p.m. Offered: Monday, Thursday, Saturday.

Wild about wilderness Family Program
Grand Teton symbolizes America's Great Outdoors. We invite families to join a ranger and sicover this wild place. Roundtrip distance: less than one mile. Difficulty: easy. Offered at 3 p.m. for 1 hour: Tuesday, Friday.

Bear Safety
Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Includes instruction in the use of bear pepper spray. Offered at 3 p.m. for 20 minutes: Sunday, Wednesday.

Teton Tales
Join a park ranger by a campfire to learn more about one of the fascinating stories about Grand Teton National Park. The presentation begins at 8 p.m. for 45 minutes (7 p.m. after August 1) at the Gros Ventre Campground Amphitheater.

Jenny Lake District

Inspiration Point Hike
Join a ranger to learn about the formation of this magnificent landscape on a hike to Hidden Falls and on to Inspiration Point. This is a great family activity! To reserve your space, please obtain a token for each member of your group at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center prior to meeting the ranger. This activity is limited to 25 on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet the ranger in front of the Jenny Lake Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. We will take a shuttle boat across Jenny Lake, and hike one mile up to Inspiration Point climbing 420 feet. The ranger will leave you at 11:00 a.m. at Inspiration Point. Offered daily.

Junior Rangers
Explore the natural world of the park. Activities in this program are designed for children 8-12 years old, however all ages are invited to join in the fun. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Reservations are recommended. Offered at 1:30 p.m. for 1.5 hours on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday.

Bear Safety
Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Includes instruction in the use of bear pepper spray. Offered at 1:30 p.m. for 20 minutes, Monday and Friday

Climbing the Tetons
Have you ever wondered how mountain climbers get to the top of peaks like the Grand Teton? Join a ranger at 3 p.m. for a 45 minute-long talk on climbing in the Tetons. This program does not provide climbing instruction. Offered: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Jenny Lake Twilight Talk
Gather at the Jenny Lake Campground camp circle for a traditional ranger talk starting at 7 p.m. for 45 minutes. Topics vary, so check at a visitor center or the campground for the evening's program. Offered daily.

Signal Mountain Campfire Program
Join a ranger at the Signal Mountain Campground Amphitheater for an illustrated campfire talk. The program begins at 9 p.m. for 45 minutes. Check at a visitor center of the campground for the evening's topic. Offered daily.

Colter Bay District

Morning on the Back Deck
Join a ranger on the back deck of the Jackson Lake Lodge anytime between 9-10:30 a.m. Look for wildlife in a wetlands community through a spotting scope and have your questions answered. Open to anyone. Offered daily.

Swan Lake Hike
Hike through forest and wetland communities and learn about teh plants and animals living in the park. Offered daily at 1 p.m., lasts 3 hours, distance 3 miles, difficulty easy.

Bear Safety
Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Including instruction in the use of bear pepper spray. Offered at 4 p.m. for 20 minutes on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

Our Changing Park
Join a ranger for a vista of the Teton Range and learn how contemporary issues such as climate change are affecting the view. Offered at 4 p.m for 20 minutes on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Campfire Programs
Gather for a traditional ranger talk at 7 p.m. for 45 minutes. Topics vary. Flagg Ranch amphitheater: Thursday and Saturday. Lizard Creek amphitheater: Sunday and Friday.

Early Evening at Colter Bay
Gather at the Colter Bay Amphitheater (or in the auditorium if bad weather) for a traditional ranger talk at 7 p.m. for 45 minutes. Check at a visitor center of the campground for the evening's topic. Offered daily.

Colter Bay Campfire Program
Join a ranger at the Colter Bay Campground Amphitheater for an illustrated campfire talk. The program begins at 9 p.m. for 45 minutes. Check at a visitor center of the campground for the evening's topic. Offered daily.

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve

Explore the Preserve Hike
Open your senses and immerse yourself in the pristine setting of the Preserve. Join a ranger at 8:30 a.m. for a three mile hike along the Lake Creek Trail through forest and meadows to the shore of Phelps Lake offering dramatic views of the Teton Range. Reservations recommended [phone]. Group size 10. Offered daily.

Junior Rangers
Explore the natural world of the park. Activities in this program are designed for children 8-12 years old, however all ages are invited to join in the fun. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Reservations are recommended. Offered at 10:30 a.m. for 1.5 hours on Sunday.

Eco Chat
Chat with a ranger at 2 p.m. for 30 minutes on the porch to learn about our changing landscape and how the sustainable features of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve allow us to care for this special place. Offered daily.

Critter Chat
Every day a different animal or insect is the star of this fun, family friendly program. Meet on the porch of the Preserve Center at 3:30 p.m. for 30 minutes. Offered daily.

Evening Stroll
Hike three miles roundtrip to Phelps Lake to experience the sights, sounds, wildlife and atmosphere as evening commences. This program is offered two evenings a week at 6 p.m. Reservations recommended [phone]. Group size 10. Offered Wednesday and Friday.

Junior Ranger
Children 8-12 years old are invited to join a ranger and explore the park's natural world. Group size is limited to 12. Make reservations at any park visitor center. Meet in the parking lot and wear play clothes, bring water and rain gear. This activity begins at 1:30 p.m., lasts 1 1/2 hours and is offered two days a week. Parents, pick up your children promptly at 3 p.m.

back to top

---

 

Hikers near Taggart Lake in Fall

Autumn Programs

Moose District

Map Chat
Join a ranger around the raised-relief map in the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose hear about the stories behind the scenery. Learn about the wildlife that calls this place home and the forces that shaped this landscape during a 30 minute presentation at 11 a.m. Topics vary.

Autumn Stroll
Hike with a ranger along the scenic Taggart Lake Trail, where a variety of stories unfold. The hike leaves at 1 p.m. from the Taggart Lake Trailhead. Be prepared for a 3 mile, 2 hour long hike. Topics vary.

Wildlife Caravan
Travel with a ranger to see wildlife during the early evening; the best time to view wildlife. Be prepared to drive or ride to multiple locations. Dress warmly and bring binoculars or spotting scopes. Limited to 10 vehicles. Reservations are required. Please call the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, [phone], or make reservations in person. Ride sharing will be strongly encouraged. Meet at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose at 5 p.m. The tour lasts 3 hours.

Jenny Lake District

Inspiration Point Hike
Join a ranger to learn about the formation of this magnificent landscape on a hike to Hidden Falls and on to Inspiration Point. This is a great family activity! To reserve your space, please obtain a token for each member of your group at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center prior to meeting the ranger. This activity is limited to 25 on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet the ranger in front of the Jenny Lake Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. We will take a shuttle boat across Jenny Lake, and hike one mile up to Inspiration Point climbing 420 feet. The ranger will leave you at noon at Inspiration Point.

Traditional Ranger Talk
In the fall, the Jenny Lake District alternates evening programs between the Jenny Lake Camp Circle and the Signal Mountain Amphitheater. Programs begin at 6:30 p.m. and last 45 minutes. The topics vary so check at a visitor center or campground for more details.

Colter Bay District

Teton Highlights
Wondering what to do and see in the park? Join a ranger at 11 a.m. in the Colter Bay Visitor Center Auditorium for some great ideas.

Oxbow Bend Wildlife Watch
Join a ranger at the Oxbow Bend Overlook for an evening wildlife watch. Stop by anytime between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to scan the area for birdlife and large mammals.

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve

Explore the Preserve Hike
Open your senses and immerse yourself in the pristine setting of the Preserve. Join a ranger at 9:30 a.m. for a three mile hike along the Lake Creek Trail through forest and meadows to the shore of Phelps Lake offering dramatic views of the Teton Range. Reservations recommended [phone]. Group size 10.

Autumn at the Preserve
Join a ranger to hear about the interesting adaptations that occur in animals and plants with the changing of the seasons. Stop by the Preserve Center anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

Eco Chat
Stop by and chat with a ranger between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the porch to learn about our changing landscape and how the sustainable features of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve allow us to care for this special place.

back to top

 

Visitors on ranger-lead snowshoe hike near the Snake River.

Winter Programs

Join a ranger for an educational and fun hike through the snow. Rangers offer guided snowshoe hikes from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Programs begin on December 26th and run through mid-March, conditions permitting. Reservations are required, call [phone] for more details and to make reservations. Reservations are accepted beginning on December 1, 2012. A $5 donation is suggested for the rental of snowshoes (provided during the ranger program), the program is free. Please wear appropriate winter clothing (e.g. hat, gloves, snow/wind pants, boots, etc.) and don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.

Programs are offered daily at 1:30 p.m. and last two hours, ending at 3:30 p.m.

back to top

---