Hiking the Moose Ponds Loop Trail in Grand Teton National Park

Aug 1

Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km

The Moose Ponds Loop Trail is a local favorite in Grand Teton for spotting wildlife early in the morning. I would even go as far to say that the Moose Ponds Trail is the best morning hike that you can do if you want to see wildlife in Grand Teton National Park!

When is the Best Time to See Wildlife in Grand Teton?

It’s a known local secret that in order to see larger wildlife, such as moose, bears, and elk, you want to start the Moose Ponds Loop shortly after sunrise while it’s still cool out.

Typically speaking, after 9 a.m., the chances of spotting wildlife decline significantly compared to the early morning hours.

Where to See Bears in Grand Teton National Park? — Brown Bear - (*Ursus americanus*)

Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead Parking

The Moose Ponds Loop can begin from either one of three different trailheads.

First, you could begin from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, which is the longest route to access the loop. Second, you can begin from the south parking area near the end of the loop, or finally, you can begin from the parking area linked below (which is my preferred trailhead).

Google Maps Directions: Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead

Southern Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead Parking Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Southern Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead Parking

Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead Parking Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead Parking

Hiking Checklist - Yellowstone-Tetons

Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the Yellowstone-Teton area.

Hiking the Moose Ponds Loop Trail

You can either go right or left on the Moose Ponds Loop, but personally, I like to go left first to hike away from the busier Jenny Lake connection.

Some people like to hike toward the ponds first, but it’s all personal preference because the bear you see in this post was taken within the first few minutes of starting the trail going away from the Moose Ponds.

Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead

Moose Ponds Loop Trail Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Go either Right or Left

Go straight at this intersection to continue around the Moose Ponds Loop Trail.

You never really know when or where you are going to see a bear in Grand Teton, which for me, happened within the first few minutes of the Moose Loop Trail.

Brown Bear Grand Teton National Park — Brown Bear - (*Ursus americanus*)

Moose Ponds Loop Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Looking up at the Grand Teton

Along this stretch, you may see other wildlife tour groups, which I’ll talk more on later.

Moose Ponds Loop Hike Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Moose Ponds Loop Trail

Moose Ponds Trail Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Moose Ponds Loop Trail

Moose Ponds Hike Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Moose Ponds Loop Trail

Southern Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead

After only 0.5 miles (0.8 km), the Moose Ponds Loop Trail meets up with the southern parking area mentioned earlier.

This sign below may be mislabeled, or it’s referring to the road that leads back to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.

Best Hikes for Wildlife Grand Teton National Park — Moose Ponds Loop Trail

Moose Ponds Wildlife Hike Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Moose Ponds Loop Trail

Moose Ponds Wildlife Trail Grand Teton National Park Wyoming — Moose Ponds Loop Trail

The Teton side of the Moose Ponds Loop Trail is more forested half, and it’s also where the trail will round the Moose Ponds just prior the linking up with the Jenny Lake Loop Trail.

Moose Ponds Trail Grand Teton National Park — Moose Ponds Loop Trail

Moose Ponds Loop Trail Grand Teton National Park — Moose Ponds Loop Trail

Once on the far side of the forested section, the Moose Ponds will be found shortly ahead.

Moose Ponds

The Moose Ponds is the section of the trail that everyone typically wants to slow down to look for all sorts of different wildlife.

Grand Teton Wildlife Tours

Overall, I am not a Grand Teton wildlife expert, and the best I know from local secrets is to hike the Moose Ponds Loop early in the morning.

However, if you want more of a guarantee with more stops that just the Moose Ponds, I highly recommend booking a local tour guide out of Jackson. Their guides are experts for knowing where to look, when to look, and how the animals move with the seasons!

Moose Ponds Hike Grand Teton National Park — Moose Ponds Loop Trail

Jenny Lake Loop Trail Junction

The Moose Ponds Loop Trail uses a short connection with the Jenny Lake Loop to complete the trail. This is why I mentioned earlier that the Moose Ponds Loop could begin from either the Jenny Lake Visitor Center or the other two trailheads.

In any case, go right here to complete the Moose Ponds Loop Trail.

Additionally, I think it’s worth noting that just prior to me reaching the Jenny Lake Trail, a mom and two cubs crossed right over the trail.

Read My Separate Post: Jenny Lake Loop Trail

Moose Ponds Jenny Lake Junction Grand Teton National Park — Jenny Lake Loop Trail Junction

Valley Trail (Lower Moose Ponds) Junction

After only 0.1 miles (0.2 km) on the Jenny Lake Loop, the Moose Ponds connection will be found on the right-hand side.

That being said, it may be labeled 'Valley Trail,' as the much longer Valley Trail traverses a number of different hikes across Grand Teton National Park.

Read My Separate Post: Jenny Lake Loop Trail