|
|
Grand Teton National ParkTheme(s): Westward Expansion | |
Description:
Towering more than a mile above the valley known as Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet above sea level. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet elevation, high enough to support a dozen mountain glaciers. In contrast to the abrupt eastern face, the west side of the range slopes gently, showing the angle of tilt of the Earth's crust. Youngest of the mountains in the Rocky Mountain system, the Teton Range displays some of the North America's oldest rocks.
The rise of the Teton Range as well as the erosion caused by eons of glaciation have created the conditions that allow several plant communities to thrive, from ribbons of green riparian plants bordering rivers and streams, to sagebrush flats, lodgepole pine and spruce forests, subalpine meadows and alpine stone fields. The wide range of plant communities create habitat for a variety of animals, from the tiniest insects, to fish, birds and large and small mammals.
Humans have taken advantage of the mountain setting and its abundant resources for approximately 11,000 years. Early residents occupied the valley during the short spring, summer and fall seasons. During the other eight months of the year, they moved to lower elevations and warmer winter climates. Beginning in the late 1800's, homesteaders, ranchers and later dude ranchers moved into the valley, bringing the technologies of irrigation and insulation, that allowed them to stay through the long, harsh winter.
Designations:
National Park (February 26, 1929)
Jackson Hole National Monument (March 15, 1943)
Grand Teton National Park (September 14, 1950)
Accessibility:
Visitor Centers at Moose, Jenny Lake, Colter Bay and Flagg Ranch provide accessible restrooms, TDD, parking spaces, curb cuts and entrances. Restrooms and exhibits at Colter Bay may require an assist. TDD at Moose is (307) 739-3400 and at Colter Bay is (307) 739-3544.
Many activities are accessible and are listed in the park newspaper, The Teewinot.
Campgrounds at Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake (partially accessible restrooms) and Colter Bay (partially accessible restrooms)located on relatively flat terrain. Lizard Creek and Signal Mountain are hilly and access is more difficult. Inquire for most accessible sites. Eight campsites along Grassy Lake Road west of Flagg Ranch, provide easy access by vehicle and accessible vault toilets. Camping and RV sites at Flagg Ranch provide accessible facilities.
All lodging facilities provide some units that are accessible. Please contact individually for assistance and reservations. Restaurants with accessible facilities are located at Flagg Ranch, Leek's Marina, Jackson Lake Lodge and Jenny Lake Lodge.
Some hiking trails are accessible, providing asphalt surfaces, appropriate grades and good views. The majority of trails make no special provisions for accessibility. Valley floor elevations vary from 6,400' to 7,200'
Waysides and overlooks are numerous and all have curb cuts and designated parking.
Getting Around:
The primary means of getting around the park is by private car. The Grand Teton Lodge Company offers tour bus and some shuttle service. Bicycles are available at several locations for rent. Canoes and other watercraft are also available for rent.
Activites:
Auto_Touring | Biking | Boating | Camping | Climbing | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Swimming | Wilderness Area | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Mountaineering | Nature Walks | Stargazing | Kayaking | Cross Country Skiing | Snowshoeing | Snowmobiling | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Restaurant or Snack Bar | Lodging | CampGrounds | Picnic Areas | Groceries or Supplies | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Cabin Rentals | Fuel | Tours & Guided Activities | Medical Services | And more.
Nature: Glaciers | Mountains | And more.
Directions to Grand Teton National Park
Plane:
Fly into Jackson Hole Airport via Commercial and charter air service. Local taxi, shuttle and rental car service are available from the airport. Reserve your rental car when reserving your flight. Rentals are often in short supply.
Car:
Visitors may travel east and north from Salt Lake City, UT, east from Boise, ID, or south from western Montana, to Idaho Falls, ID, thence to Teton Pass or up the Snake River Canyon to Jackson, WY, thence north 12 miles to the Moose Visitor Center. Visitors may travel west from Riverton, WY, or Casper, WY, over Togwotee Pass and thence into the park's east entrance. Visitors may also travel south from Yellowstone National Park, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway and through Grand Teton's north entrance. Travel generally involves I-70, I-80, I-25, I-15 and State 191, depending upon actual routes.
Public Transportation
No public bus or rail service is available to Jackson or Grand Teton National Park. Bus and rail travel arrangements will involve travel by taxi or rental car from considerable distances.
Attractions:
Yellowstone National Park
Phone:(307) 344-7381
Bridger-Teton National Forest
USFWS National Elk Refuge
Phone:(307) 733-9212
Fossil Butte National Monument
Phone:(307) 877-4455
Targhee National Forest
Phone:(208) 624-3515
|
|
|
|
Wyoming Road Maps (WY Maps)
Wyoming Photos