Grand Teton National Park
As one enters Grand Teton National Park the landscape can be overwhelming. The magnificent mountain range captures the hearts of many, young and old. Whether you plan to stay in the park for a short time or just a brief visit, these pages were designed to help you get the most out of your stay. The Geology, hiking trails, habitat, points of interest, National Park Service Campgrounds, and nearby attractions have been incorporated into these pages. This will make it easier to plan and make your stay more enjoyable. more info
Providing scenic river float trips in Grand Teton National Park since 1962. Expert guides.
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Lake Reflections of the Tetons
© Jess Lee Photography
Geology
Geologists believe Earth to be 5 or 6 billion years old. The oldest rock formation in Jackson Hole are said to have been solidified 2.5 to 3.5 billion years ago in the Precambrian Era, long before plant or animal life existed. During millions of geologically dynamic years, many alterations occurred in these rocks that are visible today
Meanwhile, other geologic forces were affecting the Earth, including the area that would become known as Jackson Hole. Based on geologic evidence, then, the western edge of Jackson Hole- the line where the valley meets the base of the Teton Range- was, millions of years ago, higher than the Tetons. It also tells us that Jackson Hole continues to sink along the Teton Fault. As the valley sinks, it puts tremendous pressure on the molten layer far below. The sinking valley displaces the molten rock, which in turn pushes the Teton Range up, on the average, 1 inch for every four inches the valley floor drops.
Scenic Loop Drive
There are three main highways entering Grand Teton National Park. Highway 26-89-191 from Jackson, WY, to the South; the Rockefeller Parkway from Yellowstone Park to the North, and Highway 26-287 from Dubois, WY, to the East. These roads join the 42 mile Teton Park Scenic Loop Drive at major junctions: Moose Junction to the South; Jackson Lake Junction to the North; and Moran Junction, to the East. Along the Scenic Highway there are many points of interest and many things to see and do. Due to people coming from all directions and the highway system, driving maybe confusing. Always check the map to find your points of interest.
Points of Interest
All of the following Points of Interest can be found on the Scenic Loop Drive.
- Teton Point Overlook- Valley Glaciers
- Snake River Overlook- The Fur Trapper Era
- Cunningham Cabin (suggested family activity)
- Oxbow Bend- River Dynamics
- Jackson Point Overlook- The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
- Cathedral Group Turnout- Creation of Peaks
- Jenny Lake Overlook- Mountain Glaciation
- Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area- Fire Ecology
- Bill Menor Homestead and Maude Noble Cabin (suggested family activity)
Some of these following Points of Interest are off the Scenic Loop Drive
- Biotic Communities of Grand Teton National Park
- Early Peoples in Jackson Hole
- Mormon Row- Homesteading and Ranching
Check the map to determine which section of the Scenic Loop your interest spot is.
Sunset with Patriarch tree and Cathedral Group
© Peter Volf Photography
Habitat
There are many different kinds of plants and animals located in Grand Teton National Park. The best time to see animals is early morning just before the sun peeks over the Teton Mountain Range and at dusk. Most animals can be seen near water especially Moose. Grand Teton National Park is drained by three major rivers. Two are tributaries of the third, the Snake River. The Snake River flows from its headwater throughout Yellowstone National Park then south through Jackson Hole. The first major stream coming from the east, the Buffalo Fork, flows through Buffalo Valley then joins the Snake River near Moran Junction. The Gros Ventre River also flows from the east and joins the Snake River at the north end of West Gros Ventre Butte.
Cottonwoods, willows, and blue spruce are predominant trees growing along the rivers and streams. Shrubs such as bayberry, honeysuckle, silverberry, buffaloberry, thimbleberry, and chokecherry thrive in moist soil. Common flowers include columbine, monkey flower, mountain hollyberry, and lupine.
Mammals come to streams to drink and take advantage of the nearby abundant vegetation that offers food and cover. Moose browse in the willow thickets. River dwelling beavers feed on the willows and burrow into the banks. River otters feed mostly on fish and use riverbank burrows or old beaver lodges. Coyotes, bison, and mule deer also come to rivers and streams for water and shelter.
Sagebrush grows on dry, porous soils. Much of the valley floor is covered with sagebrush. More than 100 species of native grasses and wildflowers also grow in this dry soil. Bitterbrush, sticky geranium, groundsel, pussytoes, larkspur, buckwheat, stonecrop, balsamroot, Indian Paintbrush, harebells, and gilia are some of the plants found in this area.
Hiking Trails
Grand Teton National Park is not only famous for its beautiful scenery but also for the hiking trails. Most of the trails are very accessible, vary in length, and have a variety of difficulty levels ranging from an easy walk to a technical climb. The Hiking Trails are classified according to the different areas in Grand Teton National Park.
Taggart Lake
© Vertical Media
South Teton Trails from Lupine Meadows to Leigh Lake
- Lupine Meadows to Amphitheater Lake and Garnet Canyon (9.6 Miles)
- Jenny Lake Loop(7 miles) and Moose Ponds Trail (adds 2 Miles to Jenny Lake Loop)
- String Lake to Bear Paw Lake and Trapper Lake via Leigh Lake (8.8 Miles)
- South Fork of Cascade Canyon to Hurricane Pass (5.1 Miles)
- Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude
- Lake Solitude to Paintbrush Divide (5.1 Miles)
- Paintbrush Canyon to Paintbrush Divide
South Teton Trails from Lupine Meadows to Teton Village
- Valley Trail (15.8 Miles)
- Taggart Lake Loop (5.5 Miles)
- Rendezvous Mountain Middle Fork Cutoff from the top of Tram (3.5 Miles)
- Rendezvous Mountain to Granite Canyon Trail from the top of Tram (5.2 Miles)
- Aerial Tram to Teton Village (7.4 Miles)
- Open Canyon Trauk to Mount Hunt Divide and Granite Canyon Trail
- Death Canyon Trail to Fox Creek Pass (9.2 Miles)
- Teton Crest Trail (Fox Creek Pass to Hurricane Pass)
North Teton Trails from Colter Bay and Jackson Lake Lodge Area
- Lakeshore Trail
- Hermitage Point (via Heron Pond and Swan Lake) (9.2 Miles)
- Willow Flats to Colter Bay (8.5 Miles)
- Two Ocean Lake Loop including Grand View Point (10.5 Miles)
- Christian Pond Loop (3.7 Miles)
- Emma Matilda Lake Trail (11 Miles)
- Signal Mountain Trail (5.5 Miles)
North Teton Trails from Berry Creek/Webb Canyon Area
- Berry Creek- Owl Creek Loop (10 Miles)
- Webb and Owl Canyons
- Berry Creek from the Cutoff to Jackass Pass (10 Miles)
- Glade Creek Trail
National Park Service Campgrounds
Grand Teton National Park operates five campgrounds. Jenny Lake allows tents only but the rest accommodate all conventional types of tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles. The National Park Service does not accept reservations. First come, first-served basis.
- Jenny Lake
- Signal Mountain
- Colter Bay
- Lizard Creek
- Gros Ventre
Nearby Attractions
The National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge is located just northeast of the town of Jackson and adjoining Grand Teton National Park on the South. The Refuge was established in 1912 as a result of public interest in the survival of the Jackson Hole elk herd. (link to elk page for more info)
Bridger National Forest
Bridger-Teton National Forest surrounds Jackson Hole on three sides. The forest is named for Jim Bridger, famous mountain man. He was an explorer and a partner in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company in the late 1800's. The forest contains the Wind River Mountains and the Bridger Wilderness.
Rockefeller Parkway and Yellowstone National Park
The last six miles to the South Entrance of Yellowstone passes through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway, and 82 square-mile area linking the South Entrance of Yellowstone to the North Entrance of Grand Teton. The Parkway was established on August 25, 1972 in recognition of Rockefeller's gifts of land to the American people. This included more than 30,000 acres donated to Grand Teton National Park.
Scenic Drive: Teton Pass to West Yellowstone
The highway through Teton Basin-Idaho Highway 33- passes the towns of Victor and Driggs, Idaho, and continues North to Ashton, Idaho. At Ashton Highway 191 continues north to Island Park, Idaho, and then to West Yellowstone, Montana, a one-way trip of approximately 125 miles from Jackson.
Fossil Butte National Monument
Fossil Butte National Monument was established in 1972 to preserve and protect the most important record of freshwater fossil fish ever found in the United States. Fifty million years ago an ancient lake filled the basin between high mountain ranges.
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44FOther pages you might find helpful:
Grand Teton National Park
The south entrace to Grand Teton National Park is just 10 miles from the town of Jackson.
