Grand Teton National Park
Overview
Grand Teton National Park protects stunning mountain scenery and a diverse array of wildlife. The central feature of the park is the Teton Range, an active, fault-block, 40-mile long mountain front. The range includes eight peaks over 12,000-feet, including the Grand Teton at 13,770-feet. Seven morainal lakes run along the base of the range, and more than 100 alpine lakes can be found in the backcountry. Elk, moose, pronghorn, mule deer, and bison are commonly seen in the park. Black bears are common in forested areas, while grizzlies are occasionally observed in the northern part of the park. More than 300 species of birds can be observed, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt vertical rise of the jagged Teton Range contrasts with the horizontal sage-covered valley and glacial lakes at their base, creating world-renowned scenery that attracts nearly four million visitors per year.
Activities
Boating
Motorboats are permitted on Jenny (10 horsepower maximum) and Jackson lakes. Human-powered vessels are permitted on Jackson, Jenny, Phelps, Emma Matilda, Two Ocean, Taggart, Bradley, Bearpaw, Leigh and String lakes. Please contact the park for boating permits.
Bicycling
Biking is a popular activity in the park. The multi-use pathway opened to the public in 2009. The pathway section from the Dornans property line in Moose to South Jenny Lake has been completed and more phases are being planned. The pathway is open seasonally after snow has melted from surface and park maintenance workers have swept it. Pathway opening dates may vary depending on the snow melt-off.
Some roads in the park have only a very narrow shoulder, or lack one altogether. Extreme caution must be used. Download the Biking brochure for a map of suggested routes and be sure to follow the guidelines listed on the park website.
Auto/Motorcycle
Many turnouts along park roads offer exhibits on park geology, wildlife and plants. Turnouts also provide safe places to enjoy scenic views and take photographs. Do not stop in the middle of the road to view wildlife. The Teton Park Road follows the base of the Teton Range from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction. The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive skirts Jenny Lake and provides spectacular views of the peaks; the scenic drive is one-way and begins just south of String Lake. Access the scenic drive by driving south at the North Jenny Lake Junction. The Signal Mountain Summit Road climbs 800 feet (242 meters) to panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole valley and Jackson Lake.
Watch for large animals on the road. Drive slowly at night. Elk, bison, and mule deer frequently migrate at night and may be difficult to see. Moose use roads as travel corridors. Hitting a large animal at highway speeds has resulted in fatal accidents. Careful driving protects you and the wildlife. Always wear your seatbelt.
Camping
There are six campgrounds at Grand Teton National Park.
Colter Bay Campground is open from May to September. It is 25-miles north of Moose, with 350 sites, 11 group sites, trailer dump station, showers, and laundry nearby. Fills in the afternoon, if at all. Colter Bay is a wooded campground with larger sites and easier access if you are traveling with a camper, trailer, or RV. Close to Jackson Lake with plenty to do close by.
Flagg Ranch Campground is open from late May to mid-September. Located in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, just south of Yellowstone National Park's south boundary and five miles north of Grand Teton National Park. 175 sites in the spruce-fir forest, full hook-up RV sites (20 amp electric). Call for reservations for both trailer sites and tent sites.
Gros Ventre Campground is open early May to early October. It is 11.5-miles south and east of Moose, with 350 sites, 5 groups sites, and a trailer dump station. Generally fills in the evening, if at all. The campground lies along the Gros Ventre River with a mix of sites in sagebrush, beneath cottonwoods and adjacent to but a short distance from the river.
Jenny Lake Campground is open mid-May to early October. It is eight miles north of Moose, 49 sites, tents only. This is the park's most popular campground and is generally full by 11 a.m. Sites are in among the evergreens and glacial boulders a short distance from Jenny Lake. Only one vehicle, less than 14-feet long, is permitted per site. Trailers are prohibited.
Lizard Creek Campground is open mid-June until early September. At the north end of Grand Teton National Park, about 32-miles north of Moose, has 60 sites and rarely fills. A less heavily developed campground with sites in the spruce and fir forest. One side of the campgound is adjacent to and slightly above Jackson Lake. Vehicle size limited to 30-feet.
Signal Mountain Campground is open from early-May until mid-October. It is 16-miles north of Jenny Lake, 86 sites, and a trailer dump station. Fills by about mid-afternoon. Signal Mountain offers a mix of spruce and fir trees, hillsides, and lake and mountain views. Adjacent to Signal Mountain Lodge and marina with a campstore and amenities close by. Sites are generally small and intimate. Vehicles size limited to 30-feet.
Colter Bay and Flagg Ranch trailer villages have full hook-ups, showers and laundry. Colter Bay has 112 sites. Flagg Ranch has 100 trailer and 75 tent sites. Advance reservations are advised.
Climbing
Permits are not required for mountaineering, but climbers on overnight trips must have a backcountry permit to camp or bivouac. Download the Backcountry Camping brochure for more detailed information.
Fishing
Fishing is regulated according to Wyoming state laws. A license is required.
Hiking
Hiking in Grand Teton National Park can be a challenging experience due to the rugged nature of the landscape, including high elevation, steep trails and extreme and sudden weather changes. Download the hiking brochure for more detailed information.
Horseback Riding
Commercial horseback rides are available from park-authorized businesses. Stock use is permitted in some areas of the park, with limitations.
Picnicking
Picnicking is available at campgrounds and throughout the park.
Water Sports
Sailboats, water skiing and windsurfers are allowed only on Jackson Lake.
Wildlife Watching
It seems that wildlife is never far away in Grand Teton National Park. Being a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, large variety exists in the park. Marmots, golden eagles and black bears all call Teton home. On the valley floor, a herd of bison graze as a coyote trots among the sagebrush, looking for a meal. Along the Snake River, an osprey dives into the water with talons extended, rising with a cutthroat trout. In meadows, a moose browses the tender buds of willows that grow in this water-rich environment.
Winter Sports
Skiing and snowshoeing are popular activites in the park during the long winter months. December through March, rangers offer guided snowshoe hikes from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.
Seasonality/Weather
Jackson Hole has long, cold winters. The first heavy snows fall by November 1 and continue through March; snow and frost are possible during any month. Mid-April, May and June have mild days and cool nights alternate with rain and occasional snow. Valley trails are snow covered until late May. July and August have warm days and cool nights prevail, with afternoon thundershowers common. September - November has sunny days and cold nights alternate with rain and occasional snow storms. December - mid-April has days that are sunny and nights that are frigid. Snow blankets the mountains and valley. Vehicles with four-wheel drive or all-weather tires are recommended for winter travel, roads may be closed during blizzards. Drive at or below posted speed limits at all times; moose and other wildlife are often seen crossing roads during the winter.
Park Partners
Grand Teton Association
Grand Teton Association (GTA) was founded in 1937 as a Cooperating Association to provide informational materials to be sold to park visitors. All sales items are approved by the Park Service and must serve educational and interpretive functions. Under this continued authority, space is provided in National Park Service buildings.
(307) 739-3403Forever Resorts
Forever Resorts operates Signal Mountain Lodge, waterfront retreats, cabins and bungalows. The Lodge offers three shops: the Needles Gift Store, Timbers Gift Store and the Trails Camp Store. Trails offers everything you need to set off on your backwoods adventure! With camping gear, gasoline, snacks, ice and fishing supplies you will be more than ready to explore Teton. Needles features a variety of souvenirs, including Native American jewelry and handmade art. Timbers offers everything you need to remember you Teton vacation, including apparel.
There are many concessions offered at the Grand Tetons. Please check the website for details. http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/concessions.htm
(307) 543-2831Directions
Driving
From Salt Lake City, Utah there are three options: (approximately 275 miles/5-6 hours)
1) I-15 to Idaho Falls. 2) Highway 26 to Swan Valley. 3) Highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass to Victor. 4) Highway 22 over Teton Pass, through Wilson to Jackson. You will see a sign in Swan Valley directing you to Jackson via Highway 26 to Alpine Junction, ignore the sign and follow the signs to Victor/Driggs, Idaho
If you would like to avoid the 10% grade of Teton Pass: 1) Highway 26 from Idaho Falls to Swan Valley. 2) Continue on Highway 26 to Alpine Junction. 3) Highway 26/89 to Hoback Junction. Highway 26/89/191 to Jackson.
OR 1) I-80 to Evanston. 2) Highway 89/16 to Woodruff, Randolph, and Sage Creek Junction. 3) Highway 30/89 to Cokeville and then Border. 4) Continue on Highway 89 to Afton, and then to Alpine Junction. 5) Highway 26/89 to Hoback Junction. 6) Highway 26/89/191 to Jackson
From Denver, Colorado there are two options: (approximately 550 miles/9-10 hours)
1) I-25N to Cheyenne. 2) I-80W through Laramie to Rock Springs. 3) Highway 191 North through Pinedale. 4) Highway 191/189 to Hoback Junction. 5) Highway 191 to Jackson.
1) I-25N to Fort Collins. 2) Highway 287 North to Laramie. 3) I-80W to Rawlins. 4) Highway 287 to Muddy Gap Junction. 5) Continue on Highway 287 to Jeffrey City, Lander, Fort Washakie, Crowheart, and Dubois. 6) Highway 287/26 over Togwotee Pass to Moran. 7) Highway 26/89/191 to Jackson.
Flying
The closest airports to the park are: Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming (JAC), Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA) and Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC).
Public Transportation
Shuttle services to and from Jackson are available from Salt Lake City, Utah; Pocatello, Idaho; and Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(307) 739-3300Links
Official URL
http://www.nps.gov/grte- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page
