Packing List for Grand Tetons: Must Have Items
We just returned from our trip to Grand Teton National Park and definitely can put this park on my top ten thanks to its incredible beauty. Having just been to the park, I can also tell you that there are some must-bring items to enjoy this park comfortably. So I’ve come up with a packing list for Grand Tetons for families so that you know you’ll be set when you arrive.
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We particularly like to pack light and not bring anything that isn’t completely necessary. I know others like to pack everything they may need. For this reason, I’ve compiled 2 different packing lists for Grand Teton National Park. One for light packers, one for I-want-it-all packers.
Decide which kind of packer you are and select the appropriate list below to start your journey to Grand Teton!
Table of Contents
Grand Teton Packing List: Essentials ONLY (For the light packer)
We recently drove to Grand Teton from our Colorado home base. As a family of 6, we are limited on space in the car. So whether you are driving or flying, here is what to bring to pack light for Grand Teton National Park.
I’ve based this packing list off the 1 day or 2 day itineraries that I’ve put together for families. No long treacherous hikes, just short hikes and fun activities!
Hiking Day Pack– very useful for packing snacks, waters, first aid items, and hand sanitizer while on a hike.
In addition to all the standard things you pack (clothes, toiletries), also pack:
Bear Spray– This is the top recommended brand and EPA approved. I thought I may be over prepared or paranoid by bringing this, but bears are everywhere in Grand Teton and there are signs everywhere saying to carry bear spray. So it’s very necessary.
*Note- only pack this if you’re driving to Teton. You can’t carry bear spray on the plane.
Sandals– some basic sandals are great for when you’re hanging out at String Lake. I hung out barefoot and my feet hurt from all the rocks in the water. My kids had sandals and were able to comfortably walk out into the water a ways.
Hat
Sunglasses
Reusable Water Bottles– I suggest stainless steel (to help keep the water cold) with a handle so you have the option to easily carry it. These ones are what we use, and they have a high volume option so you can stay well hydrated!
Please help do your part by not bringing throw-away bottles. You can find water-fill stations at all the main areas of the park (including Crag Discovery Center, Jenny Lake, Colter Bay).
Mosquito spray– Yes this is a MUST. Get a really heavy formula, like Deep Woods. I always use natural based mosquito repellent, even when we went to Costa Rica for a few weeks. But that was NOT cutting it in Teton. I ran to the store to get the good stuff.
Itch cream– as a follow up to my note above, you’ll want to some itch relief cream, too.
Lightweight towels– pack some lightweight towels for the moments you spend in the water. These are what we bring. They are light, quick-dry, and don’t take up as much space as a standard beach towel.
Hiking Shoes- If you follow one of the family-friendly itineraries I suggest, you really won’t need any heavy-duty hiking shoes. Standard sneakers in good shape will suffice.
Swimsuit– don’t be jealous of all the people who have hopped into the water. Bring a swimsuit and join them!
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What to Pack for Grand Teton: Prepared for Everything list
Ok, so if you are packing and really want to be ready for every moment, here is a packing list for Grand Teton for you! This includes getting the most of every moment, and assuming you are not short on space (mostly for those who are packing the car and driving)
To really be prepared to take in Grand Teton, here’s what to pack:
Clothes, Toiletries, and everything from the Essentials Only Packing List above.
A Great Camera– Yes, your phone will cut it in most cases. But if you are in Teton for the photographic opportunities, consider a camera with a great optical zoom. You should never get close or approach wildlife, so this zoom comes in handy to still get great, clear pictures from afar.
Binoculars- For the same reason of not getting too close to wildlife, but being able to enjoy it from a distance! These ones even have a phone adaptor so you can take pictures through the binoculars.
Your Own Paddle Board– This was the best thing we packed an our most favorite thing to do in the park. We almost didn’t because of space (there are 6 of us in the car), but we made it work and have been so happy we brought it. String Lake, Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake… really any of the lakes make for great paddle boarding and it’s so scenic.
DON’T miss this opportunity. (Don’t have one yet? I recommend this one thanks to dual-pump action, 3 year warranty, high craftsmanship, and affordability.)
Microfiber cloths– we keep these in with the paddle board so that when we roll it up, we can wipe it down as we go. This keeps it dry and gets rid of any dirt.
America the Beautiful Pass– This pass gets you into every national park and federal land in the US…all for one price. We have easily gotten more than we paid for out of ours, so if you’re planning to see more than two parks (or a park and any federal land areas) in a year, it will definitely save you money.
Nicer Apparel– Grab some beautiful, coordinated outfits to take some incredible family photos. Whether you go to Moulton Barns at sunrise or find one of the dense wildflower fields (we saw someone doing pictures with their dog in the flowers and it was SO CUTE), think about what you want to wear and pack it up.
Snacks– Trail mix, granola bars, chips… whatever snacks you like to travel with, grab some so you can manage throughout the day between meals. Keep any food in a secured, enclosed vehicle (not in the bed of a pickup truck).
(I put snacks on the “extras” packing list because if you want to pack just essentials, you could skip packing them and just grab snacks at one of the many convenience stores in the park. It just might cost you more.)
Digital Movies/Shows for the evening- or for the kids when driving to/from the hotel. Amazon Prime and Disney+ are both great for kids and have the ability to download shows for offline viewing, just in case you lose cell service.
Grand Teton Packing List
Whether you want only the essentials or you want to be prepared for anything in Grand Teton, these Grand Teton Packing lists will make sure you are ready to explore the park! They provide anything extra you may need in addition to all the typical packing items.
Whichever list you choose, you’re sure to have a blast with the kids and enjoy every moment.
👉🏼 Make Sure to Check Out Affordable Lodging Options near Grand Teton
More National Parks to Explore:
Driving from Driggs, ID to Grand Teton
Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park
One Day at Carlsbad Caverns
3 Days in Olympic National Park with Kids
Mount Rainier in 1 Day
