The Grand Teton mountain range hits you with two things the moment you arrive, the views and the altitude.
These jagged peaks shoot straight up from the valley floor with almost no foothills. The rise is sharp. Dramatic. Stunning. But for many visitors, that breathless feeling isn’t just the scenery. It’s the elevation.
Grand Teton National Park sits high in northwestern Wyoming, and the altitude affects almost everything, your breathing, your energy, your sleep, and how hard even simple hikes feel. Whether you're sightseeing at Jenny Lake or pushing toward the summit of the Grand, understanding the elevation can make or break your trip.
Most travelers underestimate how fast the altitude hits them. You might fly from sea level in the morning, step off the plane in Jackson Hole by noon, and be hiking above 7,000 feet an hour later. That's a huge jump for your body, and altitude sickness is surprisingly common.
We’ve been helping people perform better at high elevation since 2008. Based in Colorado, we’ve seen what altitude can do, and how to stay ahead of it. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Grand Teton altitude, including elevation charts, comparisons, symptoms, and prevention tips, so you can enjoy the views without the headache.
The altitude range of the park is:
The park has two main elevation zones you should know:
Here are the key benchmarks:
Even if you never hike, simply sleeping at 6,000+ feet puts you into official “high altitude.” Your body starts adapting immediately — often in ways you can feel.
If you're climbing the Grand, you're heading into “very high altitude,” where oxygen levels drop sharply and exertion becomes extremely taxing.
(sources: Grand Teton Wiki)
Here’s a quick elevation list to help you visualize popular spots around the park:
The takeaway: the park’s “low” points are already high enough to affect most visitors.
Altitude numbers make more sense when you compare them to places you already know.
Yellowstone averages about 8,000 ft, slightly higher than Jackson Hole. But the Grand Teton summit (13,775 ft) towers above Yellowstone’s highest point at 11,367 ft.
Denver sits at 5,280 ft.
Jackson Hole is already 1,000 ft higher than that the moment you land.
Salt Lake City sits at 4,226 ft.
Driving to the Tetons adds about 2,000 ft just to reach the valley.
Yosemite Valley is surprisingly low, only 4,000 ft.
Grand Teton’s valley is over 2,000 ft higher, and the summit is nearly 5,000 ft taller than Half Dome.
The Grand is just below the “14er” cutoff, but the climb is far more technical. Many hikers say the Grand Teton feels harder than several Colorado 14ers due to exposure and steepness.
Altitude sickness is one of the most common issues visitors experience, even those staying on the valley floor.
The main problem is the rapid jump in elevation. People arrive fresh from sea level and suddenly find themselves at 6,200 feet with less oxygen available. Your body must work harder to push oxygen to your brain and muscles. We know from being in Colorado, from sea level to as little as a 5,000 foot climb has a big negative effect.
This drop in oxygen can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). And it doesn’t only happen to climbers. It affects anyone: hikers, tourists, families, and even athletes.
If you exert yourself early, you increase the risk. Hikes like Cascade Canyon, Amphitheater Lake, or anything above 9,000 feet make the symptoms even more likely.
(sources: TravelMedicineConsultations)
Symptoms usually show up within 6–24 hours of arrival. Pay attention to the early signs such as the following:
Severe symptoms, like confusion or difficulty walking, are a medical emergency. Descend immediately. Follow our tips below to help fight off the high-altitudes.
Altitude sickness isn’t about fitness. It hits marathon runners, climbers, and everyday travelers alike. But certain groups are more vulnerable:
Grand Teton sits high, and the elevation can sneak up on you fast. A little prep goes a long way in keeping your body feeling good on the trails.
Here are five simple tips to help you stay strong at altitude:
Higher elevations dry you out quickly. Your body loses fluids faster, and most people don’t notice until the headache hits.
Aim for steady sipping all day. Try getting in 2–4 liters daily while you’re in the park.
TIP: Add a pinch of sea salt to your water, and take Zaca’s chewable tablets for an easy boost in hydration and recovery.
Most visitors rush right into big hikes. That’s when altitude hits hardest.
Give your body time to adjust. Keep things light for the first 24 hours. Let your energy catch up before pushing higher trails.
Alcohol feels stronger at altitude. It dehydrates you, slows recovery, and can make altitude symptoms worse.
If you drink, keep it minimal until you know you’re feeling good at elevation.
Altitude can mess with your sleep cycle. You may wake up more, toss around, or feel wired at night.
Good sleep helps your body adapt. Shoot for 7–9 hours if you can.
TIP: Morning sunlight helps reset your internal clock. A quick walk outside makes a big difference.
The higher you go, the more oxidative stress your body faces. That means your cells work harder, and your natural defenses get used up faster.
Supporting your glutathione levels, your body’s main antioxidant, can help you feel better at altitude. Altitude supplements (Zaca) and antioxidant-rich nutrients can both help.
The elevation at Grand Teton is amazing, but it’s also demanding. Follow these tips to keep your energy up, your head clear, and your hikes a lot more enjoyable.
Where you sleep makes a difference. These spots give your body the best chance to adjust:
Elevation gain is what makes Teton hiking feel intense. Here’s what to expect:
Climbing this mountain is serious. You need the right tools. Here is your no-fluff gear list for a Grand Teton summit.
That's the list. Gear up smart.
Grand Teton isn’t just high: it’s steep, dry, and physically demanding.
You breathe harder and lose more moisture with each breath.
The Tetons are young mountains with sharp vertical gain. Trails climb aggressively.
Your body works overtime at elevation. You need more support between hikes or climbs.
Since 2008, Zaca has supported travelers, athletes, climbers, and mountain lovers in high-altitude environments. Our chewables are designed for hydration and recovery when you need it most.
For many visitors, Zaca chewables become their go-to secret weapon in the Tetons.
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. But the elevation is real, and it can hit hard if you ignore it.
Hydrate often. Pace yourself early. Try to acclimate before exploring (hiking/skiing/etc). Rest when you need to. And support your body so you can enjoy every minute of the trip.
If you're heading into high altitude, bring Zaca along. Try Zaca chewables today and power your mountain adventures.
Absolutely. The technical climbing is already a beast. Then, you throw in high altitude. Expect it to kick your butt. Nausea, dizziness, and crazy fatigue are real issues. They make an already hard climb even harder.
No need to acclimate just for driving around the park. But if you plan to hit any serious trails, listen up: acclimate first. Spend at least one full day hanging out. Keep it light. Then, go for the strenuous stuff.
You gain a massive amount of vertical. It's about 7,000 feet of gain. You start at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead (6,732 ft) and punch it to the summit (13,775 ft). That's a huge climb.
For most people taking a guided trip, it's a two-day adventure. Can you do it in one? Yes, the "car-to-car" style is a thing. But it’s only for the most experienced, fittest climbers. It’s brutally demanding.
The most common routes are rated Class 5.4. What does that mean? It's technical rock climbing. You'll need ropes, protection, and real climbing skills. This isn't just a scramble.
That title goes to the Middle Teton. Its standard route is usually a Class 3 scramble. Experienced climbers can often do it without technical gear. It's the best entry point for the "big three."
If going to the top, you need the basics: helmet, hiking bag or hydration pack, layers, and climbing shoes. Read our full list of items needed above. Don't forget your layers, plenty of water, and altitude supplements like Zaca. Be prepared.
Yes. All the time. The Teton's park is high up, and climbers/visitors get hit. Symptoms are tough: mild headache to something much worse (full symptoms we discuss above). Hydration and acclimatization are non-negotiable. Take them seriously.
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