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Grand Teton - Wyoming
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Descriptive:
The Grand Teton mountain range has almost no foothills: the steep peaks jut abruptly up from the earth in western Wyoming and stretch for forty miles. The range dominates the landscape of the surrounding area. A mere seven miles from Yellowstone, the craggy, snowclad face of the Tetons, with their hidden timber-lined lakes are peculiarly reminiscent of the Alps.
Touted as being some of the best mountain climbing in the country, a mountaineer's Eden, the Tetons provide the finest opportunies for all levels of climber.
Vegetation:
Cottonwood
Lodgepole pine
Spruce trees
Aspen
Willows
Sagebrush
Lupines
Balsamroot
Larkspur
Columbine
Bluebells
Pink daisies
Wildlife:
Bison
Pronghorn
Deer
Elk
Black bear
Moose
Mule
Beaver
Weasel
Birds:
Sage grouse
Bald eagles
Geese
Ducks
Trumpeter swan
Key locations:
At the foot of craggy Teewinot mountain, Jenny Lake is a starting point for numerous trailheads. Starting with excellent views of the Teton range the views remain spectacular as you walk around Jenny Lake, past Hidden Falls, to the breathtaking Inspiration Point. From here, Cascade Canyon trail begins where it forks with the Teton Crest Trail, which is a mountainous hike that traverses the range, passing the Grand, Middle and South Tetons. Or you may want to continue the trail north, running adjacent to String Lake, past the sparkling Leigh Lake, to a close-up view of Falling Ice glacier. Or, again, you may choose to walk past the feet of the giant, the 12,500 foot high, flat-topped Mount Moran, to reach a smaller, but nevertheless blissful lake, Lake Solitude. Also, a boat leaves from South Jenny Lake Junction several times an hour; there is nothing quite as idyllic as being cradled in this magnificent scenery on the lake's surface.
The highest peak in the Tetons is the Grand Teton, at almost 14,000 feet in elevation. A straight-on view can be seen at the Glacier Gulch Turnout, or by enjoying a tranquil walk through Lupine Meadows which heads straight for the base. The three Tetons, the Grand, Middle and South, are the tallest peaks in the range, and tower over the valley below.
Ampitheater Lake offers commanding views of the Teton Glacier and can be reached either through Lupine Meadows or up past Taggart and Bradley Lakes. Though truly rewarding, this is a strenuous climb, and an ice axe is definitely needed in the winter months.
Signal Mountain offers a stunning view across Jackson lake at another set of three glorious peaks: Eagles Rest, Raynolds and Rolling Mountain. Due to limited access, the area surrounding these peaks are some of the wildest and most remote of the Park. Also fromSignal Mountain, excellent views can be had of Snake River, as it cuts its meandering path around the peak's base.
Activities:
Backcountry hiking
Horseback riding
Mountain climbing
Snow-shoeing
Cross-country skiing
Downhill skiing
Trails:
Amphitheater Trail
Death Canyon
Cascade Canyon Trail
Teton Crest Trail
Campsites:
Colter Bay
Gros Ventre
Jenny Lake
Lizard Creek
Signal Mountain
Nearby Sites:
Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area
National Elk Refude
Targhee National Forest
Teton National Forest
