Looking for the ultimate Grand Teton packing list? In this guide we tell youwhat to wear in Grand Teton National Park in Summer Winter Spring or Fall?
Note: this packing list is not intended as a camping packing list, but instead for those in lodges and hotels who spend their days in the park. If you plan to camp in the national park check out this post.
Weather in Grand Teton National Park
But before we get into what to wear and travel essentials for Grand Teton National Park in summer, spring, winter or Fall it is important to know what the weather is going to be like.
July and August are the hottest months to visit Glacier NP with average high temperatures around 25°C or 77°F. Therefore it is important to pack lots of natural fabrics such as cottons and convertible walking trousers for long days in the park.
In Spring and Fall it really depends on the month of travel as to what expect form the weather. March and November are the coldest of the shoulder season months and as such need plenty of layers. Whle in May and September you can stick to your summer capsule wardrobe.
And it is worth noting that Winters in Grand Teton and Yellowstone are actually pretty cold in Winter with average high temperatures often only being -4C/24.8F.
What to wear in Grand Teton NP in Summer
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So now you know about the weather, we will tell you what to wear in Grand Teton in Summer. Traditionally when we create packing lists we normally separate them our by gender to allow for dress codes.
However, for Grand Teton our packing list is universal. That is because practicality is key to any national park packing list. Therefore we recommend all visitors to Grand Teton in the Summer pack:
Layers
Although the temperatures in Grand Teton in Summer are high, we still recommend adding some layers onto your packing list. We always recommend getting early starts in national parks in summer and Grand Teton is no different.
We think the best top layer for Grand Teton in summer is a microfiber lightweight fleece. It is warm and insulating but will also pack away easily into your day pack when you aren’t using it.
T Shirts
T shirts are my favorite base layer for Grand Teton no matter whether you are visiting in June, July, August or September. As the weather is hot short sleeve are helpful for keeping you cool however long sleeve tees made of natural fabrics such as cotton and bamboo are a great cool pick that can also help protect your skin from the sun.
Otherwise proper athleisure t shirts and wear are another great layer.
Convertible Walking Trousers
Any trip to Grand Teton and other Northern national parks involves a lot of walking, hiking and outdoor time so we recommend packing proper hiking trousers. However for this time of year convertible walking trousers are best as you can wear them as shorts for walking in the afternoons.
Hat
The sun can be strong in Grand Teton so we recommend having a hat with a wide brim or a baseball cap to protect your eyes.
A net can also be useful when mosquitos are at their worst in summer.
Swimwear
There are some amazing swimming spots in Grand Tetons such as Taggart Lake and Jenny Lake. If you plan on doing some wild swimming (in designated areas only) you will want some swimwear with you.
Rain Jacket
Although there are not many rainy days in Grand Teton, they are usually downpours when the come. For this reason we recommend packing a rain jacket in your day pack.
Hiking Socks
If you plan on wearing hiking boots in the park then you will also need hiking socks. If you just plan on wearking sneakers then sneaker socks may be more appropriate.
What to wear in Grand Teton in Fall and Spring
All of the above work as great key pieces for your national park outfit in the shoulder season. If you are traveling in Spring and Fall you will find the temperatures cooler and for this reason I recommend just adding more layers to your packing list.
My favorite type of top layers for hiking has to be a fleece.
Also I for March and November in particular I would switch out the short sleeve tees for longer length ones.
What to wear in Grand Teton Park in Winter
My what to wear in Grand Teton National Park in Winter actually has a lot of overlaps with the items we put on our packing list for any other time of year.
The main difference is in the thickness and amount of items you need. As I said above, the high temperatures in Winter are often only around -4C. Therefore you are going to want:
- a thick winter jacket
- waterproofs
- fleece lined pants
- accessories such as a hat, scarf and gloves.
- thermals – for the colder month.
Best Shoes to wear to Grand Teton
So now you know what to wear, we turn our attention to footwear.
Hiking Shoes
No matter the national park I am traveling to I always take hiking boots with me. Now if you plan on doing only a little hiking and sticking to more maintained walkways these might not be necessary. However I like to have them with me whenever I visit a national park so I can do whatever trails I like.
Sneakers
Sneakers are the best comfortable walking shoes for any vacation. Sneakers are great for maintained boardwalks and walkways.
Hiking Sandals
In hotter weather hiking sandals are a good pick for Grand Teton National Park.
What to pack for Grand Teton – travel essentials
Day pack with rain cover
Any day we spend in a national park we take and pack a day pack. My favorite backpack brand is Columbia but this is a purely personal choice.
Power Bank
Days are long in Grand Teton and reception is sporadic at best. For this reason we recommend having a fully charged power bank with you to recharge your phone during the day.
Sun protection
The sun can be strong in Grand Teton so be sure to have lots of sun protection with a high SPF with you.
Bug Spray / Insect Repellant
The mosquitos are pretty fierce in Grand Teton in summer and the shoulder seasons so be sure to pack plenty of bug spray and insect repellant.
Sunglasses
Again the sun is strong so sunglasses are an essential.
Binoculars
Although Grand Teton isn’t as renowned for its wildlife as say Yellowstone, the wildlife is still impressivewith species such as grizzly and black bears, bison, moose, elk, pronghorn all being in the park. So if you want to see the wildlife that the park has on offer we recommend travelling with a pair of binoculars.
Reusable Water Bottle and Extra Water
We recommend always having a reuable water bottle and extra water with you for any naitonal park visit especially in Summer.
Coffee Thermos and Mug
Your days start early in Grand Teton NP therefore a coffee thermos and mug is absolutely a must pack so I can be caffeinated at the start of the day.
Snacks
Although there are food vendors in Grand Teton, the places to stop and grab snacks are few and far between so be sure to pack ample snacks, food and drinks.
Cooler and food containers
As the temperatures are hot and you will be taking food into the park so you will want a cooler and food containers with you.
First Aid Kit
Although no one wants to use a first aid kit on vacation, it is a good idea to pack a first aid kit with you on any national park vacation just in case especially if you plan on going on more remote hikes..
Map
Whether this is a downloaded map on your phone or a physical one it is worth having a map with you that shows the trailheads you plan on taking.
Bear Spray
Bears are a very real presence in the park. It is importnat to take precautions when hiking and being outdoors in the park. For this reason we recommend packing bear spray and keeping abreast of any warnings and ranger advice when in the park.
Camera
A camera is a necessity for any visitor to Grand Teton.
Toilet Paper, Hand Sanitizer and a She wee
The toilets in Grand Teton outside of the main visitor centre are pretty primitive. For this reason, we recommend packing toilet paper, hand sanitizer and a she wee with you.
What not to pack for Grand Teton National Park
So now you know what to pack for Grand Teton, we will turn our attention to what not to pack.
Drones
Drones are classified as unmanned aircrafts and are as such prohibited from being flown in the park boundaries.