This small town is a gateway to outdoor adventures within a national park famous for its forests, lakes, mountains and wildlife.
Moran sits at the edge of the Moran Entrance Station, one of the main access points to the glorious Grand Teton National ParkOpens in a new window. Delight in the opportunities to explore a region of outstanding natural beauty via lookouts, trails and water bodies. Moran stands at the edge of the rolling landscapes of the Buffalo Valley. It takes its name from Thomas Moran, a British-born artist acclaimed for his paintings of the American West.
Major attractions lie west of the entrance station, where you can pay the park admission fee. The well-maintained roads are ideal to explore via rented car or bike. Visit Oxbow Bend, a curve in the Snake River that creates a stunning mirror image of Mount Moran. Admire sweeping views of the Teton Range and look down on Jackson Lake from Willow Flats Overlook and Jackson Lake Overlook at Signal Mountain.
About 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of Moran on the banks of Jackson Lake is Colter Bay Village. Join range-led programs, purchase park permits and browse an exhibit of Native American art at Colter Bay Visitor Center. From June to September take lake cruises or rent canoes, kayaks and motorboats at Colter Bay Marina. Trails lead from the village’s waterfront through thick forests and to rocky beaches with open views of snow-capped peaks.
Boats are also available at the lakeside lodge at the base of Signal Mountain. While here, walk to the pretty log-built Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
Look for wildlife throughout the year along the riverbanks and within the forests. See eagles and ospreys flying overhead and watch for bears, elk and moose. Camp at grounds at Colter Bay Village, Moran and Signal Mountain waterfront for an authentic experience of the great outdoors.
Moran is 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Jackson. Yellowstone National ParkOpens in a new window is just over a 1-hour drive north. The nearest airport is Jackson Hole Airport. Moran Entrance Station is open year-round. Expect cold weather conditions in winter.
