| |
|
 |
|
| |
Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Grand Teton National Park |
|
|
| |
|
| |
PO Box 170, US Hwy 89/26/191, Moose, WY 83012-0170
Phone: 307-739-3300
Open All Year
Overview. The majestic Tetons tower over Jackson Hole with nary a foothill to obscure the view. The youngest range of the Rocky Mountains, these jagged granite peaks were born approximately 13 million years ago when seismic disturbances uplifted the land on the westward side of the Teton fault as the flat valley to the east subsided. Glaciation carved the rugged cirques and pointed summits we see today, and deposited rocks and gravel in the valley, enough to dam its creeks and form a necklace of small lakes. Likewise, glacial deposits dammed the path of the Snake River, forming Jackson Lake. Jackson Hole and the meanders of the Snake River provide prime habitat for elk and moose, as well as waterfowl and birds of prey.
The area was neutral elk hunting and foraging ground for several Native American tribes, and 19th-century trappers and mountain men also found Jackson Hole rich in game. Ranchers homesteaded the land to the east and south of the Tetons, but by the early 20th century had discovered that "dudes winter better than cows." They began forsaking the cattle industry for the more lucrative tourist trade. Today, four million visitors a year come to Grand Teton National Park to drink in the awe-inspiring views and partake of its many recreational opportunities.
What to see and do. The main road through Grand Teton National Park extends 56 miles from the northern to the southern entrances, and can be traveled in as little time as an hour and a half. You can drive through and take in the spectacular scenery, but you'll probably want to park the car and explore along the way. First, stop by one of the park's visitor centers: Moose Visitor Center is nearest to the southern entrance and Colter Bay Visitor Center, on the shores of Jackson Lake, is closest to the northern entrance. Check the daily park activity schedule or pick up a copy of Teewinot, the park newspaper, to help plan your trip. For a spectacular view of the valley and the Tetons beyond, drive to the summit of Signal Mountain, near Jackson Lake (sorry, a winding road and limited parking prohibit RVs or trailers on this route). Be sure to stop for a closer look at Jenny Lake as you make your way down the valley. Here, you can walk around the lake or take a boat shuttle to the western side where a short trail leads to picturesque Hidden Falls. Farther south, you can learn about homesteading in Jackson Hole by visiting Menor's Ferry historic site near Moose.
Your visit to Grand Teton needn't be limited to sightseeing. A wealth of recreational activities awaits the hardy visitor. Hiking trails, more than 250 miles of them ranging from easy to extremely strenuous, wind through Jackson Hole and into the canyons between the peaks. Hikes range in length from short, self-guided nature walks to the 40-mile, three-day trek along the Teton Crest Trail. There are five campgrounds in the park, and backcountry sites are provided along trails for overnight hikers. Boat on one of the park's many lakes, or take a rafting trip down the Snake River. Boats are available to rent at marinas along the shore of Jackson Lake. Horseback rides can be arranged at either Colter Bay Village or Jackson Lake Lodge, and picnic areas are scattered throughout the park. If you're interested in science and ecology, attend a seminar at the Teton Science School in the southeastern portion of the park. And take time to view the abundant wildlife that inhabits Jackson Hole. There will also be ranger-led activities June through September.
Moose Visitor Center is the hub of winter activity in the park. Winter visitors can snowshoe, cross-country ski, ice fish, and snowmobile (with the proper permit). Rangers lead snowshoe hikes into the park from Moose during the winter months; call ahead for details. Please note that, while the main park road is kept plowed, snow closes most secondary park roads in the winter.
The Moose Visitor Center is open year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day, from 8 AM to 5 PM with extended hours in summer. Colter Bay Visitor Center with its fine Indian Arts Museum opens each year on Mother's Day weekend and closes in late September. Jenny Lake Visitor Center is open from early June to early September. Hours are variable, so please call for more detailed information.
There are three downhill ski areas near Grand Teton National Park, as well as campgrounds and hotel accommodations, should facilities in the park be filled.
| Activities and Services |
|
| • |
Beach |
|
| • |
Bird Watching |
|
| • |
Boat Launching |
|
| • |
Climbing |
|
| • |
Cross-country Skiing |
|
| • |
Fishing |
|
| • |
Food Service |
|
| • |
Geological Sites |
|
| • |
Gift Shop |
|
| • |
Guided Tours |
|
| • |
Hiking/Nature Trails |
|
| • |
Historic Sites |
|
| • |
Horse Trails |
|
| • |
Motor Boating |
|
| • |
Museum/Exhibits |
|
| • |
Non-motor Boating |
|
| • |
Picnic Sites |
|
| • |
Programs/Talks |
|
| • |
Self-guided Tours |
|
| • |
Snowmobiling |
|
| • |
Swimming |
|
| • |
Visitor Center |
|
| • |
Water Skiing |
|
| • |
Wildflower Viewing |
|
| • |
Wildlife Viewing |
|
Search All National Parks
Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
|
|
|
|
