Grand Teton National Park exists at the heart of an 18 million acre expanse known as the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Located in northwest Wyoming and 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton is home to the famous Teton ranges and the valley known as Jackson Hole. Wildlife is abundant here with over 300 species of birds and many mammals like elk, mountain sheep, beavers, wolves and bears
From the tips of the Teton range to the valley of Jackson hole the park spreads across some of the most stunning and recognizable scenery in the United States. While traveling through this wild and spacious country the Teton range is ever present. Imposing snow capped craggy peaks funneling crisp, clean air the overall atmosphere provokes a sense of timeless majesty. Formed by the actions of still active geologic processes and ice age glaciers, sapphire lakes mirror the giant Teton peaks in crystal clear waters.
While Jackson lake dominates in size several smaller lakes add their own captivating beauty. The pristine lakes are just one of the aquatic forces that help shape the landscape. The Snake River trickles from a spring near the southern boundary of Yellowstone National Park to become what early mountain men called the mad river. From the shores of Jackson Lake the Snake River flows for 1,056 miles before joining the Columbia river near the Idaho-Oregon border.
Compared to other mountains, the 50 mile Teton range is small in scale. Just nine of the Teton’s primary peaks rise above 12 thousand feet and only the Grand Teton exceeds 13,000 feet. It’s the emotional impact of the Teton range that makes it grand. Because the mountain range lacks foothills, the mountains appear to rise straight out of the lakes. Hikes and walks allow visitors to actively engage in the surrounding area with scenes scripted for a postcard or a photographers camera. Geology experts theorize the Teton range began to uplift and form about 8 million years ago as a result of earthquakes and shifts along the Teton fault. Mere youngsters in the geologic sense, their short history and on-going activity reflect dynamic forces and constant change in the vibrant region.
While the Teton range is geologically young, the granite core of the mountains date back over 2 billion years. They have been lifted 20,000 feet or more from their subterranean birth places in a process called faulting and uplift. The continued motion over the millennium has created the spectacular topography of the Teton range and valley of the Jackson hole.
Grand Teton embodies beauty and breath-taking mountains evoking a sense of contentment and peace.
Our favorite walk:
Cascade Canyon Trail
Why we love it:
The popular hike takes walkers deep into the Teton Mountain Range to a 200 foot hidden water fall surrounded by stunning views.
Tip:
This trail can be icy even in the summer months- watch your footing and wear sensible sturdy hiking boots. The hidden water fall is hard to find. Take a break, enjoy the scenery and listen for the waterfall, this will help you find it!