Grand Teton
Mountain Iconic Wyoming peak forming Teton Range skyline
Jagged peaks dominate the skyline in Grand Teton National Park, offering alpine climbing, hiking around Jenny Lake, scenic drives along Teton Park Road and frequent wildlife sightings (elk, moose, bears). Nearby Jackson Hole supplies lodging and outdoor outfitters.
Grand Teton is the highest peak of the Teton Range in Wyoming, United States, rising to 13,775 feet (4,199 meters). It is a prominent landmark within Grand Teton National Park and a defining peak of the Jackson Hole valley.
The mountain is a major objective for mountaineers and peak-baggers; routes range from high-technical alpine climbs to steep scrambles. The mountain rises nearly 7,000 feet above the valley floor in places, producing strong vertical relief and panoramic views over nearby Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole.
The Teton Range is a fault-block mountain chain; the first ascent of the summit is commonly credited to William O. Owen and companions in 1898. Grand Teton and the surrounding area have been developed for recreation since the early 20th century and were incorporated into Grand Teton National Park when the park was expanded and formalized in the 20th century.
The peak sits immediately northwest of Jackson Hole and the town of Jackson, Wyoming. It is within Grand Teton National Park, about 10 to 20 miles (16 to 32 kilometers) from the town of Jackson depending on viewpoint and access road.
- Climbing routes: Most-climbed routes include the Owen-Spalding route on the southeast face, which is the standard scramble-climb used by many parties.
- Viewpoints and access: Best viewpoints are along the western shore of Jenny Lake and from the Teton Park Road corridor, where the peak rises sharply above Jackson Hole.
How to Get to Grand Teton #
Grand Teton (Grand Teton National Park) is most conveniently reached via Jackson, Wyoming. Fly to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) or drive to Jackson, then take US‑26/US‑89/US‑191 north into the park. Popular trailheads and viewpoints (for example Jenny Lake) are a short drive from Jackson-plan for roughly a 10-20 mile (15-30 km) drive from Jackson into the main park areas.
Tips for Visiting Grand Teton #
- Visit viewpoints such as Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher's Landing and the Snake River at sunrise for the best light and far fewer people; these pullouts clear early on busy summer days.
- Stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center (Moose) on your way into the park for up-to-date trail and road conditions, ranger advice, and current wildlife alerts.
- Use the Jenny Lake shuttle boat to cut the walking time to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point-taking the boat both saves time and avoids the steep, crowded trail approach.
- If you want quieter trails, head north along Teton Park Road or choose shorter, early-start hikes like Taggart Lake before parking lots fill around mid-morning.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton #
Summer (June-September) is best for hiking and climbs on Grand Teton; fall offers colors and fewer crowds, while winter is for snow-based activities and requires mountaineering experience.
Weather & Climate near Grand Teton #
Grand Teton's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -16°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (673 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. The wettest month with 69 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).