Tips for Visiting Grand Teton in November – 2024 Ultimate Guide

15 Tips for Visiting Grand Teton in November

November in Grand Teton: Are you thinking of visiting Grand Teton in November? November is a wonderful time to visit Grand Teton National Park.

November is one of the less busy months of the year to visit Grand Teton but I have included tips and tricks for visiting that will help you plan your trip.

In November, everything in Grand Teton is open. Every month is unique and different in the park so make sure to take advantage of the days.

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National Park Entrance Fees 

To enter the National Parks, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee or have a National Parks Pass also known as American the Beautiful Pass.

It costs $80 for a yearly America the Beautiful Pass. This gives you access to all national parks and federal areas that charge fees. The America the Beautiful Pass is well worth it!

I purchased my first one in 2016 and it’s such a money-saver! Plus 10% of sale proceeds go to the National Park Foundation.

15 Things to do in Grand Teton in November

Grand Teton National Park: Self-Guided Tour

See a natural wonder of the world in person on this self-guided driving tour of the Grand Teton National Park.

This self-guided driving tour takes you to all the best vistas, hikes, and attractions in Grand Teton.
Embark on a self-guided tour of Grand Teton National Park using an app that functions as your guide, audio tour, and map. Discover the park’s most spectacular lookouts, learn about its history, and get to know the local wildlife.

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

This quick drive around the Jenny Lake area is a fantastic detour off the 42-mile scenic drive and provides incredible vistas without the need to hike.

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is a three-mile one-way road that begins at Teton Park Road. You’ll first come across Cathedral Group Turnout, which offers spectacular vistas of the Tetons’ tallest peaks.

Moreover, Jenny Lake Overlook is the pinnacle of the brief detour. Cascade Canyon and the beautiful Teton peaks are visible through a break in the trees.

You can also hike around Jenny Lake, String Lake, or Leigh Lake from the parking lot along this gorgeous drive if you want to get some exercise.

Oxbow Bend

Oxbow Bend, along with the Snake River Overlook, Moulton Barns on Mormon Row, and Schwabacher Landing, is one of Grand Teton’s famous four attractions.

The most photographed location in the national park is this iconic point, which features spectacular mountain views reflected in the Snake River. The water created an oxbow, a crescent shape lined with lovely natural beauty, due to erosion over time.

Furthermore, one of the best things to view in Grand Teton National Park is the animals around Oxbow Bend. Otters, moose, black bears, and waterfowl such as pelicans and great blue herons can all be found here.

You’ll be able to see the treasured photo of Mt. Moran reflected in the river if you visit when the winds are light and the skies are clear. Remember that Oxbow Bend can get crowded, especially around sunrise and sunset, and the parking lot is limited.

You can take Highway 89/191 between Jackson Lake Junction and Moran Junction and get off at this beautiful sight.

Mormon Row

Mormon Row is a quick stop worth making, and it’s a fun activity to do with kids in Grand Teton National Park.

Mormon settlers founded this historic village in the 1890s. In contrast to isolated farms, the family pooled labor and lived on a community homestead. Old drainage systems, barns, pastures, and corrals can all be found here.

In addition to this, the John Moulton Barns and the Andy Chambers Homestead are two of the most important structures. The former features a pink stucco house and a two-story barn, while the latter features a log cottage and a stable that relied on a windmill for energy until the 1950s.

 The simple buildings contrasted with the stunning mountain panorama make you feel like you’re on a postcard. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for herds of bison on the horizon!

Snake River

The Snake River Overlook is one of Grand Teton National Park’s most popular attractions. Visiting Snake River Overlook is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park.

It’s certainly worth a quick visit just to take in the wonderful vistas and get a sense of the place. The dawn crawling over the mountain tops makes this location stunning in the early morning.

You may remember the scene from Ansel Adams’ pictures, which helped the national park attract more tourists. The stunning vista shows the Teton Range in the background, as well as the Snake River’s sloping path towards the mountains.

You won’t get the same view because Adams took the photo nearly 70 years ago. Although the trees have grown large enough to cover parts of the river, it is still gorgeous and stunning at any time of year.

Cunningham Cabin

On Highway 191, approximately 12.6 miles north of Moose Junction, is the historic Cunningham Cabin in Grand Teton National Park. Visitors can either park in the huge lot near the highway or the smaller lot closer to the site, which is about three-tenths of a mile away. At the trailhead, there is an informative roadside and trail guide.

This 0.3-kilometer out-and-back trail is located in Moran, Wyoming. It takes an average of 4 minutes to make this trip, which is considered easy. This is an excellent walking trail. Further, dogs are not permitted on this trail, so leave them at home.

The cabin is about a tenth of a mile from the parking lot, making it very accessible. A few faint trails lead to the former locations of the old ranch house, barn, shed, and other structures. 

Although there isn’t much to see these days, visitors should nevertheless go out onto the ranch grounds to experience the spectacular views that the homesteaders had every day,

Teton Park Road

If you’re interested in cross-country skiing in Grand Teton, the Teton Park Road is a great place to start. The Teton Park Road is groomed from the Taggert Lake Trailhead, where you’ll most likely park your car, to Signal Mountain Lodge.

Jenny Lake and the southern end of Jackson Lake are two of the trail’s most popular stops. On a beautiful day, whether you ski a few miles or the full stretch of road, the Cathedral Group, which comprises Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot, Middle Teton, and South Teton, these will provide breathtaking views.

Jackson Lake Overlook

Jackson Lake is one of Grand Teton National Park’s most popular lakes. It’s 15 miles long and stands at a height of 6,770 feet above sea level, making it one of the country’s greatest high-altitude lakes.

There are nearly a dozen islands in the lake, including Elk Island. While the lake is a must-see in Grand Teton and is available all year, the water averages less than 60°F even in the summer. 

Still, it’s one of Grand Teton’s top spots for windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, and wakeboarding, and it’s the park’s only lake that allows all of them. You can also rent a pontoon boat or launch your kayak to explore the local islands. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are popular activities.

The accessible position of Jackson Lake makes it simple to board the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Near the northern tip is Memorial Parkway. Follow it to Yellowstone National Park, passing multiple marinas and lodges along the way, including Jackson Lake Lodge, one of Grand Teton’s top lodging options.

Schwabacher Landing

Schwabacher’s Landing is located a few kilometers south of Snake River Overlook. Since this is one of the four river access spots, you’ll likely see anglers, rafters, and canoers.

It’s yet another spectacular vista in Grand Teton National Park that’s also very accessible.

The Teton Range may be seen from I-89 with breathtaking views. You’ll be just stepping away from the Snake River if you drive down the road until you reach the parking lot.

  Schwabacher’s Landing is a must-see in Grand Teton as one of the Famous Four. Photographers come here for the beautiful reflection of the majestic mountains in the river. 

Moreover, a 4-mile hike along the Snake River’s margin winds past a beaver pond and dams. While it’s sometimes too crowded and noisy to see animals, it’s a fun thing to do with kids in Grand Teton.

Moose-Wilson Road

Another great place to go cross-country skiing in the park is the Moose-Wilson Road. This is also one of the best thing you can do in November at Grand Teton.

Ski the groomed route on this beautiful road from the Granite Canyon Trailhead. The road is manicured for about three kilometers before coming to a halt at another trailhead.

In addition, the trail is 6 kilometers round trip and features wonderful wooded views. In the winter, skiers regularly use this road to access Phelps Lake.

Ice Fishing

Grand Teton National Park offers ice fishing opportunities on the same lakes that offer boating with mountain views. Some of the park’s best ice fishing areas include Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake, and Phelps Lake.

Make sure you have a fishing license and the necessary equipment before venturing out on the ice (such as an auger, rod, and reel). Find a guide to share their experience and take the worry off of putting together the necessary equipment.

Ancient Petroglyphs

One of the best things to do in Grand Teton in November is to observe Ancient Petroglyphs. During a winter tour, visitors can observe prehistoric petroglyphs created by the Shoshone Indians. Petroglyphs are drawings carved into rock or stone.

A guide describes the spiritual significance of the Eastern Shoshone people on the Wind River Reservation east of Jackson.

Moreover, the program also includes a visit to the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois.

Elk Refuge

Elk inhabited much of what is now North America hundreds of years ago, grazing on meadows, valleys, and foothills throughout the continent. Elk numbers declined as their areas were occupied, and the remaining elk relocated to the mountainous west.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the people of Jackson Hole became aware of the local elk population and began traveling to their feeding areas in sleighs to observe them. The sanctuary was officially formed in 1912, as public interest in the creatures rose. The sleigh rides were so successful that the preserve began offering public sleigh rides in 1965.

The refuge now includes 25,000 acres of elk winter range, the only remaining elk winter range near Jackson.

Several iconic species, like elk, bison, wolves, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and cutthroat trout, rely on the refuge for their winter range. The Refuge’s landscape consists mostly of glacial outwash plains and rolling hills with a thin, winding creek. The craggy peaks of the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain Ranges surround the refuge.

Antelope Flats

Antelope Flats Road is a beautiful, picturesque drive that takes you across sagebrush flats and rolling grasslands. Other fantastic sights in the Kelly area include Mormon Row, where you may visit several old homesteads of western frontier pioneers. Take a stroll through Kelly and enjoy the atmosphere of this western town. Keep an eye out for bison, moose, and pronghorn, among other animals.

The Teton Range draws you in. As though pushed by an invisible hand, the peaks emerge from the plains. Bike tours on Antelope Flats Road are just as popular as driving excursions, and cyclists have an advantage because they are out in the fresh air.

Just two miles north of Moose Junction, take Antelope Flats Road to Gros Ventre Junction, where you may join the highway. It’ll be a side trip you’ll never forget, and you’ll appreciate the chance to see Grand Teton National Park in a new light.

Cascade Canyon

You can either hike the Jenny Lake Trail around the south end of the lake or take the shuttle boat across the lake to get to the Cascade Canyon Trail. Although the boat ride is free, it requires 2.4 kilometers of walking each way.

Take the side trail to Hidden Falls before returning to the main trail to reach Inspiration Point.

Make noise on the trail, especially near the creek, where bears may not be able to hear you coming. Hiking in groups of three or more is encouraged due to the presence of black and grizzly bears along this trail. Also, don’t forget to bring your bear spray!

You’ll reach the Forks of Cascade Canyon at the 5-mile mark when you’ll turn around and return the way you came.

Phelps Lake Overlook

To get to the trailhead from Moose Junction, take Moose-Wilson Road south for about 3 miles until you reach the Death Canyon Trailhead turn-off. Turn right and continue for another 2 kilometers to the road’s end. The first mile is paved, while the latter mile is on a rather difficult gravel road.

The trailhead is best reached with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, according to the park. A small parking lot exists where the paved road terminates, allowing people in 2-wheel drive vehicles to park and walk the final mile to the trailhead.

The hike begins with a moderate ascent through the woods before joining the Valley Trail. To get to the Phelps Lake Overlook, turn left along the Valley Trail.

The Phelps Lake Overlook, at an elevation of 7200 feet, is only one mile away. Take your time to admire the scenery! If you wish to explore the area around Phelps Lake, hike a further 1.4 miles to a little sandy beach area along the lake’s northern shore.

Lakeshore Trail

On the backside of the Colter Bay Visitor Center, the Lakeshore Trails begin. It is made up of two linked loops that circle the inner and outer portions of Colter Bay’s wooded peninsula.

The Lakeshore Trail is also recommended for children because it is short and level.

Bears, moose, elk, mule deer, beaver, muskrat, river otters, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, ospreys, great blue herons, as well as snowshoe hares and martens, can all be found along this trail.

This climb provides beautiful views of the Teton Mountains.