Grand Teton National Park
One of America's most scenic locations
Background
Written by Jackie Skaggs, 50th Anniversary Coordinator for The Grand Teton National Park:
“The birth of present-day Grand Teton National Park involved controversy and a struggle that lasted several decades. Animosity toward expanding governmental control and a perceived loss of individual freedoms fueled anti-park sentiments in Jackson Hole that nearly derailed establishment of the park. By contrast, Yellowstone National Park benefited from an expedient and near universal agreement for its creation in 1872. The world’s first national park took only two years from idea to reality; however Grand Teton National Park evolved through a burdensome process requiring three separate governmental acts and a series of compromises.
The original Grand Teton National Park, set aside by an act of Congress in 1929, included only the Teton Range and six glacial lakes at the base of the mountains. • The Jackson Hole National Monument, decreed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt through presidential proclamation in 1943, combined Teton National Forest acreage, other federal properties including Jackson Lake and a generous 35,000-acre donation by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The Rockefeller lands continued to be privately held until December 16, 1949 when impasse for addition to the national park was resolved.
On September 14, 1950, the original 1929 Park and the 1943 National Monument (including Rockefeller’s donation) were united into a “new” Grand Teton National Park, creating present-day boundaries.”
Things to See and Do
Take a hike - There are some great hiking trails in the park. Consider starting your hike earlier in the morning, due to parking lots filling up fast at the more popular trails. The Jenny Lake Loop hike is scenic, and you can choose to only hike part-way around the lake, if you want. Here’s a list of popular hiking trails that you can choose from: https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/hike.htm
Take a bike ride - The Grand Teton Pathway extends from the town of Jackson, north to Antelope Flats Road. At Moose Junction the pathway follows the Teton Park Road to Jenny Lake. There are six hubs along the route with parking and bike racks at Gros Ventre Roundabout, Blacktail Butte, Dornans, Moose, Taggart Lake, and Jenny Lake.
Rent a boat and explore Jackson Lake, and other lakes. There are several places within the park that you can rent a boat, or take a scheduled boat tour. Here’s some more info: https://jennylakeboating.com/
Visit Mormon Row:
Some of the most famous view of Grand Teton NP come from the area known as Mormon Row. In the late 1800’s, Mormon homesteaders settled near Blacktail Butte. They established farms and grew crops using irrigated water.
Today, two picturesque barns highlight Mormon Row. Settlers John and Thomas Alma (T.A.) Moulton built these barns on adjacent homesteads.
Photographers from around the world come to take pics of these buildings, and the surrounding mountains.
Go fishing - Fishing is regulated according to Wyoming state laws and a Wyoming fishing license is required. Licenses may be purchased in the park at Flagg Ranch, Colter Bay Marina, Signal Mountain Lodge, online, or for purchase in the local community at a variety of locations. Make sure to follow the seasonal regulations, and size and catch limits. Enjoy catching some trout!
Feeling more adventurous? Climbing is a popular activity in Grand Teton. Every year, thousands of people visit the park hoping to reach one of the iconic peaks. Climbing in the Teton Range can be a fun experience, but is also a dangerous activity. Be sure to get a permit before you take off into the backcountry for camping and climbing.
Outside of the Park
Visit nearby Yellowstone NP https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
The town of Jackson, WY is a lively tourist town, with plenty of restaurants and bars and stores to keep you busy for a few days. Make sure to visit Jackson’s town square, with its icon elk antler arches. The famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a fun place to grab a beer and some grub (sorry, 21 years old, or older). https://www.milliondollarcowboybar.com/
If you go during the summer. the Jackson Hole Rodeo is a popular attraction. be sure to purchase your tickets early https://jhrodeo.com/
During the winter, grab your snow skiis or snowboard and head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort https://www.jacksonhole.com/
If You Go
The area where Grand Teton NP and Jackson, and Yellowstone NP are all located can get very busy. Plan your stay well in advance. Airports in the area include Jackson Hole Airport (limited airlines and relatively high prices for flights), Idaho Falls, Bozeman, Billings, and Salt Lake City. Be prepared to do a lot of driving, as you are in the wide open West. The closer you get to a park entrance or to Jackson, the more the accomodations will cost.
Live the Wayfarer life! What’s your next adventure?