Grand Teton National Park preserves an amazing landscape, which dazzles the eye. At its center stands the park’s eponymous mountain range, as well as the valley colloquially known as Jackson Hole. Yellowstone might be Wyoming’s most famous landmark, but Grand Teton is its most beautiful. Preserved within the park’s 310,000 acres, are pristine alpine lakes, mountain meadows, and the jagged peaks of the Grand Teton range. Take a drive through the park and it’s impossible not to marvel at the beauty of Grand Teton National Park.
https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Tetons, is the suddenness with which they appear. Absent any foothills, the Grand Teton Mountains rise abruptly from the valley floor, reaching a maximum elevation of 7,000 feet. The range extends for only 40 miles, but their distinctive shape make them some of the most treasured mountains on the continent. In place of the more customary foothills, the Tetons are bordered by a series of glacial lakes, each more stunning than the last.
While Grand Teton National Park preserves a landscape of unparalleled beauty, it also stands as a monument to the preservation efforts required to protect it. While its neighbor to the north achieved fame as the world’s first national park, preserving Grand Teton required immense effort and creativity. Grand Teton National Park was originally formed in 1929, but the original legislation only protected the mountains themselves, which had little economic value. Jackson Hole on the other hand remained in private hands.
During the 1930’s, John D. Rockefeller Jr. began acquiring land throughout Jackson Hole, under the guise of his Snake River Land Company. Rockefeller would later donate the land to the federal government, which was used to create Grand Teton National Monument. In 1950, the national monument was merged into the national park, creating the continuous tract of land we enjoy today. In recognition of Rockefeller’s contributions, the scenic parkway connecting the park with Yellowstone was designated the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, itself an official unit of the National Park Service.
While Grand Teton offers no shortage of recreational opportunities, including over 200 miles of hiking trails, I personally enjoyed exploring the park by car. Drive the park’s main road and you’ll encounter a plethora of scenic views, with each stop providing a different perspective of the Tetons. Along the way you’ll enjoy views of Jenny Lake, Oxbow Bend, Snake River, and Jackson Lake. There’s also no shortage of opportunities to spot wildlife, with bears, moose, elk, and pronghorn spread throughout the park.
I only had one day to explore Grand Teton National Park, but it definitely left a lasting impression. There were undoubtedly things I didn’t get to see, but that gives me something to look forward to on my return visit. It’s also worth noting that a trip to Grand Teton is probably best accomplished in conjunction with a visit to Yellowstone National Park. The northern reaches of Grand Teton are located only a few miles from Yellowstone’s southern entrance, making it very easy to split your time between parks. Yellowstone may be better known, but I assure you Grand Teton is equally worthy of a spot on your bucket list.
https://tripacrossamerica.com/yellowstone-national-park-crown-jewel-of-the-national-park-syste
Wyoming sure is beautiful. We would take a drive up there from Colorado every once in a while. Just gorgeous.