General information about the National Park
The national park protects the Teton mountain range and the valleys and lakes around it. The highest elevation is the Grand Teton with 13770ft. In 1929 the area became a national park.
Number of visitors
In 2020, Grand Teton NP ranked 5th in the most visited national parks visitor statistics and 8th in 2023.
Best time to visit: In autumn there are less crowds and you also have the beautifully colored leaves.
Our visits:
So far 4 visits: August 1994, June 1998, September 1999, June 2015
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 35$/car and all passengers valid for 7 days
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open 24h all year round. However, in winter some roads are closed.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Signal Mountain
Description: Signal Mountain is a 7710ft high and relatively isolated mountain in Grand Teton NP. It was not formed at the same time as the Tetons, but during an eruption of the Yellowstone volcano.
You can reach the top via an 5mi long road. Since the mountain is isolated, it offers great views of the valleys and the surrounding mountains.
Our rating: Not only the little black bear we met on the way up made the detour to Signal Mountain worth seeing. The views from the summit are also really beautiful.
Mormon Row
Description: In 1890, Mormons from Idaho established a settlement here. They chose the place because of the good soil, the protection by the Blacktail Butte and the access to the river. Although conditions were harsh, especially in winter, they settled here for many years. Of the 27 houses that once stood, not many now stand on Mormon Row. Because of its historical significance, the remaining buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1887.
Our rating: Quite nice location. Especially with the Tetons in the background, the farms and buildings of Mormon Row make nice photo motifs.
Chapel of the Transfiguration
Description: The small church was built in 1925 for the farmers and employees from Jackson. It is especially impressive because of the panoramic window behind the altar, from which one has a breathtaking view of the mountains.
Our rating: Not an absolute must see, but a nice stop on the drive through Grand Teton NP. We actually like such small locations that provide nice photo motifs.
Schwabacher Landing
Description: Schwabacher Landing is a boat landing on the Snake River. For visitors it offers the perfect photo motif to capture the beauty of the park for posterity. The magnificent panorama of the Teton Range with the water reflection in the foreground, what more could you ask for?
If you want to stretch your legs a bit, you can also walk along the river for a short stroll.
Our rating: We were here in the spring but can imagine that the panorama with colorful trees in the fall certainly looks even more gorgeous. But even so it was just wonderful to stand here and enjoy the view.
Oxbow Bend
Description: Oxbow Bend is a lookout point on the Snake River. You have not only a great view over the river but also on the 12605ft high Mount Moran and other mountains of the Teton Range.
Our rating: Very beautiful viewpoint especially in spring, when you can also find beautiful spring flowers as decoration in the foreground. Here you should stop on a tour of the park in any case.
Chapel of the Sacred Heart
Description: The Chapel of the Sacred Heart is a small church on the southeast shore of Jackson Lake. It was built entirely of wood in 1937 and renovated in 2003.
In the summer, between June and September, masses are regularly held in the church.
Our rating: A nice little stop, which offers a nice photo motif. We liked the little church.
Other interesting locations in the park
