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, winter a snowshoe walk, and spring the opportunity to watch the sage grouse strut.

Check at a visitor center to learn about special programs or check the website's event calendar.

 

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2019 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 for a scheduled program to learn about the wild communities, history and geology of the park. Special programs are also given throughout the summer, upcoming special programs information available at a visitor center.

 

Programs

Breaking Trails.......Women Inspiring Change
Join a ranger to celebrate the women who made and are making great strides in shaping the past, present, and future of Grand Teton.
20 minutes • Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center Courtyard
Tuesday & Saturday 3:30 pm, June 8–Aug 31

Map Chat
From the park’s geologic story to learning about the variety of wildlife that call this park home, this program will give you insight into the stories behind the scenery.
20 minutes • Meet at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center Relief Map
Daily 10:30 am & 11:15 am, June 5–Sept 2

Nature in a Nutshell
Discover a fascinating aspect of Grand Teton’s natural world during this brief talk.
20 minutes • Meet at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center Courtyard
Sunday, Wednesday, & Friday 3:30 pm, June 5–Sept 1

Tipi Demo
As part of the Colter Bay cultural connection, learn about the traditional Plains Indian home.
1 hour • Meet at the Colter Bay Amphitheater
Wednesday 10 am, June 5–Aug 28

Indian Arts and Culture
As part of the Colter Bay cultural connection, meet an expert to expand your knowledge of American Indian lifeways.
45 minutes • Meet in the Colter Bay Visitor Center Auditorium
Tuesday 3 pm, June 9–Aug 29

Teton Topics
A ranger shares insight into a fascinating aspect of the park's natural or cultural history.
30 minutes • Meet in the Colter Bay Visitor Center Auditorium
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday, 3 pm, June 6–Sept 3

Murie Home Tour

Learn about the history of the ranch, the Muries’ life-long dedication to conservation work, current work at the Center, and more.
30 minutes-1 hour • Meet a docent at the Muries' home at the Murie Ranch.
Daily, 2:30pm June 17-Oct 11

Hikes

Taggart Lake Hike
Hike with a ranger along the scenic trail to Taggart Lake, where a variety of stories can unfold. Once you arrive at the lake, you will then have the option to hike back or explore on your own. Bring water, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and rain gear.
2.5 hours • Meet at Taggart Lake Trailhead
3 miles Roud trip • Moderate hike
Daily 8:30 am, June 5–Sept 2

Inspiration Hike
Learn about the formation of this magnificent landscape on a hike to Hidden Falls and onto Inspiration Point. This is a great activity for families! To reserve your space, please get a token for each member of your group at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center the morning of the hike. This activity is limited to 25 on a first come, first served basis. We will take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake. Boat Fares listed on page 12.
2.5 hours • Meet at Jenny Lake Visitor Center
3 miles Round trip, 1.5 mi guided • Moderate hike
Daily 8:30 am, June 7–Sept 2

Explore the Preserve Hike
Open your senses and immerse yourself in the pristine setting of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. Hike the Lake Creek Trail through forest and meadows to the shore of Phelps Lake which affords dramatic views of the Teton Range. Reservations required, call [phone]. Bring water, rain gear, sunscreen and insect repellent.
2.5 hours • Meet at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center porch.
3 miles, 1.5 miles guided • Easy/Moderate hike

Daily 9:30 am, June 5–Sept 2

Swan Lake Hike
Join a ranger to hike through the forest and learn about the park's natural history. A classic national park experience. Bring food, water, binoculars, rain gear, and insect repellent.
3 hours • Meet at flagpole in front of Colter Bay Visitor Center
3 miles • Moderate hike
Daily 4 pm, June 5–Sept 3

Campfire and Evening Programs

Evening programs are a proud tradition in our National Parks dating back to the 1930s. Evening programs are a fun, relaxing way to end your day at Grand Teton National Park by enjoying a 45-60 minute program presented by a park ranger.

Twilight Talk
Join a ranger by the campfire to learn about one of Grand Teton’s
fascinating animals or park stories during this family-friendly program.
Additional evenings for this program may be offered, check at the visitor center or Gros Ventre Campground for more information.
45 minutes • Meet at the Gros Ventre Campground Amphitheater
Tuesday–Saturday 7:30 pm, June 10–Aug 31

Colter Bay Early Evening Talk
Gather at Colter Bay Amphitheater for a traditional ranger talk. Families welcome. 45 minutes • Meet at the Colter Bay Amphitheater
Daily 7 pm, June 10–Sept 2

Colter Bay Talk
Join a ranger for a photo-illustrated talk about an exciting aspect of Grand Teton National Park. Topics posted at various locations.
45 minutes • Meet at the Colter Bay Amphitheater
(Auditorium if inclement weather)
Friday–Monday, Wednesday 9 pm, June 10–Sept 2

Astronomy Night

Join us for a ranger program or video about astronomy. Followed by
stargazing if the weather is right.
45 minutes • Colter Bay Amphitheater (Auditorium if inclement weather)
Thursday 9 pm, June 13–Aug 29

Family Movie Night
Join us for a park related video on the big screen.
45 minutes • Meet at the Colter Bay Amphitheater
(Auditorium if inclement weather)
Tuesday 9 pm, June 11–Aug 27

Bear and Wildlife Safety

Have you been to bear country? A local looking for a refresher? Did you buy bear spray? Discover techniques that will help you stay safe while traveling and camping in bear country and the park. Includes instruction in the use of bear spray.

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose
Monday & Thursday, 3:30 pm, June 6–Sept 2
20 minutes • Meet a ranger in the visitor center courtyard.

Colter Bay Visitor Center in Colter Bay Village
Sunday & Thursday, 3 pm, June 6–Sept 2
20 minutes • Meet a ranger on the back deck of the visitor center.

Jenny Lake Visitor Center & Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
Check with a ranger for times for the bear safety table talk.

Ranger Pop-ups and Roving

When you're out and about in the park you might find a ranger along the trail, at a pull-out, or overlook with a story to share and an activity. These casual pop-up programs explore a little bite of Grand Teton.

Coffee with a Ranger

Join a ranger for questions, trip planning, and dialog over morning coffee. Limited coffee provided.
1 hour • Meet at flagpole in front of Colter Bay Visitor Center
Monday–Friday, 7 am, June 5–Aug 29

 

Fall Programs

A variety of ranger-led activities take place throughout the park during the fall. Fall programs begin the day after Labor Day and last through mid-Octoboer. Join a ranger for a scheduled program to learn about the wild communities, history, and geology of the park. Special programs are also given throughout the fall, upcoming programs information is available at a visitor center.

 

Programs

Wildlife Caravan
Looking for something to do in Grand Teton this fall? Sign up for a ranger-led Wildlife Caravan to seek out some of the park's wildlife from the comfort of your own car. Participants will drive their own vehicle and availability is limited to 10 vehicles total but ride sharing is encouraged. Reservations can be made by calling 307-739-3381 from 9 am to 5 pm. • Meet at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center flag pole by 4:45 pm to check-in.
Daily, 5 pm to 8 pm, Sept 3– 22

 

Winter Programs

Snowshoe Hike
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 provided.

Call the reservation line to find out the day and time of programs.

 

Spring Programs

Grouse Strut

The ranger-led spring Grouse Strut program will be offered the last three weekends of April . 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! 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. 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.

International Migratory Bird Day

Join us on a bird-watching caravan 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 activity is free and reservations are not required.