Plan a Vacation to Grand Teton National Park in January
Wondering what it’s like to visit Grand Teton National Park in January? The winter months are a unique time for visiting Grand Teton National Park.
Use our Grand Teton National Park guide and the information below to know what to expect in January: services available, what to pack, where to stay, things to do, and more!
In January all services and most of the roads are closed to vehicles. There are fun winter activities to do at Grand Teton so keep reading!
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.
Grand Teton National Park Packing List
DOWNLOAD: Grand Teton Packing Checklist
- Merrell Moab hiking shoes or Oboz hiking shoes
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Water – carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack
- Healthy food that’s portable and filling!
- Columbia fleece jacket
- Wicking, quick-drying clothing
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Sun protection – sunscreen (even in the winter) and a sunhat
- UV sunglasses are good for summer and winter
- Travel hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- US National Park travel guides and maps
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Camera gear – DOWNLOAD the free checklist!
Outdoor Gear we recommend! Travel Gear & Hiking Gear
A Photo Tour of Grand Teton National Park
Take a visual tour through Grand Teton National Park to see the stunning landscape and wildlife you’ll find in the park!
Grand Teton in January
There are a lot of things to do when visiting Grand Teton National Park. Each season will have different activities and services available.
In January, it’s all about winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing!
Use our guide to find other times of year to visit if you want to do summer activities like hiking and kayaking: best time to visit Grand Teton National Park.
Services at Grand Teton National Park in January
Grand Teton is open 24 hours, every day of the year. In January, some roads and most of the park services are closed. Check the Grand Teton website for the exact dates.
Campgrounds and lodges are closed so you’ll need to stay in nearby Jackson.
January Weather at Grand Teton
When you visit Grand Teton in January you can expect very cold temperatures. Daytime highs are near 25 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows are near 0!
It is really important that you dress in layers and bring your winter clothing.
Snow storms can roll through at any time. Always check the current weather and road conditions on the Grand Teton website.
Use our guide to find other times of year to visit: Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
Wildlife at Grand Teton in January
At Grand Teton National Park in the winter it’s easier to see Grand Teton wildlife as they contrast against the white snow.
You’ll see many elk at the Elk Refuge between the park and the town of Jackson. You can take a sleigh ride tour to see the elk up close!
If you’re lucky you may see eagles, coyotes, foxes, bison, deer, wolves, trumpeter swans and more on the tour… as well as on the roads or trails that are open in the park.
Teton Park Road in January
Enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and walking along the Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake Trailhead to the Signal Mountain Lodge.
The road is closed to vehicles and bikes in January since it’s snow covered.
Check out the map below showing groomed trails, skier tracked trails and wildlife closer areas.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing in January
Enjoying cross-country and snowshoeing in January. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy nature in a quiet setting.
There are etiquette aspects to keep in mind:
- Do not walk or snowshoe on ski trails
- Leave your skis on and side-step down or detour around steep sections
- Snowshoe parallel to the ski track
- Yield to faster skiers
- Step out of the track for a break
Pets at Grand Teton in January
Pets are allowed on plowed roadways and parking area. You can also take your pet on the unplowed sections of the Teton Park and Moose-Wilson roads.
Pets must be on a leash of six feet or less, and within 30 feet of a roadway. Please dispose of your pet’s waste properly. There are waste disposal cans at the trailheads.
Grand Teton Photography in January
The winter landscape at Grand Teton is amazing! The jagged peaks of the snow-capped mountains are a photographer’s dream!
In January getting to the best photo spots at Grand Teton is difficult. Many of these locations look vastly different when the water is frozen and snow-covered.
Be ready with your camera gear to capture images the landscape and wildlife as you drive along the road, or ski along the trails.
PLAN A GRAND TETON VACATION
- Grand Teton National Park Vacation Ideas
- Visiting Grand Teton National Park
- Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
- Photograph Grand Teton National Park
- Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park
AMAZON: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Guides and Maps
Where to Stay in Jackson near Grand Teton:
→ Where to stay near Grand Teton National Park
- 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.
- Vacation Rentals near Grand Teton – we LOVE having a kitchen to prepare our meals!
- Hotels in Jackson Hole
- Rent an RV – have it dropped off at your vacation destination!
