By A Web Design
Grand Teton
One of the most fabulous parks in the National Park System is Grand Teton National Park located just south of Yellowstone Park in northwestern Wyoming. The origin of the name of the park is just as interesting as the park itself. The mountain range was mistakenly named by a French trapper who felt that some hills in the area of Arco, Idaho were reminiscent of the female anatomy and thus the word Tetons which is French for nipples was given to those hills. Years after that the name was incorrectly given to the mountains now within The Grand Teton National Park on a map!
Grand Teton National Park is considered one of the most picturesque and beautiful areas in the western United States. Visitors come from all over the country and the world for all the activities the park has to offer. While in Teton you can enjoy activities such as camping, biking, climbing, fishing, cross country snow skiing, horseback riding and hiking.
Within its 484 mile area is 200 miles of perfect hiking trails encompassing all level of hiking skill. No matter how serious or casual a hiker you may be, there is a trail within the park just for you. And, all along those trails are fabulous examples of flora and wildlife that will amaze and astound you. There are over 1,000 species of plants within the park and you could see everything from coyotes and moose to red squirrels and black bear.
Rising up straight out of the earth's floor at Jackson Hole Wyoming, the Grand Tetons display an impressive vista that have been photographed and painted by some of the world's most renowned artists. And, with good reason as Grand Teton National Park offers some of the most resplendent and lush scenery anywhere in America. It's no surprise it would inspire those of an artistic constitution to be inspired by its beauty. Of course you don't have to be an artist to be inspired to try out a little hiking, biking camping or alpining in Grand Teton. Let's not forget the skiing. Some of the best back country and free skiing in North America can be had in Grand Teton National Park.
There are so many reasons to visit the Grand Teton National park. Truly there is something for every one of all ages to do in and around the Tetons. You will find ample choices of lodging, restaurants and interesting shops to explore surrounding the area as well. This is definitely one of the finest parks in the United States.
Trying to determine exactly where to go and what to do is one of the biggest challenges that people are faced with while vacationing in Grand Teton National Park. The following is a suggested list of the top ten things to do in this remarkable park. This valuable information will help make your trip to Grand Teton National Park one of the best vacations of your life.
Please note that the order of this list is not based on "most favorite to least favorite", but rather the order in which these attractions are found along highway 89 from north to south.
1. Colter Bay
Colter Bay on Jackson Lake may very well be one of the most picturesque bays in America, having the magnificent Teton Mountain Range as its backdrop. This beautiful marina offers boating, canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking and much more.
2. Jackson Lake Lodge
The best part about this famous lodge is the iconic view of the Teton Range from its back deck. This vantage point overlooks the famous Willow Flats with towering peaks in the background. These fabled flats offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the park- including elk, moose, grizzly bears and wolves.
3. Oxbow Bend
The Snake River's Oxbow Bend is without question the most photographed scene in Grand Teton National Park. The river widens dramatically here, and the enormous Mount Moran and neighboring peaks reflect perfectly in the water on a calm morning.
4. Signal Mountain
The Signal Mountain Area of Grand Teton National Park offers a tremendous 360 degree view from the top of this well placed mountain. The road that takes you to the summit is paved and easy to navigate. This area is also home to the popular Signal Mountain Lodge, as well as a nice campground nestled near the shore of Jackson Lake.
5. String Lake
Located directly at the base of the Teton Mountain Range, String Lake is a popular place for swimming, canoeing and picnicking. The jagged Teton peaks towering directly above you make for a perfect backdrop as you enjoy the area. String Lake is also the trailhead to the classic hike up Paintbrush Canyon and Paintbrush Divide.
6. Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake is where the most popular hike in the park begins, which is the hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. If you enjoy easy hikes with breathtaking scenery, this is a "must do" while visiting Grand Teton National Park. There is also a shuttle boat that takes visitors across Jenny Lake which is very popular and shortens the distance of their hike considerably.
7. Taggart Lake Trail
This short but incredibly scenic trail has one of the most beautiful backdrops in the park. Grand Teton Peak, as well as several other enormous mountains, seem to pose for you as you work your way to Taggart Lake.
8. Moose Junction
Located near the southern end of Grand Teton National Park, Moose Junction offers several fun things to do and see, including an amazing visitor center, an authentic outdoor chuck wagon, and a scenic drive through incredible moose habitat.
9. Highway 89 Overlooks
Between Moose Junction and Moran Junction, highway 89 offers some of the best views of the Teton Mountain Range found anywhere in the park. This scenic drive has 7 scenic overlooks and turnouts, and are all worth the time to enjoy.
10. Jackson, Wyoming
Yes, the tourist town of Jackson, Wyoming is definitely a "must see" while vacationing in Grand Teton National Park. Located 4 miles south of the park's southern border, this "cowboy town" is full of gift shops, clothing and outdoor stores, galleries, restaurants, whitewater rafting guides, hotels and much more. Jackson is a great place to visit, and is an important part of the Grand Teton experience.
