Exploring Moose Wilson Road is one of the highlights of visiting Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. This road is known for wildlife and gorgeous views along the Teton Range.
TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Moose Wilson Road - Grand Teton National Park
One thing to know about driving the Moose Wilson Road is it is popular with both visitors and locals. Be prepared for local drivers to not be very happy if you are driving slowly or in their way in their minds. They are used to the wildlife and really want to get to their destination.
That being said you do need to keep an active lookout for wildlife. It is not uncommon to see bears, moose, elk, deer, and other wildlife along the road.
Over the past few years, the National Park Service has blocked off the majority of pull-outs so there really aren't many spots to actually stop and view the wildlife. You will want to plan to be watching for wildlife while driving down the road.
There are multiple hiking trails that can be accessed from the road. Make sure to fully pull off the road and use the parking areas/pull-outs to safely park.
Where is the Moose-Wilson Road?
The road runs from the town of Moose, Wyoming to Wilson, Wyoming, and on a map is labeled as Wyoming Highway 390.
On the Grand Teton National Park map, it is labeled as Moose Wilson Road.
The road is approximately 14.6 miles one-way.
Most people explore the 8 miles that run between Moose and Teton Village, Wyoming.
The Moose-Wilson Road provides access to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, and the Granite and Death Canyon Trailheads.
Moose Habitat Overlook
The Moose Habitat Overlook is one of our favorite places to enjoy a car picnic. There is a great gravel parking lot with a fair amount of room so you don't feel crowded.
From the overlook, we have seen grizzly bears, deer, and other wildlife.
Rockefeller Preserve
The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center offers trail information, weather, and other general information.
This may sound a bit crazy but the preserve has really interesting toilets. The Preserve Center is LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) certified at the platinum-level, the highest level of green building certification.
From the preserve, you can take an easy hike to Phelps Lake or enjoy a strenuous trek into Granite or Death Canyon.
You will want to be prepared for the parking lot to be incredibly busy. Every time we have visited a ranger has been monitoring and directing traffic to help with parking levels.
What to bring with you
Binoculars - A good pair of binoculars will make it easier to spot wildlife in the distance
Patience - I know I mentioned above that you will be tailgated by locals and seasonal employees but I want to mention it again. Please do not let their aggressive driving influence the time that you have looking for wildlife. Trust me they will pass you the first chance they get. Please do not speed up or try to slow them down. They drive the road multiple times a day and just want to get to work or get home.
Camera Gear we use
We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.
Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.
Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.
Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.
Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.
Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.
Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards
Things to know
Road Conditions - Check road conditions before heading to the park by calling 307-739-3682 or check road conditions online The road can be closed for dust abatement along with for wildlife protection.
RVs - The Moose-Wilson Road is closed to RVs and trailers (vehicles over 280 inches/23.3 feet in length) and is a dirt road for 1.5 miles.
Pets - Pets are allowed in vehicles and parking lots. Pets must remain on a leash whenever out of a vehicle.
Entrance Fee - The entrance fee to Grand Teton National Park includes this portion of the park.
Winter - The Moose-Wilson Road is closed November 1 until mid-May based on conditions and unplowed from Death Canyon Road to Granite Canyon Trailhead. It is open to skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.
Closest Park Visitor Center - Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
Closest Campground - Jenny Lake Campground or Gros Ventre Campground
Closest Grand Teton Lodge - Jenny Lake Lodge, or outside of the park, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Additional Grand Teton National Park Information & Resources
Grand Teton National Park Lodging Options
Lodging in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park has several National Park lodges, including Signal Mountain Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, Headwaters at Flagg Ranch, Triangle X Dude Ranch, and Colter Bay Village Cabins.
Signal Mountain Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Signal Mountain Lodge -> Click Here
Why Book here? How about rooms with jaw-dropping EPIC Views of Jackson Lake in the foreground and the Tetons in the background! There is nothing quite like sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee watching sunrise. The Signal Mountain Lodge is open from Early May to mid - October.
Jenny Lake Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Jenny Lake Lodge -> Click Here
Why stay here? This is by far, the closest accomodations to Jenny Lake and all of its wonders! Now you can get to the parking lot early and beat the insane crowds trying to get to this piece of heaven. The cabins are secluded and located east of Jenny Lake, this resort is a high-class destination for the well-pampered traveler. The dining room offers a prix fixe menu with a local and international flair. Open Early June to Early October.
Jackson Lake Lodge
🏨Ready to Book the Jackson Lake Lodge -> Click Here
Why stay here? The main lodge area is absolutely EPIC with sweeping panoramic views of the Teton Range and Signal Mountain from the full wall of windows! Don't forget to hang out by the fireplace and stop in a restaurant to enjoy the full lodge experience.
With spectacular dining in the world-renowned Mural Room, shopping opportunities in its three gift shops, guided activities, and a comprehensive conference facility. Its easy to see why this lodge draws thousands of guests from May through October each year.
Headwaters at Flagg Ranch
🏨Ready to Book the Headwaters at Flagg Ranch -> Click Here
- Season - Early June to Late September
Why stay here? Location, Location, Location! The Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch is actually located on the Rockefeller Memorial Parkway just South of Grand Teton National Park, and just North of Yellowstone National Park. The cabins are very nice and makes it easy to explore both parks in one convient location.
Colter Bay Village Cabins
🏨Ready to Book the Colter Bay Village Cabins -> Click Here
Why stay here? these cabins are so cute and give the log cabin feel! They also provide easy access to the Colter Bay Marina and village. The historic cabins are over 90 years old and feel like you are stepping back in time but still have modern amenities. Open from Late May to Late September.
Lodging near Grand Teton National Park
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
🏨Ready to Book the -> Click Here
Do you want to stay in a hotel with 5-star old luxury charm, phenomonal spa treatments, concierge, and delicious dining? Consider a stay at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole and take advantage of the nightclub, and a terrace. Yoga classes are offered at the health club. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a hair salon and an arcade/game room.
Fireside Resort
🏨Ready to Book the Fireside Resort -> Click Here
Why Stay here? Super cute small cabins right off the Moose-Wilson Road! Cabins feature a spa tub, coffee/tea in a common area, and concierge services. Free Wi-Fi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, laundry facilities, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are onsite. All 20 cabins boast fireplaces and offer free Wi-Fi and kitchens. Patios and living rooms are standard, as are flat-screen TVs with cable channels.
Click on the map below to see additional vacation rentals and lodging options near the park.
Grand Teton National Park Guided Tours
Tetons and Snake River Scenic Float Trip in Jackson Hole
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🛶Check Rates and Availability
This would be, without a doubt, the tour I would choose! Take a relaxing rafting trip from Jackson Hole, drift down a scenic section of Wyoming's wildlife-laden Snake River, where moose, deer, river otters, and eagles can be seen from your raft. Be sure to bring your camera to photograph any wildlife that appears on the banks, and also capture the stunning landscape extending out from the Tetons.
Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in an enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Join a local naturalist and guide for a ride in an open-air safari vehicle (seasonal) on dirt roads and on paved highways within Grand Teton National Park, where you scour the landscape at dawn or dusk for wolves, moose and elk. Look for eagles soaring overhead or deer walking through the woods, and there's even a chance that you can spot a bear roaming near the road. The guides also discusses the areas ecology, history, geology, and culture, and also stops so that you can take photos.
Grand Teton Half-Day Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Explore the highlights of Grand Teton National Park from either Jackson or Teton Village. Travel along the Gros Ventre River to the Mormon Row Historic District, Moose Junction, and other places where wildlife roam. Use the provided spotting scope and field glasses to get a close look at the animals like moose, elk, and eagles.
Grand Teton National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$25.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$125.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Don't miss these Grand Teton must-sees!
Additional Grand Teton NP Resources
Grand Teton Lodging Guide - including Jackson Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, and more.
Check out all of the great National Parks in Wyoming along with neighboring Colorado National Parks, Idaho National Parks, National Parks in Utah, Nevada National Parks, Arizona National Parks, and New Mexico National Parks.
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
Leave a Reply