Grand Teton National Park

Transcription

1 Grand Teton National Park Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway lie at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in northwestern Wyoming. The legendary Teton Range, sage-covered Jackson Hole valley, and wild & scenic Snake River provide inspiration and enjoyment for nearly 4 million annual visitors. Majestic peaks, rugged canyons, wildflower meadows, conifer forests, pristine glacial lakes, and the winding rivers combine to offer one of the most iconic Western settings anywhere in North America. The diverse landscape is home to an incredible array of wildlife from grizzly and black bears, wolves, bison, moose, elk and pronghorn antelope, to bald eagles, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes and sage grouse among hundreds of other native animals. In addition to its vast natural resources, there are a variety of cultural resources including historic structures, archeological sites, countless artifacts and two national historic landmarks. Grand Teton National Park reveals a legacy of grand proportions through its spectacular scenery, charismatic wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities. For detailed information, please visit Visitor Centers and Preserves Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center: Dedicated in 2007, this amazing facility serves as a gateway for park exploration, and seeks to welcome, educate and inspire visitors. The center offers trip planning, weather information, permits, and camping information. The center also houses an extensive Grand Teton Association bookstore, original fine art displays, exhibit cases with artifacts from the David T. Vernon Indian Arts collection, and an auditorium presenting a Discovery Communications, Inc. documentary film. Refer to the Grand Teton Guide for a listing of scheduled Interpretive Ranger programs and guided hikes. Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is located near the park s HQ campus in Moose, Wyoming. Colter Bay Visitor Center & Indian Arts Exhibit Room: The renovated visitor center offers trip planning, weather and camping information, permits, and a multitude of interpretive panels and orientation displays. Peruse the Indian Arts Exhibit Room to view 35 items from the David T. Vernon Collection, or view one of the informative programs shown in the Colter Bay auditorium throughout the day. Refer to the Grand Teton Guide for a listing of scheduled Interpretive Ranger programs and guided hikes. The Center is located 25 miles north of Moose, and 20 south of Yellowstone National Park. 1

2 Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve: The Preserve provides a special opportunity to connect with nature in an environment designed to reduce congestion and provide an opportunity for solitude and reflection. The LSR Preserve dedicated in June was donated to Grand Teton National Park by Laurance S. Rockefeller. This incredible gift added 1,106 acres to the park. Between July 2004 and May 2007, thirty buildings, roads, utilities and other structures were removed from the property to restore the land and provide an extraordinary area for the construction of a platinum-level LEED certified interpretive center. Over eight miles of trails access the restored landscape, bringing visitors to the shores of Phelps Lake and beyond. The Preserve is located on the Moose-Wilson Road, approximately four miles south of the Moose entrance station. *Please note parking at the Preserve is limited for a reason, and often full between 10 am and 3:30 pm. The Murie Center of Teton Science Schools: This historical district is chiefly significant for its association with the conservationists Olaus Murie, his wife Margaret (Mardy) Murie, the scientist Adolph Murie, and his wife Louise Murie. This ranch became the center of the modern conservation movement in the late 50s. The Murie family used their homestead as a base for not only scientific study, but also conservation activities and campaigns. Their activism shaped the American conservation movement, leading to the passage of the Wilderness Act in The Center is located one mile south of Moose on the Moose-Wilson Road. During the summer months, docent tours are available Monday-Friday at 2:30pm. Visit online at Activities Biking: A separated pathway extends north from the town of Jackson to Moose Junction and provides options to continue north to Jenny Lake or east to encircle Antelope Flats. Dozens of private business located in Jackson, Teton Village and Moose provide bicycle rentals. Visit online at Climbing: Introductory, intermediate, and advance climbing instruction for an individual, group, or family is offered daily with climbing instructors. Guides are patient and work with all ages and skill levels. An exciting way to get truly attached to the Tetons and learn basic mountaineering techniques. Exum Mountain Guides, or Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, or Fishing: The famous Snake River along with area lakes and streams offer excellent native fishing opportunities. Cutthroat, brown, rainbow, and lake trout can all be caught in the park's waters. Guided fly-fishing trips are available on the area streams and guided lake fishing trips are available on Jackson Lake. Visit online at 2

3 Float Trips: Several concession companies operate scenic raft trips on the Snake River. These generally take 2 to 3 hours and provide an excellent, leisurely way to enjoy spectacular vistas and glimpse park wildlife. For a more thrilling ride, there are also whitewater trips on the lower Snake River, outside the park. Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is a popular activity in Grand Teton National Park. Riding stables are located at Jackson Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village and Flagg Ranch. Many ranches near the park offer horse rentals and riding expeditions into Grand Teton Park. For those not comfortable with horses or those who do not meet the age and eight restrictions, horse drawn wagon rides are available. Both a breakfast and dinner rides are available. Visit online at Kayak and Canoe Rentals: Rentals are available at Colter Bay Marina, Signal Mountain Lodge, and Jenny Lake Boating. Guided kayak tours are available at Colter Bay. Scenic Cruise or Meal Cruises across Jackson Lake: Trips start from the Colter Bay Marina and provide an excellent and relaxing way to get close-up views of the Tetons from the largest lake in the park. Meal cruises are also offered with breakfast, lunch or dinner served at a private location on Elk Island. All trips provide educational opportunities. This activity is provided by the Grand Teton Lodge Company of Vail Resorts. Visit online at Scenic Cruise on Jenny Lake: Park concessioner, Jenny Lake Boating, offers early evening cruises to get incredible views of the Cathedral Group a cluster of the central peaks (Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot Mountain). This concessioner also offers shuttle service to the westshore of Jenny Lake a jumping off point for hiking trails and treks into the backcountry. Visit online at NOTE: The Jenny Lake parking area is very busy and has a significant construction project taking place in The parking capability is reduced significantly. Arriving before 10am will make finding a parking space easier. Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools: Tours are provided in customized vehicles with nature guides knowledgeable in all aspects of Grand Teton National Park. Visit online at 3

4 Hiking - Lakeshore For more details visit online at Taggart Lake-Bradley Lake trail: A 4-mile loop takes hikers to sparkling Taggart Lake, nestled at the base of the Tetons. Elevation gain is approximately 300 feet to the lake. Continuing to Bradley Lake, a slightly larger and more remote lake, will add some distance, slight elevation, and scenic views of Garnet Canyon. Phelps Lake overlook and Death Canyon trail: Access to the dramatic walls of Death Canyon and the secluded waters of Phelps Lake begin from the Death Canyon trailhead. Hikers can trek to a scenic overlook of Phelps Lake (0.9 miles), then continue down to the lake shore and/or continue into the portals (mouth) of Death Canyon itself. String Lake: This is a small lake connecting Jenny and Leigh lakes with a depth of 12 feet. As a result, the water is generally warmer than other lakes in the park and therefore the most popular area for swimming. Several small beaches provide easy access. Many people bring canoes, kayaks, inner tubes and rafts to paddle on the lake. A 3-mile roundtrip trail circles the lake and offers an easy hike option. Leigh Lake: This out-and-back trail offers an easy shoreline hike with magnificent mountain views. The maximum round trip from String Lake parking area is 9.3 miles. Hike as far as you would like; enjoy the white sand beaches along the lake and impressive views of Mt. Moran. The hike begins at the north end of the String Lake parking area. Hermitage Point trails: This nine-mile trail system provides longer loop options including Heron Pond, Jackson Lake Overlook, and Swan Lake. A popular route is a three mile loop to visit Heron Pond and Swan Lake. Stop by the Colter Bay Visitor Center to get a map and a route recommendation. Trails begin at several points in the Colter Bay area, with the main trailhead next to the Colter Bay marina. Hiking - Backcountry Over 250 miles of trails wind throughout the park. In addition to the popular trails listed above, there is an extensive trail system leading into the mountainous backcountry. Stop by a visitor center to talk obtain recent trail conditions - high elevation may require additional precautions. Visit online at 4

5 Scenic Drives Signal Mountain Summit Road: Drive five miles to the top of Signal Mountain for panoramic views of the Teton Range and a 360-degree view of Jackson Hole. This is the highest point in the park accessible by car (7,593 feet), and it offers spectacular views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Alternately, hike the 4-mile trail to the top, leaving from Signal Mountain Lodge. Antelope Flats / Mormon Row Loop Road: The drive out the Antelope Flats Road and Mormon Row offers unique views of the Teton Range, made even more dramatic because of the distance and expansive vista. The park s bison herd tends to roam this area, and coyotes and pronghorn antelope are often spotted in the sagebrush flats. Mormon Row is a dirt road that is home to the extensively photographed Moulton Barn and several other historic cabins used by early settlers to the valley. Park Dining Dinner at Jenny Lake Lodge: Enjoy a relaxing, 5 course gourmet dining experience in a cozy, historic log cabin building. Jenny Lake Lodge has repeatedly earned a four diamond rating by Triple A. Currently the property is recommended for National Historic Landmark designation. Reservations are highly recommended. Visit online at Dinner at Jackson Lake Lodge s Mural Room: Experience excellent cuisine with panoramic views of the Tetons, Jackson Lake and the wildlife of Willow Flats below the Lodge (grizzly bears, moose, elk, and sandhill cranes). Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood and built in 1955 by Rock Resorts, a Rockefeller Family enterprise, Jackson Lake Lodge was designated a National Historic Landmark in Visit online at Dinner at Signal Mountain Lodge s Peaks Dining Room and Trapper Grill: Enjoy sunset views, and often reflections of the Teton Range, from the east shore of Jackson Lake. Broad menu selections such as giant nachos, organic and sustainable options for fish, beef, pork and chicken will entice any palate. Visit online at Leek s Pizzeria: Enjoy one of the best pizzas in the valley as you view Jackson Lake and Teton Mountain Range. Visit online at 5

6 Local activities - Town of Jackson & Teton Village: National Museum of Wildlife Art: This world-famous fine art museum houses an extensive and comprehensive collection of wildlife art. Visiting exhibits come to the museum throughout the year, and permanent collections are periodically rotated. Museum is located 3 miles north of Jackson on Hwy 89. Visit online at JH Rodeo in Jackson Hole: Experience a bit of Wild West action on Wednesday & Saturday nights at 8 p.m. in the town of Jackson. Visit online at Ride the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Tram or Bridger Gondola: Enjoy a breathtaking ride into the Teton alpine. The tram whisks visitors from the valley floor (6,400 ft. elevation) to the top of Rendezvous Mountain (10,450 ft. elevation). The summit offers 360-degree views of Jackson Hole and beyond. Hiking trails provide an alpine ecosystem experience in rarified air. Visit online at Snow King Mountain Cowboy Coaster: Ride a coaster for nearly a mile of loops, curves and hairpin turns. Nearby scenic chairlift rides are also available at Snow King Resort. Visit online at Happy Hour at The Deck: The Deck, located at the top of the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, offers memorable dining experiences with unmatched views. Take a free ride in the gondola after 4:30pm. The Deck offers 2 for 1 drinks, summer appetizers and shared plates from the al fresco kitchen. Visit online at Chuckwagon Dinners: Enjoy Old West atmosphere and a hearty meal accompanied by local music and entertainment. Bar J Wranglers Cookout and Cowboy Music: Visit online at Bar T-5 Chuckwagon Cookout: Visit online at Dornan s Chuckwagon Cookout: Visit online at Local Restaurants: Visit online at Local Event Calendar and More Information Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce: Wyoming Travel and Tourism: 6