| Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton National Park | |
 | |
Location  | |
| Area type | National Park |
|---|---|
| State | United States of America |
| Federated state | Wyoming |
| Region | Northwestern Wyoming |
| Surface | 1,254.5 km² |
| Foundation year | February 26, 1929 |
| Institutional website | |
Grand Teton National Park it's a'protected area of the United States of America, located in the State of Wyoming.
To know
Grand Teton National Park is known for its breathtaking mountain views, glistening alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Geographical notes
Grand Teton National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains, in Northwestern Wyoming, south of the Yellowstone National Park and just north of the city of Jackson.
Landscape
The Wyoming landscape within Grand Teton National Park is stunningly beautiful. This range often represents the entire Rocky Mountain range in countless photographs, postcards and imaginations. This section of the Rocky Mountains is a wonderful playground for climbers, hikers, skiers and just about any other outdoor enthusiast.
Flora and fauna
Grand Teton National Park has abundant wildlife, but is most famous for its populations of elk, bison (buffalo), moose, and bald eagles.
When to go
Jackson Hole hardly looks like the same place when the winter and summer seasons are contrasted. The southern end of the valley averages 4.6 meters of snow in winter and often reaches mild temperatures of 27 ° C in summer. Temperatures at higher altitudes are on average cooler as you rise in altitude. An umbrella and rain jacket are recommended during spring, summer and autumn. Sub-zero temperatures are common during the winter and require multi-layered clothing, hats, gloves, and boots. Vehicles with four-wheel drive or all-season tires are recommended for winter travel, roads may be closed during blizzards. Always drive below the indicated speed limits; moose and other wildlife often cross the roads during the winter.
The first snowfalls can fall by November 1st. Between the winter storms the days are sunny and the nights are freezing. Average temperatures range from a daily high of -1 ° C to a low of -14 ° C. Ask the Moose Visitor Center for road closures during blizzards.
During spring, mild days and cool nights are often accompanied by rain or snow. The spring months have an average of 11 days with measurable rainfall. Temperatures typically range from -5 ° C to 9 ° C. The trails in the valley remain snow-covered until the end of May.
From June to August the average daily temperature is 24 ° C, but on the hiking trails located at high altitudes, the snow does not melt until mid-July. Night temperatures can reach 4 ° C. Most of the year's rainfall falls during the summer months; afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Sun and occasional rain and snow fill the short autumn days. The maximum daily average is 12 ° C, while the minimum average is -4 ° C. The autumn months have an average of 23 days that fall below freezing. For a comfortable ride, bring plenty of layered clothing.
Background
In the late 1800s, Colonel S.B.M. Young, the acting superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, suggested expanding Yellowstone's boundaries southward. In the years since, various officials have come up with a number of proposals to include the Teton Mountain Range and Jackson Lake in an expanded Yellowstone. These proposals met with fierce opposition from local ranchers, who feared that an expanded park would lead to cuts in their grazing areas.
Around the same time, farmers in the region suggested damming Two Ocean, Emma Matilda, and Jenny Lakes for irrigation purposes. Farmers worried that if the lakes were dammed, this could lead to the destruction of natural resources through increased commercial development. This concern led to a key meeting in 1923, when Yellowstone Superintendent Horace Albright and some local residents decided to pool private funds to buy land. In this way, they could block the land away from the developers and preserve the natural character of the Jackson Hole region.
Albright was the only person at the meeting who openly supported a national park. The other participants wanted to make sure they could continue to use the land for hunting and farming. Over time, public support for a national park has grown. This support was not unanimous and there were still many supporters who would not sell their land to the government. However, on February 26, 1929, Grand Teton National Park was converted into law by President Calvin Coolidge.
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. fell in love with the Jackson Hole area and decided to help with Superintendent Albright's plan. Rockefeller created a private company as a front to buy land, using the company to hide both his personal involvement and any ties to the federal government. In this way, local residents would sell their land to the company, not knowing it would actually be donated to the National Park Service.
When the true nature of the Rockefeller front company became publicly known, it caused outrage in the area. After many legal battles, this controversy was hushed up with a compromise that allowed for limited hunting and grazing within the park, as well as the existence of a few private ranches.
How to get
By plane
L'Jackson Hole airport (IATA: JAC) is located within the park boundaries on the west side of the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway, known in this area as US Routes 26, 89 and 191. American, Delta, Frontier and United serve the airport. Some services are seasonal.
The closest major airport to the park is located at Salt Lake City, approximately 6 hours drive from Grand Teton National Park.
By car
From the north, US Routes 89, 191, and 287 share the same road in the park through the Yellowstone National Park. This route is closed from November to April due to snow.
From the south, US Routes 26, 89 and 191 share a road from Jackson.
From the east, US 26 is connected with Dubois.
From the west, Grassy Lake Road, a dirt road, connects Ashton, in Idaho, at US 89 near the north end of the park. This route is closed during the winter.
Driving from the Teton Pass on the Sheridan to Idaho stretch is dangerous. There are a steep slope, sweeping curves and you can easily go wrong and go off the road if you get distracted or if the sun gets in your eyes.
By bus
- Alltrans Park Shuttle.
$ 14 per day (park fees extra).. Alltrans Park Shuttle departs from Jackson, passes through the park and arrives at Flagg Ranch.
$ 14 per day (park fees extra).. Alltrans Park Shuttle departs from Jackson, passes through the park and arrives at Flagg Ranch.On foot
There are a large number of trails that enter the park on all sides, including the Continental Divide Trail 5,000 kilometers long.
Permits / Rates
All vehicles and people entering the park must pay an entrance ticket that is valid for seven days and allows for unlimited re-entry for the week. The entrance fees for 2020 are:
- $ 20 - Hikers and cyclists
- $ 30 - Motorcycles
- $ 35 - Private vehicles
- $ 70 - Grand Teton Annual Pass
While in the past a single entry fee allowed admission to both the Grand Teton and a Yellowstone, separate entry fees are now charged for each park.
Grand Teton National Park is a bit curious as the ranger stations where you pay entry fees are located quite deep within the park. This essentially means that sections of the park are accessible for free, including Jackson Hole Airport.
Exist several passes for groups traveling together in a private vehicle or people entering on foot and / or by bicycle providing free admission to Grand Teton National Park and all national parks as well as some National Monuments, National Wildlife Refuges and national forests:
- The $ 80 annual pass (valid for twelve months from the date of issue) can be purchased by anyone. Military personnel can obtain a free pass by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or military ID.
- The $ 80 Senior Pass (valid for life of the holder) is available to US citizens or permanent residents aged 62 and over. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and age. This pass also offers a 50% discount on some park services. Seniors can also get a $ 20 annual membership.
- The free Access Pass (valid for life of the holder) is available to US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and permanent disability. This pass also offers a 50% discount on some park services.
- The Volunteer Pass is free but is available to people who have volunteered for 250 hours or more with federal agencies participating in the Interagency Pass program.
- The free annual fourth grade pass (valid in the period September-August of the fourth grade school year) allows entry to the bearer and any passengers accompanying a private non-commercial vehicle. Registration on the website of Every Kid Outdoors.
The National Park Service offers free admission to all national parks five days a year:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
- The first day of the National Park Week (third Saturday in April)
- National Park Service Birthday (August 25)
- National Public Lands Day (fourth Saturday in September)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
How to get around
Grand Teton National Park: full screen map.Most park visitors travel by car due to the long distances. Some, on the other hand, go biking or hiking.
What see
Visitor Centers
- 1 Colter Bay Visitor Center. A surviving Mission 66 visitor center, the Colter Bay Visitor Center offers great views of Jackson Lake. Inside, see 35 artifacts from the David T. Vernon Indian Arts Collection. The auditorium hosts ranger-led programs and shows a variety of park-related videos throughout the day. Visit this facility for information on travel planning, backcountry or sailing permits. Shop at the Grand Teton Association bookstore, join a ranger-led program, or visit nearby shops and restaurants.
- 2 Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center (19 km north of Jackson). The great expanse of the Teton mountain range rises above the visitor center. Inside, intertwined themes of place, people, conservation, mountaineering, and Native American Indians encourage visitors to contemplate this place's past, present and future. Visit this facility for information on travel planning, backcountry or boating permits. Shop at the Grand Teton Association bookstore, enjoy the variety of exhibits and artwork, join a ranger program, or watch a movie about the park.
- 3 Flagg Ranch information station. For visitors traveling south from the Yellowstone National Park, Flagg Ranch is the first stop for travel planning information. This small log cabin is open daily during the peak summer season and includes a visitor information area, small sales area, exhibits depicting the Rockefeller legacy, and restrooms.
- 4 Jenny Lake Ranger Station. In the 1930s, the Jenny Lake Ranger Station and Museum opened as the first facility for park visitors. Today, climbing rangers provide information on backcountry safety, climbing route conditions, and perform mountain rescue. A small relief map features the main backcountry area and other exhibits address the hazards of the backcountry. A safety video provides visitors with essential information. The ranger station issues backcountry permits to all backcountry users and sells boating permits.
- 5 Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Harrison Crandall built this cabin in 1921 near the Cathedral Group Turnout as his studio. Today, the visitor center highlights art in the park through Crandall and the work of other artists. Visit this facility for travel planning and information. Nearby Jenny Lake Ranger Station offers backcountry and boating permits. Shop at the Grand Teton Association bookstore, join a ranger program, or start your backcountry adventure.
- 6 Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center. The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center allows visitors to learn about Mr. Rockefeller's vision and his heritage of preservation protection. The exhibits engage the visual, tactile and auditory senses through a poem by Terry Tempest Williams, audio recordings by Mr. Rockefeller, video, photographs and a soundscape room. Visitors can relax in the resource room, join a ranger program, or take a hike to Phelps Lake. The center does not have a sales area or offer permits.
Panoramic points
There are detours and lookout points throughout the park that offer good views of the many Grand Teton mountains. Here are just a few highlights:
- 7 Oxbow Bend (About 1 mile east of Jackson Lake Junction). In addition to the view of Mount Moran, many types of birds can be seen here.
- 8 Cathedral Group turnout. This turnout offers great views of the three highest peaks in the Teton Range: Teewinot, Grand Teton, and Mount Owen.
- 9 Teton Glacier turnout (Approximately 6km north of Moose Junction along Teton Park Road). This turnout highlights the largest glacier in the park.
- 10 Snake River Overlook (This viewpoint is located along US Routes 26, 89 and 191). Ansel Adams took a famous photograph of the Teton range from this site.
- 11 Schwabacher's Landing (This dirt road, off US Routes 26, 89 and 191, forks into two paths: one for cars, the other for boats. Both trails have parking). The trails lead to beautiful views of the Teton range and their reflections on the Snake River.
- 12 Signal Mountain (Take the park road south of Jackson Lake Junction). A fairly narrow paved spur climbs to a parking area, so a very short walk to the summit offers excellent 360-degree views of Jackson Hole.
Other places
In addition to the mountains, there are other attractions to see:
- 13 Menor's Ferry. This is a reconstruction of an 1890 ferry that crossed the Snake River.
- 14 Chapel of the Transfiguration (Chapel of the Transfiguration) (It is located in a log cabin in a meadow near Moose Junction along Teton Park Road), ☎ 1 307 733-2603.
Holy Communionː every Sunday at 8:00 and 10:00. This Epicopalian chapel offers mountain views through an altar window. There are also stained glass windows depicting the mountainous landscape. - 15 Chapel of the Sacred Heart (Chapel of the Sacred Heart) (Close to Jackson Lake Junction), ☎ 1 307 733-2516. This Catholic chapel has a rustic feel with its wooden construction.
Holy Communionː every Sunday at 8:00 and 10:00. This Epicopalian chapel offers mountain views through an altar window. There are also stained glass windows depicting the mountainous landscape.What to do
- 1 Barker-Ewing Grand Teton Park Float Trips, PO Box 100, Moose, WY 83012, ☎ 1-800-3365-1800. $ 70 adults; $ 40 children. 10-mile scenic rides on the Snake River within Grand Teton National Park.
- Hidden waterfall excursion. A fun and useful activity is seeing from Jenny Lake. You can take a 4km hike to the falls and take a boat ride ($ 7 one way, $ 10 round trip). The falls and white water are spectacular as it rushes towards Jenny Lake. Make sure you are on the lookout for climbers near the falls. Continuing past the hidden falls the trail continues with a climb to Inspiration Point which offers spectacular views of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole. After another climb the trail flattens out and heads west along the highly scenic Cascade Canyon. Eventually the trail reaches Lake Solitude.
- Paintbrush Canyon excursion. The Paintbrush Canyon hike is one of the most rewarding canyon hikes in the Grand Teton. The trail is in String Lake, just north of Jenny Lake. The hike from the Paintbrush Canyon trail to Holly Lake is 20km round trip and the last 3km is tiring. The total height difference is 0.84 meters.
- Lake Leigh excursion. Just north of Jenny Lake Lodge, this hike follows the String Lake shoreline before arriving at Lake Leigh after approximately 1km. Lake Leigh offers crystal clear waters and reflective views of the Teton range. As with most hikes in the area, beware of mosquitoes if you plan to do this hike in the summer.
Shopping
Where to eat
Colter Bay Village
- 1 John Colter Cafe Court, ☎ 1 307-543-2811. It has Mexican and American dishes. It is fast and decent.
- Chuckwagon. Nice type of restaurant for dinner. They have a breakfast buffet ($ 7.95 cold breakfast; $ 11.95 hot and cold breakfast). The drinks ordered are paid for (e.g. orange juice $ 2.50; milk $ 3.65)
Jackson Lake Lodge
- 2 Pioneer Grill, ☎ 1 307-543-2811. Mon-Sun 6: 00-22: 30. It offers counter service with light meals, snacks and soda treats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The service isn't very fast and the food isn't great, but it's always open.
Where stay
A mix of dealer accommodation, private guest ranches, and camping is available within Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the accommodations in the park, Jackson is the closest city with many accommodation options.
Accommodations
- 1 Colter Bay Village (Just off US Routes 89 and 287), ☎ 1 307 543-2811, ☎ 1-800-628-9988. Open from the end of May to the end of September. Facilities range from basic tent cabins to ensuite cabins. Moderate to medium prices. The tents have 4 bunk beds equipped with decent mattresses, but you will need to provide your own sleeping bag.
- 2 Jackson Lake Lodge (Just off US Routes 89 and 287), ☎ 1 307 543-2811, ☎ 1-800-628-9988. Open from the end of May to the beginning of October. Large hotel with on-site restaurants and heated outdoor pool. View of the mountains. Average to expensive for this area.
- 3 Jenny Lake Lodge (Accessible via North Jenny Lake Junction off Teton Park Road), ☎ 1 307 733-4647, ☎ 1-800-628-9988. Open from the beginning of June to the beginning of October. Luxury cabins and suites with on-site restaurant. Expensive.
- 4 Teton Mountain Lodge, 3385 Cody Lane Teton Village, ☎ 1 307-201-6066, ☎ 1 855-318-6669 (Room reservation). A mountain resort on the Jackson Hole side, offering rustic lodge rooms and suites. This luxury resort features a luxurious spa, extensive meeting facilities, a variety of ski amenities, and fine dining at Cascade Grill House & Spirits.
- 5 Signal Mountain Lodge & Marina, 1 Inner Park Rd, Moran, ☎ 1 307 543-2831. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00.
Campsites
- 6 Headwaters Campground and RV Park at Flagg Ranch (3km south of Yellowstone and 8km north of Grand Teton National Park along US Routes 89, 191 and 287. Located within John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, Flagg Ranch.), ☎ 1-800-443-2311. Open from May to September. 131 workstations, 97 of which with electrical connections. 114 can be booked in advance, in 17 stations the guests are the first to arrive and the first served. This campsite has facilities for both motorhomes and caravans. Wild nature surrounds the development of the springs. The upper reaches of the Snake River flows through meadows mixed with open coniferous forests. The Yellowstone Plateau rises to the north and Huckleberry Mountain to the east.
- 7 Lizard Creek (51km north of Moose, 18km south of Yellowstone and 13km north of Colter Bay Village. The campsite offers easy access to both parks), ☎ 1-800-672-6012. Open from May to September. 60 station. In all the stations, guests are the first to arrive and the first to be served. It usually fills up around 2pm. Vehicle dimensions limited to 9 meters. A less developed campsite with sites in the spruce and fir forest. One side of the campground is adjacent to and slightly above Jackson Lake. This rustic campground is located in a remote park of Grand Teton National Park.
- 8 Colter Bay (40 km north of Moose, near Jackson Lake, in a pine forest near Colter Bay Village), ☎ 1-800-628-9988. Open from May to September. 346 workstations, 11 of which in groups and 13 with electrical connections. 11 stations can be booked in advance, in 335 stations the guests are the first arrivals and the first served. While not on the shores of Jackson Lake, a short walk leads to spectacular views of Mount Moran and the Northern Teton Range. Trailer unloading station, showers and laundry nearby. It usually fills up around noon.
- 9 Signal Mountain (26km north of Lake Jenny, adjacent to Signal Mountain Lodge and the marina with a field shop and services nearby), ☎ 1-800-672-6012. Open from May to September. 81 workstations, 25 of which with electrical connections. In all stations, guests are the first to arrive and the first to be served. It usually fills up around 10am. Signal Mountain offers a mix of spruce and fir trees, hills, and lake and mountain views. The sites are generally small and intimate. The campsite accepts both tents and smaller campers (up to 9 meters in total length). The developed area offers a wide variety of services and amenities including accommodation, restaurants, showers, laundry, drop off station and marina. The maximum stay is 14 nights.
- 10 Jenny Lake (13km north of Moose, straddling a glacial moraine covered by an open forest of lodge pine, subalpine fir and Douglas fir), ☎ 1-800-628-9988. Open from May to September. 59 pitches for tents only. At all stations, guests are the first to arrive and the first to be served. This is the most popular campground in the park and is usually full by 8am. The stations are located among the evergreen meadows and glacial boulders a short distance from Lake Jenny. Only one vehicle is allowed, less than 4 meters long per station. Trailers, RVs and generators are prohibited. The maximum per seat is two tents, one vehicle and six guests for a maximum of 7 nights.
- 11 Gros Ventre (19km south and east of Moose, along the Gros Ventre River with a mix of mugwort sites, under poplars and adjacent but a short distance from the river), ☎ 1-800-628-9988. $ 30 Camping with vehicle; $ 31 Group camping; $ 55 Camping with electricity connection (2020 rates). Open from May to September. 300 stations of which 5 are group and 36 with electrical connections. It is possible to book 5 seats in advance. In 295 stations, guests are the first to arrive and the first to be served. The largest campground in the park is located in the southeastern part of the park closest to the town of Jackson. It generally fills up in the evening, if at all. If you arrive in the afternoon of a busy day, stop and look for a better spot the next morning. Some locations offer views of Grand Teton and Blacktail Butte. Wildlife including bison, elk, and mule deer frequent the area. The maximum stay is 14 nights.
Backcountry
All backcountry campsites require a permit. These permits are free if requested in person, based on the order of arrival. Permits can be obtained at Moose and Colter Bay Visitor Centers and at Jenny Lake Ranger Station. People wishing to climb mountains must apply at Jenny Lake Ranger Station.
Advance booking requests are accepted from January 1st to May 15th. Submit your request by post, fax or in person. Include your name, address, telephone number, number of people and campsites and preferred dates. Be sure to include alternatives. Requests are processed in the order received. Requests can be sent by fax to 1 307 739-3438 or by post to the following address below:
Grand Teton National Park Backcountry Permits PO Box 170 Moose, Wyoming 83012
A non-refundable service fee of $ 15 will be charged for each booking (the rate is per trip, not per person). Put your credit card information directly on the fax or send a check made out to the National Park Service. If no payment is received with your request, you will be charged. Only a third of the sites are pre-booked, leaving two-thirds available for walk-in bookings.
Safety
The weather can change rapidly in this mountainous region. Temperatures can plummet at short notice. Lightning is a real danger. Look at the sky and, if you hear thunder, take cover inside a structure or lower your profile towards the sky.
How to keep in touch
Around
- Yellowstone National Park - The world's largest concentration of geysers, hot springs and other geothermal features is a short drive north of Grand Teton National Park along US Routes 89, 191 and 287. Yellowstone also has bison. , moose, antelope and bears. Grand Teton admission also grants entry to Yellowstone, but be prepared to show your pass at the front gate.
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Grand Teton National Park
Commons contains images or other files on Grand Teton National Park
