Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Grand Teton National Park. While many travel blogs will tell you the fun things to do when visiting the Grand Tetons, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Grand Teton National Park.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Off the Main Road
There’s a great scenic loop through the park, but there are also a lot of side roads and viewpoints along the way. Make sure you leave time to explore some of them. Of course, make sure your vehicle is capable of any roads you decide to follow, but get off the pavement and see what’s out there!
Don’t Mess With the Animals
The Teton Mountains are stunning, but what really draws visitors to this National Park is the wildlife. You could see moose, bison, elk, bears, and maybe even wolves. The animals might even seem tame sometimes, but they are not! Make sure you read all the literature they give you in the park and know the rules for observing wildlife. Visitors are hurt or killed every year because they approach the animals and get too close. Don’t be that guy!
Don’t Wing It!
You may be tempted to just go with the flow on your trip, but it’s super helpful to do some research ahead of time. This region is flooded with tourists in the summertime so lodging is in short supply. If you want to stay at one of the Grand Teton National Park lodges, you need to start thinking about reservations almost a year in advance!
Don’t Sleep In
If you really want to see some wildlife in the Tetons, don’t sleep in! Early morning is the best time to see wild animals, and there won’t be as many other visitors around. You won’t have to wait for parking at some of the overlooks and popular viewpoints. Early morning light is much better for photography, too!
Don’t Forget Your Good Camera
If you have a good camera setup, this is the place to use it. Especially if you have a telephoto lens. It’s the only way to get those wildlife shots safely. You should stay at least 100 yards from animals, but with a good lens, you’ll get some great shots! But don’t bring your drone; they aren’t allowed in the park.
Don’t Miss Out the Cultural Attractions
There’s more to the Tetons than great scenery and cool wildlife. Jackson is a cool town from the “Wild West” and they have a lot of stuff to do as well. There’s a theater playhouse where you can see live performances, visit tons of bars and restaurants or enjoy other outdoor activities like whitewater rafting or ziplines. There’s also a National Wildlife Museum just south of the park which is a great educational introduction to what you might see in the park.
Don’t Hike Off-Trail
There are so many great hiking trails in the Tetons; even if you aren’t a big hiker, take a stroll down one of the shorter trails. Just don’t stray off the trails! You are safer on the trails and have less chance of getting lost or running into wildlife.
Don’t Forget to Dress in Layers
Weather in the Tetons is all over the place. Even in the summer and fall when the days are hot, the nights and early mornings will be cool. It’s not uncommon to have a 30-degree temperature swing throughout the day. So, you need to have layers of clothing that you can easily add and remove as the day goes on.
Don’t Plan on Stocking Up in the Park
You should make sure you have what you need before entering the park. That includes warm clothing and snacks. There are a few lodges and general stores in the park where you can purchase a few things, but you will pay a premium, and the selection can be hit or miss. It’s easier just to stock up on ice, gas, and snacks before you arrive at Grand Teton National Park.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Even if you visit the Tetons in winter, you’ll need sunscreen! You’re at a high elevation and the sun is strong. It doesn’t take long to get a sunburn here.
Don’t Discount the Altitude
When you visit Grand Teton National Park, you’ll be anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level. It’s enough to make you short of breath or even give you a headache the first few days. Don’t plan any big hikes for the first day or two, so your body can adjust to the altitude.
Don’t Rely on Cell Service
Cell service is not reliable throughout the park. The lodges and visitor centers will have WiFi, but a lot of the park does not have coverage. If you’re relying solely on your phone’s GPS to navigate, you might want to download some maps so they’re available offline. Grab a map when you enter the park; it just might come in handy!
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Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from visiting Grand Teton National Park. It’s a beautiful national park with amazing scenery and tons of cool wildlife. Want more of our Western US travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: