A Killer Climb for Epic Views: Grand View Point Hike

If you’re searching for the best place to see the Grand Tetons in all their glory, like actually see the range instead of hiking through it, Grand View Point might just be the spot you’re after.

But don’t let the short mileage fool you… this trail has no chill!

Alan and I (Morgan) tackled the Grand View Point trail in late June 2025, thinking we were in for a scenic, relatively low-effort walk. Instead? Our legs got wrecked and our lungs filed a formal complaint. But wow! The payoff was absolutely worth it.

A serene lake winds through a dense evergreen forest, surrounded by rolling green hills and distant mountain peaks. The scene is bathed in bright summer sunlight under a clear blue sky with a few scattered clouds.

This 3-mile out-and-back hike delivers panoramic views of the entire Teton range on one side and Two Ocean Lake on the other.

We’re talking postcard-perfect scenery, wildflowers, butterflies, and barely another soul in sight.

In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need to know before you lace up: where to park (hint: the turn-off is not marked), what to pack (including bear spray), and what makes this trail such an underrated gem in Grand Teton National Park.

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Grand View Point Is One of the Best Views of the Tetons

Most hikes in Grand Teton National Park take you deep into the mountains… and don’t get us wrong, those hikes are stunning!

But what makes Grand View Point so special is that it flips the perspective. Instead of being surrounded by the Teton Mountain Range and looking out, you’re looking at the Tetons from a vantage point that feels almost cinematic.

Snow-capped mountains rise sharply in the distance beyond a green forest, with a winding river visible at their base. The foreground features a rocky, sunlit overlook under a clear blue sky.

A small brown trail sign reading “Grand View Point, El. 7823” stands among green plants and yellow wildflowers, with distances listed to nearby lakes and a lodge. Sunlight filters through the surrounding pine trees, casting dappled shadows on the dirt path.

From the summit, you’ll get an uninterrupted, sweeping view of the entire Teton range with jagged peaks rising sharply behind Jackson Lake. Walk a little further and you’ll catch the shimmering expanse of Two Ocean Lake stretching out in the opposite direction.

A smiling couple wearing sunglasses and baseball caps takes a selfie with a backdrop of evergreen trees, a winding river, and snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky. The sunlight reflects off their sunglasses, showing hints of the scenic view ahead.

It’s the kind of spot that makes you stop, drop your pack, and just breathe it in.

And the best part?

Hardly anyone else is there. On our hike in late June 2025, we only saw about six other people on the trail.

If solitude with a killer view is your jam, Grand View Point delivers.

Even with the muscle burn, we’d do it again just for that summit view (and workout).

What the Hike Is Actually Like

A small trail sign reading “Grand View Point Trail” lists distances to nearby trails and destinations, set beside a dirt path winding through a sunlit meadow. Tall evergreen trees border the scene under a partly cloudy blue sky.

A man wearing a backpack and hiking gear walks along a narrow dirt trail through a shaded forest. Sunlight filters through the tall trees, illuminating patches of green undergrowth along the path.

Trail Stats & Description

Don’t be fooled by the numbers… this is not your average 3-mile stroll.

Grand View Point clocks in at roughly 1.5 miles each way, with a total elevation gain of about 727 feet. It’s almost completely uphill on the way there.

The trail itself winds through a mix of open meadows bursting with wildflowers and shady sections of forest. It’s mostly packed dirt, with decent footing throughout. No real scrambling or tricky terrain, just a lot of steady climbing that doesn’t let up.

A narrow dirt trail winds uphill through a sunlit meadow filled with green plants and clusters of yellow wildflowers. Evergreen trees line the horizon beneath a clear, vivid blue sky.

It’s worth noting that older guides may reference a shorter distance or a gentler climb. That’s because there used to be a second parking area farther up the road. These days, you’re starting lower, which means you’re earning that view the hard(er) way.

Expect a Workout

A woman wearing a backpack, navy shirt, and black leggings bends forward to rest on a shaded forest trail surrounded by dense green foliage. Sunlight filters through tall trees, creating patches of light along the dirt path.

By the time we were halfway up, I looked at Alan and jokingly said “I think my check engine light is on.”

This trail doesn’t give you many breaks, no flat sections to catch your breath. Just up, up, and more up.

Still, it’s not a technical hike.

You don’t need to be an expert, but you will need water, and you’ll want to pace yourself.

We didn’t rush it, taking shady breaks when we needed to and making sure we didn’t overdo it.

We didn’t see any kids on the trail that day, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t handle it.

Older or experienced hikers should be fine, but it’s definitely a trail you’ll want to approach with some respect especially in the summer heat.

Trail Vibes & Wildlife

One of our favorite things about this hike was how quiet it was. We had long stretches of the trail entirely to ourselves, and the peaceful vibe made it feel even more rewarding.

A tall pine tree casts shade over a dirt trail, with a grouse partially hidden beneath its lower branches. Beyond the tree, evergreen forest and snow-capped mountains are visible under a clear blue sky.

We spotted butterflies by the dozen, a few curious horseflies (ugh!), and what we think was a blue grouse tucked in the trees.

No bear sightings (thankfully), but we did have our bear spray close at hand and we recommend you do too.

Things to Know Before You Hike Grand View Point in Grand Teton National Park

Getting There & Parking

Finding the trailhead can be a little tricky if you’re not prepared. There’s no sign marking the turnoff from the main road, so here’s your cheat code: it’s about 0.9 miles north of the entrance to Jackson Lake Lodge on the opposite side of the road.

Or the even easier option is to put it in your GPS. It still believes the actual parking lot is further up the mountain but it will take you to the turnoff.

Once you make the turn, the road to the trailhead is short but rugged. It is dirt and gets narrow quickly. We navigated it just fine in our Ram 3500 dually but let’s just say if someone had been coming the other way, things might’ve gotten interesting.

A nearly empty gravel parking lot sits under a bright blue sky, with a single silver pickup truck parked near the center. Tall evergreen trees line the lot’s edge, creating a forested backdrop.

There’s a decent amount of parking at the trailhead, but no facilities. No bathrooms, no water, no trash cans. Come prepared and plan accordingly.

What to Pack

This trail is short but intense, so don’t skimp on your essentials:

Bear spray: Grand Teton is grizzly country. Better to have it and not need it.
Camelbak MULE hydration pack: Staying hydrated on this steep trail is non-negotiable.
Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes: We wore ours and they handled the terrain like champs.
Bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water
National Park entry pass: This hike is inside the gated portion of Grand Teton National Park.

Extend Your Adventure (Optional Loops)

If the climb to Grand View Point hasn’t completely wiped you out, or if you’re looking to turn this into more of a full-day adventure, there are a couple of great options to keep going.

A black-and-white trail map of Grand Teton National Park shows the Grand View Point Trail, Two Ocean Lake Trail, and surrounding landmarks. The map marks features such as Emma Matilda Lake, Christian Pond, Lookout Rock, Signal Mountain, and nearby roads, with dashed lines indicating hiking paths and solid lines for roads.

From the summit, the trail continues down the backside of the ridge, giving you the opportunity to loop around or connect with other scenic routes like the Two Ocean Lake Trail (additional 6.4 mile loop) or Emma Matilda Lake Trail (you can skirt the edge of the lake and then head back to the trailhead OR you can take an additional 10.5 mile loop).

These extensions can easily turn your 3-mile hike into an all-day affair depending on the route you choose, so bring extra water and snacks if you’re considering it. Take a map and check the routes in advance.

And as always in Grand Teton, keep that bear spray handy.

This trail connection flexibility is another reason we love Grand View Point as it can be a relatively quick in-and-out hike with a massive payoff or the start of something longer and even more peaceful.

Post-Hike Refuel at Jackson Lake Lodge

After sweating our way up (and down) Grand View Point, we made a beeline for Jackson Lake Lodge and headed straight to the Pioneer Grill.

The interior of Pioneer Grill features a long retro-style counter lined with stools, condiment bottles, and menus. A waitress stands near the open kitchen, where shelves hold plates and baked goods, beneath a large circular Pioneer Grill sign on the wall.

If you’re craving a real meal after your hike (and maybe a milkshake), this is a solid pick. It’s casual, convenient, and hits the spot when you’ve just burned every ounce of energy on a steep uphill climb.

A white plate holds a sandwich on a toasted bun with lettuce and sauce, served alongside a generous portion of golden French fries. The sandwich is cut in half, revealing its fresh ingredients inside. — Cali Chicken

A plate of golden French fries is topped with melted cheese and generous pieces of crispy bacon. In the background, a partially filled glass of pink beverage with a straw sits on the counter. — Bacon Loaded Fries

A grilled sandwich cut in half sits on a white plate with a decorative swirl design, served alongside a separate plate of French fries and a small bowl of fresh mixed fruit. A hand rests on the counter near salt and pepper shakers. — Tuna Melt

We were able to sit down immediately and the food delivery was quick, but that could vary depending on the time of day and season.

Final Thoughts: Totally Worth the Burn

Grand View Point in Grand Teton National Park may be a relatively short hike, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s easy. The constant climb may challenge your legs and lungs but the view at the top is 100% worth it.

This trail offers one of the few true panoramic views of the Teton Range and delivers a quiet, off-the-radar experience you won’t find on the park’s more popular routes. Add in wildflowers, wildlife, and the option to extend the adventure, and you’ve got yourself one of Grand Teton’s best hidden gems.

Snow-capped mountain peaks rise dramatically above a wide green valley and shimmering blue lakes. Evergreen trees fill the foreground under a clear summer sky.

If you’re up for a bit of a burn, Grand View Point might just become your new favorite view in the park.

Looking for Other Hikes in Grand Teton?

If you’re planning more adventures in the park, we’ve covered several other trails that offer incredible views, wildlife encounters, and unique terrain. Check out these guides next:

Taggart & Bradley Lake Trail: Stunning Views with Minimal Effort
Hidden Falls Trail: A Short Hike with Big Payoff
Inspiration Point Hike: Iconic Views Over Jenny Lake
String Lake Loop: Easy, Scenic, and Great for a Swim
Lakeshore Trail at Colter Bay: Serene Forest Walks Along Jackson Lake
Phelps Lake Trail: Serene Forests & Lakeside Beauty

Whether you’re looking for easy hikes like the Lakeshore Trail or more moderate routes with panoramic views, we’ve got firsthand tips to help you make the most of your Grand Teton visit.