Grand Teton Park Hiking Trails
Grand Teton National Park offers trails traversing the valley and mountains for more than 200 miles. Access is provided to backcountry lakes, streams, canyons and camping zones. Trail difficulty levels range from easy to strenuous, with lengths varying from minutes to several days.
Hiking in the great outdoors brings us all closer to nature with a new experience in every adventure. In the Tetons, anything can happen from wildlife sightings to extreme weather. It is imperative that hikers are knowledgable on trail safety and are prepared for inclimate weather.
Daytime summer temperatures range between 70 to 90 degrees. June can be cool and rainy, and high water from sping runoff can offer some hazards in stream crossings and trail quality. The peak summer months, July and August tend to be drier. Keep in mind that a clear sunny day can quickly become stormy, bringing lightning, hail and snow at higher elevations. Since storms often develop by early afternoon, plan hikes so you reach the highest point before noon and descend soon after.
The ultimate multi-day hiking experience is backpacking the Teton Crest. The trail runs north, beginning at the park's southern border through the high country of the Tetons for 39 miles, ending at Paintbrush Canyon. The trek takes at least three days, buy you may want to extend that. By day one or two, you will reach Alaska Basin. This area is one of those magical places that you only dream or read about, especially when the wildflowers are in their peak. The trail then skirts behind South, Middle, and the Grand Teton peaks, the views are spectacular, opening up to Cascade Canyon. North of the canyon is Lake Solitude, an alpine lake that is picture perfect. Over Paintbrush Divide and out Paintbrush Canyon, back to civilization.
If you are short on time or not up to a techinical hike or a hike of great length, the Tetons are accessible in a matter of minutes. At the South Jenny Lake entrance, a boat shuttles you across Jenny Lake to the mouth of Cascade Canyon. Here you can hike for ..5 mile to Hidden Falls, a lovely cascading waterfall. The North Jenny Lake entrance opens to trailheads for String Lake and Leigh Lake. In a short distance you will be in peace and quiet of the mountains.
Hiking in Grand Teton National Park offers great possibilities and a vast array of trails to choose from. Visitors centers at Moose and Colter Bay provide information, audiovisual programs and exhibits on the park. Consult authorities for current conditions and wildlife sitings before venturing into the backcountry. The more informed you are, the more comfortable your hike will be.
