Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
STEP ONE: Choose a Time of Year
>> When should I go? <<
Your first task is going to be quick — we’re just getting warmed up. Grab a piece of paper, a notebook, a spreadsheet…whatever it is you like to take notes on. You’ll want to keep it handy so that you can keep your research in one place.
Right now, let’s choose a time of year that you want to visit Grand Teton.
Each season in this park is unique and can give you a completely different experience depending on when you go. Let’s talk through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision on the best time of year for you!
Special note: You may already have a pretty good idea of when you will be able to go. For example, traveling during the summer might be the only time of year you can take your family. I totally understand, but keep reading. Let’s make sure you know what to expect while you’re there.
Winter (November – April)
Welcome to the park’s longest season! A visit to Grand Teton during the winter is challenging, but it is an absolutely magical experience.
During the winter months, the inner park road {from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain} is closed to vehicles. The outer park road {Highway 89 to Moran, then Moran to Flagg Ranch} stays open year-round.
Snowshoeing and skiing are the most popular activities you’ll find available during the winter months. I like to cross-country ski to Taggart Lake, along the groomed park road, or near the Oxbow Bend area {where I saw eight moose from my car one winter}!!
What You Need to Know
- The snow scares away most travelers, so winter is a fantastic time of year to visit the park if you don’t want to fight through the crowds!
- Winter temperatures in Grand Teton are often well below freezing, so be sure to pack your warmest winter clothes.
- Park facilities close for most of the winter, but the nearby town of Jackson is bustling due to the area’s popular ski resorts.
- The inner park road is closed to vehicles but is groomed often during the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Plan on all of Grand Teton’s trails to be densely covered in snow.
- More information for planning a winter trip to Grand Teton can be found here.
Spring (May)
Springtime {aka the month of May} is a time of transition in the park. As the long winter starts to melt away, the wildlife begins to emerge, and the roads, campgrounds, and hotels begin to wake up and prepare for a busy summer season.
Crowding during the spring is low, mostly because not everything is open yet. If you’re hoping to experience the hiking trails or stay in the park during your visit, I’d recommend travel dates mid-May or later. In this park, later is better because it takes a while for the snow to melt away.
What You Need to Know
- Check the schedule for spring visitor center hours.
- The Teton Park Road {inner park road} usually opens on May 1 each year. Other small roads such as Antelope Flats, Moose-Wilson, and Signal Mountain Summit often don’t open until mid-May.
- Most campgrounds/hotels within the park don’t open until mid-May.
- Some front-country trails will still be snow-covered, and ALL backcountry trails will likely still be challenging to access in May.
Summer (June – August)
The great thing about Grand Teton during the summer is that everything is open! You’ll have numerous lodging and dining options, plus access to all of the main points of interest, tours, programs, and visitor centers.
Your options are endless during the summer, but that comes with a price….crowds. Be prepared to share the fantastic sights of Grand Teton with people from all over the world during the popular summer season.
What You Need to Know
- As mentioned above, the crowd level during the summer is high. This will impact your trip in some way, as you will likely not be able to get places as quickly as you’d like or enjoy the sights without distraction. July and August are the busiest months.
- To better avoid the crowds and traffic jams common to Grand Teton during the summer, you’ll definitely want to have a solid plan, like this detailed itinerary! Having a plan will minimize wasted time and make your trip much more enjoyable.
- Summer is wildfire season in Grand Teton. You may find air to be smoky from nearby fires, areas may be closed, or fire restrictions may be in place.
- Front-country trails are snow-free during the summer months, but it’s not uncommon to encounter snow in the backcountry until mid or late July.
Autumn (September – October)
A quiet solitude begins to fall over the Grand Teton landscape as the busy summer crowds start to die off. A chill fills the air as the animals and plants begin to prepare for winter…and it’s magical!
Autumn in Grand Teton is fabulous. A few highlights of a trip during this season include fall colors, fantastic wildlife watching, and more elbow room to enjoy the sights.
What You Need to Know
- While September still sees a fair amount of crowds, it is still substantially less than during the summer months. A visit in October is nice but can be unpredictable because of incoming winter weather.
- Most campgrounds and lodges within the park are closed for the season by the beginning of October.
- Autumn weather in Grand Teton is completely unpredictable. Be prepared for every kind of weather — rain, snow, hail, sun, wind, biting cold, etc. Come prepared!
- The peak for fall colors in the Tetons is typically around the 3rd week of September.
- Even though snow may fall during your Autumn trip, many backcountry trails *usually* stay snow-free throughout September.
Well, there you have it! I know….it’s a lot of information about the seasons of Grand Teton. But now you’re ready to make a decision.
Let’s complete Step One. Decide what season is going to be best for your trip to Grand Teton and write it down!
Now you’re ready for Step Two.
Click NEXT to find out how long you should plan to stay in the park!
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