Grand Teton National Park

If you plan to see Yellowstone National park in Wyoming, take the time and effort to go a little farther south to see Grand Teton National park. The Grand Teton are a series of impressive mountains with distinct peaks. Discovered by a French trapper, they were named after the anatomy of a woman and the name stuck. But perhaps most impressive is the gradual incline of these mountains from the valley some fifty miles away and no hills at their base.

Part of the Rocky Mountains, the area has over 100 backcountry lakes and was designated a National Park in 1929. The highest peak is 13,770 feet (4,197 m) high and another eight peaks are over 12,000 ft (3,658 m) above sea level.

The nearest town is Jackson Hole, named after a man named Jackson who “hole-up” there in wild west days. Before that, members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition were the first white men to see the area. Homesteaders came but soon found the growing season too short for the usual farmer.

The most exciting event in the area was the passing of a meteor fireball in 1972. However, there was no explosion nor has anyone found a crater. Some believe the meteor bounced back out of earth’s atmosphere. Animal lovers may be treated to sightings of moose, coyote, red squirrel, black bear, elk, and wolves. Also, the Grand Teton hosts over 1000 species of plants and trees. If you decided to see the Grand Teton, plan your trip wisely. The snow begins to fall by the first of November and continues through March. In the summer, 70s and 80s are common with evenings that cool down to around 40 degrees. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Jenny Lake is beautiful and a popular place from which hikers can try 230 miles of trails, such as the Cascade Canyon Trail, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

Winter Recreation offers Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing.

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by Marti talbott

Marti Talbott’s Stories

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