Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 and has captured the attention of thousands of people every year. This park has easily gained the title of my favorite national park in my book due to the emotional connection and ties I have to it, but I’ll save that for another story!
Here is the long-awaited list of the 5 best hikes in Grand Teton National Park!
1. Delta Lake
Drumroll, please… My number one hike in Grand Teton National Park has to go to Delta Lake! Now this hike did challenge my mind (and lungs), but when I tell you the views at the end are worth every second, I’m telling the truth! This hike had been on my bucket list since the first time I visited the park and wasn’t able to complete it.
Delta Lake hike is roughly an 8-mile out-an-back hike. Be warned that this is a more difficult and intense hike, but manageable if you go steady and bring snacks/lots of water. It is pretty popular, so you will most likely never be alone on the trail. Due to its location in the mountains, there is a small timeframe to complete it without needing good snow gear (typically July-September). Even in mid-June, I ran into hikers who said there was a lot of ice and snow on the trail.
What makes this hike so special? Well, it starts off with a nice stroll through the Lupine Meadows with lots of tree cover. You’ll then reach some pretty intense switchbacks, which was the most strenuous part for me. The views here are stunning and perfect for a trailside snack break! After this, you’ll have to find the turn-off to head to Delta as the trail will continue onto a different hike. It can be hard to see if you’re not paying attention. This turn will lead you to a boulder field that you’ll have to navigate through. But after the boulder fields, the lake is just around the bend.
My friends and I spent about an hour taking in the views of the lake. I chickened out of jumping in because it was freezing, but we watched a couple of brave souls! I’d recommend paying closer attention to the weather than we did as we loved this hike but got caught in a rain/thunderstorm on our way down. Keep in mind that this can be very dangerous when exposed to the elements on the boulder field.
Overall, this has been one of my favorite hikes that I have ever completed, and for good reason. If you’re visiting the Tetons and up for a challenge, this is the hike for you!
Link to All Trail to check out the most recent reviews and trail conditions: Delta Lake
2. Schwabacher Landing
Alright, so this isn’t a big, miles-long hike. However, this is one of my absolute favorite memories from visiting the Tetons. If you’ve never seen or heard of Schwabacher Landing, let me enlighten you.
Schwabacher Landing sits along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. You will have to follow a dirt road off the main road and come to a parking lot. From here you will gather all of your warm items and walk a short trail to the actual spot. You will be granted a perfectly serene and calm environment where beavers and other wildlife frequently visit. You are also able to see a full view of Grand Teton!
A little hint: This spot is perfect at sunrise and let me show you why.
My friend and I arrived 45 minutes before sunrise to snag a prime sitting spot to watch the sunrise drench the Tetons in reds and oranges. There weren’t too many people here, but more did come as the sun began to rise. I’d suggest getting here half an hour before sunrise (bring a blanket tho!).
If you’re looking for the perfect way to start your morning, then this is a hike you need to add to your next visit!
3. Cascade Canyon
Taking up spot number 3 is Cascade Canyon. Be prepared for crowds at the beginning of this trail. If you make it past the initial popular points, then you will have stretches of the trail all to yourself!
Cascade Canyon is about a 9.1-mile out-and-back hike (depending on how far you go). You can access the canyon by taking the Jenny Lake trail. There is also a shuttle that runs during the summer months for a fee that you can take across Jenny Lake.
This hike ranks high due to the spectacular views and ability to view wildlife. Reminder: this is bear country and you should always, always, always carry bear spray on you! I saw a bear relatively close to the trail as well as one bull moose, and a while later a moose and her calf. Please be respectful of the wildlife and give them the space they deserve and also for your safety!
Check All Trails for recent activity and trail conditions: Cascade Canyon
4. Inspiration Point
I’ve spoken a lot about hikes linked to Jenny Lake, but there is one more that easily makes the list: Inspiration Point! This hike is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail, however, you do have to either hike around Jenny Lake or take the ferry shuttle across the lake to get here.
It gets pretty steep for your average hiker, but definitely worth it for the views. It starts out as a nice stroll along the crick and run-off from Hidden Falls. You’ll then reach a few switchbacks, and by the first large viewpoint, you’ll think you reached it. But a quick look upwards will reveal people way up who are still climbing! Don’t be discouraged, it will get better the higher you climb.
Due to its popularity, it is best to get here early for the smallest crowds and shortest line if you’re looking to take the shuttle. I went around 930am and was still able to beat most of the crowds. I do think it would be a beautiful location to watch the sunrise, so the earlier, the better!
Check All Trails for recent activity and trail conditions: Inspiration Point
5. Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is one of my favorite places to cool iff in the Tetons, which is also why the trail can get pretty crowded. A relatively easy trail, Hidden Falls branches off Jenny Lake Trail. There are multiple waterfalls along this trail, but the final, hidden waterfall is where it’s at!
Enjoy this 4.9-mile loop trail that is relatively easy. There are nearly constant views of the lake the entire time! If you don’t want to hike the entirety of Jenny Lake to get to Hidden Falls, then take the shuttle across for a fun experience!
Check All Trails for recent activity and trail conditions: Hidden Falls
