Grand Teton National Park, National park in northwestern Wyoming, United States
Grand Teton National Park protects the 40-mile Teton Range, whose jagged grey rock face rises about 2,000 metres straight from the Jackson Hole valley floor without foothills. Grand Teton, the highest summit, reaches 4,198 metres, with snow lying in the upper crevices. Dense coniferous forest covers the lower slopes down to the lakes, including 24-kilometre-long Jackson Lake.
Congress created the protected area in February 1929 after years of debate over preserving the mountain range. The park later expanded to include portions of Jackson Hole valley through a private donation of land.
The name Teton likely comes from French fur trappers who traveled through the region in the early 1800s. Today the park attracts photographers and climbers drawn to the clear light and open valley below the peaks.
Three visitor centers offer maps and details about trails and wildlife viewing areas throughout the park. Summer through early fall provides the most accessible conditions, though some high-elevation routes remain snow-covered until July.
The Snake River curves through the protected area and forms Oxbow Bend, a wide river loop where moose and beavers often appear along the shore. On calm mornings the reflection of Mount Moran on the water draws photographers from before dawn.
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