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, winter a snowshoe walk, and spring the opportunity to watch the sage grouse strut. Programs that are wheelchair accessible are indicated as "accessible" below.
Check at a visitor center to learn about special programs or check the website's event calendar. For more information about program schedules download the park newspaper.
Autumn Programs
September 5-24, 2017 (dates vary, check program details below)
Moose District
Map Chat (accessible) Join a ranger around the raised-relief map in the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose to 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 11:30 am, daily, September 5-24.
Autumn Stroll
Hike with a ranger along the scenic trail to Taggart Lake, where a variety of stories unfold. Topics vary. Bring water, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and rain gear. ROUNDTRIP DISTANCE: 3 miles (1.5 miles guided). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. Meet at the Taggart Lake Trailhead at 1:30 pm for a 2.5 hour program, daily, September 5-24.
Wildlife Caravan
Travel with a ranger to look for wildlife during the early evening; the best viewing time. 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, 307-739-3624, or make reservations in person. Ride sharing will be strongly encouraged. Meet at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose at 5 pm. The tour lasts 3 hours, daily, September 5-24.
Jenny Lake District
Moose Ponds Hike
Hike with a ranger along the south shore of Jenny Lake to Moose Ponds with a stunning view of Mount Teewinot. Topics vary, depending on the ranger, and may include wildlife, geology or fall ecology. Bring water, binoculars, camera, sunscreen and raingear. Round Trip Distance: 3 miles (1.5 guided). Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. Meet on the Jenny Lake Visitor Center deck at 8:30 am for a 2.5 hour program, daily September 5-25.
Bear Safety (accessible)
Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Includes instruction in the use of bear pepper spray. Meet on the Jenny Lake Visitor Center deck at 1:30 pm for a 30 minute program Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, September 5-24. Discover Grand Teton (accessible)
Explore the natural world of Grand Teton by joining a ranger for a short talk or demonstration. Topics vary and may include history, wildlife, or geology. Meet on the Jenny Lake Visitor Center deck at 1:30 pm for a 30 minute program Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, September 6-25.
Colter Bay District
Wildlife at Willow Flats (accessible)
Join a ranger at this scenic turnout to discover the adaptations and habitats of the park's diverse wildlife. Meet at the Willow Flats Overlook at 9 am for a 30 minute presentation Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; Sept. 6-22.
Explore the Shore
Join a ranger for a cool morning stroll along the scenic shoreline of Jackson Lake and learn about the rich natural history of Grand Teton. ROUNDTRIP DISTANCE: 1 mile. DIFFICULTY: Easy. Meet at the Colter Bay Visitor Center flagpole at 9 am for a 1 hour walk. Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; Sept. 5-24.
Teton Highlights (accessible)
How should you spend your time in Grand Teton? Join a ranger for suggestions to best experience your park.Meet on the Colter Bay Visitor Center auditorium at 11 am for a 30 minute presentation daily; Sept. 5-24.
Bear Safety (accessible) Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Includes instruction in the use of bear spray. Meet at the Colter Bay Visitor Center back deck at 3 pm for a 30 minute program Tuesday and Friday; Sept. 5-22.
Oxbow Bend Wildlife Watch (accessible)
Join a ranger at the Oxbow Bend Overlook for an evening wildlife watch. Learn about the birds and mammals that inhabit this area. Stop by anytime between 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Offered daily; Sept. 5-24.
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 am for a four mile hike (two miles guided) lasting 2.5 hours along the Lake Creek Trail through forest and meadows to the shore of Phelps Lake offering dramatic views of the Teton Range. Reservations required 307-739-3654. Meet at the Map Kiosk in the LSR Preserve Parking Lot. Group size limited to 10. Offered daily; Sept. 5-24.
Critter Chat (accessible)
Every day a different animal or insect is the star of this fun, family friendly program. Please allow extra travel time as parking lot is typically full during this part of the day. ROUND TRIP DISTANCE: Minimal walking required. DIFFICULTY: Easy. Meet at the Map Kiosk in the LSR Preserve Parking Lot at 3:30 pm for 30 minutes; Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; Sept. 5-23.
Bear Safety (accessible) Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Includes instruction in the use of bear pepper spray. Please allow extra travel time as the parking lot is typically full during this part of the day. Meet at the Map Kiosk in the LSR Preserve Parking Lot at 3:30 pm for a 30 minute program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Sept. 6-22. Autumn at the Preserve (accessible)
How do the animals and plants of the Preserve prepare for winter? Join a ranger to explore these changes during this informal discussion time. Meet at the Map Kiosk in the LSR Preserve Parking Lot. The ranger will be available from 9:45-10:30 daily; Sept. 5-24.
Nature Explorer's Backpack
Children discover the wonders of the natural world using the tools provided in the Nature Explorer's Backpack. After a brief orientation by a ranger, each child receives a journal full of activities to guide them as they explore the Preserve trails with their family. The backpacks are available for checkout at the Preserve Center desk every day starting at 10:00 am and need to be returned by 5:00 pm that day. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Backpacks are limited, one per family please.
Summer Programs
June 7 - September 4, 2017 (unless otherwise noted) Special programs only on August 21, 2017 for the Solar Eclipse Across America.
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.
Hike with a ranger along the scenic Taggart Lake Trail, where a variety of stories unfold. The hike leaves from the Taggart Lake Trailhead at 9 am. Be prepared for a 3-mile (1.5 miles guided), 2-hour long hike. Topics vary. Offered daily, 8:30 am.
Map Chat (accessible)
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. Topics vary. Wheelchair accessible. Offered daily, 10:30 am.
Out and About with a Ranger
Enjoy a spectacular and iconic view while chatting with a ranger about wildlife, history, or answers to your questions. Meet a ranger at 1:30 pm for 1 hr.
Schwabachers Landing: Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat.
Mormon Row: Sun., Tues., Thur.
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 General Store for a 45-minute tour. Offered daily, 2:30 pm.
Nature in a Nutshell (accessible)
Join a ranger in the courtyard of the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose for a 20-minute talk to learn about the park's natural world. Topics are the ranger's choice. Wheelchair accessible. Offered Sun., Wed., Fri. at 4 pm.
To the Tetons and Beyond
Throughout time people have considered the sky above as part of the natural world. as part of the celebration of the August 21st Eclipse Across America, join a ranger to travel beyond the traditional boundaries of Grand Teton National Park and learn about an aspect of astronomy. Join a ranger in the courtyard at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center for a 20-minute talk. Offered Tues., Sat. at 4 pm.
Bear Safety (accessible)
Learn all about bear safety, proper food storage, bear spray and how to dispense it properly. Know the differences between black and grizzly bears and ideas on how to avoid an encounter. Wheelchair accessible. Join a ranger in the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center courtyard for a 20-minute presentation. Offered Monday and Thursday, 4 pm.
Twilight Talk (accessible)
Join a ranger by the campfire to learn more about one of Grand Teton's fascinating animals or park stories during this family-friendly program. Meet at the Gros Ventre Campground amphitheater for a 45-minute program. Offered: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 7:30 pm. (June 14–August 25)
Inspiration Point Hike Learn about the formation of this magnificent landscape on a hike to a viewpoint above Jenny Lake. This is a great activity for families! This activity is limited to the first 25 visitors who obtain a token at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center the morning of the hike. We will take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake (fee charged). The ranger guides visitors one mile climbing 400 feet to the viewpoint and leaves them at 11:00 am. Offered daily, 8:30 am. (Hikes begin on 6/16) Lakeshore Conversations (accessible)
Join a ranger for an easy walk ot the shore of Jenny Lake and then engage in a conversation with other park visitors. topics of the conversation will vary. Roundtrip distance: 400 yards. Difficulty: Easy. Meet at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center Deck. Offered daily, 11 am. (Program ends Aug. 26). Discover Grand Teton (accessible)
Explore the natural world of Grand Teton by joining a ranger for a short talk or demonstration. Topics vary and may be on history, wildlife or geology. Meet on the Jenny Lake Visitor Center Deck for a 30-minute presentation. Offered: Mon. & Fri., 1:30 pm. (also on Wed. at 1:30 pm Aug. 23 - Sept. 4) To the Tetons and Beyond (accessible)
Throughout time, people have considered the sky above as part of the natural world. as part of the celebration of the August 21st Eclipse Across America, join a ranger to travel beyond the traditional boundaries of Grand Teton National Park and learn about an aspect of astronomy. Meet a ranger on the Jenny Lake Visitor Center Deck for 20-minute presentation. Offered: Wed. 1:30 pm June 7 - Aug. 20. Bear Safety(accessible) Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Includes instruction in the use of bear pepper spray. Meet on the Jenny Lake Visitor Center Deck for a 30-minute presentation. Offered: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 1:30 pm.
Ranger with visitors on back deck of Jackson Lake Lodge.
D. Lehle/NPS Photo
Colter Bay District Summer
Coffee with a Ranger (accessible) Join a ranger for questions, trip planning and dialog over morning coffee. Meet on the visitor center front porch for a 1 hr. conversation. Offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7 am. Morning on the Back Deck (accessible)
Look for wildlife in a wetlands community. A ranger is on hand with a spotting scope for your viewing pleasure and to answer questions. All visitors are invited. Meet on the back deck of the Jackson Lake Lodge for a one-hour program. Offered: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 am. Tipi Demo (accessible)
Join a ranger to learn about the structure the plains Indians called home. Meet in the Colter Bay amphitheater for 45-minute demonstration. Offered: Wednesday, 9 am. Teton Highlights (accessible)
Wondering what to see and do in the park? Join a ranger for some great ideas. Meet in the visitor center auditorium for 30-minutes. Offered: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am. Teton Topics (accessible)
This program gives insight to the stories behind the scenery, including geology, wildlfie, history and other topics. Meet in the visitor center auditorium for 30-minutes. Offered: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 am. To the Tetons and Beyond (accessible)
Throughout time, people have considered the sky above as part of the natural world. As part of the celebration of the August 21st Eclipse Across America, join a ranger to travel beyond the traditional boundaries of Grand Teton National Park and learn about an aspect of astronomy. Meet for a 20-minute presentation in the Colter Bay Visitor Center auditiorium.Offered: Thursday & Saturday, 11 am. Swan Lake Hike
Hike through forest and wetland communities and learn about the plants and animals living in the park. Meet the ranger at the visitor center flagpole. Meet at the visitor center flagpole. The programs lasts 3 hours. Distance: 3 miles. Difficulty: easy. Offered: Daily, 1 pm.Indian Arts & Culture (accessible)
Join a ranger for an in-depth look at a facet of American Indian art and culture. Meet in the visitor center auditorium for a 45-minute presentation. Offered: Tuesday, 1:30 pm. Bear Safety (accessible)
Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Including instruction in the use of bear pepper spray. Meet on the visitor center back deck for a 30-minute presentation. Offered: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, 4 pm. Grand Teton Kids (accessible)
Kids connect to some of the wonders of Grand Teton on a short interactive program. Meet on the visitor center back deck for a 30-minute program. Offered: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 4 pm. Early Evening (accessible)
Gather at the Colter Bay Amphitheater for a traditional ranger talk lasting 45 minutes. The program will move to the auditorium in case of inclement weather. Families are welcome. Topics posted at various locations. Offered: Daily, 7 pm. (program starts June 12) Campfire Program (accessible)
Join a ranger for a 45-minute, photo-illustrated talk about an exciting aspect of Grand Teton National Park Topics posted at various locations. The program will move to the auditorium in case of inclement weather. Families are welcome. Topics posted at various locations. Offered: Daily (except Wednesday), 9 pm. (program starts June 12) Family Video Night (accessible)
Gather at the Colter Bay Visitor Center auditorium for a park-related video feature. Offered: Wednesday, 9 pm. (program starts June 12)
Open your senses and immerse yourself in the pristine setting of the Preserve. Hike the Lake Creek Trail through forest and meadows to the shores of Phelps Lake offering dramatic views of the Teton Range. Time: 2.5 hours. Distance: 3 miles (1.5 miles guided). Difficulty: easy to moderate. Reservations required 307-739-3654. Group size 10. Meet a ranger at the Preserve Center Porch. Offered: Daily, 9:30 am. Start with a Ranger (accessible)
Join a ranger on a short stroll from the parking lot map kiosk to the LSR Preserve Center. Before you head out on your hike, learn more about Laurance Rockefeller's gift, his vision and the trails. Become a part of the story by asking your own questions and discovering the mission of the Preserve! Minimal walking required. Offered: Daily, 10 am. (program starts on June 11) Critter Chat (accessible)
Every day a different animal or insect is the star of this fun, family friendly program. Meet on the porch of the Preserve Center for a 30-minute presentation. Offered: Daily (except Friday), 3:30 pm. Bear Safety (accessible) Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Including instruction in the use of bear pepper spray. Meet on the Preserve Center Porch for a 30-minute demonstration. Offered: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 3:30 pm.
To the Tetons and Beyond (accessible)
Throughout time, people have considereed the sky above as part of the natural world. As part of the celebration of the August 21st Eclipse Across America, join a ranger to travel beyond the traditional boundaries of Grand Teton National park and learn about an aspect of astronomy. Meet on the Preserve Center Porch for a 20-minute presentation. Offered: Monday & Wednesday at 3:30 pm. (program starts on June 12)
Bear Safety (accessible)
Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country. Includes instruction on the use of bear spray. Meet on the Preserve Center porch for a 30-minute presentation. Offered: Friday at 3:30 pm.
Nature Explorer's Backpack
Children discover the wonders of the natural world using the tools provided in the Nature Explorer's Backpack. After a brief orientation by a ranger, each child receives a journal full of activities to guide them as they explore the Preserve trails with their family. The backpacks are available for checkout at the Preserve Center desk every day starting at 9:00 am and need to be returned by 5 pm that day. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Backpacks are limited, one per family please. Completing this counts as a ranger program for the Junior Ranger Program.
Visitors on ranger-lead snowshoe hike near the Snake River.
Winter Programs
December 26, 2016 through mid-March 2017
Join a ranger for an educational and fun hike through the snow. Rangers offer guided snowshoe walks from the Taggart Lake Trailhead. Programs begin on December 26th and run through mid-March, conditions permitting. Reservations are required, call 307-739-3399 for more details and to make reservations (10 am - 4 pm, Monday - Saturday). Reservations are accepted beginning on December 1. Please wear appropriate winter clothing (e.g. hat, gloves, snow/wind pants, boots, etc.) and don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses. Snowshoes are available from the Grand Teton Association for a suggested donation of $5.
Programs are offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30 pm and last two hours, ending at 3:30 pm.
Grouse Strut The ranger-led spring Grouse Strut program will be offered the last three weekends of April (4/16-17, 4/23-24, and 4/30-5/1). Join us for an early morning excursion to watch these remarkable birds attract a mate. Reservations are required and ride-sharing is encouraged. Please call 307-739-3399 for more information and to make reservations. Participants will meet the ranger at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center at 5:30 am. Plan to be outside at least one hour, so dress warmly.
Junior Ranger Day Come celebrate the National Park Service Centennial at our annual Junior Ranger Day,Saturday April 23rd from 10 am to 2 pm. Families can meet a wildland firefighter, climb on the giant plow trucks, explore a bear biologist's tools, dress up in a Park Ranger uniform, and play fun games! Be a part of Jackson Hole Public Art's park memory map, meet live birds, and learn from community organizations how to be a nature-friendly neighbor. And don't miss out on the Okee Dokee Brothers(http://www.okeedokee.org) family concert at 1pm! This free event will take place inside and outside the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center. For more information, call 307-739-3399 or e-mail us.
May 2016
International Migratory Bird Day
Join us on a bird-watching caravan on Saturday, May 14, 2016 to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). During this event, we will visit areas throughout Grand Teton that provide the best opportunities to locate, identify and record birds.Anyone interested in birds is welcome to participate. The bird-watching excursion begins at 8 am from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose and finishes by 4 pm at Christian Pond by Jackson Lake Lodge.The activity is free and reservations are not required. More>>
