| The Best Easy Hikes in Grand Teton National Park |
"Irrespective of hour or season, whether viewed on clear days or stormy, the Tetons are so surpassingly beautiful that one is likely to gaze silently upon them, conscious of the futility of speech."
- Fritiof Fryxell, Grand Teton's first naturalist, and the first person to climb Teewinot Mountain
While creating my list of the Top 10 Hikes in Grand Teton National Park I realized that many of the trails that made the list were fairly long day hikes, which obviously won't appeal to everyone. So I decided to start from scratch and build a new list, based on the best of the easier hikes in the Grand Tetons. Hopefully you'll find this helpful as a starting point in trying to decide where to hike during your visit.
String Lake Loop - If you're looking for a hike that offers stunning scenery, but isn't physically demanding, the loop around String Lake is just about the perfect choice. I highly recommend starting this hike early in the morning to see the Grand Tetons reflecting in the water.
Taggart Lake - This is one of the more popular hikes in the park - and for good reason. By starting your hike early in the morning, hikers can still enjoy spectacular views of Grand Teton - on the trail and at the lake - in relative solitude.
Lakeshore Trail - Located in the Colter Bay area, this hike is relatively unknown - especially when compared to hikes around Jenny Lake or Taggart Lake. However, visitors shouldn't overlook this gem. The views of the entire Teton Range from across Jackson Lake are world class.
Leigh Lake - This popular hike offers similar views as those found on the String Lake Loop. However, with very little in the way of elevation gain, this is a slightly easier hike.
Lake Creek-Woodland Trail Loop - This is another popular hike, located in the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. From the southern shores of Phelps Lake Hikers will enjoy outstanding views of Death Canyon and Albright Peak.
Lunch Tree Hill - This is where it all started. This is the location for the historic meeting between John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Yellowstone Superintendent Horace Albright. During the meeting Rockefeller agreed to purchase properties in the Jackson Hole Valley to be donated to the U.S. Government and included as part of the future Grand Teton National Park. In addition to a plaque commemorating the historic meeting, the hilltop offers outstanding views of the entire Teton Range.
Inspiration
Point - Located high above the western shore of Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point is one the most popular destinations in the entire park. This perch offers outstanding views of Jenny Lake and the Gros Ventre Mountains.
Phelps Lake Overlook - This is an easy hike to an overlook. Standing 567 feet above Phelps Lake, hikers will enjoy outstanding panoramic views of the 750-acre lake from this perch.
Hidden Falls - As the only year-round waterfall in the park, Hidden Falls is also one of the most popular destinations in the Grand Tetons. You can either walk around the southern end of Jenny Lake, or take the shuttle boat across the lake to visit this spectacular 200-foot waterfall.
Heron Pond-Swan Lake Loop - This is another hike in the Colter Bay area that's relatively unknown. In addition to a degree of solitude, hikers will enjoy some great views of Mt. Moran, as well as the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife.
If you're seeking trails that explore deeper into the backcountry of the park, see our list of the Top 10 Hikes in Grand Teton National Park.