Grand Teton National Park
Posted in North America | April 5, 2010 | Comment NowGrand Teton National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains in northwestern Wyoming in the USA. The park is noted for its mountain vistas, alpine lakes and wildlife. The park gets its name after Grand Teton, the tallest peak in the Teton Range at 4,197 metres. The name ‘Tetons’ was originally used to describe hills near the town of Arco in Idaho. Grand Teton National Park was established in February 1929. The park is spread over an area of 1,250 square kilometres.
Geography
The north-south-trending Teton Range, which is a part of the Rocky Mountains, rises from the floor of Jackson Hole (a graben with an average elevation of 2,100 metres) along a 64 km by 11-14 km wide active fault-block mountain. Jackson Lake is the largest lake here with an area of 103.4 square kilometres. The Snake River flows for about 80 km through the park and is fed by three major tributaries, namely, Pacific Creek, Buffalo Fork and Gros Ventre River.
Climate
The park region experiences a semi-arid mountainous climate (max: 34 degrees Celsius and min: -43.3 degrees Celsius). Average annual rainfall is 10 inches. The region is often snow-covered from November to April.
Flora
Grand Teton National Park boasts over 1000 species of vascular plants. Whitebark Pine, Limber Pine, Subalpine fir are found in the alpine zone while Lodgepole Pine, Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce are found on the valley floor. Aspens, cottonwoods, alders and willows grow in the moist river areas.
Fauna
Elk, bison, moose, red marten, black bear, mountain lion, wolf are some of the top attractions. Reptiles, rodents, amphibians and bats are also seen.
Birds
Bald Eagle, Calliope Hummingbird, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Sage Grouse, Trumpeter Swan and Western Tanager are found here.
Attractions
- Oxbow Bend: Located about a mile east of Jackson Lake Junction. Viewing Mt Moran and also birding
- Cathedral Group turnout
- Teton Glacier turnout: It highlights the largest glacier in the park.
- Snake River Overlook
- Schwabacher’s Landing
- Signal Mountain Turn off
- Cascade canyon
- Lake Solitude
Other attractions include:
- Colter Bay Indian Arts Museum
- Menor’s Ferry (reconstruction of a ferry of the 1890s that crossed Snake River)
- Chapel of the Sacred Heart
Activities:
- Hiking to Hidden Falls by Jenny Lake and take a boat ride back
- Climbing
- Camping
Reaching Grand Teton National Park:
By air
Jackson Hole Airport located within the park boundaries on the west side of the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway.
By road
US Highways 26, 89, 191 and 287 give access to the park.
Get around
By car, bike or by foot.
Fees/Permits
All vehicles and individuals seeking entry into the grand teton national park must pay an entrance fee that has a valid for seven days. The entrance fee provides entry to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. National Parks Pass and winter day use pass are also available.
Accommodation:
- Colter Bay Village just off U.S. 89/287 (open from late May to late September)
- Jackson Lake Lodge, just off U.S. 89/287 (open from late May to early October)
- Jenny Lake Lodge (open early June to early October)
- Teton Mountain Lodge in Jackson Hole
- Other accommodation facilities are available in Jackson.
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