Grand Teton National Park What to Pack

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Although summers are generally warm, you can still get chilly weather, even in July and August. If you are going to Grand Teton in the spring or fall, you may even have snow conditions. Be prepared for any kind of weather. Bring shorts, long pants, long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, rainwear, and jackets of varying weights. Even in the summer a mid weight jacket may be necessary, one that you could put a sweater or heavy shirt under. The last time we went to Grand Teton, it was the second week of September. We had snow the first day, and I wore a mid-weight jacket with a heavy vest under. It then warmed up enough that I either was wearing a light jacket, or a jacket with a long sleeve shirt under it. If you plan on hiking, be sure to wear good hiking boots, and don’t forget that sun hat and sunglasses.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Remember, you are at a high altitude, and it is easy to get sunburned, so bring a sunblock lotion.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you intend to do any hiking in the back country, especially if you will not be on the most popular trails, I highly recommend that you carry bear spray, and include a bear bell. I know bear spray is somewhat expensive, and hopefully you will not need to use it, but please do not go without it. Bear spray has saved a number of people in our area of the country. And I am talking about those large cans designed as bear spray, not those little purse size cans of mace. Bear bells, ok I know they go jingle, jingle, and every bird and animal in the area knows you are coming down the trail, but these come highly recommended, so that dangerous animals such as bears know that you are coming. My husband bought me a set of bear bells that resemble and sound like an American Indian Fancy Dancer, in fact he bought me two sets of these! This is over kill, you don’t need that much noise, a small bell that makes a distinct sound will do the job.

Miscellaneous: Of course you won’t forget your camera, but if you have binoculars, or a spotting scope, and enjoy observing wildlife, be sure to pack those also.

On up and down hiking trails, or trails where I must cross streams using rocks or downed logs, I find a hiking stick very helpful. If you are going to hike in Grand Teton, and have a hiking stick, I would recommend bringing it along.

In the photo, notice the small bear bell on my hiking stick. I love this bell! I purchased it in Yellowstone National Park at the Bridge Bay Marina store. It has a net bag with a magnet in the bottom, so if you do not need the bell, you can stop the sound by placing the cover on the bell. The small blue container is a refillable sunblock bottle.