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Top 10 Tips for visiting Grand Teton National Park

A visitor captures a photo on their phone at Taggart Lake with the Teton Mountain Range and blue skies

Are you planning to experience the stunning beauty of Grand Teton National Park this summer? Millions of people from around the world visit the park every year. So, be sure to make a #GrandPlan and follow our top 10 tips for visiting Grand Teton in 2023.

Get ready to witness breathtaking views and wildlife, explore nature, experience the wonder of Grand Teton, and create unforgettable memories. Plan ahead, recreate responsibly, help preserve this landscape for generations to come, and become a steward for this iconic place. Grand Teton is waiting for you!

Before you arrive…

Here’s what you should know for the 2023 summer season.

  • For opening dates for seasonally operated facilities and services in the Grand Teton, check Operating Hours & Seasons.

  • Reservations are NOT required to enter Grand Teton National Park. Entrance fees are required and available for purchase in advance through Recreation.gov. Visit the park Fees & Passes page for more information.

  • Reservations ARE required for lodging and all campgrounds in Grand Teton and are mostly booked for the peak season. Plan ahead and visit the park Camping page to reserve your night under the stars. Car camping or sleeping overnight in vehicles is not allowed in park pullouts, parking areas, picnic grounds, or any place other than a designated campground.

  • The southern portion of the Moose-Wilson Road will be under construction between the Granite Canyon Entrance and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve.

    • April 10—May 26 closed to all vehicles and uses

    • May 26—June 30 open to weekend traffic from 7 pm Friday to 7 am Monday, or the day after a federal holiday at 7 am

    • June 30, at 7 pm the road will be open, seven days a week, with possible 20-minute delays.

  • Granite Canyon Trailhead will be closed to all access during construction, seek alternatives. Access to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Death Canyon Trailhead will remain available from the north, via Moose, WY. Visit go.nps.gov/moosewilson for more information.

  • For more planning tools, visit the park website and follow Grand Teton on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for more helpful information.

Download the official NPS App before your visit. The app features downloadable information for all the national park sites in the country, including Grand Teton. This includes an interactive map, self-guided audio tours, and information to help make the most of your trip. The app is free and available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

When you’re here…

Be alert. Grizzly and black bears are active in Grand Teton, including in developed areas. Always stay 100 yards (the length of a football field) away from bears and wolves. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily available. Be bear aware and learn more about recreating in bear country on the park Safety in Bear Country page.

Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Roadside wildlife viewing is popular, but please keep the road clear. Use pullouts or pull completely off the roadway to the right of the white line. It is illegal to feed any wildlife—bears, ground squirrels, foxes, etc. To protect wildlife and visitors, the park occasionally closes key habitat areas to all travel. Check the park Temporary & Wildlife Closures page for the most current information.

Grand Teton is a wild place. National parks are not always the best place for your dog. Dogs are not allowed on trails, pathways, beaches, inside visitor centers, or in park waters. For more in-fur-mation about pets in the park, visit the park Pets page.

Parking at locations throughout the park can be difficult to find during peak hours. Visit the park before 9 am and after 4 pm to avoid the crowds. For more information, visit the park’s Parking page.

Obey posted speed limits and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Wildlife is active near park roads. Be vigilant while driving. Slowing down could save a life. In high visitation areas such as Mormon Row, Taggart Lake, Jenny Lake, and Colter Bay, be alert for pedestrians and follow adjusted speed limits. Follow the nighttime speed limit of 45 mph on US HWY 89/191/26.

Campfires are limited to designated and installed fire rings in the park. Campfires should always be attended to and must be completely “dead out” and cold to the touch before leaving a site. Visit Tetonfires.com for current fire conditions and more fire safety information.

Dispose of trash properly and follow Leave No Trace Principles by packing out what you bring in. Recycling is available throughout the park. Check out the park Sustainability page. Visit Recreate Responsibly to learn additional tips on how to be a good steward of public lands.

Jackson Hole and Wyoming are full of places to explore. Make a side trip and learn more by visiting the park’s Nearby Attractions page. Explore Wyoming and discover museums, state parks, rodeos, national treasures, and more as you make your way across the Cowboy State.


Grand Teton National Park

Last updated: May 12, 2023