Travelers to Grand Teton National Park [1] typically see it at the same time they’re visiting Yellowstone National Park [2] and the town of Jackson [3].
Backcountry hikers [4] are attracted to the scenic canyons and alpine areas within the park, and the 13,772-foot Grand Teton is a goal of mountain climbers [5]. Photographers can’t resist the mountain-and-river Teton Viewpoints [6] that captivated millions of earlier visitors, including Ansel Adams. A couple of days are sufficient to see park sights.
Jenny Lake [7] is one of the most scenic areas in the park. Here a boat transports hikers to Inspiration Point [8], a base for longer explorations into the Tetons. Historic Jenny Lake Lodge has upscale accommodations and gourmet meals; it’s one of several good choices in the park.
Enjoy the view from the summit of Signal Mountain [9], and scan for moose in the sloughs at Oxbow Bend [10]. Bison roam the flats near Mormon Row [11], which has some of the most photographed barns in America with a Teton Range backdrop to die for. Jackson Lake [9] is popular for fishing [12] and boating [13], and rafting the Snake River [14] attracts thousands of people each summer.
The little settlement of Moose [15], on the south end of Grand Teton National Park, is home to park headquarters and the striking Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center [15]. Nearby is the Chapel of the Transfiguration [15], a rustic log church with a dramatic backdrop.
The narrow and winding Moose-Wilson Road [16] heads south to Teton Village, providing access to hiking trails [17] and to the exhibits at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center [16].
Before your visit, contact Grand Teton National Park (307/739-3600, www.nps.gov/grte [18]) for publications and maps, or use the website to learn more about the area.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/yellowstone-national-park
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/jackson-hole/jackson
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/hiking-grand-teton/backcountry-hiking
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/recreation/climbing
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/sights/moran-junction-moose
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/sights/jenny-lake
[8] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/hiking-grand-teton/jenny-lake-area
[9] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/sights/jackson-lake
[10] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/sights/jackson-lake-moran-junction
[11] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/sights/antelope-flats-loop
[12] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/recreation/fishing
[13] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/recreation/boating
[14] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/recreation/rafting
[15] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/sights/moose
[16] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/sights/moose-wilson-road
[17] http://www.moon.com/destinations/yellowstone-grand-teton/grand-teton-national-park/hiking-grand-teton
[18] http://www.nps.gov/grte