When I started visiting US national parks nearly a decade ago, I didn’t have any specific goals in mind — I just wanted to see new places. But somewhere along the way, I decided to visit all 63 major parks solo.
People often ask me what my favorite park is, and then quickly follow up with “I’m sure you can’t decide.”
The truth is, though, one of the first parks I ever visited has remained my favorite throughout my journey: Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
There’s nothing quite like the jagged peaks of the Teton Range.
I cried the first time the jagged Teton Range came into my windshield view — and I still get emotional every time, even after over a dozen visits.
As one of the “youngest” mountain ranges in North America, erosion has had less time to soften the peaks, and because of this, the range is much more sharp looking than others in the country.
The sharpness, juxtaposed with the lack of a traditional foothill, makes the peaks appear even larger than they are, and is truly stunning and awe-inspiring.
The park is a water-lover’s paradise in a landlocked state.
Despite being in Wyoming, an entirely landlocked state, Grand Teton is known for its abundant water.
I like to float on the iconic Snake River, swim in String Lake, take a scenic cruise on Jenny Lake, or boat, paddleboard, or kayak on Jackson Lake.
There’s a beautiful body of water nearly everywhere you look here, which is unusual for many mountain parks — and especially welcome in the warm summer months.
The wildlife in the park is abundant.
If your goal at a national park is to spot wildlife, Grand Teton, in my experience, always delivers. From deer, bison, elk, and moose to black and grizzly bears, there’s always something to watch (from a safe distance, of course).
Horseback riding is also permitted on many of the park’s trails, if you want to see the landscape differently.
Aside from hiking, there’s plenty to do in the park.
I love to hike and find solitude in the outdoors, but I also love being able to engage in other activities.
One of the great things about Grand Teton, which is somewhat unusual compared to many national parks, is that it offers numerous developed amenities.
For example, you can get pizza and a beer at a pizzeria within the park (which is somewhat unusual compared to other parks). There are also plenty of options for lodging, from cabins and campgrounds to luxury hotels.
Another great benefit of Grand Teton is its accessibility — it’s the only national park with a commercial airport entirely inside its boundaries.
Plus, there’s so much to do in the towns and parks nearby.
Just south of the park is Jackson, Wyoming, a popular mountain town with ample shopping, restaurants, outdoor activities, and accommodations to suit all budgets.
I love walking around the historic downtown square, grabbing coffee or a pastry at Persephone Bakery before heading into the park, and stopping at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for a drink and live music afterward.
The “Idaho side of the Tetons” is also nearby (towns like Driggs, Victor, and Tetonia are just over Teton Pass) and offers a slower pace, complete with small towns, ranches, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Plus, Yellowstone National Park isn’t far from Grand Teton, making it a perfect day trip from a base in the Tetons.
There is something indescribable I feel every time I enter the park.
The pull I feel to the Tetons is strong and somewhat indescribable. There’s a feeling I get there that I haven’t experienced anywhere else, and that’s why I’ll keep going back for years to come.
The air feels sharper, the lakes calmer, the mountains somehow bigger than everything else I’ve taken in. Standing on a trail, watching the light shift across the peaks, or dipping into a cool blue lake truly makes me feel alive.
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