Nestled along the backbone of the Rocky Mountains, lies Grand Teton National Park. Home to one of the most unique and awe-inspiring mountain ranges in the United States. What the park lacks in acreage, it more than makes up for with it’s dense spiderweb of hiking trails. From two hour strolls along Jenny Lake to multi day thru-hikes navigating the Teton Crest Trail, Grand Teton National Park calls to the explorer in us all.

I’ve had the pleasure of calling Grand Teton National Park my home since moving to Jackson, Wyoming in early 2021. My experiences here have led me through vast swathes of the park; getting caught up in lightning storms high in Cascade Canyon, floating pink flamingos along String Lake, listening to the whistle pigs chirp as I walk through their neighborhood. Through personal experience, I’ve compiled this list of my favorite day hikes for those planning their visit to this majestic mountain range. It is important to note that many, if not all of these are only accessible in the summer season (May through October).

In this post, you will find all the important information to know before you go, photos from each hike, along with some insider tips from me; a resident here in Jackson Hole. Let’s get into the post!

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**1). Taggart Lake**

**Difficulty:** Easy
**Duration:** 1.5 hours
**Distance:** 3.8 miles
**Elevation Gain:** 423 feet
**Description:** . With just under 430 feet in elevation gain, Taggart Lake is a fantastic first hike to get yourself adjusted to higher elevation. This mellow loop trail is one of the easier treks in the park. Perfect for families with little ones, or those simply looking to begin their adventures into Grand Teton National Park. If you arrive to Taggart with energy to spare and want to continue your journey, an additional 3 miles and 340 feet in elevation gain will lead you to Bradley Lake.
**Local’s Tip:** Arrive to the parking lot as early as 7:30-8:00 am, as it is small and fills up quickly!

**2). Phelps Lake**

**Difficulty:** Moderate
**Duration:** 3 - 5 hours
**Distance:** 6.3 - 7 miles for the full loop
**Elevation Gain:** 700 feet
**Description:** After arriving at the Rockefeller Preserve you’ll be greeted with the visitors center, restrooms and a map of the surrounding area. Roughly three quarters of a mile down, the trail splits in two; right (north) or left (south). For those looking for a quick out and back trip to the cliff jumping rock, head right as it’ll be your quickest route there. Though, either route grants access to the full loop trail, with it’s grand views of Death Canyon looming over Phelps Lake.
**Local’s Tip:** Visit the iconic jumping rock on the north shore of the lake (20 feet) and get your photo in front of the mountains framing Death Canyon! Please note this is a glacial lake so the water temperature is generally very cold.

**3). Death Canyon**

**Difficulty:** Moderate
**Duration:** 5 hours
**Distance:** 9 miles
**Elevation Gain:** 2,093 feet
**Description:** Start your hike off with beautiful views of Phelps Lake before making your descent into Death Canyon. Be prepared, there is fair amount of elevation gain as you head out to Patrol Cabin and back. Scenic overlooks dot the trail along the way, so don’t forget to stop, rehydrate and take in the scenery around you!
**Local’s Tip:** This trail will intermittently navigate alongside cliff faces, those of you who are inexperienced or afraid of heights should reconsider this hike. There is minimal shade on the cliff trails so bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water!

**4). Delta Lake**

**Difficulty:** Hard
**Duration:** 5 hours
**Distance:** 7.4 miles
**Elevation Gain:** 2,300
**Description:** Start at Lupine Meadows and begin by taking the trail up towards Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes. I’d highly recommend downloading the “All Trails” app, downloading the Delta Lake topography map and following the route as the last sections are unmarked. The National Park Service does not regulate or upkeep the last section of this trail, it is maintained by hikers only.
**Local’s Tip:** Give yourself more time and bring more food/water than you anticipate. This trail is steep and grueling with some sections of rock scrambling involved.

**5). Jenny Lake Loop**

**Difficulty:** Moderate
**Duration:** 3 hours
**Distance:** 7.2 miles
**Elevation Gain:** 456 feet
**Description:** After parking at the South Jenny Lake lot, start your hike by bypassing the boat dock to get onto the trail. This stunning seven mile loop trail is mostly shaded and connects to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. For those looking for a day of leisure and views, the Jenny Lake Ferry sails across the lake taking hikers from the South Jenny Lake parking lot to Hidden Falls Trail Head. The service runs from 7am-7pm, June 4th to September 8th. (Shoulder season dates; May 15-June 3rd and September 9th-September 30th, Jenny Lake Boating runs shorter hours 10am-4pm)
**Local’s Tip:** This hike has some of the best views in the park making it the busiest spot in Grand Teton. Ideally arrive at 7am or wait for the afternoon crowd to depart (around 1-2pm) in order to get a decent parking spot.

**6). Hidden Falls**

**Difficulty:** Easy
**Duration:** 2 hours
**Duration from Boat Dock:** 25 minutes
**Distance:** 4.9 miles
**Distance from Boat Dock:** 1 mile
**Elevation Gain:** 590 feet
**Elevation Gain from Boat Dock:** 300 feet
**Description:** Start at the South Jenny Lake parking lot and meander down to the Jenny Lake Boat Dock. From here, you will have a choice to ferry across the lake or hike around to the back of the lake. For both hikers and boaters awaits Hidden Falls; a massive, one hundred foot cascading waterfall. This dramatic and cascading beauty is the only accessible waterfall inside of the park.
**Local’s Tip:** Personally, I love hiking to the falls and taking the ferry back. But for just $20 per person, Jenny Lake Boating will take visitors roundtrip, provide pristine views and save your knees! This ticket can be purchased on site so you don’t need to do it beforehand.

**7). Inspiration Point**

**Difficulty:** Moderate
**Duration:** 3 hours
**Duration from Boat Dock:** 1 hour
**Distance:** 5.7 miles
**Distance from Boat Dock:** 1.8 miles
**Elevation Gain:** 870 feet
**Elevation Gain from Boat Dock:** 419 feet
**Description:** Begin at the South Jenny Lake Trailhead. Hike or take the ferry across the lake and continue towards Hidden Falls. Roughly a quarter of a mile before arriving at the falls, Inspiration Point trailhead splits into view. This has some remarkably steeper terrain than the lower intensity hike to Hidden Falls. Jagged peaks frame the switch backs overlooking some of the most spectacular views of Jenny Lake the park has to offer, before finally linking up with Cascade Canyon.
**Local’s Tip:** This trail is rocky, steep and involves some cliff edge hiking. But for those willing to go the distance, you’ll find wildlife a plenty! Moose traverse the high mountain paths while smaller critters like chipmunks raid unattended hikers bags. Moose are highly unpredictable animals and injure or kill far more people than bears every year. Keep at least 75 feet away and respect their space!

**8). Cascade Canyon**

**Difficulty:** Moderate
**Duration:** 4 hours
**Distance:** 9.1 miles
**Elevation Gain:** 1,102 feet
**Description:** After either ferrying over or hiking around Jenny Lake and hiking Inspiration Point, the Cascade Canyon portion of the trail blurs into view. With the bulk of your elevation gain behind you, hikers can rest easy as the trail evens out and gently bends around mountain streams and alpine wildflowers. This is an out-and-back trail, so the choice to turn back for a partial day is always viable.
**Local’s Tip:** Be sure to time your hike with the Jenny Lake Boat schedule, this hike can easily turn into 13 miles if you miss it on your way back!

**9). String Lake Loop**

**Difficulty:** Moderate
**Duration:** 1.5 hours
**Distance:** 3.7 miles
**Elevation Gain:** 252 feet
**Description:** Arrive early! String Lake is notoriously busy during the summer season, with more and more visitors every year, parking lots fill up quickly. Before embarking on your hike, check in at the local park ranger stand near the trail entrance. The rangers are a wealth of information and happy to report on trail conditions and recent wildlife sightings. The String Lake trail features striking backdrops of the Tetons reflecting off the water, as the trail flows loosely around the lake before gently dropping off hikers back where they began.
**Local’s Tip:** Take a dip after your hike! String Lake is the shallowest lake in the park, keeping it warmer during the hot summer months. With plenty of bear boxes and tables lining the shore, a picnic with friends is the best way to end a day at the lake.

**10). Schwabacher’s Landing**

**Difficulty:** Easy
**Duration:** 9 minutes
**Distance:** 0.5 miles
**Elevation Gain:** 6 feet
**Description:** One of my absolute favorites; Schwabacher’s Landing is admittedly more of a stroll than a hike but spectacular nonetheless. Located just off Highway 191 this mild walk leads to one of the most iconic photo spots in Grand Teton National Park. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a moose plodding through the shallows.
**Local’s Tip:** Arriving at sunrise is a must! This is a photographer’s dream. There is nothing quite like the sky illuminating the crystal clear water, as the sun makes it’s dramatic entrance over the ridgeline.

WHAT TO BRING:

Water Bottle/Camelbak - I can’t hike without my Camelbak and it is so easy to hydrate while you hike using this.
Snacks - My personal favorites are Clif Bars, nuts, and dried fruits
Bear Spray - You cannot fly with bear spray so I recommend purchasing it at your resort or at a nearby sports shop.
Hat/Sunglasses - Since you will be hiking in high elevation, it is very important to have sun protection since you can burn much quicker.
Daypack - You will want to bring along a lightweight daypack so you can store your snacks, water, bear spray, etc., in it.
Sunscreen - I recommend putting sunscreen on before you drive to the trailhead so it has time to soak in completely.
Bug Spray - Some trails are known to have mosquitos buzzing around so it never hurts to bring some along for protection!
Clothing Layers - Lightweight, moisture wicking materials are the best for hiking.
Rain Jacket - The Tetons are known to have afternoon storms so rain gear is essential.
First Aid Supplies - Injuries can happen especially on rocky terrain. It never hurts to have a first aid kit in your daypack.
Emergency Blanket - I have had to use one of these when I was on a hike in the Tetons and it truly did trap in my body heat to keep me warm.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes - My favorite hiking shoes that I have been using for years are Salomon’s with ankle support.
Camera - I purchased a small digital camera because it is fun to see your shots after a day spent in the mountains.
Cell Phone - Having a cell phone and utilizing the app AllTrails will keep you safe on the mountain so you don’t lose the trail.

ADDITIONAL NOTES & REMINDERS:

The weather in this mountain range can change in a moments notice so always be prepared with clothing, gear, food and water.
Grand Teton National Park is home to wildlife like moose, black bears, and grizzly bears. I can’t stress the importance of having bear spray on you!
A park pass is required in order to get into the park and will cost $35 per vehicle (or 4 people) for a day pass or you can purchase the annual for $80, which lasts for one calendar year from your purchase date.
Although we love them, dogs are not allowed on trails inside of the national park boundary.
I always hike and use the AllTrails app. It is extremely helpful so you don’t get lost since some trails may be hard to see in places.

As always, thank you for reading and sharing this post. I appreciate every single one of you!

10 Best Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

1). Taggart Lake

2). Phelps Lake

3). Death Canyon

4). Delta Lake

5). Jenny Lake Loop

6). Hidden Falls

7). Inspiration Point

8). Cascade Canyon

9). String Lake Loop

10). Schwabacher’s Landing

Liz Tillery