Exploring Grand Teton in September: Advantages and Challenges

Update: March 22, 2024

September is a transitional month for Grand Teton National Park; not only weather-wise, but crowd, wildlife, and scenery-wise too.

Visiting in September, you’ll enjoy cool daytime temperatures, fall colors, and fewer people visiting Grand Teton.

But there are some challenges too, including cold morning and night temperatures, unpredictable weather, and services and conveniences shutting down as the month of September goes on.

In this article, we break it down for you – how to make the most of the advantages, how to deal with the challenges, and make suggestions on when you should go in September.

Article Contents

Advantages of Visiting Grand Teton in September
Fall Colors
Weather
Crowds
Wildlife
Hiking
Challenges of Visiting Grand Teton in September
In Park Services Closing
Last Tips

Article Contents

Advantages of Visiting Grand Teton in September
Fall Colors
Weather
Crowds
Wildlife
Hiking
Challenges of Visiting Grand Teton in September
Weather
In Park Services Closing
Last Tips

Advantage (The BIG One): Fall Colors

Let’s start with one of the biggest advantages of visiting Grand Teton in September, and the reason many people pick September: the changing of the landscape scenery with all the leaves turning a bright yellow, orange, and even some red, colors.

Put those colors in front of the Tetons – and click! – stunning photos.

Add a light high-country snow dusting on the Tetons and you’ve hit the trifecta of fall scenery in Grand Teton National Park.

The turning of the leaves and fall colors is probably the biggest advantage for visiting in September. Especially if you are a photographer.

While fall foliage is a major draw for September visitors, the exact timing and intensity of the colors can vary from year to year.

The changing of the colors doesn’t happen all at the same time everywhere in the park. Elevation is a factor in when leaves start changing, and there are different elevations throughout the park.

Timeline of Leaves Turning in September

Historically, the timeline of trees changing color in Grand Teton in September is as follows*:

• A few trees will start to change early in September, in higher elevations,
• with the bulk of trees starting to change color mid-September,
• coming on strong the third week of September,
• with “prime” or “peak” time being the last week of September and the first week of October.*

*Note: This timeline is not a guarantee, this is an approximate timeline as the exact timing and intensity of the colors can vary from year to year. There can be “early” and “late” years, and even “brown” years (little color, straight to brown – new fear unlocked!).

Pro Tip: If seeing fall colors is your priority for visiting Grand Teton in September, aim to visit in late September.

Pro Tip: Note the dates on all the photos in this article that show fall color – over the years it is usually end of September that have the strongest colors…

Fall Foliage Prediction Map

Smoky Mountain National Park provides an interactive map predicting when fall foliage will start and peak throughout the United States.

Please Note: that the Fall Foliage Prediction Map has the following disclaimer:

* The 2024 Fall Foliage Map is the ultimate visual planning guide to the annual progressive changing of the leaves. While no tool can be 100% accurate, this tool is meant to help travelers better time their trips to have the best opportunity of catching peak color each year. 

Oxbow Bend

Oxbow Bend is one of, if not the most famous places to photograph the fall colors in Grand Teton National Park.

Historically, Oxbow Bend is considered “prime” around the first week in October.

Pro Tip: If you want a shot from the edge of the parking lot, you will need to go hours before sunrise to claim a spot with your tripod. It will be COLD. Bring your hat, jacket, and gloves!

Pro Tip: There are other spots around Oxbow Bend besides the edge of the parking lot. Look for spots down by the water.

Pro Tip: If you want to see/photograph Oxbow Bend around its peak color – aim for the very end of September and/or the first week of October.

Other Leaf Peeping Places in Grand Teton

Other places to consider seeing/photographing fall color in Grand Teton National Park include:

Advantage: Fewer People / Smaller Crowds

While summer sees a significant influx of tourists, September ushers in a quieter period in the park, especially after Labor Day as schools are back in session and most of the family travelers have left.

Note: The beginning of September can still experience a significant number of visitors through Labor Day as people try to take advantage of the last days of summer vacation.

Month	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
May	255,583	296,885	278,529	***	363,712	235,020
June	637,683	627,055	625,441	468,201*	752,114	497,531
July	739,046	795,725	775,788	755,766*	828,777	558,710
August	716,690** (eclipse)	692,074	702,022	710,198*	696,564	539,171
September	482,661	558,788	517,265	603,789*	570,584	450,185
October	187,499	207,534	186,487	351,173*	245,834	196,727

* Numbers affected by COVID-19 Pandemic
** Total Solar Eclipse
***The park was closed May 1- 17 in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Busy Places in Grand Teton National Park

And while there are fewer people in the park, the popular places in the park will still be….popular:

• Jenny Lake
• Hidden Falls
• Taggart Lake
• Laurance Rockefeller Preserve

Pro Tip: Still go early to the popular places to beat the crowds

Advantage: Cool, Crisp Weather

Honestly, the weather could be an advantage and a challenge.

Advantage

The days are cool and crisp – exactly how fall is described in every article ever…

But here, it really is true!

The air is drier here, so it really is crisp, and it’s the mountains in September, so the air really is cool.

Just know that 32 ºF in the morning is going to sting a bit.

You are going to feel it.

So definitely have your jacket, hat, and gloves. And definitely have a backpack to put those items in as the day goes on as it will be nice and warm, and you’ll need a handy place to keep shed layers.

While that description may not sound like an advantage – trust me, it is. You’ll understand when you get here. It feels as fall should (or as described to feel….).

Challenge

The “challenge” part of the weather is that September can have rain and thunderstorms and as the month goes on, you may even have chances of snow!

Snow can blow in and cause a white-out, blizzard condition, and even shut down roads for the day.

The funny thing is, that it can then melt off the next day and be completely sunny again with warm temperatures.

I tell you this not to scare you, but to prepare you that it can happen.

As long as you have warm clothing, jackets, hats, etc… you’ll be fine. And if a snow-in happens while you are here, just be willing to pivot or change plans for the day.

Note: Temperatures will be cold in the morning and evening, with warmer temps during the day. This may seem obvious, but seriously, some of those cold morning temps are rough!

Check the weather forecast: Daily Weather for Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park

Month	Average High Temperature (ºF)	Average Low Temperature (ºF)	Average Rainfall (inches)	Average Snow (inches)
May	61 ºF	31 ºF	2″	2.4″
June	71 ºF	37 ºF	1.7″	0.1″
July	81 ºF	42 ºF	1.2″	0″
August	79 ºF	40 ºF	1.3″	0″
September	69 ºF	32 ºF	1.4″	.4″
October	56 ºF	23 ºF	1.4″	4.7″

 

Pro Tip: Carry a backpack to store layers. I carry one throughout the day so I always have what I need on hand and have a place to store what I don’t, and more importantly, I don’t waste time by having to go back to the car or campground.

 

Pro Tip: After rain and thunderstorms, the colors in the park are bright and vibrant. A good time and opportunity for stunning photos!

Advantage: Wildlife

In September, all wildlife are on the move for different reasons.

Some are preparing for the winter ahead packing on weight, and some are trying to ensure their species live on.

Elk, Moose, and Deer will be in their ruts* in September.

Grizzly Bears and Black Bears will be scrounging around consuming as many calories as they can.

Bison will be just finishing their rut at the end of August, the beginning of September.

* “Rut” – breeding season

BONUS: September is a great time to see bull moose as their antlers have fully regrown and they shed the velvet off them in early September.

Where to See Wildlife in September

Always keep a safe distance from wildlife. For your safety and the animals.

Give them their space, as they are even more agitated when needing to eat and/or breed. You don’t want to get in their way.

Where to See Wildlife

Places to increase your chances of seeing wildlife:

Note: Always keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife.

Whether you are in your vehicle or on foot, you must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife.

Animals in the park are wild and may act aggressively if approached.

More Animal Safety

Pro Tip: Respect and follow instructions from the on-site Wild Life Management Teams. They are there to protect you and the animals. They are not trying to be “jerks” by asking you to stay in your car or move along. They really want you to see the animals, they know how thrilling that is! They just want to do everything possible to keep the animals safe and alive.

Advantage: Drier Hiking Trails at High Elevation

High-elevation hiking trails that might have been snow-covered or impassable earlier in the year are likely to be more accessible by September, as most of the snow has melted.

But, as we know from the weather section above, September can have sudden snow storms blow in, and if anywhere is going to get snow first, it is at the high elevations.

Therefore, it is important to check in with a ranger and/or visitor center and see what the latest conditions are and what, if any extra equipment is needed (possible ice axes and crampons).

Pro Tip: For drier high-elevation trails, go at the beginning of September. Snow is more likely in the high country as September goes on

In our experience, we always aim to do the Paintbrush – Cascade Canyon Loop (pictured above) in late August because it is less likely to have snow conditions that require ice axes and crampons…

Low Elevation Hikes

As for low-elevation hikes or front country hikes, trails should be in good condition, with the bonus of fewer people on them than in summer. The beginning of September usually mirrors the end of August conditions of being dry.

Do prepare your spirit that rain and/or snow may leave trails muddy with some standing water any time in September.

And of course, take all the proper clothing and items needed for the possibility of quickly changing conditions of snow and/or rain while on the trail.

Challenge: Services Closing

Grand Teton National Park is officially open 365 days a year and can be accessed any day of the year.

It is the roads, lodges, campgrounds, restaurants, services, and service providers that are not open year-round.

As the month of September goes on, more and more services and service providers pack up for the season.

Pro Tip: If you want to have all in-park services available to you, visiting at the beginning of September is best.

If you are coming towards the end of September to see the fall foliage at its peak (usually the last week of September to the beginning of October) be sure to check service providers’ closing dates – listed below.

Roads

Good news – all roads are open in September!

Usually, the only time a road is closed in September is if there is a lot of bear activity in that area.

For example, sometimes the Moose-Wilson Road will be closed off if the bears are staying in the area to eat the Hawthorn berries that grow there.

Lodging

Following is a list of the lodges and cabins INSIDE Grand Teton National Park and their closing dates for 2024.

• Colter Bay Village Cabins – September 29th
• Headwaters Lodge and Cabins – October 1st
• Jackson Lake Lodge – October 6th
• Triangle X Ranch – October 6th
• Jenny Lake Lodge – October 6th
• Signal Mountain Lodge Cabins – October 12th
• Dornan Spur Cabins – Open year-round except in November and April.

Note: Most of the lodges take reservations a year in advance and online.

Pro Tip: Make your reservations as early as possible as they fill up quickly.

Pro Tip: For Jenny Lake Lodge, you may have a better chance of reservations if you call: 307-543-3100, instead of online.

Campgrounds

There are eight different options to camp INSIDE Grand Teton National Park.

Reservations are required and can be made six months in advance at recreation.gov.

Find out more details on all the campgrounds (like sizes for RVs and tents, available electricity, amenities, restrictions…etc) in Grand Teton.

Following is a list of the campgrounds INSIDE Grand Teton National Park and their closing dates for 2024.

• Colter Bay Tent Village – September 2nd
• Jenny Lake Campground – August 31st
• Lizard Creek Campground – September 9th
• Colter Bay Campground – September 29th
• Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch – for RV Park Only – October 1st
• Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch – for tent camping – October 1st
• Colter Bay RV Park – October 10th
• Gros Ventre Campground – October 10th
• Signal Mountain Campground – October 14th

Restaurants

The following is a list of all the major restaurants inside Grand Teton National Park that are open to the public. Here are their closing dates for 2024.

• Pool Cantina at Jackson Lake Lodge – August 27th
• Café Court Pizzeria at Colter Bay Village – September 30th
• Leek’s Pizzeria at Leek’s Marina – September 8th
• Blue Heron Lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge – October 1st
• Coffee Cart at Jackson Lake Lodge -October 1st
• Pioneer Grill at Jackson Lake Lodge – October 1st
• Ranch House at Colter Bay Village – October 1st
• Coffee Bar at Colter Bay Village – October 1st
• The Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge – October 6th
• Jenny Lake Lodge – October 5th – (lunch reservations recommended, dinner reservations required)
• Sheffields at Flagg Ranch – October 1st
• Trapper Grill at Signal Mountain Lodge – October 13th

Visitor Centers

• Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center – September 23rd
• Jenny Lake Visitor Center – September 26th
• Colter Bay Visitor Center – October 3rd
• Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center – November 1st

Marinas

If you want to take advantage of marina activities – rides and boat rentals – early September is best, with the exception of Jenny Lake which runs all their marina services until the end of September.

Grand Teton’s four marinas and their closing dates for 2024.

Jenny Lake Boating – September 30th

• Shuttle Service – September 30th
• Scenic Boat Rides – Reservations – September 30th
• Boat Rentals – September 30th

Signal Mountain Marina – September 15th

• Pontoon and Runabout Boat Rentals – September 15th
• Kayak Rentals – September 15th

Colter Bay Marina – varied

• Boat Rentals – mid-August – water levels dependent.
• Jackson Lake Scenic Cruises – Meal cruises end after Labor Day, Non-meal cruises continue to run until mid September – water level dependent.

Leek’s Marina – (no boat rentals or cruises) September 10th

Last Tips

To make your visit to Grand Teton National Park more enjoyable identify the primary reasons you want to go, and then choose the corresponding time.

Visit In Early September

Visit Grand Teton in early September if:

• You want to do high-elevation hikes
• You want to camp in the backcountry or at high elevation
• You want all restaurants, tours, services, and lodging available to you
• You want to swim

Visit in Late September

Visit Grand Teton in late September if:

• You want to see the fall foliage near peak color
• You want to deal with less crowds

And if your main priority is to see wildlife, go anytime in September.

Good luck, I hope you see a moose!

Pro Tip: If you have questions about anything while in Grand Teton National Park – trail conditions, places to go, places to avoid, what’s open, etc… do ask a ranger. You can find them throughout the park and at the Visitor Centers. They will have the most up to date information for you!!!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

Grand Teton National Park’s 42 Mile Drive Guide

Your Guide to Seeing All the Stops, Spots, Overlooks, and Turnouts on the 42 Mile Drive Complete with Checklists of What You Must SEE and DO for Each Spot!!

Plus five additional points of interest that are just outside the 42 Mile Drive that we highly recommend to be included.

Grand Teton 42 Mile Scenic Loop Drive – Tips, Details, and a MAP!!!

– Updated: July 15, 2024 –

In doing research for your trip to Grand Teton National Park, you may have googled:

…Things to do in Grand Teton National Park…

…and chances are many, many articles, blogs, top 10 Lists, and even TripAdvisor at some time, somewhere, suggested:

“Do the 42 Mile Scenic Drive!”

And they are right, you should do it!

The 42 Mile Scenic Drive is one of the best ways to experience the scenery and grandeur (pun intended) of Grand Teton National Park by car.

42 Mile Drive Details

What they don’t always tell you, or harder to find details may include:

• What kind of drive it is
• How to find it
• What you will see
• How many stops and points of interest there are
• How much time you need
• Where to start the drive

Also, have you found a map of the drive yet??

Why is it so hard to find a map of this drive?!

WHY??

IT’S FRUSTRATING!!

…and it shouldn’t be this hard….

All the answers you need for the 42 Mile Drive will be listed below (including a map – Eeeek!!).

Relax and keep reading.

Table of Contents

1. 42 Mile Drive Map
2. What is the 42 Mile Drive
3. How to Get to it
4. What You Will See
5. Number of Stops
6. How Much Time is Needed
7. Where to Start
8. Summary
9. 42 Mile Drive Guide

Table of Contents

1. 42 Mile Drive Map
2. What is the 42 Mile Drive
3. How to Get to it
4. What You Will See
5. Number of Stops
6. How Much Time is Needed
7. Where to Start
8. Summary
9. 42 Mile Drive Guide

What is the Grand Teton 42 Mile Scenic Drive?

First, let’s get you a visual and start with a MAP!!! (Yea!!!)

As you can see from the map, the 42 Mile Drive is actually a loop drive, containing two roads – HWY 191/89/26 and Teton Park Road, that run between the villages of Moose and Moran WY.

Multiple points of interest and scenic views are along this loop with designated stops for you to view them safely.

Please Note, (and this is a very important note) : The entire 42 Mile Drive can only be done between May 1st and October 31st, as Teton Park Road (the inner road) is closed to all automobiles every year from November 1st to April 30th. HWY 191-89/26 is open year round (winter weather permitting).

How To Get To the 42 Mile Drive

There are not any roads named “42 Mile Drive”, nor are there very many Grand Teton maps with “42 Mile Drive” labeled (see my rant above…).

Google will be of little help.

When you google “Grand Teton National Park 42 Mile Drive” it will just lead you to an overview map of the entire park.

So to get to it, you need to get to HWY 191/89/26 and/or Teton Park Road by one of three entry points:

• Moose Junction
• Moran Junction
• Jackson Lake Junction

What You Will See

The 42 Mile Drive has many designated points of interest (list provided below) identified by Grand Teton National Park.

Points of interest include: Scenic Views, Historical Sites, Geological Features, and Animal Habitats. Here are some examples of each:

Scenic Views

Breath taking views of rivers, creeks, lakes, expansive plains, and of course, different angles and views of the Tetons.

If you are mainly interested in the scenery and views and are looking to take some stunning photos, be sure to visit the following stops on the drive:

• Schwabacher Landing
• Snake River Overlook
• Oxbow Bend
• Jackson Lake Dam
• Mountain View Turnout
• Bridge View at South String Lake
• Jenny Lake Overlook

See Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights

Historical Sites

Early settlers’ homesteads, ranches, cabins, and two specific spots where meetings took place to make the Grand Teton area a national park.

To learn how Grand Teton National Park became a national park, see who the first settlers were and how they lived, and know who the important people of this area were, and other notable, historic facts be sure to hit these spots :

• Moulton Barns on Mormon Row
• Cunningham Cabin
• Lunch Tree Hill
• Menor Ferry Historical District

Geology Features

Physical examples and evidence of terraces, glaciers, metamorphic rock, earthquakes and fault lines.

Geological highlights on the drive:

• Glacier View Turnout
• Teton Point Overlook
• Mt. Moran Turnout
• Potholes Turnout
• Cathedral Group Turnout (make sure you learn what a “scarp” is!)
• Teton Glacier Turnout

Animal Habitats

Opportunities to see many kinds of wildlife, including moose, elk, bears, bison, antelope, deer, and many different species of birds (including bald eagles!).

Good spots for increasing your chances of seeing animals:

• Blacktail Ponds Overlook (Moose, Deer, Elk, Bears, Beavers, Birds)
• Elk Ranch Flats Overlook (Bison, Antelope, Horses)
• Oxbow Bend Overlook (Moose, Deer, Bears, Birds)
• Signal Mountain Summit Drive (Moose, Elk, Bears)

How Many Stops and Points of Interest are there?

24!

There are 24 stops/points of interest on the 42 Mile Drive.

The List of 24 includes:

• Albright View Overlook
• Moulton Barns on Mormon Row
• Blacktail Ponds Overlook
• Glacier View Overlook
• Schwabacher’s Landing
• Teton Point Overlook
• Snake River Overlook
• Cunningham Cabin
• Elk Ranch Flats Overlook
• Oxbow Bend Overlook
• Jackson Lake Dam
• Chapel of the Sacred Heart
• Signal Mountain Lodge
• Potholes Turnout
• Mount Moran Turnout
• Mountain View Turnout
• Cathedral Group Turnout
• String Lake and Bridge View
• Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Overlook
• Cascade Canyon Turnout
• Teton Point Turnout
• Windy Point Turnout
• Chapel of Transfiguration
• Menor Ferry Historic District

Click on any of the camera icons on the map below to see pictures of the stops, overlooks, and turnouts on the 42 Mile Drive.

24 Stops! How Much Time is Needed to Do the 42 Mile Drive?

Well, that depends….

I know, everyone LOVES hearing that answer…

But it does depend on how you want to do the 42 Mile Drive.

Options Include:

• If you drive the 42 Mile Drive loop just to watch the ever-changing angles of the Tetons and don’t stop at any of the designated spots, then it can be done easily around 1 hour.
• If you want to see every stop, you can do it in one day. It will be a long, full day, 9+ hours. Those long summer days of daylight will be your ally.
• If you want to see every stop, and get the most out of each one, consider doing the drive over two days. You could do ½ the drive one day and then do another activity – hike, swim, boat ride, etc, then come back the second day to do the other ½ with fresh eyes and energy. 4-5 hours each day.
• You can also break up the entire 42 Mile Drive over multiple days and/or not drive it as a loop. Instead you can stop at designated stops as they fit into your schedule.

Where To Start the 42 Mile Drive

While Moose, Moran, and Jackson Lake Junctions are entry points onto the 42 Mile Drive loop, you can start it from anywhere on the loop. There is no set order or way you have to do the drive.

That being said, I suggest doing the 42 Mile Drive counter-clockwise, and, if possible, starting on the outside road – HWY 191/89/26 – at the south end, north of Jackson outside of Moose.

(If you are coming from the north and/or from Yellowstone, still consider doing the drive counter-clockwise, turning right at Jackson Lake Junction, starting on the “inner road” – Teton Park Road.)

Reasons For Starting at the South End at Moose, WY

Starting from the south side of the loop, at Moose, WY, driving along the outside road (HWY 191/89/26) gives you an overview of the park; the full picture with panoramic and landscape views of the Tetons and the long, flat plains leading up to them.

Then, when you turn onto the inside road – Teton Park Road – you get to “go into the picture”, get a close up view of the Tetons.

As you drive towards the Tetons, it sometimes feels like you will bump right into them. Driving the inside road with the Tetons looming over you is awesome! And the pictures!!! Fantastic!

I like starting the drive at Grand Teton’s South Entrance Welcome Sign (on the map it is labeled “Park Entrance Turnout” – it is found north of the town of Jackson and south of the Jackson Hole Airport).

Again, you don’t have to start here, I just like the “beginning” feeling and the pictures of the Grand Teton sign with the Tetons in the background (it makes a great cover photo for photo albums).

Grand Teton National Park South Entrance Checklist – Take These Three Pictures

Pro Tip: If you decide to do the 42 Mile Drive in one day, start early in the morning, as the Tetons are clearer in the morning. In the afternoon, on sunny days, the sun can make the Tetons appear hazy.

Summary

If you have read to this point, you hopefully now have a good idea of what and where the 42 Mile Drive is, what you’ll see on it, how many stops there are, and a plan on how you want to drive it.

If you need more help planning, we do have a 42 Mile Drive Guide available.

The guide goes even more in depth on all the stops and points of interest on the 42 Mile Drive by providing you with a checklist of everything you should do and see at each stop.

Grand Teton National Park’s 42 Mile Drive Guide

Your Guide to Seeing All the Stops, Spots, Overlooks, and Turnouts on the 42 Mile Drive
Complete with Checklists of What You Must SEE and DO for Each Spot!!

Plus six additional points of interest that are just outside the 42 Mile Drive that we highly recommend to be included.

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

Three Advantages to Visiting Grand Teton in MAY – and Four Challenges

– Updated: April 24, 2024 –

May is officially a springtime month on the calendar, but in Grand Teton National Park, the weather is still cold with lows in the 30s and highs in the 60s.

This means cold, COLD mornings, warmer afternoons, chilly evenings, and back to cold-cold at night.​

Brrrrrrrrrrr…..

And if you are camping…. double…. TRIPLE….. BRRRRRR!!!!!!

BUT…

…May in Grand Teton National Park also means fewer people, smaller crowds, and more wildlife activity.

So, YEA!!!!!

If you are considering visiting Grand Teton in May, this article may help you decide.

Grab a warm beverage, retrieve that winter coat you prematurely put away and read on to know all the advantages, challenges, and possible solutions to the challenges of visiting Grand Teton in MAY.

Article Contents

Advantages of Visiting Grand Teton in May
Fewer People / Smaller Crowds
More Wildlife Activity
More Availability for Lodging / Camping
Challenges of Visiting Grand Teton in May
Cold Weather
Not All Roads Open
Not All Park Services Available
Snowy, Muddy Hiking Trails
Know Before You Go

Table of Contents

Advantages of Visiting Grand Teton in May
Fewer People / Smaller Crowds
More Wildlife Activity
More Availability for Lodging / Camping
Challenges of Visiting Grand Teton in May
Cold Weather
Not All Roads Open
Not All Park Services Available
Snowy, Muddy Hiking Trails
Know Before You Go

Advantage: Fewer People / Smaller Crowds

Historically, the month of May records less visitation than the other popular months.

Month	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
May	255,583	296,885	278,529	***	363,712	235,020	266,980
June	637,683	627,055	625,441	468,201*	752,114	497,531	578,980
July	739,046	795,725	775,788	755,766*	828,777	558,710	700,144
August	716,690** (eclipse)	692,074	702,022	710,198*	696,564	539,171	676,151
September	482,661	558,788	517,265	603,789*	570,584	450,185	602,607
October	187,499	207,534	186,487	351,173*	245,834	196,727	239,610

* Numbers affected by COVID-19 Pandemic
** Total Solar Eclipse
***The park was closed May 1- 17 in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Factors that contribute to lower visitation in May include:

• Cold weather
• School still in session
• The possibility of not all services, activities, and roads being open

What this means for you:

• Shorter lines at popular attractions (Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls)
• Fewer cars on the road (42 Mile Drive, Moose Wilson Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive)
• More available parking spots (Jenny Lake, String Lake, Taggart Lake).

But, even with fewer people in the park, the animal paparazzi and animal jams will be just as big because of the next advantage…

Advantage: More Wildlife Activity

Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, so you may see more animals with their newborns.

Throughout the park, you will see bears, bison, moose, elk, and pronghorn emerging with their babies in tow.

AND your chances of seeing them are increased as they are all on the move to find food and to move to their summer spots in the park.

For example, big horn sheep, elk, and bison spend the winter on the Elk Refuge near the town of Jackson. At the beginning of May, you may still see them there. As the month of May goes on, the animals start moving north into the park.

Check out these places to increase your chances of seeing wildlife:

• Bison – Antelope Flats Road, Moulton Barns / Mormon Row, Elk Flats Ranch Turnout
• Big Horn Sheep – Elk Refuge, Miller’s Butte (usually gone by the end of May)
• Bears – Jackson Lake Junction, Willow Flats, Jackson Lake Dam, Cattleman Bridge Road, Oxbow Bend, Pilgrim Creek
• Elk – Town of Kelly (early May), Kelly Warm Springs (early May), Antelope Flats Road (early May), Elk Flats Ranch, Willow Flats, near Jackson Lake Dam
• Moose – Gros Ventre River, Gros Ventre Campground, Moose Wilson Road, Moose Habitat on Moose Wilson Road
• Pronghorn – Town of Kelly, Antelope Flats Road, Moulton Barns / Mormon Row, Elk Flats Ranch

Note: Always keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife. Whether you are in your vehicle or on foot, you must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Animals in the park are wild and may act aggressively if approached. More Animal Safety

Pro Tip: Respect and follow instructions from the on-site Wild Life Management Teams. They are there to protect you and the animals. They are not trying to be “jerks” by asking you to stay in your car or move along. They really want you to see the animals, they know how thrilling that is! They just want to do everything possible to keep the animals safe and alive, as a human mistake can result in an animal being put to death.

Advantage: More Lodging/Camping Flexibility and Availability

With schools still in session in May, you won’t have to compete with the “family vacationers.”

Fewer people in May gives you more choices of lodges, rooms, and campsites to pick from and a wider range of dates.

For the lodges that open in May, inside the park, it is easier to book rooms for May dates in comparison to high visitation months like July and August.

BUT, most lodges inside the park don’t offer discounts. They set their rates for their rooms for the season.

The exception is Dornans Spur Ranch Cabins (located inside the park, but outside the Moose entrance gate) rent their 12 cabins from May 1st to May 14th for a lesser price than from May 15th to August 31st.

You are more likely to find discounts at lodging outside the park including rentals through Rendezvous Mountain Rentals, and Outpost.

Note: As the month of May progresses, demand increases and flexibility/availability decreases both inside and outside the park.

Note: If thinking of lodging in Teton Village in May, know that the Moose-Wilson Road’s scheduled May 1st opening is sometimes delayed until mid-May due to snowpack. Those staying in Teton Village will need to access Grand Teton National Park via HWY 390 – HWY 22 – through Jackson, and up HWY 191 when the Moose Wilson Road is closed. 

Camping

All campsites inside Grand Teton National Park are reservation only and must be reserved through Recreation.gov.

You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance. Sign up for a free recreation.gov account to make your reservation.

Again, early May has more availability and flexibility than the end of May.

Pro Tip: Colter Bay RV Park does fill up quickly as soon as it opens in May. It has full hookups. Reservations are required through recreation.gov.

Challenge: Cold Weather

As mentioned before, Grand Teton in May, the lows are usually in the 30s and highs are in the 60s.

Snow is still possible in May, and dare I say it is PROBABLE, especially in early May.

And if it doesn’t snow, expect some rain as May is the 4th highest in amount of precipitation after Dec, Nov, and Jan.

Solutions

1. Bring your cold-weather clothes and prepare to dress in layers.
Cold-weather clothes include hats, gloves, waterproof shoes, winter jackets, and rain gear.

Pro Tip: Have a good backpack that you can use to store shed layers and cold-weather gear. As the day goes on, you will most likely shed and reapply layers a couple of times. Carrying a backpack makes the items easily accessible, saves trips back to the car/lodging, and removes the possibility of “choosing poorly” (regretting not bringing items).

2. Choose lodging over camping.
This may seem obvious, I know, and no shade to those experienced campers who have all the correct gear to stay warm, but if you are new to Grand Teton and are not familiar with how 30 degrees feels here – choosing a cabin or lodge with a heater is a good choice.

3. Start activities later in the day and take advantage of the evening sunlight hours.
Early to mid-May is about the only time you will ever hear me give this advice as the summer months are so busy it is almost imperative to get to some places and do some activities at the earliest part of the day as possible.

In May, the days are long as the sun rises at 6:00 am and sets around 9:00 pm.

That is 15 hours of daylight!

Beginning your activities later in the morning and making the most of the warmer afternoon temperatures, then concluding them after dinner before sunset, ensures you remain active during the warmest parts of the day, as the evening daylight hours tend to be warmer than the early crack of dawn hours.

Here are the differences in temperature between 6 am, 7 am, 7 pm, and 9 pm.

	May 1	May 5	May 10	May 15	May 20	May 25	May 31
6 am	31°F	32°F	33°F	35°F	36°F	37°F	38°F
7 am	32°F	33°F	34°F	36°F	37°F	38°F	40°F
7 pm	49°F	50°F	52°F	54°F	56°F	56°F	58°F
9 pm	43°F	46°F	46°F	48°F	49°F	52°F	53°F

Source: Weatherspark.com

Note: At this altitude, the air is thinner and drier, and it warms up and cools off quicker than at lower altitudes.

Challenge: Possibility Not All Roads Are Open

The park’s main roadways, Highway US 89/191 and Highway US 26/287, are open year-round from the town of Jackson to Flagg Ranch just south of Yellowstone National Park (weather permitting).

Most main roads in Grand Teton National Park are open or open on May 1st, including the Moose-Wilson Road and Teton Park Road (the Teton Park Road is important if you plan on doing Grand Teton’s 42 Mile Drive).

Roads NOT OPEN by May 1st are usually the SIDE ROADS. These roads may stay closed longer due to snow or early spring wildlife activity. These roads include:

• Schwabacher Landing Road – usually opens in early May
• Pilgrim Creek Road – usually closed in early May, sometimes remains closed throughout May due to bear activity
• Cattleman Bridge Road – usually closed in early May, sometimes remains closed as May goes on due to bear activity
• Road from Flagg Ranch to South Gate of Yellowstone – usually opens mid-May
• Signal Mountain Summit Road – often open June 1st – snowpack dependent
• Grassy Lake Road – usually opens June 1st

Up-to-date Road Status of all roads in Grand Teton.

Challenge: Possibility Not All Park Services Are Open

This challenge is one of the reasons that fewer people visit Grand Teton in May – there is a risk amenities and services are not open for the season yet.

Solution: The later in the month of May you go to Grand Teton National Park, the more likely roads and services will be open and available. Following is a list of when amenities and services will be open for May 2024.

Lodging

Most of the lodges take reservations a year in advance and online.

Following is a list of the lodges and cabins INSIDE Grand Teton National Park and their Opening Dates for 2024.

• Signal Mountain Lodge Cabins – May 10th
• Jackson Lake Lodge – May 17th
• Triangle X Ranch – May 22nd
• Colter Bay Village Cabins – May 23rd
• Jenny Lake Lodge – May 31st
• Headwaters Lodge and Cabins – June 1st

Campgrounds

There are eight different options to camp INSIDE Grand Teton National Park. Reservations are required and can be made six months in advance at recreation.gov.

Find out more details on all the campgrounds (like sizes for RVs and tents, available electricity, amenities, restrictions…etc) in Grand Teton.

The following are the posted opening dates for each campground INSIDE Grand Teton National Park for May 2024.

• Gros Ventre Campground – April 26th
• Colter Bay RV Park – May 2nd
• Jenny Lake Campground – May 6th
• Signal Mountain Campground – May 10th
• Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch – for RV Park Only – May 10th
• Colter Bay Campground – May 23rd
• Colter Bay Tent Village – May 24th
• Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch – for tent camping – June 1st
• Lizard Creek Campground – June 14th

Restaurants

Restaurants throughout Grand Teton National Park open at different times in the month of May.

Solutions

If restaurants are not open inside Grand Teton National Park when you visit, know that Dornans’s Pizza Pasta Co Restaurant and Trading Post and Deli (grocery store) are open year-round except for the months of April and November. (Dornans Village is inside Grand Teton National Park, but outside the Moose Entrance Gate).

Also, you will find plenty of restaurants open in Jackson, Teton Village, and Wilson, WY.

A third solution would be to hit a grocery store in the Jackson Hole Valley and have your food and snacks with you.

Pro Tip: Save time and order your groceries online and pick them up curbside.

The following is a list of all the major restaurants inside Grand Teton National Park and when they are open to the public.

• Trapper Grill at Signal Mountain Lodge – May 10th
• Blue Heron Lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge – May 19th
• The Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge – May 17th
• Pioneer Grill at Jackson Lake Lodge – May 19th
• Ranch House at Colter Bay Village – May 25th
• Café Court Pizzeria at Colter Bay Village – May 26th
• Leek’s Pizzeria at Leek’s Marina – May 24th
• Jenny Lake Lodge – May 31st – (lunch reservations recommended, dinner reservations required)
• Sheffields at Flagg Ranch – June 1st
• Pool Cantina at Jackson Lake Lodge – June 10th

Visitor Centers

The following are open dates for 2024.

• Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center – May 1st
• Colter Bay Visitor Center – May 3rd
• Jenny Lake Visitor Center – May 12th
• Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center – June 6th

Marinas

Early May usually has some ice on the lakes, but the marinas start opening about mid-May – offering buoys and some motorized boat rentals.

Jenny Lake Boating – May 15th

• Shuttle Service – May 15th
• Scenic Boat Rides – Reservations – May 15th
• Boat Rentals – available end of June or beginning of July – water temperature dependent

Signal Mountain Marina – May 18th

• Pontoon and Runabout Boat Rentals – May 18th
• Kayak Rentals – available early to mid-June – water temperature dependent

Colter Bay Marina – TBD (Colter Bay Marina opening depends on lake levels)

• Boat Rentals – TBD
• Jackson Lake Scenic Cruises – TBD

Leek’s Marina – (no boat rentals or cruises) May 18th

Challenge: Muddy and/or Snow Packed Hiking Trails

May is not the best month for hiking in Grand Teton after a normal Grand Teton winter, especially for high-elevation hikes and back-country hiking.

With the cold weather and the possibility of more snow in May, it probably wouldn’t shock you to know that in early May, many of the trails, including the lower, front country trails have snow on them.

The high-elevation trails?

Forget about them, they are snow-packed.

As the month of May goes on, a lot of snowmelt is possible, on the trails and on the lakes, which means the trails and unpaved areas can have a lot of water and mud on them.

It’s not my favorite type of hiking, but if you are made of stronger stuff than me, make sure you have all the safety gear needed for the conditions.

And before you hit the trail, do check in at a visitor center and talk to a park ranger. They are going to have the most up-to-date info on conditions and may have a tip or two to give you on where the best places are to hike at that moment. (Look for rangers at the visitor centers – or give them a call: 307-739-3399).

Also be sure to be bear aware on the trails! Snow on the ground does not mean bears are hibernating.

May is an extremely active time for bears and their new cubs. Be sure to make noise, carry bear spray, know how to use it, have it accessible (at the bottom of a backpack is not accessible).

Pro Tip: If planning to hike, make sure to check in at a visitor center and speak to a park ranger for tips on the best trail conditions and ask about bear activity on the trails.

A Few More Things to Know Before You Go

Still trying to decide if you visit Grand Teton in May?

May in Grand Teton National Park is better for people who are more interested in:

• Sight-seeing
• Doing scenic drives
• Viewing wildlife

These activities are self-reliant activities and are not dependent on park services (marinas, restaurants, equipment rentals) or weather.

May is not the best option for people who want to:

• Hike
• Camp in the high/backcountry
• Water Sports and Boat Rentals
• Horseback Riding
• Have all services available, like restaurants

As mentioned previously, for hiking, you are at the mercy of how much snow has melted and the possible muddy conditions if snow has melted. And that is talking about the lower, front country hikes. Backcountry hiking and higher elevation trails will have snowpack on them.

For horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, and boating, June, July, and August are better months as all the horse corals and marinas will be open for rentals.

To partake in eating at restaurants while gazing at a Teton view or having other amenities available (grocery store, laundry, showers, information centers) you might be able to in May if you confirm what is open the days you are there.

Again, everything is open in the months of June, July, and August.

And swimming? Seriously, the water is cold no matter what month you go.

Sooooo….freaking….cold….

I have tried swimming at String Lake at the beginning of June and found it painful.

I find the water still cold in July and August, but not as painful.

Good luck kids!

Have any questions about services not listed here? Or any other questions? Contact me or leave a comment.

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

Grand Teton National Park’s 42 Mile Drive Guide

Your Guide to Seeing All the Stops, Spots, Overlooks, and Turnouts on the 42 Mile Drive
Complete with Checklists of What You Must SEE and DO for Each Spot!!

Plus five additional points of interest that are just outside the 42 Mile Drive that we highly recommend to be included.

Updated: January 28, 2024

Four Advantages to Visiting Grand Teton National Park in June – and Three Challenges

Most of the month of June lands in “Spring” on the calendar, but in Grand Teton National Park, the month of June means SUMMER!

June in Grand Teton is the beginning of summer and that means the park is officially open for business!

Everything is open!

Lodges, campgrounds, restaurants, roads, services, and most recreational activities and their providers are open and ready by June 1st (some exceptions noted below).

And those are just the basics.

June is also a month for wildflowers, baby animals, lush green grass and trees, and snow-tipped Tetons.

And as great as all that is, the wildflowers, baby animals, and stunning scenery, there are a couple of challenges to visiting Grand Teton in June to know about too.

I’ll tell you all about the advantages, prepare you for all the challenges, and suggest a couple of solutions to the challenges here.

Article Contents

Crowds
Weather
Advantages of Visiting Grand Teton in June
Everything is Open
Baby Animals
Wildflowers
Scenery
Challenges of Visiting Grand Teton in June
Mosquitoes
High Elevation Hiking
Water Temperature
Last Tips

Table of Contents

Crowds
Weather
Advantages of Visiting Grand Teton in June
Everything is Open
Baby Animals
Wildflowers
Scenery
Challenges of Visiting Grand Teton in June
Mosquitoes
High Elevation Hiking
Water Temperature
Last Tips

Crowds

Before getting into the advantages of visiting Grand Teton in June, a note about crowds.

The crowds in June don’t quite fall under advantages, nor is it a terrible disadvantage.

June, overall, is less crowded in Grand Teton National Park than in July and August.

Month	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
May	255,583	296,885	278,529	***	363,712	235,020
June	637,683	627,055	625,441	468,201*	752,114	497,531
July	739,046	795,725	775,788	755,766*	828,777	558,710
August	716,690** (eclipse)	692,074	702,022	710,198*	696,564	539,171
September	482,661	558,788	517,265	603,789*	570,584	450,185
October	187,499	207,534	186,487	351,173*	245,834

* Numbers affected by COVID-19 Pandemic
** Total Solar Eclipse
***The park was closed May 1- 17 in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

So while there are slightly fewer people in June than in the other two summer months (advantage), know that the park will still be busy and crowded (challenge).

Popular places like Jenny Lake, Taggart Lake, and the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve will be full by mid-morning with parking spilling out of the parking lots.

Note: The crowds really start picking up in the Jackson Hole area the second week of June.

Here are a few tips for handling crowds.

Pro Tip:  Allow extra time to get to places, in case of traffic or if there is an “animal jam”.

Pro Tip: If there is an animal jam, prepare your spirit! Having patience will go a long way to keeping everyone calm and safe.

Pro Tip: The key to beating the crowds at the park entrances and popular destinations (Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, Taggart Lake, and Laurance Rockefeller Preserve) is to go early in the morning. I’m talking 7:30 am. (I know…and if you have kids, good luck to you!)

Weather

The weather in June in Grand Teton National Park is another item that isn’t clearly considered an advantage or a challenge (Although, I personally think it leans toward being more of an advantage).

The early mornings and late nights can get down into the 30s. That is winter clothes weather!!

I am often up before dawn staking out a place to take sunrise pictures and it is COLD, usually in the 40s. I have my winter coat, hat, and gloves on. So if you are up early (as suggested to beat the crowds and see more animals) you may want to have these on hand.

As the day goes on, it does get warmer, with highs being in the 70s in the afternoon.

70-degree weather in Grand Teton is wonderful!

Like Goldilocks wonderful!

Not too hot, not too cold.

You will be shedding layers from that early morning – but keep them on hand as evening and night approach.

Pro Tip: Carry a backpack to store layers. I carry one throughout the day so I always have what I need on hand and have a place to store what I don’t, and more importantly, I don’t waste time by having to go back to the car or campground.

A possible downside of the weather in June in Grand Teton National Park is that there is still a possibility of snow and even more of a possibility of rain and thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms are usually not all day long and blow through in the afternoon. Check the weather forecast before your day’s outing and follow all safety suggestions.

Pro Tip: After rain and thunderstorms, the colors in the park are bright and vibrant. A good time and opportunity for stunning photos!

Now that you are aware of the crowds and weather, let’s move on to the advantages of visiting Grand Teton in June.

Advantage: Everything is Open

Grand Teton National Park is officially open 365 days a year and can be accessed any day of the year.

It is the roads, lodges, campgrounds, restaurants, services, and service providers that are not open year-round.

By June 1st almost all roads, lodging, campgrounds, and services are up and running, and waiting for you – with a few (very few) exceptions. Please note the exceptions below.

Roads

Roads that may not be open by June 1st include:

• Pilgrim Creek Road – is sometimes closed due to bear activity
• Cattleman Bridge Road – sometimes closed due to bear activity
• Signal Mountain Summit Road – often opens by June 1st – but can be delayed if there is still snowpack
• Grassy Lake Road – usually opens June 1st

The good news here is that these four roads are all “side roads” or “optional” roads, meaning they are not main roads and their closure will not impede your ability to move around the park.

Although… the Signal Mountain Summit Road is a drive that I highly recommend doing to get a panoramic view of the Tetons and the Teton valley.

If this drive is on your list of things to do, plan your trip a little later in June to make sure the road is open when you are there.

You can also call Grand Teton National Park at 307-739-3399 and speak to a Park Ranger to ask if it is likely the road will open by June 1st.

Note: Signal Mountain Summit Road is often called a “scenic drive”, but it really isn’t scenic on the way up or down. The scenic parts are the two overlooks towards the top of the mountain, with the panoramic view of the Tetons being at the first overlook – Jackson Point Overlook.

Pro Tip: During the ride up and down, keep your eye peeled for elk and bears. I have seen many black bears on this drive.

Lodging

Following is a list of the lodges and cabins INSIDE Grand Teton National Park and their opening dates for 2023.

Note: All lodges are open by June 1st with Headwaters Lodge opening on June 1st.

• Signal Mountain Lodge Cabins – May 12th
• Jackson Lake Lodge – May 19th
• Triangle X Ranch – May 22nd
• Colter Bay Village Cabins – May 25th
• Headwaters Lodge and Cabins – June 1st
• Jenny Lake Lodge – June 1st

Note: Most of the lodges take reservations a year in advance and online.

Pro Tip: Make your reservations as early as possible as they fill up quickly.

Pro Tip: For Jenny Lake Lodge, you may have a better chance of reservations if you call: 307-543-3100, instead of online.

Campgrounds

There are eight different options to camp INSIDE Grand Teton National Park. Reservations are required and can be made six months in advance at recreation.gov.

Find out more details on all the campgrounds (like sizes for RVs and tents, available electricity, amenities, restrictions…etc) in Grand Teton.

The following are the posted opening dates for each campground INSIDE Grand Teton National Park for May 2023.

Note: Please note that all campgrounds are open by mid-June with Headwaters Campground for tent camping opening on June 1st and Lizard Creek Campground opening last on June 9th.

• Gros Ventre Campground – April 28th
• Colter Bay RV Park – May 4th
• Jenny Lake Campground – May 5th
• Signal Mountain Campground – May 12th
• Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch – for RV Park Only – May 12th
• Colter Bay Campground – May 25th
• Colter Bay Tent Village – May 26th
• Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch – for tent camping – June 1st
• Lizard Creek Campground – June 9th

Restaurants

The following is a list of all the major restaurants inside Grand Teton National Park that are open to the public.

Note: All restaurants will be open by mid June, with the Pool Cantina at Jackson Lake Lodge being the last to open on June 10, 2023.

• Trapper Grill at Signal Mountain Lodge – May 12th
• Blue Heron Lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge – May 19th
• The Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge – May 19th
• Pioneer Grill at Jackson Lake Lodge – May 19th
• Ranch House at Colter Bay Village – May 25th
• Café Court Pizzeria at Colter Bay Village – May 26th
• Leek’s Pizzeria at Leek’s Marina – May 26th
• Jenny Lake Lodge – June 1st – (lunch reservations recommended, dinner reservations required)
• Sheffields at Flagg Ranch – June 1st
• Pool Cantina at Jackson Lake Lodge – June 10th

Visitor Centers

The following are projected dates for 2023. Official dates have not been posted yet, they will be updated here when published.

• Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center – May 1st
• Jenny Lake Visitor Center – May 14th
• Colter Bay Visitor Center – May 15th
• Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center – parking area is open May 1st, the actual center’s open date is June 5, 2023.

Note: The Laurance Rockefeller Preserve building opens on June 5, 2023, but the parking lot opens around May 1st. You can park in the parking lot beginning May 1st to access the hiking trails to Phelps Lake.

Marinas

All marinas open in May, with the exception of Colter Bay Marina.

Colter Bay Marina is the marina that is the most dependent on Jackson Lake’s water levels. In 2022, Jackson Lake’s water level was way down and Colter Bay didn’t open at all that season. The only one of the four marinas that didn’t open.

Grand Teton’s four marinas and their open dates for 2023.

Jenny Lake Boating – May 15th

• Shuttle Service – May 15th
• Scenic Boat Rides – Reservations – May 15th
• Boat Rentals – available end of June or beginning of July – water temperature dependent

Signal Mountain Marina – May 20th

• Pontoon and Runabout Boat Rentals – May 20th
• Kayak Rentals – available early to mid-June – water temperature dependent

Colter Bay Marina – June 1st

• Boat Rentals – June 1st
• Jackson Lake Scenic Cruises – June 10th

Leek’s Marina – (no boat rentals or cruises) May 20th

Advantage: Baby Animals

June in Grand Teton National Park is the month for babies and lots of them!!

Large park animals and small critters alike are having babies with bison and bears getting a head start in May.

Bison and bears are the first of the big animals to have babies, followed by moose, elk, and deer. Pronghorns (antelope) are usually the last of the big animals to have babies in Grand Teton.

When To See Wildlife – Tips

Again, early morning is the name of the game to increase your chances to see wildlife.

We’re talking about 6:00 am.

I know. That is early.

As the day gets warmer, the larger animals seek shade and start bedding down to escape the heat. As the month of June goes on, temperatures are getting warmer and warmer earlier in the day causing the animals to bed down about mid-morning. Unfortunately, that is when a lot of people are just getting out to look for them.

So, if seeing animals is at the top of your list, it’s the crack of dawn for you!

If this is bad news for you, I may have a tip to make you feel better.

Bears start their days a little later than the rest of the big animals in the park. It’s not clockwork, but bears tend to start moving around a little later in the morning, around mid-morning.

So, it is still early, but not crack of dawn early.

Pro Tip: Go at dawn to find moose, elk, and deer, then as the morning goes on, switch your focus to bears. Bison are some of the easiest to see in the park as they are out most of the day. Look for Bison around Elk Ranch Flats and Antelope Flats Road.

Also, please note that early-early morning isn’t the only time to see animals in the park. You can see just about any animal at any place at any time in the park.

I’m just giving you tips to “help increase your chances” of seeing animals and going early in the morning is one of them.

Animals are also more active in the evening when it is cooler. So you can try your luck then too.

Note: If you are hoping for a photo of an animal with the Tetons in the background, the evening will be more difficult as the light will be behind the Tetons, and that casts shadows – making the Tetons not very defined in your photo.

Pro Tip: Morning and early morning are ideal for Teton photos as the Tetons are in the west and face east and the morning light hits them from the east. If you get an animal in the foreground – huge bonus!

Where to See Wildlife – Tips

Places to increase your chances of seeing wildlife:

Note: Always keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife. Whether you are in your vehicle or on foot, you must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Animals in the park are wild and may act aggressively if approached. More Animal Safety

Pro Tip: Respect and follow instructions from the on-site Wild Life Management Teams. They are there to protect you and the animals. They are not trying to be “jerks” by asking you to stay in your car or move along. They really want you to see the animals, they know how thrilling that is! They just want to do everything possible to keep the animals safe and alive.

Advantage: Wildflowers

If you are someone interested in all things flowers and vegetation – June in Grand Teton National Park is the month for you!

Get your notebooks and cameras ready and have a ball!

Luckily, for the rest of us, you don’t have to know all about flowers or their names (I tend to refer to flowers by their color and add the word “pretty”….) to enjoy the beauty they bring or the color they add to the already stunning park scenery.

In Grand Teton National Park, wildflowers start appearing in late May and begin to cover the valley floor in June.

Wildflowers tend to bloom around the first of June in the southern parts of the park (Antelope Flats Road) and show up soon after in the northern part of the park as the snow melts. (Southern part of the park is at a slightly lower elevation than the northern part).

Many hiking paths will have wildflowers present in June, especially the lower elevations and front country hikes. In higher elevations, the flowers bloom a little later in the summer. Again, this is due to snow melting later at higher elevations.

The following are some of the wildflowers you may see in June and where to see them.

Note: Do not pick nor eat any of the wildflowers as for some it is illegal, and some are poisonous.

Advantage: Scenery

Q: “The scenery is already stunning in Grand Teton National Park, why would this be considered an advantage in June over any of the other months?”

A. The month of June has two things that other months in Grand Teton National Park don’t have that improve upon the scenery: green grasses and snow-tipped Tetons.

In June the snow melt makes all the grasses green throughout the valley and the valley runs the length of the park in the foreground of the Tetons. Green grass may be something that is obvious and expected, but actually, it is something not to be taken for granted in Grand Teton, because as the weather continues to warm up in summer the vivid green grasses dry out and turn brown.

Also as the summer continues to warm up, the snow melts from the tips and high elevation of the Tetons. And while the Tetons are stunning anytime, snow-tipped adds a heightened contrast to the mountains.

The colors and contrast of green grasses and trees and snow-tipped Tetons enhance the views and photographs!

Throw in the colorful wildflowers blooming and you have color bursting everywhere you look!

Pro Tip: Go to Antelope Flats Road to take photos of wildflowers contrasting with the green grasses of the valley and snow-tipped Tetons in the background. (This is just one place to go for this combination – keep an eye out as you explore the park for many more!)

Challenges of Visiting Grand Teton In June

As great as the advantages of visiting Grand Teton in June are, there are some challenges.

Challenge: Mosquitoes

No matter what time of summer you go or where you go in Grand Teton National Park, there will be mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes like water and in Grand Teton you are in the mountains with many sources of water, including rivers, lakes, ponds, waterfalls, and streams, not to mention snow melt and post-rain puddles.

I don’t have any scientific proof for what I’m about to say about mosquitoes, I can just share my experience. It seems like the earlier in June you go, the more mosquitos there are.

I am one of those people mosquitoes love to feast on – so while others may see them as bothersome, I see them as a challenge. A big challenge.

Solutions

Thankfully, there are two easy solutions to handle this challenge: clothing and bug spray.

The mild temperatures in June make it easy to wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants. This clothing choice not only keeps skin covered but keeps you warm without getting too warm when the temperature rises in the afternoon.

But the best defense I have found is bug spray.

Buy it, have it, use it.

You’ll get used to the smell.

You’ll get used to the kids complaining about the time it takes to put it on.

And when I say “put it on” I mean even if you are wearing pants and socks, be sure to spray your ankles for when that small strip of skin that is exposed when walking and or sitting. Spray your hands and neck if you are covered everywhere else.

Even, spray in front of you and walk into the mist for your face.

Spray all exposed skin.

The mosquitoes are the heaviest in the mornings and evenings and around water. Be prepared to apply a couple of times a day, even after you shower, and feel clean for the first time that day (or a couple of days 😉 ). It’s difficult, but you’ll eventually learn to get over “I just took a shower, I’m clean, and the last thing I want is to smell like bug spray.”

Trust me, the LAST thing you want is to lay down at the end of the day to sleep only to be kept awake itching “why did they bite me there?” places. And if you’re with kids, save yourself from spending the rest of the vacation saying “don’t scratch.”

Pro Tip: Have an after-bite stick, just in case. If one of those pesky mosquitoes gets through, using an after-bite stick will provide some relief. Worth. Every. Penny. Maybe worth even more after 10:00 o’clock at night.

Challenge: High Elevation Hikes

In early June, most front country hikes and viewpoints will be accessible. They may still have some snow melt, water, and mud on the trails. As the month of June goes on, these trails will dry out considerably.

As for high-elevation hikes – it is no surprise that the higher you go, the more likely you will encounter puddles, snow melt, mud, and actual snow. It is not uncommon for Lake Solitude to still be frozen over in June.

Solutions

Check with a park ranger for up-to-date trail conditions.

If you are doing more high-elevation hikes, do check in with a visitor’s center or ranger station to talk with a ranger about the latest hiking conditions. They will have the most up-to-date information on conditions and will let you know if crampons and ice axes are required and/or have suggestions on what trails to do and how to stay safe.

Do lower elevation, front country hikes.

You don’t have to do high-elevation hikes to get a good workout or to get a good view.

In fact, there are plenty heart pumping hikes in the front country that have stunning Teton views!

Here are a few ideas:

• Four Scenic Day Hikes in Grand Teton Under Four Miles
• Taggart Lake Hike
• String Lake Hiking Trails
• Hiking in Grand Teton
• Hidden Falls

Challenge: Cold Water Temperature

Your visit to Grand Teton may include hopes of water activities such as swimming, paddle boarding, and/or renting kayaks and canoes.

Just know that the water in the lakes and rivers will be COLD.

So cold that some marinas on Jackson and Jenny Lakes will require a minimum water temperature to be reached before they will rent out canoes and kayaks.

Solutions

Call the marinas that rent kayaks and canoes.

Call the marinas to ask if they are renting equipment out or when they expect to start rentals.

Jenny Lake Boating – (307) 734-9227

• Kayak and Canoe Rentals – available end of June or beginning of July – water temperature dependent

Signal Mountain Marina – (307) 543-2831

• Kayak Rentals – available early to mid-June – water temperature dependent

Colter Bay Marina – (307) 543 -2811

• Kayak and Canoe Rentals – water level permitting

Pro Tip: Calling the marinas will give you the most up-to-the-minute information on water temperature and rentals, marina websites are not updated as regularly.

Opt for water activities that do not require getting in the water.

There are some scenic lake cruises and motorized boat rentals available that don’t require getting in the water.

Scenic Lake Cruises

• Jackson Lake Scenic Lake Cruises – Boat cruises that take you across Jackson Lake close to Mt. Moran. Guides tell you all about the history and geology of the area. There are cruises with and without meals. Cruises with meals are served on Elk Island on Jackson Lake.
• Jenny Lake Shuttle – A 12-minute shuttle across Jenny Lake. You can take the shuttle to and from the Hidden Falls Trailhead.
• Jenny Lake Scenic Boat Ride – A one hour scenic boat ride around Jenny Lake where the guides tell you about the history and geology of the lake.

Motorboat rentals 

• Colter Bay – You can rent a 15 foot aluminum craft boats with a 9.9 horse engine to explore nearby neighboring bays on Jackson Lake.
• Signal Mountain – Kayaks and canoes available to explore close by inlets and bays.

Guided Scenic River Raft Trips
Scenic River Raft Trips are not whitewater raft trips and contact with water is minimal.

Authorized Scenic Raft Trip Providers inside Grand Teton National Park:

• Barker-Ewing Scenic Tours (We have used them and loved them! (We are not an affiliate) Read our review)
• Grand Teton Lodge Company
• Heart 6 Ranch, LLC
• Signal Mountain Lodge
• Snake River Angler and Float Trips
• Solitude Float Trips
• Triangle X / National Park Float Trips
• Lost Creek Ranch (Private Ranch, Floats for Guests Only)

Guided Whitewater Rafting Trips
There is a good chance you will come in contact with water while whitewater rafting, but thankfully wetsuits are provided. (I’ve worn a wetsuit on a whitewater rafting trip in July!)

Note: All whitewater rafting trips are OUTSIDE Grand Teton National Park.

Here are some whitewater rafting companies found in the Jackson Hole Valley:

• Barker-Ewing Whitewater
• Teton Whitewater
• Dave Hansen
• Jackson Hole Whitewater
• Lewis and Clark River Expeditions
• Mad River Boat Trips
• Sands Whitewater and Scenic River Trips

Last Tips

June is a good time to visit Grand Teton with the advantages of most everything in the park is open and available, of not only seeing animals but baby animals, and colorful wildflowers decorating the valley floor.

June is also the short time of year when the grasses in the valley are a rich, vibrant green. The green grasses and wildflowers really add a lot of color and beauty to the scenery which is already breathtaking.

It is the most colorful time of year and you’ll see many photographers out and about.

Grab your camera and join them!

Don’t be discouraged by the challenges of visiting Grand Teton in June. Where there is a challenge, there are possible solutions to counteract or lessen the challenge!

The challenges of mosquitos and hiking can be lessened with good bug spray, the right clothing, and having the right equipment. A quick chat with a park ranger can go a long way to increasing your safety and enjoyment on those hiking trails.

And as for water temperature – know that the water will ALWAYS be cold!

The water is cold throughout the entire summer.

It’s just a matter of HOW COLD. A matter of degrees…

The later in June you go, the “warmer” the water gets, but to cover all bases and to plan a little more precisely if you are wanting to rent kayaks and canoes at the marinas on Jackson and Jenny Lakes, call the marinas. They are going to give you more up-to-date info than their websites.

And, if you don’t want to be at the mercy of water temperatures, you can still get on the water with guided lake cruises on Jackson and Jenny Lakes, rent motorized boats on Jackson Lake, and/or do a guided scenic and/or whitewater rafting trip.

Enjoy the advantages of June in Grand Teton and embrace the challenges armed with solutions.

Please feel free to ask any questions you don’t see answered here in the comments section.

Good luck and ENJOY! 

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

Grand Teton National Park’s 42 Mile Drive Guide

Your Guide to Seeing All the Stops, Spots, Overlooks, and Turnouts on the 42 Mile Drive Complete with Checklists of What You Must SEE and DO for Each Spot!!

Plus five additional points of interest that are just outside the 42 Mile Drive that we highly recommend to be included.