4 Best Dog-Friendly Things To Do Near Grand Teton National Park

Planning a road trip to Grand Teton National Park and want to bring your dog along? Although Grand Teton National Park is not the most dog-friendly destination, there are some incredible things you can do with your dog both inside and outside of the park.

While it's true that pets are not allowed on park trails, beaches, or in the water in Grand Teton National Park, they are allowed on scenic drives (which are magnificent!), on the park’s largest lake, and in nearby national forests, some of which boast spectacular views of the Tetons.

In this guide, we'll introduce you to four fun and scenic dog-friendly activities near Grand Teton National Park. From driving to hiking to boating and even swimming, here are 4 of the best dog-friendly things to do on your road trip to Grand Teton National Park.

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1. Drive the Grand Teton Scenic Loop

Let’s start with one of the best ways to see Grand Teton National Park with your dog— by driving the Grand Teton Scenic Loop.

Teton Park Road is the main road that runs through Grand Teton National Park and follows the base of the Teton Range. There are three other scenic drives you can take through the park, including Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, Moose-Wilson Road, and Signal Mountain Summit Road. All of these scenic drives are dog-friendly and can be accessed from Teton Park Road.

Our recommendation is to drive the Grand Teton Scenic Loop, which runs from Teton Park Road to US Highway 89/191 and provides access to all of the best overlooks, turnouts, and picnic areas within the park.

This picturesque route winds through the heart of Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning views of the iconic Teton Range and various pull-offs that make it convenient to enjoy the scenery with your dog!

Click the button below for a full recap of the Grand Teton Scenic Loop and the best stops to make along the way.

Lincoln at the Cathedral Group Turnout off Jenny Lake Scenic Drive in Grand Teton National Park

Are dogs allowed in Grand Teton National Park?

Pets are welcome to visit Grand Teton National Park, but generally, they’re only allowed on park roads, turnouts, campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots. Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails or inside visitor centers.

Dog-Friendly Places to Eat Along Grand Teton Scenic Drive

Teton Village and Jackson, WY, offer some good dog-friendly dining options along the Grand Teton Scenic Loop.

In Teton Village off Moose-Wilson Road, consider Mangy Moose Restaurant and Saloon and the walk-up window at Overview Coffee.

In Jackson, Wyoming, consider Still West Brewery & Grill, Cafe Genevieve, D.O.G., BigHole BBQ, and Miazga’s.

Restaurant policies may change, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm a location still offers dog-friendly seating.

2. Hike Table Mountain for EPIC Teton Views

Table Mountain is a challenging trail near Driggs, Idaho, that comes with BIG views. (Dare we say… quite possibly the best view of Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and South Teton from anywhere outside or inside the park 😱)

When you hike to the top of Table Mountain and see the imposing Teton Range directly in front of you, it feels like you’re standing inside a painting.

It’s incredible, jaw-dropping, and worth every single step!

Table Mountain is located in the Teton Valley region, just west of the Teton Range. The Table Mountain trailhead is easily accessible from Driggs, and the hike typically begins near the Teton Canyon Campground, located at the base of the Teton Canyon. (It’s about an hour from Jackson, WY.) Continue following Teton Canyon Road to a parking area where you’ll see a large sign for South Teton Trail 027. The ‘Face Trail’ trailhead is located by the restrooms.

This is a challenging and strenuous trek, covering at least 10 miles round trip. The shortest route takes you up and back on ‘Face Trail,’ which is about 9 miles. However, many hikers, us included, recommend hiking this trail as a counterclockwise loop so that you’re hiking up ‘Face Trail’ and hiking down ‘North Teton Trail’ or ‘Huckleberry Canyon’. These loops are approximately 10-12 miles long. (For a less strenuous climb, consider hiking up and back on North Teton Trail. Although longer, this route is less steep.)

You’ll ascend steep switchbacks through forests of pine and aspen before the trail opens up to offer panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the Teton Range in the distance. The final stretch of the hike up to Table Mountain is the steepest, but take lots of breaks and just keep going… because the breathtaking views at the summit are absolutely worth it!

At the summit, you’re rewarded with the most awe-inspiring views of the Teton Range and Cascade Canyon. You’re so close to the mountain peaks that it truly feels like you’re standing in the middle of what could be a painting of Grand, Middle, and South Teton. The view is particularly stunning in afternoon light, just make sure to keep an eye on the clock so you can descend before it gets dark.

Along the way, you may encounter various wildlife, including moose, elk, bears, and a variety of bird species. (We stumbled upon a moose lying in the grass just off Face Trail.) Keep your eyes peeled as you make your way up the mountain, and be sure to carry bear spray.

The Table Mountain Hike is challenging due to its steep elevation gain, rocky terrain, and exposure to the elements. Make sure to bring appropriate gear (LAYERS for the wind at the top of Table Mountain), PLENTY of water, hiking poles, and snacks, and be prepared for a climb.

Table Mountain is a hard but rewarding dog-friendly hike and is one of the best dog-friendly trails in the area.

Summit of Table Mountain near Driggs, Idaho. (Lincoln looking highly unamused by the climb required to get here 😅)

Are there any dog-friendly trails in Grand Teton National Park?

Unfortunately, there are no dog-friendly trails in Grand Teton National Park. Generally, dogs are allowed only where cars are allowed— on roads, in campgrounds, and at overlooks along the Grand Teton Scenic Drive.

This is part of what makes Table Mountain such a great hike when visiting Grand Teton National Park with your dog. They can join you for a day of adventure, and you can still get incredible views of the Teton Range.

For more dog-friendly trails near Grand Teton National Park, check out the Goodwin Lake Trail (a high clearance vehicle may be needed to access the trailhead), Slide Lake, Alaska Basin Trail, the Ski Lake Trail, and Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail. (Check out AllTrails for more information on these dog-friendly hikes near the Tetons.)

Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in Grand Teton National Park

We highly recommend a pet-friendly cabin at Colter Bay Cabins & Campground. (We also stayed one night at the Colter Bay Campground. This was also great, but prefer the cabins as we’re able to set up Lincoln’s crate and bed more easily.)

However, staying at Colter Bay is a longer drive to the Table Mountain Hike, so if that’s high on your want-to-do list, then staying in a dog-friendly rental or hotel in Jackson, WY, or Driggs, ID, may be best.

3. Canoe, Paddle, or Kayak on Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake is the only lake in Grand Teton National Park that allows dogs on boats. If you have your own gear or you rent from a dog-friendly outfitter, your dog can join you for a day on the water at Jackson Lake!

Note: Pets are otherwise prohibited from riding in boats on park waters. Jackson Lake is the one exception. However, rentals from inside the park, such as those at Signal Mountain Lodge, are generally not dog-friendly, even on Jackson Lake.

For a dog-friendly outfitter, consider Rendezvous River Sports Rentals or SUPerior Paddlesports.

Rendezvous River Sports offers a selection of kayaks, canoes, SUPs, and rafts. All rentals must be picked up and dropped off at Rendezvous River Sports in Jackson. Learn more here.

SUPerior Paddlesports is a delivery-only rental service that will deliver a stand-up paddleboard, inflatable kayak, or float tube directly to a physical address near you. (As of September 2023, they can not deliver to Grand Teton National Park, but instead deliver to physical addresses in the Town of Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, and beyond.) Check out SUPerior Paddlesports here.

If you’d prefer a guided trip on the water instead, consider a day of rafting on the Snake River with Black Dog Raft Company. Black Dog Raft Company offers a 13-mile pet-friendly scenic rafting trip on the Snake River in Jackson Hole, WY. Learn more about Black Dog Raft Company here.

4. Go 0ff-leash (& swim) at Emily Stevens Park

This one is near Jackson, Wyoming, and actually makes a great stop if you’re driving the entire ‘Scenic Loop’ in Grand Teton National Park.

The Snake River Trail at Emily Stevens Park is a fun off-leash area great for dogs to roam free and even hop in the river to swim. Once you park at the trailhead and follow the path to the river, you can walk as much or as little of the out-and-back trail as you’d like.

Heads up: This is a very off-leash area, and dogs will be running and roaming just about everywhere. (But there is plenty of space to find a secluded area, and the path is large, so we found it easy to pass other dogs without issue.)

This is one of the best places for dogs to exercise near the Tetons!

Keep planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park

Learn more about driving through Grand Teton National Park with our post on the 13 best stops for views, wildlife, and hiking.

Visit nearby Yellowstone National Park

Browse all of our blogs on Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks here.

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