Grand Teton National Park
The jagged peaks, sparkling lakes, and sprawling meadows that sit just 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park are the home to one of the most scenic and busiest parks in America, Grand Teton National Park.
Grand Teton National Park, located in northwestern Wyoming, protects over 310,000 acres of land comprised of its namesake mountains, crystal clear lakes, expansive meadows, and impressive wildlife. This glacially formed National Park sees over 2.8 million visitors annually, who come from all over the world to view the impressive landscape.
Established in 1929, Grand Teton National Park has become a destination for casual visitors and adventurous explorers alike. With over 200 miles of trail found within the park, including exceptional backcountry hiking through the Teton Range, as well as world-class trout fishing, boating, cycling, mountaineering, and more, Grand Teton National Park offers an array of activities for virtually every visitor.
Grand Teton National Park is open 24 hours a day and requires a $35 entrance fee. As a note, visitors entering the park from Yellowstone National Park to the north will not encounter an entrance gate as they enter Grand Teton National Park. The park offers multiple visitor centers located throughout its boundaries, all of which can be accessed off the main roads cutting through the park, Teton Park Road, and Route 191. Additionally, multiple lodging options exists within Grand Teton National Park. From the basic campground and rustic Climbers Ranch to the full service Jackson Lake Lodge, there is a room for everyone within the park. Much like the vast array of lodging options, Grand Teton National Park has an assortment of restaurants found throughout the park, as well.
With over 1000 species of plants and 61 species of mammals, plus the over 300 species of birds found within the park, the majestic mountains are not the only sights found in this regal landscape. Grand Teton National Park is also home to perhaps the most famous bear in the world, Grizzly 399. Grizzly 399 and her many cubs can sometimes be found within the park, which will be unmistakeable due to the over 40 wilderness photographers who follow this incredible bear.
The long and narrow geography of the park’s boundaries make Grand Teton National Park incredibly easy to explore. Getting from the fantastic views of Colter Bay at the north end of the park to the many trails and sights found at Death Canyon in the southern end of the park simply requires a short drive down Teton Park Road. For those looking to venture into the namesake mountains, the Jenny Lake Shuttle is very convenient. One thing to note is the Jenny Lake area of the park can get extremely crowded during peak season. Although it offers a massive parking area, any visitors arriving to Jenny Lake after 10 am may find it difficult to park.
While the geological history of Grand Teton National Park is astounding, there is also a rich cultural history tied to the roots of this park. This glacial-formed landscape contains some of the oldest known rocks in the National Park System, some dating back 2.6 million years! Additionally, this land was heavily used by Native Americans and has a deep history centered in fur trading.
Often overshadowed by its National Park big brother to the north- Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park offers a jaw dropping experience into one of the most picturesque landscapes in America. The sharp, jagged ridgeline of the Teton Range is emblematic of the rugged West, and combined with its deep blue lakes, and elk-filled meadows, Grand Teton National Park is truly a wonder to behold!