Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming

This article originally appeared on National Park Trips

Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt vertical rise of the jagged Teton Mountains contrasts with the horizontal sage-covered valley and glacial lakes at its base.

It took more than 30 years for Grand Teton National Park to transform from an idea to one of the country’s most stunning parks. When Congress created the park in 1929, it only included the Teton Range and six glacial lakes. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., played a key role in acquiring an additional 35,000 acres for the park under the name “Snake River Land Co.” Amid controversy the “new” Grand Teton National Park was established Sept. 14, 1950, by President Harry Truman.

Grand Teton National Park and its world-class scenery attracts nearly 4 million visitors per year. With Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake at 6,320 feet and the summit of the Grand Teton at 13,770 feet, the park’s elevation ranges create one of the nation’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. In addition to gazing at the incredible views, there is much to do in this park from hiking and rock climbing to boating and fishing. And when you need a break from outdoor adventure, there are few better places to simply relax and watch the park’s incredible wildlife.

The northern end of the park is just a few miles from the South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway, so for those coming from Yellowstone, the park is incredibly easy to access. The southern end stretches a few miles short of Jackson, Wyo., a vibrant mountain town full of high-end boutiques, great restaurants and hotels for a range of budgets. For those looking for a fun, in-town experience where nearly everything is in walking distance, Jackson is the place to be.

For those enamored by all things skiing, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village offers summer activities like scenic tram rides and lift-accessed mountain biking. Just 12 miles northwest of Jackson, it also offers lodging. Teton Village is literally a few minutes from the park’s southern entrance, the Granite Canyon Entrance, giving you easy access in and out of the park. Otherwise, stay in one of Grand Teton National Park’s lodges or campgrounds.

Grand Teton Visitor Centers

Within the park, there are six visitor centers where you can learn more about the park’s unique history and how to make the most of your stay. Each offers a variety of different services. Some have book stores, exhibits, backcountry permit stations, special programs and restrooms. The visitor centers are located near the various entrances to the park and include the Jenny Lake Ranger Station, Colter Bay Visitor Center, Flagg Ranch Information Station, Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center. You’ll find the Flagg Ranch Information Center at the north end of the park near Yellowstone’s South Entrance. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is located at the park’s southern end.

Quick tips:

Grand Teton Lodge Company offers activities, dining, and unsurpassed beauty in the heart of Grand Teton National Park.

One of the best ways to enjoy the park is to take a guided tour with one of the expert guide services. Eco-Tour Adventures offers half-day and all-day tours focused on wildlife and all the scenic hot spots.

Spend a day in Teton Village: With shopping, dining, family-friendly activities, free evening entertainment, and Sunday evening concerts, Teton Village has it all. Try Frisbee golf or the bungee trampoline, scale the climbing wall, explore fun hiking and biking trails, and ride the Tram to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain.

Download a Park Map

Download the official Grand Teton National Park Map PDF

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