Moose Ponds Trail: Easy Hike to See Wildlife in Grand Teton

If you’re visiting Grand Teton National Park and hoping to spot wildlife without a strenuous trek, the Moose Ponds Trail is a hidden gem you need to know about. Just off Lupine Meadows Road, this lesser-known trail offers a peaceful escape with real wildlife payoff and far fewer crowds.

We hiked the Moose Ponds Loop Trail again in mid-July 2025, and it reminded us why this spot is one of the best-kept secrets in the park. From a bull moose wading in the pond to a marmot casually hanging out in a tree (yes, really), this trail serves up incredible wildlife moments without requiring an all-day commitment.

A woman wearing a black cap, gray shirt, black leggings, and hiking shoes sits on a rock ledge with a black backpack. She looks out over a pond partially hidden by evergreen trees, where a moose stands in the shallow water near the grassy shore. — Morgan sitting on a boulder and taking in the bull moose in the pond

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Grand Teton or just want to dodge the chaos of the Jenny Lake trailhead, this guide will walk you through what to expect from the Moose Ponds Trail and why it’s totally worth lacing up your hiking boots.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on it and make a purchases, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Read the full disclaimer here.

What Is the Moose Ponds Trail?

The Moose Ponds Trail is a scenic, 2-mile loop tucked just off Lupine Meadows Road in Grand Teton National Park.

It’s an easy trail that starts from a small dirt and gravel parking area that many people do not even know exists (shhh!) because it isn’t even marked on the GTNP map! This is what helps make this trail such a hidden gem.

A close-up of a trail map highlights Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, showing surrounding points of interest such as Lupine Meadows, Moose Ponds, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, String Lake, and Leigh Lake. Hiking trails, shuttle boat routes, and scenic drives are marked with distances and icons.

To make things easier for you, we have the trailhead marked on a map below.

From the Moose Ponds Trailhead, you’ll turn right and walk a short ways to a dead end. There is a sign there and you will turn left and walk a short ways on the Jenny Lake Loop.

You will see another sign for the Moose Ponds Loop where you turn left again. At that point, you will begin to gain a little elevation to reach the overlook — a perfect vantage point for spotting wildlife in the ponds below.

A marmot perches on thin branches in the middle of a leafy green tree, its brown and tan fur standing out against the dense foliage. Sunlight highlights the animal as it balances among the twigs with a clear blue sky in the background.

From there, you can either turn back for a short and sweet out-and-back, or continue the full loop around the ponds.

The loop becomes more secluded and overgrown the farther you go, offering solitude and excellent chances to see wildlife (we saw a bull moose and a tree-hanging marmot last time!).

The overlook is by far the most populated section of this hike. We probably saw 30 people by the overlook. Once we continue on around the loop, we did not see any other hikers.

Ways to Extend Your Hike Around Jenny Lake

What makes this trail even more interesting is how it connects to bigger adventures. Moose Ponds is technically a spur off the popular Jenny Lake Loop.

You can hop onto the Jenny Lake trail system from here and hike to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, or even complete the full Jenny Lake Loop all without the parking drama at the main Jenny Lake lot.

This makes the Moose Ponds Trailhead (see location below) a fantastic option for those wanting more flexibility or an easier place to start their day.

Why It’s One of the Best Wildlife Hikes in Grand Teton

Let’s be real… most people hitting the trails in Grand Teton are hoping to see something wild. And Moose Ponds delivers (usually).

A moose stands in shallow water near tall green grasses, lowering its head beneath the surface to feed. Sunlight highlights its dark brown fur and the velvety texture of its antlers above the waterline.

A moose grazes at the grassy edge of a calm pond surrounded by tall evergreen trees and a few bare trunks. Sunlight filters through the forest, casting reflections on the water under a clear blue sky.

A moose stands in shallow water near a grassy shoreline, surrounded by dense evergreen forest. The scene is framed by tree branches in the foreground, with the calm pond reflecting the greenery and blue sky.

This trail has a reputation for regular wildlife sightings, and it totally lived up to the hype during our latest hike. We spotted a bull moose standing in the water not even 20 minutes into the hike.

A little later, we looked up and saw a marmot chilling in a tree. That one caught us off guard.

Add in the birds, butterflies, and blooming wildflowers, and it felt like nature was showing off.

A yellow and black butterfly feeds on a bright pink wildflower in a sunlit meadow. Tall grasses and leafy green plants fill the background, with more pink flowers scattered throughout.

While bear sightings are common in this area, we did not see any on this trip but we always bring bear spray just in case.

The farther side of the loop, where the trail becomes narrower and more overgrown, definitely felt like a spot where you could surprise something big. 👀 It’s quiet, less traveled, and surrounded by the kind of dense brush that big animals love. Morgan was a little (A LOT) sketched out but we made it without any problems!

A male hiker with a gray backpack walks along a narrow dirt trail surrounded by dense green foliage and wildflowers. The path winds toward a backdrop of tall trees and blue sky on a sunny day.

ChatGPT said: A shallow, clear stream flows over golden-brown rocks, surrounded by lush green plants and trees. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting bright reflections on the rippling water.

A narrow wooden footbridge crosses through lush green vegetation under a bright blue sky. Tall evergreen trees rise in the background, framing the scenic forested trail.

If you’re looking for an easy hike with real chances to see moose, marmots, or even bears, without having to wake up at 5 a.m. or fight for parking (the lot is small and has limited parking but it is much easier than the Jenny Lake Trailhead), this trail deserves a spot on your Grand Teton shortlist.

Trail Conditions and What to Expect

Moose Ponds Trail is about as beginner-friendly as wildlife hikes get in Grand Teton but it still has a few quirks to keep in mind.

From the Moose Ponds Trailhead off Lupine Meadows Road, you’ll start with a short incline that leads to the overlook. It’s not steep or technical just enough elevation to give you a clear view over the ponds and a great shot at seeing wildlife early. From there, the trail drops back down toward the water and continues around the loop.

The front half of the trail is open and moderately trafficked, but once you pass the overlook, it becomes much quieter and more overgrown. The path narrows, the brush thickens, and visibility drops. It’s not difficult, but it feels wild, especially when you’re the only ones out there.

A rugged mountain peak with patches of snow rises sharply against a clear blue sky. Below, dense evergreen forests and grassy meadows spread across the lower slopes, creating a lush green contrast to the rocky summit.

A brown trail sign with light colored lettering points left toward Moose Ponds Loop and Jenny Lake Parking Area. The sign stands in tall grass beside a fallen tree in a sunlit forest clearing.

A calm mountain pond reflects surrounding evergreens, framed by dense forest and a rocky foreground ledge. Behind the trees, a steep, rugged peak rises under a clear blue sky.

Expect uneven footing, a few muddy patches, and minimal signage especially on the back-half of the loop. It’s not the kind of trail where you’ll get lost, but it is one where having bear spray and offline maps is a smart move. We wore sturdy hiking shoes (Morgan wore her Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes) and were glad we did.

The bottom line: anyone with decent mobility and a little trail sense can enjoy this hike, but it’s still backcountry-adjacent so treat it with respect.

Tips for Hiking Moose Ponds Trail

This trail may be short and sweet, but a few smart moves will make your hike safer and hopefully more rewarding.

Start early or late: Wildlife is most active around dawn and dusk. We hit the trail mid-morning and still saw a bull moose and marmot, but your odds go up the closer you are to those prime hours.
Bring bear spray and know how to use it: Bears are known to frequent this trail. While we didn’t see any, the overgrown sections make it harder to spot them from a distance. Be loud, be alert, and be ready.
Respect wildlife from a distance: Never approach animals, no matter how calm they seem. Stay at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from all other wildlife for their safety and yours… in case you didn’t know, Moose can be MEAN. In fact, they scare us more than bears.
No dogs allowed: Like all hiking trails in Grand Teton National Park, this one is off-limits to pets. If you’re traveling with your dog, you’ll want to plan alternate activities. It sucks, we know.
Wear real hiking shoes: The trail is uneven and brushy in places, especially past the overlook. Our Oboz held up great and we both recommend something similar.
Carry water: Even though it’s a short loop, the sun can hit hard, and there’s very little shade around the ponds. Our CamelBaks M.U.L.E.s were perfect for this kind of hike.
Download a trail map (or carry a paper copy): Signage is minimal and the loop is not clearly marked once you leave the Jenny Lake Loop. A GPS-enabled app or offline map will help keep you on track.
Pair it with a longer hike: If you’re looking to extend your mileage, you can connect to the Jenny Lake Loop, Hidden Falls, or even Inspiration Point right from this trail.

This hike is great for first-timers, photographers (do not have to carry your gear very far), and anyone who loves the idea of a quiet wildlife loop without committing to a long backcountry trek.

How to Find the Moose Ponds Trailhead

One of the best parts about Moose Ponds Trail? You get all the views and wildlife of the Jenny Lake area without the headache of trying to park there.

To get to the Moose Ponds Trailhead:

Turn onto Lupine Meadows Road from Teton Park Road; it is about 1 mile south of the Jenny Lake Parking Lot
Just past the first intersection (which leads to the Jenny Lake boat ramp), stay straight/slightly right into a small gravel parking area — that’s your spot.
There’s no big sign, so it’s easy to miss. But this little lot gives you direct access to the Moose Ponds Loop and even the Jenny Lake trail system beyond it.

Map showing Lupine Meadows Road in a forested area, with a red star marking a location near trail access and small lakes. — The Red Star is where the Moose Ponds Trailhead is located.

Because this trailhead is not well known by most visitors, it is way easier to find parking here especially during peak hours when the Jenny Lake lots are chaos. With that being said, the lot is small though so come prepared.

A dirt parking area surrounded by tall pine trees, with several cars and trucks parked in the sunlight. A silver sedan is in the foreground, and camping or outdoor gear is visible near a white truck in the background.

It’s the perfect launching point for a short loop to spot wildlife or a longer Jenny Lake adventure, depending on your mood.

We’ve even used this spot as our starting point for Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point when skipping the shuttle entirely and enjoying the hike in.

Other Easy Hikes to Add to Your Grand Teton Itinerary

If you enjoyed Moose Ponds Trail, or you’re simply looking for more manageable hikes with big rewards, here are a few other great options throughout Grand Teton National Park. Some are connected to Moose Ponds, while others are a short drive away but equally worth the trip.

From the Same Trail System:

Hidden Falls via Jenny Lake
Easily accessed by continuing from Moose Ponds onto the Jenny Lake Loop, this moderate hike takes you to a powerful waterfall tucked into the mountains.
Inspiration Point via Jenny Lake
About half a mile past Hidden Falls, this iconic overlook offers jaw-dropping views over Jenny Lake and beyond. This is a more strenuous hike with elevation gains but is doable for most people.

A fast-flowing mountain river rushes beneath a wooden footbridge, surrounded by dense evergreens and rocky slopes. Sunlight highlights the churning whitewater as it winds through the forested canyon. — River Crossing between Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

Other Easy Trails Worth Checking Out:

Bradley and Taggart Lake Trails
This popular hike offers incredible lake and mountain views, with moderate elevation gain if you hike to both lakes. You can opt for an easier out-and-back to Taggart Lake or complete the full loop for a bit more challenge and scenery.
Grand View Point
A slightly more challenging trail (the elevation gain is intense), but the panoramic views over Jackson Lake and the Tetons are hard to beat.
Lakeshore Trail at Colter Bay
Mostly flat and peaceful with great chances for wildlife spotting and waterfront views. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll. You can also take the short loop (approximately 1 mile) or extend the hike (approximately 2 miles).

Each of these trails offers a unique perspective on Grand Teton from moose-filled ponds to alpine overlooks and lakefront serenity. Add a few to your itinerary and experience the variety this park has to offer.

Final Thoughts: Is the Moose Ponds Trail Worth It?

If spotting wildlife is high on your Grand Teton wish list but you’re not looking to trek all day or a major fight for parking, then yes, the Moose Ponds Trail is absolutely worth it.

This short, often-overlooked loop delivers a solid chance to see moose, marmots, birds, butterflies, and even bears. It’s easy to access, less heavily trafficked, and gives you a peaceful slice of the park that many visitors completely miss.

Snow-dusted mountain peaks rise above a lush green meadow bordered by pine trees, under a cloudless blue sky. Fallen branches and logs rest in the grass, adding texture to the foreground.

Whether you stop at the overlook or complete the full loop, Moose Ponds is the kind of trail that feels like a secret. You get the raw, wild beauty of Grand Teton without the chaos of the crowds at Inspiration Point and that’s a rare combo.

If you’re building your first Grand Teton itinerary, make sure this trail is on it. And don’t forget the bear spray.