Outdoor Adventure at Grand Teton in the Fall
Planning a trip to Grand Teton in the fall is an amazing experience, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.
Not only are there some incredible Grand Teton photo spots you should visit, but the fall colors are truly breathtaking as you explore the park.
The small crowds, picturesque views of the foliage and the wildlife make for an unforgettable experience while visiting the Tetons in the fall.
Here’s our guide to visiting Grand Teton in the fall.
- What to Pack for Grand Teton in the Fall
- Fall Weather at Grand Teton National Park
- Grand Teton Fall Colors
- Animals in the Fall at Grand Teton
- Best Fall Hikes at Grand Teton
- Where to Stay in Jackson Near Grand Teton
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What to Pack for Grand Teton in the Fall
What to Pack
Here’s the list of gear we recommend for a National Park trip in the fall:
→ CHECK OUT our National Park Packing Lists.
1. US National Parks Pass: You can order passes online or get them at any of these Federal Recreation Areas.
→ BUY THE PASS AT REI and they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.
2. Fall Hiking Shoes: → Check out our FAVORITE hiking shoes/boots!
3. Fall Hiking Socks: → Check out the BEST SOCKS EVER!
4. Fall Clothing for Hiking (Layers)
→ Wicking and quick-drying base layers
→ Fleece jacket (Columbia is the BEST!)
5. Daypack
6. WATER: → We carry water bottles or hydration backpacks
7. FOOD: → Check out our favorite healthy snacks
8. Flashlight: → Check out the headlamps we like
11. Toilet paper (carry out in a bag – do not bury)
12. Hand sanitizer
13. First aid kit
14. Bags to pack out trash
15. Camera Gear – DOWNLOAD our Camera Gear Checklist
Grand Teton Fall Weather
When you visit Grand Teton in the fall you can expect cooler temperatures due to the higher elevation.
If you visit in September, the average daytime temperatures will be in the mid-60s. The nighttime temperatures will drop all the way into the low 30s. The average amount of rain in September is about 6 days.
Once October hits, so does the cooler weather. During the day the highs hover around 52 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows will drop all the way to the mid 20s!
Bundle up if you choose to visit the Grand Tetons in November because you might experience some really cold days. On average the highs will be around 35 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows will dip all the way into the low teens on average. You can expect the month of November to have about 11 rainy/snowy days throughout the month.
It is really important that you dress in layers and bring your winter clothing essentials so that you can stay warm and comfortable.
Grand Tetons Fall Colors
Fall at the Tetons runs from September through mid-October. After that, the temperatures really start dropping.
Planning a trip during this time means you’ll see incredible fall colors at the Tetons.
Although you can’t predict the peak dates to see the fall colors, it usually happens around the 3rd week in September.
During the fall you will see the deciduous trees showcase yellow and orange shades with a little bit of red popping through the Teton Range.
Must-see locations in the fall are along the Snake River where the cottonwood trees showcase their vibrant color during the fall. We recommend visiting Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing and Jackson Lake to see these fall color scenes with the river and lake.
The Grand Tetons fall colors don’t stop with the trees. You will see willows and shrubs on the trails that turn yellow and red in the fall as well.
Animals in the Fall at Grand Teton
Along with the beautiful colors you will be in for a real treat with all the wildlife that is out and about during the autumn months.
Fall is the beginning of the mating season, and the male elk are doing everything they can to stand out to the females. If you are lucky you will hear them bugling, and even more lucky to see a sparring match between two male elk!
The bears will be foraging for food to get ready for winter hibernation. You’ll see black bears eating berries along the roadway, and on the hiking trails, so be extra cautious on the roads and trails.
It’s exciting to see the moose at Grand Teton in the fall, especially the male moose with their large antlers.
Hiking at Grand Teton National Park
When it comes to hiking in Grand Teton National Park you want to remember that you will be in higher elevations which may make for a more challenging experience.
The landscape is beautiful, but many trails may be steep and even extreme. If you have any questions about which trails are best for you, be sure to talk to a Park Ranger to find the best fall hikes at Grand Teton for you and your family.
→ Tips & Gear for Hiking with Kids
Best Fall Hikes at Grand Teton
Death Canyon
A trail that takes you along the pine forest to overlook the Phelps Lake, Death canyon is a perfect and peaceful hike.
You might not like the name, but it is full of great views and lots of wildlife. You may even see a moose alongside the creek.
Inspiration Point / Hidden Falls
While hiking this trail, you will see why it’s called Inspiration Point. It is one of the most popular destinations for hiking in Grand Teton National Park.
One of the must-see stops along the trail is at Hidden Falls, a 200-foot waterfall .
Be sure to bring your camera to capture this incredible view.
Cascade Canyon Trail
Looking for a hike where you will pass through huckleberry and wild raspberry patches? This is the one for you!
The Cascade Canyon trail is a 10-mile round trip journey where you will see lots of ponds and beautiful mountain views and fall colors.
Remember the bears also like the berries along this trail so make noise and carry bear spray!
Granite Canyon Trail
Granite Canyon Trail is for more experienced hikers. It is known to be strenuous in certain areas and is about 12 miles long.
On this hiking trail, you will have a bird’s eye view of Jackson Hole, Jackson Lake, and the Grand Tetons.
Paintbrush Canyon
This trail is ideal if you are looking for a longer trail to hike. Paintbrush Canyon takes about 12 hours to complete so be sure you pack accordingly.
The trail loops you through Paintbrush and Cascade Canyons.
If you choose to do this hike, you may want to consider making this an overnight hike.
Lakeshore Trail
Lakeshore Trail is one of our favorite hikes at the Tetons. It’s an easy walk and will give you views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range.
It only takes about 2 hours to complete the Lakeshore Trail making it one of the best fall hikes at Grand Teton.
Murie Ranch Hike
Murie Ranch hike is perfect if you are planning on visiting the Visitor Center while at Grand Teton National Park.
You will find Murie Ranch as you leave the Visitor Center where you can explore nature and the beautiful scenery.
Between the fall colors at the Tetons, the mating animal season, and all the incredible fall hikes that you can go on, the Grand Tetons is the premier destination for your next fall adventure with your family.
PLAN A TRIP TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK IN THE FALL
Where to Stay in Jackson near Grand Teton:
• Elk Refuge Inn – this is right across from the refuge and the closes hotel to the park entrance – our favorite place to stay!
• Elk Country Inn – awesome property if you want to be in town.
• Jackson Apartment with Full Kitchen – we LOVE having a kitchen to prepare our meals!
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