Visiting Grand Teton National Park in May

Known for its stunning mountain views, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational activities, visiting Grand Teton National Park in May is one of our favorite times to visit.

Use this Grand Teton National Park guide and the information below to learn all about a May trip: weather and temperatures, services available, what to pack, where to stay, things to do, and more!

By mid-May most of the services and roads are open. The weather can still be unpredictable and cold, and trails can still be muddy. By the end of May things should be perfect!

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or just want to take in the stunning views, Grand Teton National Park is sure to have something for everyone in May!

Use our Grand Teton National Park packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in May! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.

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 National Park in May

There are a lot of things to do when visiting Grand Teton National Park. Each season will have different activities and services available.

In May you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, scenic drives and wildlife viewing. But many of the hiking trails are muddy or still covered with snow. And some areas in the park are closed due to bear activity.

Use our guide to find YOUR best time to visit Grand Teton National Park.

Services at Grand Teton in May

Grand Teton is open 24 hours, every day of the year. All roads are usually open by mid-May, conditions and weather permitting.

The Visitor Centers, lodges and marinas begin to open during the month of May. We recommend you check the Grand Teton website for the most current opening dates. Here’s a list of all the areas at Grand Teton:

• Grand Teton Visitor Centers
• Moose and Mormon Row
• Jenny Lake
• String and Leigh Lakes
• Signal Mountain
• Moran and the East
• Jackson Lake
• Colter Bay
• Leeks Marina and the North
• Rockefeller Parkway and Flagg Ranch

All Grand Teton campgrounds are by advanced reservation system only up to six months in advance at Recreation.gov.

May Weather at Grand Teton

When you visit Grand Teton in May you still can expect very cold temperatures: highs 60, lows 30.

It’s STILL important that you dress in layers and bring your winter clothing because it can still rain and even snow in May!

Always check the current Grand Teton National Park weather and road conditions on the Grand Teton website.

Things to Do at Grand Teton National Park in May

You’ll find a variety of Grand Teton National Park activities to enjoy when visiting the park in May!

Scenic Drive in May at Grand Teton

The complete Grand Teton National Park scenic drive loop is 42 miles. We recommend you plan a full day for this drive so you have time to stop to enjoy the views and capture pictures! It can be done in half a day if you’ll do short stops and take quick photos.

Use this Grand Teton National Park scenic drive map showing the points of interest to help you navigate through the park.

We highly recommend you download the Grand Teton Scenic Drive GyPSy Guide App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location as you drive through the park!

Wildlife in May at Grand Teton

May is a terrific time to see wildlife at Grand Teton. In the spring there will be area closures due to bear activity and other wildlife management so be sure to follow instructions on any posted signs.

Here’s a list of great wildlife viewing areas in May:

• Oxbow Bend
• Mormon Row
• Gros Ventre
• Willow Flat
• Coulter Bay
• Pilgrim Road
• Moose-Wilson Road

Please be a responsible wildlife observer by maintaining a safe distance of at least 100 yards from wolves and bear, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. The Grand Teton website has more detailed information about wildlife viewing in the park.

We’ve put together some good resources for Photographing Wildlife:

• Best cameras for wildlife photography
• Best tripods for wildlife photography
• Best tripod head for wildlife photography
• Best lenses for wildlife photography

Wildlife tours are great way to learn about the local wildlife, and the guides know exactly where to find bears, moose, eagles, and more!

Hiking in May at Grand Teton

Hiking in the early part of May usually means muddy or even snow-covered trails so be prepared. Stop by a visitor center to get recent trail conditions.

By the end of May, we recommend these Grand Teton day hikes to explore the park!

There are a few things to note about hiking at Grand Teton :

• May is an active time for bears and cubs! Make noise as you hike and always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Visit the Bear Safety page for more information.
• Carry drinking water. Dehydration is common and can be serious. Plan to drink considerably more at Grand Teton due to low humidity and high elevation.
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes! In the spring at Grand Teton you’ll need layers, spring outdoor gear and cold weather outdoor gear!
• Pace yourself. High elevation may cause breathing difficulties so listen to your body and don’t overdo it! The only cure for altitude sickness is to retreat to a lower elevation.
• Be careful crossing snowfields and streams. Do not hike in steep snow unless you have previous experience and the proper equipment.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Solo hiking and off-trail hiking is not recommended. Many rescues involve solo parties that were unable to self-rescue, sometimes with life-threatening injuries.

Photography in May at Grand Teton

Photographing Grand Teton National Park is the spring is amazing! The landscape with jagged peaks of the snow-capped mountains are a photographer’s dream!

Check out our favorite photo spots at Grand Teton along with a photo spots checklist you can print and take with you!

Be ready with your camera gear to capture images the landscape and wildlife as you drive along the road or hike the trails.

You CAN explore and photograph the area on your own with our Grand Teton National Park Photography Guide! It includes 1 and 2-day itineraries that detail exactly when to visit the must-see attractions in the park to avoid the crowds! Plus a detailed list of the ideal photo locations and best times of day for each spot so you can capture images in the most ideal light!

Tours at Grand Teton in May

There are a variety of Grand Teton National Park summer tours to enjoy. From thrilling hikes to peaceful boat ride, guided summer tours are an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

• Grand Teton National Park Tour 
• All-Day Tour of Grand Teton National Park
• Grand Teton Half Day Wildlife Tour
• Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in an Enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle
• Half-Day Grand Teton Sunrise or Sunset Tour
• Private Sunset 4-Hour Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure
• Snake River Scenic Float

AMAZON: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Guides and Maps

Where to Stay in Jackson Near Grand Teton

• Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park
• Grand Teton National Park Lodging
• Grand Teton National Park Camping
• RV Parks near Grand Teton National Park
• Glamping Near Grand Teton National Park

Here’s a list of our favorite places to stay:

• 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