About this Location

Facility Overview

Taggart Lake Trailhead Parking Lot is one of the most vital and heavily visited outdoor access parking facilities in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Situated directly off Teton Park Road roughly three miles north of Moose Junction, this facility operates as a paved, open-air surface parking lot designed specifically to accommodate park visitors year-round. Because it is completely open-air without overhead decking, there are no vertical clearance limits, making it suitable for standard passenger sedans, crossover SUVs, full-size pickup trucks, and campervans. While there are a limited number of elongated parking spaces designated for recreational vehicles (RVs) and vehicles towing small trailers, space is intensely contested during peak season, so oversized vehicles are encouraged to arrive early or utilize larger visitor center lots.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This car park serves as the primary stepping stone to some of the most celebrated day hikes and scenic vistas in the entire Teton Range:

Taggart Lake Loop: An accessible 3.3-mile to 3.8-mile round-trip hiking circuit that begins steps from your vehicle, offering pristine lakeside reflections of the Grand Teton.
Bradley Lake Trail: Branching off the main Taggart loop, this connector route provides slightly more rugged exploration around neighboring glacial lakes.
Beaver Creek Trail: An alternate woodland loop connecting back to the main trailhead, popular for observing aspen groves and fall foliage.
Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center: Located just 3 miles (approximately a 5-minute drive south) in Moose, Wyoming, offering park ranger services, interpretive exhibits, and regional maps.
Menor\'s Ferry Historic District & Chapel of the Transfiguration: Approximately 4 miles south, highlighting the historic settlement era of Jackson Hole.
Town of Jackson: Located roughly 16 miles south (a 25-minute drive), serving as the region\'s premier dining, lodging, and shopping hub.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via Teton Park Road, the scenic arterial highway through the park. In the winter months, Taggart Lake Trailhead serves as the northern boundary for regular vehicular road maintenance, transforming the snow-covered roadway beyond the lot into a groomed route for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. There is no direct public transit or municipal bus connection serving this trailhead; travelers rely exclusively on private vehicles, rented campervans, commercial tour operators, or private shuttle services originating from Jackson or Teton Village. Cellular service is intermittent throughout Grand Teton National Park, making it imperative to download offline navigation maps prior to entering the Moose Entrance Station.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Paved open-air surface layout with clearly marked stall striping.
Designated ADA-accessible parking spaces adjacent to the main trail staging area.
Year-round public vault restrooms situated at the trailhead perimeter.
Bear-proof trash receptacles and food storage lockers (bear boxes) for visitor safety.
Trailhead bulletin boards featuring topographic trail maps, wildlife safety regulations, and backcountry permit notices.
No electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on site; EV charging is available at nearby Moose or Jackson Lake Lodge.
Free parking with valid Grand Teton National Park entry permit or Interagency (America the Beautiful) pass.

Ideal For

Day Hikers & Nature Photographers: Immediate gateway to short, high-reward alpine lake trails and sunrise vistas over the Teton peaks.
Winter Sports Enthusiasts: Serves as the premier winter staging area for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking on snow-packed Teton Park Road.
Family Excursions: Ideal for families seeking low-elevation, moderate hiking trails with easily accessible restroom facilities at the trailhead.
Wildlife Watchers: Prime corridor for spotting moose, elk, and black bears near Beaver Creek and cottonwood drainages.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Because Taggart Lake is one of the premier introductory hikes in Grand Teton National Park, this parking lot consistently reaches maximum capacity between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM from June through September. To guarantee a space, plan an early morning arrival before 8:00 AM or visit in the late afternoon after 4:00 PM when midday crowds disperse. When the paved stalls fill completely, authorized parallel parking is permitted along the designated shoulder of Teton Park Road, but drivers must keep all four tires off the paved traffic lanes. Ensure no scented items, coolers, or food are visible in unattended vehicles to avoid wildlife encounters, and remember to display your Grand Teton National Park pass or receipt on your dashboard at all times.