Hiking

Of the more than 250 mi of maintained trails, the most popular are around some of the lakes, including Jenny Lake, the Leigh and String lakes area, and Taggart and Bradley lakes (particularly the Taggart Lake Trail with its views of Avalanche Canyon and the Grand Teton). Must-do trails that will whip your legs into mountain shape without too much strain include Taggart Lake via Beaver Creek and Phelps Lake. Front country or backcountry, you may see moose, bears, or mountain lions; keep your distance and don't run from mountain lions. Instead, make lots of noise. Pets are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry, but you can take them on paved front-country trails so long as they're on a short leash. Always sign in at trailheads, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return, and carry plenty of water, snacks, and a cell phone.

Easy

Cascade Canyon Trail. Take the 20-minute boat ride from the Jenny Lake dock to the start of a gentle, 1/2-mi climb to 200-foot Hidden Falls, the park's most popular and crowded trail destination. With the boat ride, plan on a couple of hours to experience this trail. Listen here for the distinctive bleating of the rabbitlike pikas among the glacial boulders and pines. The trail continues 1/2 mi to Inspiration Point over a rocky path that is moderately steep. There are two points on the climb that afford good views of Jenny Lake and the surrounding area, but keep climbing; after passing a rock wall you'll finally reach the true Inspiration Point, with the best views. To avoid crowds, try to make your way to Inspiration Point in early morning or late afternoon. To reach the Cascade Canyon trailhead, go to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center to catch a ride across Jenny Lake with Jenny Lake Boating. Jenny Lake Rd., 2 mi off Teton Park Rd., 12 mi south of Jackson Lake Junction. 307/734-9227. $5-$7. June-early Sept.

Colter Bay Nature Trail Loop. This easy, 1¾-mi round-trip excursion treats you to views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons. As you follow the level trail from Colter Bay Visitor Center and along the forest's edge, you may see moose and bald eagles. Allow yourself two hours to complete the walk. 2 mi off U.S. 89/191/287, 5 mi north of Jackson Lake Junction.

Lunchtree Hill Trail. One of the park's easiest trails begins at Jackson Lake Lodge and leads 1/2 mi to the top of a hill above Willow Flats. The area's willow thickets, beaver ponds, and wet, grassy meadows make it a birder's paradise. Look for sandhill cranes, hummingbirds, and the many types of songbirds described in the free bird guide available at the visitor centers. You might also see moose. The round-trip walk takes no more than half an hour. U.S. 89/191/287, 1/2 mi north of Jackson Lake Junction.

Phelps Lake Trail. This easy-to-moderate hike starts at the Death Canyon Trailhead, which is 5.6 mi from the Moose-Wilson entrance to the park (the turnoff to the trailhead is 4 mi from Moose Junction). At less than 2 mi, it's ideal for beginners, those scouting for an ideal place to campout in the boondocks, and couples seeking a romantic outing. You'll summit at the spectacular 700-foot, forested overlook of Phelps Lake and the lower Jackson Hole valley. The turnoff for Whitegrass Road, which leads to the Death Canyon Trailhead parking lot, is about 3 mi southwest of the Moose Visitor Center; the last mile or so is dirt and can get rough, so be sure your vehicle is adequate for the task. The trail to the Phelps Lake Overlook is relatively short (less than a mile), but you'll travel a total of 4 mi if you go down to the lake itself. Turn off Moose-Wilson Rd. at Whitegrass Rd., 4 mi southwest of Moose Junction.

Moderate

Jenny Lake Trail. You can walk to Hidden Falls from Jenny Lake ranger station by following the mostly level trail around the south shore of the lake to Cascade Canyon Trail. Jenny Lake Trail continues around the lake for 6 1/2 mi. It's an easy trail -- classed here as moderate because of its length -- that will take you two to three hours. You'll walk through a lodgepole-pine forest, have expansive views of the lake and the land to the east, and hug the shoulder of the massive Teton range itself. Along the way you are likely to see elk, pikas, golden mantle ground squirrels, and a variety of ducks and waterbirds, plus you may hear elk bugling, birdsong, and the chatter of squirrels. S. Jenny Lake Junction, 1/2 mi off Teton Park Rd., 8 mi north of Moose Junction.

Leigh Lake Trail. The flat trail follows String Lake's northeastern shore to Leigh Lake's south shore, covering 2 mi in a round-trip of about an hour. You can extend your hike into a moderate 7 1/2-mi, four-hour round-trip by following the forested east shore of Leigh Lake to Bearpaw Lake. Along the way you'll have views of Mt. Moran across the lake, and you may be lucky enough to spot a moose. String Lake trailhead, 1/2 mi west of Jenny Lake Rd., 14 mi north of Moose Junction.

String Lake Trail. This moderate 3 1/2-mi, three-hour loop around String Lake lies in the shadows of 11,144-foot Rockchuck Peak and 11,430-foot Mt. Saint John. This is also a good place to see moose, hear songbirds, and view wildflowers. This trail is a bit more difficult than other midlength trails in the park, which means it is also less crowded. 1/2 mi west of Jenny Lake Rd., 14 mi north of Moose.

Taggart Lake-Beaver Creek Trail. Hike 1 1/2 mi from the trailhead to the lake and then continue on a 4-mi route around the lake where the terrain becomes steeper near Beaver Creek. There are views of Avalanche Canyon and areas where you might spot a moose. Plan on two to three hours to enjoy this trail. 1/2 mi south of Jenny Lake on Teton Park Rd.

Difficult

Death Canyon Trail. This 7 1/2-mi trail is a strenuous hike with lots of hills to traverse, ending with a climb up into Death Canyon. Plan to spend most of the day on this steep trail. Off Moose-Wilson Rd., 4 mi south of Moose Junction.