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Attractions in Grand Teton National Park
There are many outdoor recreation activities to choose from at Grand Teton National Park. During the summer you can hike, walk, view wildlife, take photographs, backpack, camp, climb, fish, swim, boat, float, canoe and bike. In winter skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.
Some activities (such as overnight backpacking, boating, floating, canoeing, fishing and snowmobiling) require fees, permits, licenses or registration. Special regulations may also apply, so take the time to become informed at any visitor center or ranger station.
Biking is a popular activity in the park, but there are no formal bikepaths. Some roads in the park have only a very narrow shoulder, or lack one altogether. Extreme caution must be used.
Safe Biking
Wear a helmet at all times.
Ride bicycles only on roadways, not on trails.
Ride on the right side of the road in single file.
Obey the rules of the road at all times.
Use hand signals to communicate with other drivers.
Regulations
Bicycle riders in the park and parkway must obey the same rules and regulations that apply to motorized vehicles.
Bicycles are allowed only on paved and unpaved roads, unless otherwise posted. Bicycles are not allowed on any park or parkway trails or in any backcountry areas.
Operating a bicycle abreast of another bicycle on paved roads within the park and parkway is prohibited.
During low visibility and between sunset and sunrise, bicyclists must display a white light or reflector from the front and a red light or reflector from the rear.
Many turnouts along park roads offer exhibits on park geology, wildlife and plants. Turnouts also provide safe places to enjoy scenic views and take photographs. Do not stop in the middle of the road to view wildlife.
The Teton Park Road follows the base of the Teton Range from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction.
The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive skirts Jenny Lake and provides spectacular views of the peaks; the scenic drive is one-way and begins just south of String Lake. Access the scenic drive by driving south at the North Jenny Lake Junction.
The Signal Mountain Summit Road climbs 800 feet (242 meters) to panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole valley and Jackson Lake.
There are many opportunities for enjoying water in Grand Teton National Park. The Snake River flows through the park and features world-class fishing, unparalleled wildlife viewing and mild rapids depending on time of year. Many of the more accessible lakes are open for a variety of activities.
Motorboats are permitted on Jenny (10 horsepower maximum) and Jackson lakes. Human-powered vessels are permitted on Jackson, Jenny, Phelps, Emma Matilda, Two Ocean, Taggart, Bradley, Bearpaw, Leigh and String lakes. Sailboats, water skiing and windsurfers are allowed only on Jackson Lake. For motorized craft, the fee is $20 for a 7-day permit and $40 for an annual permit; for non-motorized craft, the fee is $10 for a 7-day permit and $20 for an annual permit. Jet skis are prohibited on all waters within the park. Permits may be purchased at the visitor centers in Moose, Jenny Lake or Colter Bay.
If you plan to enjoy the park's waterways you will need to download the following brochures for guidelines and permit information:
Floating: provides information on floating the Snake River, including river flows, permits required and safety precautions.
Boating: provides guidelines for registering boats in the park, launch sites and safety requirements.
Oxbow Bend
One mile east of Jackson Lake Junction. Slow-moving water provides habitat for fish such as suckers and trout, which become food for river otters, ospreys, bald eagles, American white pelicans and common mergansers. Look for swimming beavers and muskrats. Moose browse on abundant willows at the water's edge. Elk occasionally graze in open aspen groves to the east.
Timbered Island
A forested ridge southeast of Jenny Lake. Small bands of pronghorn antelope, the fastest North American land animal, forage on nearby sagebrush throughout the day. Elk leave the shade of Timbered Island at dawn and dusk to eat the grasses growing among the surrounding sagebrush.
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