Grand Teton National Park Spring Activities

Here’s a list of our favorite Grand Teton National Park spring activities plus travel tips for exploring this stunning park!

This Grand Teton National Park guide to plan an amazing itinerary full of fun spring activities! We also share tips for things to pack, where to stay and more!

Grand Teton spring activities

Grand Teton National Park in the spring is a quiet season. Due to the elevation of the park, many areas are still closed due to snowpack in early spring.

By late spring you can enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and photography.

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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 the Spring

The spring months of March, April and May are pretty quiet at Grand Teton. In the town of Jackson, you can feel hints of spring late March and early April, but each year is different.

Usually the first of May is when the Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake to Signal Mountain Lodge is open.

At any time in the late spring there may be snow and lakes still frozen, especially close to the base of the Teton range. And of course, the higher up you go in elevation, the more winter holds on!

Grand Teton Spring Weather

In the spring expect cool mild days and cold nights with rain and snow any time. Check the Grand Teton National Park weather and be prepared with the right clothing (we always have our winter clothing with us in the Jeep because you never know!)

  • March temperatures: highs 40 | lows 12 degrees F
  • April temperatures: highs 50 | lows 22 degrees F
  • May temperatures: highs 60 | lows 30 degrees F

Spring Road Closures at Grand Teton

When visiting the Tetons in the spring, pay attention to winter closing dates and spring opening dates. Check the NPS website for updated Grand Teton road status.

The Teton Park Road is closed November 1 to April 30 from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge. During this time the road is used for skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking from mid-December to mid-March.

Once the snow melts in the spring, you can bike, hike, run, rollerblade or walk you dog on the road until April 30.

Moose-Wilson Road is usually closed to vehicles until mid-May. When it’s snow-packed it’s open to skiing, snowshoeing and hiking.

Grand Teton National Park Spring Activities

The early part of spring will still feel like winter so you can enjoy many of the Grand Teton National Park winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc.

By late spring you should be able to enjoy all the Grand Teton National Park activities available at the park.

Visitor Centers in the Spring at Grand Teton

Grand Teton has four visitor centers each with exhibits, publications, and films to educate and entertain park guests.

We always recommend stopping in a visitor center and talking to a park ranger before hiking, climbing, or tackling the river for the first time. It’s good to have the most up-to-date information for the things you want to do at Grand Teton.  

Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center: Opens early April

You’ll see interactive exhibits that highlight the parks history, maps of all the trails, and displays of early settlers and mountaineers. There’s a 15-minute movie about the park and rangers have a scavenger hunt for young kids. You can get permits and information about all the trails in Grand Teton National Park.

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center: Opens early June

This is a small, off the beaten path visitor center to get acquainted with the legacy of Mr. Rockefeller through video, photography, and audio recordings.  

Jenny Lake Visitor Center: Opens early May

This cabin turned visitor center now serves as an art gallery and museum. You’ll also find books, maps, and camping information here. Be sure to take the short walk to see Jenny Lake. The visitor center offers a shuttle service across Lake Jenny and a scenic cruise. 

Colter Bay Visitor Center: Opens early May

This visitor center has amazing views of Jackson Lake, and the easy walking trails take you to the boat dock. You can view a fantastic collection of Native American art and artifacts. The Rangers host park-related programs and videos throughout the day, and love sharing what they know about the park and all the things you should see and do.  

cross country skiier in the winter
Cross-country skiing

Winter Activities at Grand Teton in the Spring

There is still a lot of snow in Grand Teton National Park in early spring. You can enjoy winter sports like cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

You’ll find a variety of Grand Teton National Park winter tours. Many of the tours will determine stops based on the road conditions, weather conditions, and needs or interests of each group.

Most winter tours do NOT include the Grand Teton National Park entrance fee (be sure to have your National Park pass!)

Grand Teton Scenic Drive
Grand Teton Scenic Drive

Scenic Drive in the Spring at Grand Teton National Park

Beginning May 1 you can explore the Grand Teton National Park scenic drive loop.

Keep in mind that the Teton Park Road is accessible between May to October, but the visitor centers, lodges, and other services may not be open during the early spring shoulder season. Check the website for updated opening and closing dates at Grand Teton.

The complete Grand Teton loop drive 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.

Hidden Falls at Grand Teton
Hidden Falls at Grand Teton

Spring Hiking at Grand Teton National Park

In early spring most of the Grand Teton trails will still be snow-covered. By late spring that snow melts and the trails become muddy. The higher elevation trails will still have snow up to the first part of July! Stop by a visitor center to get recent trail conditions.

By late spring, you should be able to explore many of the Grand Teton day hikes.

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

Here are a few packing lists and resources for hiking:

Grand Teton Mountains in the winter
Grand Teton Mountains with snow

Spring Photography at Grand Teton National Park

The Teton mountains will still be snow-covered in the spring as you photograph Grand Teton National Park.

Some of the best photo spots at Grand Teton could be closed in the spring due to road or trail conditions and bear management.

Make your camera gear checklist so you don’t leave anything at home. You’ll enjoy capturing images of the landscape and wildlife as you drive along the road or hike the trails.

grizzly bear and two cubs at Grand Teton
Grizzly bear and two cubs at Grand Teton

Spring Wildlife Watching at Grand Teton

You never know when you’ll see wildlife at Grand Teton. Here’s a list of great wildlife viewing areas:

  • 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.

river rafting
Snake River Float Tours

Spring Snake River Rafting Tours at Grand Teton

Spring runoff can create dangerous conditions on the Snake River so most rafting tours don’t begin until May. Be sure to check dates if you’re planning a spring trip.

About 50 miles of Snake River winds through Grand Teton National Park and the river offers incredible views. One of the best ways to experience this area is on a Snake River scenic float trip. You’ll get an expert guide and all the gear you need, making sure you don’t miss a thing.

Canoes, kayaks, and rafts are also permitted on the Snake River, but check with the Rangers at the Visitor Center to see if they’re giving out permits based on river conditions in the spring.

man fishing along the Snake River in the summer
Fishing at Grand Teton

Spring Fishing in Grand Teton National Park

The Snake River is home to the unique fine-spotted snake river cutthroat trout, and anglers can’t wait to cast a line here. To protect this valuable resource, fishing at Grand Teton is heavily regulated, and catch and release is highly encouraged.

Snake River’s trout season begins April 1, but late August and September are the best months for catching trout. 

kayaks at Grand Teton
Kayaks at Grand Teton

Spring Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Grand Teton

Jenny Lake is one of the main attractions at Grand Teton for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can rent all the equipment at the park. The

There are some lakes that allow personal motorboats at Grand Teton. Most boat launches in the park open the first of May.

The Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle provides easy access to the beautiful Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point hikes. This service begins mid-May. 

Spring Camping at Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton camping doesn’t begin until late spring, around the first of May. There are five Grand Teton National Park campgrounds available by reservation only up to six months in advance. Camping spots go fast!

And all campgrounds except Jenny Lake welcome your RV’s and trailers. Backcountry camping is allowed in designated areas with a permit only.

Grand Teton maps and guides

AMAZON: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Guides and Maps

Plan a Grand Teton Vacation

Where to Stay in Jackson Near Grand Teton

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

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