5 minute read
Wyoming - Grand Teton National Park
Richly scenic with exceptional wildlife, untouched lakes, massive mountains and alpine terrain, Grand Teton National Park is nestled into the northwest corner of Wyoming in Teton County, a few miles south of Yellowstone. Its 310,000 acres of wilderness are crossed by about 200 miles of trails. In conjunction with the surrounding national forest, the three protected areas comprise the almost 18-million-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the planet’s largest intact, mid-latitude, temperate ecosystems. `
The region’s human history is fascinating and rich. Dating back at least 11,000 years, the first hunter-gatherer Paleo-Indians migrated here during warmer months in search of food and supplies. By the time Europeans arrived, tribes — including the Shoshone, Blackfoot, Bannock, Flathead, Blackfoot, Crow, Gros Ventre and Nez Perce — were harvesting bounty from the land. From tales of fur trappers to the stories of homesteaders and ranchers, even its more recent history runs deep.
The Flora And Fauna
Rising more than 7,000 feet above the valley of Jackson Hole, the commanding Teton Range defines the skyline. Ascending from the sagebrush-specked valley floor to the 13,770-foot summit, its forests give way to meadows that come alive with wildflowers when weather warms. Crystal-clear alpine lakes — mirroring mountains — fill amphitheater-like glacial cirques; rushing streams plummet down rocky canyons into pristine lakes at the foot of the mountain range; and the Snake River weaves its way through the valley and across the vast landscape.
Supporting over 1,000 species of vascular plants, Grand Teton is divided into communities of sagebrush flats, like those seen on the valley floor of Jackson Hole; forests in canyons, on mountainsides and along ridges; riparian corridors and wetlands that produce ribbons of green, moistureloving plants along the Snake River; and alpine areas, matted with specially adapted species, like forget-me-nots.
These create habitats for the likes of yellow-bellied marmots, mighty grizzly and black bears, moose, wolves and mountain lions, as well as rarely seen wolverines, over 300 species of birds, and a host of native fish and salamanders. The park also harbors several species of concern, from the bald eagle to the greater sage grouse and gray wolf.
The Weather
Mid-April through June, pleasant days and cool nights alternate with pockets of rain and snow. In fact, trails on the valley are usually covered with the white stuff until late May. The months of July and August are warm, with temps cooling off in the evenings and afternoon thunderstorms a common occurrence. September through November is sunny and cold, offset by rain and occasional snow. Winters are frigid and unforgiving, with snow swathing the mountains and valley and all-winter tires highly recommended but really a must. Roads may close during blizzards.
Conditions can change rapidly here. It’s important to monitor the park’s website for current road, trail and weather conditions.
The Hikes, Drives and Viewpoints
Cascade Canyon Trail
A remarkable, albeit moderately challenging, 9.1-mile route to the Grand Tetons’ Cathedral Group, the Cascade Canyon Trail requires taking the Jenny Lake shuttle boat across the glacially carved, 423-foot-deep water to the trailhead — that is, if you want to cut off roughly 2.4 miles of walking each way via the alternate Jenny Lake Trail. The trek climbs through a pristine conifer forest, crossing Cascade Canyon Creek; passing thundering Hidden Falls; visiting Inspiration Point for a breathtaking perspective of Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole and the Gros Ventre Mountains; entering boulder fields; trekking along ponds frequented by harlequin ducks; and heading to the Forks of Cascade Canyon.
Delta Lake via the Lupine Meadows Access
Hike to beautiful, secluded Delta Lake via the Lupine Meadows Access on a challenging, 8.1 mile out-andback trail that gains 2,300 feet in elevation (about twice the height of the Empire State Building). Located in the southwest corner of the park, it’s an unmaintained trail that’s typically accessible only from June through October due to persistent snowfall. Trek up a series of switchbacks for vistas of Bradley Lake and colorful spring and summer wildflowers. After scrambling through boulder fields for a final 500-foot ascent, you reach the placid, glacial lake.
Jenny Lake Trail
A 7.1-mile-long hiking trail that begins at the Jenny Lake campground and encircles its namesake body of water, the Jenny Lake Trail takes you first along the mostly forested east side of the 423-foot, glacially carved lake for views of Teewinot Mountain, Mount Owen, Cascade Canyon, Storm Point, Symmetry Spire, Mount St. John, Rockchuck Peak and Mount Moran. One of the most popular and easiest hikes in the park, the trail provides access to the Cascade Canyon Trail and is overlapped by the Valley Trail along the lake’s west side.
Taggart Lake & Bradley Lake Loop
A moderate 6-mile option, Taggart Lake and the Bradley Lake Loop winds through aspen-covered moraine before opening up to views of the mighty Tetons.
Hidden Falls Trail
The easy, 4.8-mile Hidden Falls Trail can be shorted a mile by taking the shuttle boat to the Jenny Lake Loop Trail, culminating in a panorama of the roaring 200-foot waterfall that cascades down rocky ledges at the far end of the lake. Continue across a wood bridge to the north side of Cascade Creek before climbing rugged switchbacks up a granite knoll to 7,200-foot Inspiration Point, where you’ll be rewarded with perspectives that extend over Jenny Lake to the Gros Ventre Mountains and the Gros Ventre Slide, a massive 1925 landslide. Other views include Storm Point and Symmetry Spire to the west and, to the southwest, Teewinot Mountain as it looms over Cascade Canyon.
Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes Trail
The 10.1-mile Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail — which climbs 3,000 feet — takes you to two alpine lakes, a journey through meadows and forests and up a series of switchbacks to views of the surrounding peaks.
About the Park
Location - Straddling the IdahoWyoming border
Established - February 26, 1929
Area - 310,000 acres
