Top 10 Easy Hikes In Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton attracts over 3 million visitors every year. And it’s no surprise why. The mountains, glacial lakes, rivers, and forests are simply stunning at every turn. And let’s not forget the ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. With over 250 miles of trails, there’s no shortage of easy trails, short trails, long trails, difficult trails & backcountry trails.

This guide will not only cover the best easy hikes in Grand Teton National Park. I will also share the best tips & tricks, things to do near Grand Teton, helpful resources for planning your trip, and more.

Tips & Tricks – Hiking Grand Teton

• Get an America the Beautiful Pass
  For $80 you & your family can get into any national park for a year. *Families of 4th graders get in free with the Every Kid Outdoor Program. Grand Teton National Park does have an entrance fee. It is $35 for a private vehicle.
• Start Hiking Early
  We arrived at Grand Teton mid-morning. By then parking was already full. To be fair the parking areas were only partially open due to them working on them. That being said, there were people everywhere! We chose not to do some of the items on our list due to how crowded it was.
• Bring Plenty of Water
  Hydration backpacks are a lifesaver! 2 quarts of water per person per 2-hour hike.
• Keep Your Distance From Wildlife & Bring Bear Spray
  It’s very possible that you may encounter Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Bison, Moose, Elk & Pronghorns.
• Don’t Hike Alone
• Bring Snacks
• Dress in Moisture-Wicking Layers

Map of Easy Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

Top 10 Easy Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

Here are 10 easy hikes in Grand Teton National Park that will leave you speechless.

1. Taggart Lake Loop

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 3.8 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 419 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: May-October
• Dog Friendly: No

Taggart Lake Loop is the most popular trail in Grand Teton National Park. Get an early start to your day and do this easy hike first. Parking spots fill fast. This trail does have some elevation gain and most of it will be done within the first 2 miles. On this trail, you will pass by a creek, pine trees, meadows, and of course, you’ll also get to see the scenic views of Taggart Lake.

Taggart Lake Loop Trailhead-
Taggart Lake Trailhead is in a well-marked parking area just off of Teton Park Road.

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2. Hidden Falls Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 4.9 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 590 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: May-October
• Dog Friendly: No

Hidden Falls Trail is a very popular hike amongst families. Keep in mind, that there is 590 feet of elevation gain. It may be difficult for some kids. This trail is tucked in the woods and leads you to a stunning waterfall. If you are feeling up to it there is a junction to Inspiration point near Hidden Falls.

This trail is very unique in that you can take a shuttle boat across the lake to shorten your hiking time to the falls. You can take the boat one way and hike the other or take the boat both ways. Be warned– The boats are busy. Hiking is the way to go if you want to avoid most of the crowds. Also, be aware that the boats drop people off to see Hidden Falls, you may encounter boatloads of people at the falls.

Hidden Falls Trailhead-
Park in the Jenny Lake parking lot. From here you’ll find the Jenny Lake Trailhead and head towards Hidden Falls. All of the trails around Jenny Lake start at Jenny Lake Trailhead.

This parking area will give you access to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Public Bathrooms, Jenny Lake Store, Jenny Lake Ranger Station, Jenny Lake Boating & the Campground is nearby if you need a place to stay.

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3. Leigh Lake Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 7.0 miles
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Elevation Gain: 111 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: May-October
• Dog Friendly: No

This trail is a longer hike through the woods with spectacular views of the Tetons & Leigh Lake.

Leigh Lake Trailhead-
Take Jenny Lake Rd. to String Lake Rd. You will find 3 parking areas. The first parking lot that you’ll see is for the String Lake Trailhead, the second is a boat launch for String Lake. The last parking area you’ll see will be for Leigh Lake Trailhead and String Lake Picnic Area. That’s where you’ll want to park.

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4. Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 2.5 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 85 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: June-September
• Dog Friendly: No

Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail is a short hike that loops around a peninsula in Jackson Lake. This trail is perfect for families as it has minimal elevation gain, it’s an easy trail & is a beautiful place to get a glimpse of the Teton range.

Colter Bay Lakeshore Trailhead-
You’ll want to park at the Colter Bay Visitor Center. The trailhead will be just off the parking lot.

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5. Schwabacher Landing Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 1.8 miles
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Elevation Gain: 22 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: May-October
• Dog Friendly: No

This is a very easy trail with beautiful views of Snake River & Grand Teton. If you get your timing right you can see reflections of the Tetons in the ponds. The scenic views here are breathtaking. Schwabacher Landing is a perfect spot for photo ops. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers & a beaver dam.

Schwabacher Landing Trailhead-
Directions- From Jackson Hole go North on I-89 for about 16 miles. Turn onto Schwabacher Landing Rd. (small gravel rd.). This road dead-ends into a gravel parking lot. You’ll find Schwabacher Landing Trail from there.

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6. Phelps Lake Overlook

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 2.0 miles
• Trail Type: Out & Back
• Elevation Gain: 413 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: May-October
• Dog Friendly: No

Phelps Lake Trail will lead you through a forest to a clearing where you’ll have a grand view of Phelps Lake.

Phelps Lake Overlook Trailhead-
This hike actually starts at the Death Canyon Trailhead. To access the Death Canyon Trailhead drive down Moose-Wilson Rd and follow the signs to Death Canyon Trailhead. The trailhead is located about 1 mile down a rugged dirt road. This road is not good for vehicles with low clearance. Phelps Lake Overlook starts at Death Canyon Trailhead and then follows Valley Trail to Phelps Overlook.

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7. Woodland & Lake Creek Trail Loop

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 3.3 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 770 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: June-September
• Dog Friendly: No

This wooded trail follows a creek to the shore of Phelps Lake. Once at Phelps Lake the forest opens to offer gorgeous views of Death Valley and the lake.

Woodland & Lake Creek Trailhead-
Parking is located off LSR Road. The parking area is small and fills quickly. You’ll find the Lake Creek Trailhead off the parking lot. Take that trail until you end up at Phelps Lake, then you’ll take the Woodland Trail back to complete the loop.

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8. Moose Ponds Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 3.2 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 150 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: March-October
• Dog Friendly: No

Moose Ponds Trail follows along a portion of the south shore of Jenny Lake. It offers views of Jenny Lake and is known for moose & pronghorn sightings.

Moose Ponds Trailhead-
You’ll use the South Jenny Lake Parking Area to get to the Jenny Lake Loop Trailhead. It is just beyond the Jenny Shuttle Boat Dock.

Arrive early in the morning or in the evening in order to find available parking. This area is extremely busy and parking fills quickly.

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9. Mormon Row’s Moulton Barn

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 0.2 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 3 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: May-October
• Dog Friendly: No

This barn is the most photographed barn in Jackson and for good reason. The setting is unbelievably beautiful & peaceful. I should say it was peaceful when we went. I’m sure it can get really busy and loud. For the best experience, I’d recommend going at a time that isn’t as popular to avoid crowds.

This hike is the easiest hike on this list. It’s a very short distance with practically no elevation.

Parking Area-
The parking area is located at 13040 Antelope Flats Rd, Moose, WY 83012.
You’ll see the barn as you pull in. There is not really a trailhead for this.

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10. Swan Lake & Heron Pond Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 3.2 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 236 ft.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: April-October
• Dog Friendly: No

This trail winds through forests and wetlands. Both Swan Lake and Heron Pond are home to plenty of birds. And of course, the Teton Range makes an appearance.

Swan Lake & Heron Pond Trailhead-
For this trail, you will use the Hermitage Point Trail Trailhead. You’ll eventually end up at the Swan Lake Trail. Take that back to Colter Bay.

Park at Coulter Bay.

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What to Pack for Grand Teton

Helpful Resources For Planning Your Grand Teton Trip

Helpful Resources We Can’t Live Without

Accommodations- We love and swear by HiltonHonors, but when we want to stay someplace different, we use Hotels.com. You can search for deals on hotels, cabins, houses & more.

Getting There- Roadtripping with our car is how we prefer to travel. That being said, Skyscanner has great deals on flights and RVShare has deals on RV rentals.

Other Favorites-
Save money on gas- Upside
Find pit stops on your route- RoadTrippers
Deals on local food & attractions- Living Social
Explore top city attractions at a fraction of the price- CityPASS

Looking for gear? See the best deals on clothing & gear here, & best travel essentials here.
Looking for road trip food ideas? Check out food for road trips you’ll love.
Learn how to travel on a budget.
See the best hiking apps

Things to do Near Grand Tetons National Park

• Yellowstone National Park
  Hiking – 20 Easy Hikes in Yellowstone
• Devils Tower
• Mount Rushmore
• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

FAQ – Easy Hikes In Grand Teton National Park

Final Thoughts on Easy Hikes In Grand Teton National Park

There you have it. The best easy hikes in Grand Teton National Park. Some of them are short hikes while others are long giving you variety. Also, wildlife sightings are very likely on most of these trails.

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