grassy field in the foreground with evergreen trees in the middle, water, and then snow covered mountains

A Killer Climb for Epic Views: Grand View Point Hike

Bymorganmiddleton Posted on Updated on

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.

evergreen trees in the foreground with a bright blue lake in the middle and mountains in the background

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.

dirt foreground with evergreen trees, Jackson Lake, and the Grand Teton Mountain Range in the background
Grand View Point sign with Elevation 7823 in front of yellow wildflowers, greenery, and trees with the snow covered mountains peeking through in the background

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.

man and women standing in grass with evergreen trees, snow-covered mountains, and blue skies in the background

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

sign at the grand view point trailhead that shows distance to the peak with a dirt trail surrounded by greenery and trees in the background
man in blue shirt and shorts with a black hat and grey backpack walking up a dirt trail surrounded by greenery and trees

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.

Uphill dirt trail with grass and yellow wildflowers on both sides of the trail. There are trees and blue skies in the background.

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

woman in a blue shirt and black leggings wearing a hat and daypack is bent over breathing hard. She is on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery with some trees in the background.

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.

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.

gravel parking lot with plenty of open spaces. There is a silver ram dually 3500 in the middle of the lot with grass and evergreen trees surrounding the lot

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.

black and white map of the Grand View Point trail as well as surrounding trails

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.

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.

chicken sandwich with fries on a white plate
Cali Chicken
fries covered in cheese and bacon on a white plate with a glass of water in the background
Bacon Loaded Fries
partially eaten tuna sandwich on a white plate with black designs, bowl of mixed fruit, and plate of french fries
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.

evergreen trees in the lower section of the picture with Jackson lake in the middle, snow-covered Teton Mountain Range midway, and blue skies in the top of the photo

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:

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.

Morgan Middleton is the owner and author of Middletons on the Move, a blog about RV travel and off-roading. Morgan, Alan (her husband), and Coco (their 95 lb pup) are traveling the country full-time in their RV.