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Grand Teton National Park Map

by Aakash singh

The following content on Grand Teton National Park is licenced from National Geographic's Guide to National Parks of the United States (9th Edition).

IF WE IMAGINE what mountains should look like, these are the ones. Snowcapped crags sharpened by glaciers rise abruptly above the sage-covered plain of Grand Teton National Park. A chain of alpine lakes filled with trout sparkles at their feet, while the Snake River winds smooth and fast through tree-lined channels. A gentler range stands to the east; together with the Tetons it encloses the valley called Jackson Hole.


Established February 26, 1929
310,000 Acres
Grand Teton National Park Map

This national park is named for a single mountain, the Grand Teton, 13,770 feet high and the central summit of the Teton Range. It forms, with its immediate neighbors to the south, a sort of alpine triumvirate, the Three Tetons. These mountains and others in the range were called Pilot Knobs by fur trappers some 200 years ago because they could be seen from miles away, in all directions. Other notable peaks include Teewinot, an elegantly descriptive Shoshone term that means “many pinnacles.”

Grand Teton National Park Map

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Beyond spectacular scenery, the Tetons possess everything a mountain landscape should have. Abundant wildlife includes moose, elk, bison, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, grizzly and black bears, beavers, otters, eagles, and osprey. Vegetation varies with altitude. Sagebrush and cottonwoods thrive on the valley floor. Spruce, pine, and aspen trees climb the mountain slopes. Alpine meadows strewn with wildflowers like spilled treasure occupy the heights and waterfalls, glacial lakes, a dozen glaciers, and numerous mountain creeks complete the scene.

How to Visit

If you have one day, drive the Teton Park Road. Start with the visitor center at Moose, then drive north to the newly refurbished Jenny Lake area, stopping for short walks and to pause at scenic viewpoints. Make a loop of it by continuing to Jackson Lake and returning to Moose via Moran Junction. On a second day, hike to one of the morainal lakes— Bradley, Taggart, Leigh, or Phelps. For longer hikes, consider the canyons— Cascade, Death, Granite, and others. Float the Snake River, or rent a canoe at Colter Bay and explore the islands in Jackson Lake.

Wherever you go, it is imperative to respect wildlife viewing distance rules: Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife. In addition, carry bear spray, have it accessible, and know how to use it.

Useful Information

How to get there

From Jackson, drive north on U.S. 89/26/191 to the main visitor center and entrance station at Moose. From Yellowstone, U.S. 89/287 enters the park via John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Pkwy. Jackson Hole Airport is in the park.

When to go

July and Aug. see peak visitation. Wildflowers are abundant. Afternoon thunderstorms keep things fresh. Roads are plowed usually by early May, with snow lingering into June. Sept. and Oct. bring lots of sun, frosty nights, and good wildlife viewing. Winter is as beautiful as it is challenging. Snow falls deep and temperatures drop into the sub-zero range. It’s the time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Most of Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road close for the winter season.

Visitor Centers

There are five visitor centers: Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, at Moose, open daily spring through fall (check with park for dates); Jenny Lake, mid-May to late Sept.; Colter Bay, mid-May through Sept.; Laurance Rockefeller Preserve, June to late Sept.; Flagg Ranch, June through Aug.

Headquarters

P.O. Box 170 Moose, WY 83012 nps.gov/grte 307-739-3300

Camping

The park has five campgrounds, all run by concessionaires; most open early to mid-May and close early to mid-Oct. Backcountry camping is also an option; permits are required (recreation.gov).

Lodging

Grand Teton’s excellent website offers details on the variety of park accommodations (nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/ lodging.htm). Many other lodging options exist in and around Jackson (jacksonholechamber.com; 307-733-3316).

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About the Guide

 National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States 9th Edition
Bask in the spectacular beauty, thrilling terrain, and quiet peacefulness of the country’s finest state parks, hand- picked by park directors and National Geographic editors. This fully updated fifth edition includes 750 additional off- the-beaten track destinations. Beautifully written descriptions tell the stories of the parks, from their wildlife, natural features, and history to their most popular current activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, water sports, and rock climbing. Vivid images inspire your next getaway, while detailed information–including 32 detailed maps highlighting sites, trails, campgrounds, and more– helps you plan your next excursion. From free to low-cost, from Florida to Alaska, from the six-acre lao Valley to the 204,000-acre Baxter, use this essential guide to plan a day visit or a weekend escape.
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