In Grand Teton National Park you're in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by landscapes of rivers, waterfalls, valleys and mountains. Welcome to the land of wild animals: you may come across elk, wolves, bison and elk. Watch out for bears! You're on their territory now.

If the name of this park sounds very French, it is thanks to the French trappers who discovered it. They named it for the shape of the mountains seen from the west.

JENNY LAKE TRAIL

Distance (round-trip): 12.2 km
Time (round-trip): 3 to 5 hours
Level: Intermediate

This 12.2-km trail encompasses 2 of the park's beautiful attractions: Inspiration point (offering spectacular views of Grand Teton Valley and Jenny Lake) and Hidden falls (a 30-m cascading waterfall in the middle of the forest). It is open from May 1 to October 31.

For families or people with limited time, note that you can take a paid shuttle boat from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center with the Teton Boating Company. The boat crosses the lake and shortens the hike, making it easier and more accessible.

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ROAD

This scenic route climbs straight to the top of Signal Mountain and offers sweeping views of the park. Note that the road is closed in winter from November 1 to April 30 inclusively.

SNAKE RIVER OVERLOOK

This viewpoint offers stunning views of Snake River with the mountains in the background.

MOULTON BARN

Moulton Barn is a picturesque old barn on Mormon Row at the foot of the Teton Range. It is the most photographed spot in the park. Don't miss it!

The access roads to get there are closed in winter from November 1 to April 30 inclusively.

NEARBY

JACKSON

This is a lovely little town that is worth a visit! Just a stone's throw from Grand Teton National Park, you are sure to be charmed by its Far West feel and lively atmosphere. The town is home to many shops, restaurants, art galleries and much more. Right in the centre is George Washington Memorial Park, commonly known as “Jackson Town Square”, which features a majestic arch made of shed elk antlers in each corner of the square.

Don't miss the Town Square Shoot Out, a theatrical representation of a Far West shootout presented at the northeast corner of the square every evening at 6 p.m. (except Sundays) since 1957. Arrive around 5:30 to be sure of getting a good spot from which to enjoy this fun, free show.

And if you're 21 or older, you simply must go have a drink at the legendary Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, 25 North Cache Street.

JACKSON HOLE AERIAL TRAM

If you feel like having your breath taken away by an absolutely fabulous view, be sure to make a stop in Teton Village to take a ride on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. The original Aerial Tram began operations in 1966. It held up to 52 people and took 10.5 minutes to reach the top.

In December 2008, the first tram was replaced by a new bigger and sleeker version, able to hold 100 people and whisk up to an elevation of 10,000 feet in only 9 minutes! Known affectionately as “Big Red” or “The Red Heli”, it operates generally every day from mid-May until the beginning of October, from 9 am to 5 pm. Once at the top of Rendezvous Peak, there are several things you can do… sit and marvel at the view, tackle one of the many hiking trails, or take a tasty break at Corbet’s Cabin to enjoy one of their delicious waffles.

Grand Teton Music Festival

Dates: early July to late August

This major classical musical festival was founded in 1962 with the mission of providing exhilarating musical experiences. It features a world-class orchestra consisting of top talent from across the country, including more than 200 musicians from 64 orchestras and 47 institutions of higher learning.