Activities at Grand Teton National Park

Perhaps the number one activity at Grand Teton Park is hiking. There are 220 miles of hiking trails spread throughout Grand Teton National Park. These trails range from the relatively easy to some very strenuous hiking best left to those with plenty of experience and who are in good shape. The most important consideration for hikers is to be aware that weather conditions can change quite suddenly and drastically, so always come prepared for the worst, just in case.

When winter comes and the snow falls in this majestic park, be sure to take advantage of the snowcoach. Although called a coach, these are actually little more than vans that have been converted to allow safe travel over snow. Neverthless, the experience remains the same as you are treated to a winter wonderland backed by a scenic overview second to none.

Strap on the cross-country skis or snowshoes and do your best to tour through the Grand Tetons as men like Kit Carson used to do. While cross-country skis and snowshoes are a terrific way to enhance the authenticity of the wilderness provided at the park, those who partake of these activities need to be aware that thin ice over the lakes can crack without warning as well as create difficult slush piles. The wind child factor should always be considered because wind makes you colder and can lead to frostbite and hypothermia without your being aware. Always be aware of the hazard of avalanches when traveling near steep slopes.

Although not as prevalent as the hiking trails, there exists plenty of opportunities for mountain biking within the Grand Tetons. Touring the park in a bike also has the advantage of the several scenic turnouts that provide spectacular views of the pristine beauty inside the park. There are a few rules and regulations that bikers inside Grand Teton need to be aware of: helmets are strongly encouraged, only certain areas are open to biking and these are posted, and a white light and red reflectors must be used when the light gets low between sunset and sunrise. Biking is only allowed from late April to November because between those months there is usually far too much snow on the ground to make biking feasible.

Not all water in Grand Teton National Park is frozen and boating is a popular activity. All boats are required to be registered with the park on an annual basis and permits are easily obtained at either the Visitor Center or various ranger stations. Remember not to feed or disturb any wildlife you may encounter while on the waterways inside the park. Fishing is allowed as long as you don't get too close to any bird's nest. One of the most popular water activities is whitewater rafting down the Snake River, although this is not recommended for those who are getting their first taste of rafting. The Snake River has been home to many accidents from even experienced rafters.