Grand Teton National Park

Towering more than a mile above the valley known as Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet above sea level. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet elevation, high enough to support a dozen mountain glaciers. In contrast to the abrupt eastern face, the west side of the range slopes gently, showing the angle of tilt of the Earth's crust. Youngest of the mountains in the Rocky Mountain system, the Teton Range displays some of the North America's oldest rocks.

The rise of the Teton Range as well as the erosion caused by eons of glaciation have created the conditions that allow several plant communities to thrive, from ribbons of green riparian plants bordering rivers and streams, to sagebrush flats, lodgepole pine and spruce forests, subalpine meadows and alpine stone fields. The wide range of plant communities create habitat for a variety of animals, from the tiniest insects, to fish, birds and large and small mammals.

Humans have taken advantage of the mountain setting and its abundant resources for approximately 11,000 years. Early residents occupied the valley during the short spring, summer and fall seasons. During the other eight months of the year, they moved to lower elevations and warmer winter climates. Beginning in the late 1800's, homesteaders, ranchers and later dude ranchers moved into the valley, bringing the technologies of irrigation and insulation, that allowed them to stay through the long, harsh winter.

P.O. Drawer 170
Moose, WY 83012-0170
(307) 739-3300 - Visitor Information
(307) 739-3400 - Visitor Information
(307) 739-3544 - Visitor Information

By Plane
Fly into Jackson Hole Airport via Commercial and charter air service. Local taxi, shuttle and rental car service are available from the airport. Reserve your rental car when reserving your flight. Rentals are often in short supply.

By Car
Visitors may travel east and north from Salt Lake City, UT, east from Boise, ID, or south from western Montana, to Idaho Falls, ID, thence to Teton Pass or up the Snake River Canyon to Jackson, WY, thence north 12 miles to the Moose Visitor Center. Visitors may travel west from Riverton, WY, or Casper, WY, over Togwotee Pass and thence into the park's east entrance. Visitors may also travel south from Yellowstone National Park, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway and through Grand Teton's north entrance. Travel generally involves I-70, I-80, I-25, I-15 and State 191, depending upon actual routes.

By Plane
No public bus or rail service is available to Jackson or Grand Teton National Park. Bus and rail travel arrangements will involve travel by taxi or rental car from considerable distances.

Getting Around
The primary means of getting around the park is by private car. The Grand Teton Lodge Company offers tour bus and some shuttle service. Bicycles are available at several locations for rent. Canoes and other watercraft are also available for rent.

The first heavy snows fall by November 1 and continue through March with snow and frost possible during any month. Summer days in the 70's and 80's with cool nights in the 40's. Summer thunderstorms are common. Mild to cool temperatures through September and October. Raingear recommended during spring, summer and fall. Sub-zero temperatures are common throughout winter and demand multi-layered clothing, hats, mittens and cold weather boots.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Climbing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Snowmobiling

Recommended Activities
Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway offer a variety of activities from traditional mountain park hiking, walking, wildlife viewing, photography, backpacking, camping, climbing and fishing to swimming, boating, floating, canoeing and biking in the summer to skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter. Some activities such as overnight backpacking, boating, floating, canoeing, fishing and snowmobiling require fee permits, licenses or registration. Special regulations may also apply, so take the time to become informed at any visitor center or ranger station.