Grand Teton National Park

In the late 1800s, Colonel S.B.M. Young, the acting Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, suggested the expansion of Yellowstone's park boundaries towards the south. During the following years, various officials introduced a series of proposals to include the Teton mountain range and Jackson Lake in an enlarged Yellowstone. These proposals were met with fierce opposition by local ranchers, who feared that an expanded park would lead to cuts in their grazing areas.

Around this same time, farmers in the region suggested the damming of Two Ocean, Emma Matilda and Jenny Lakes for irrigation purposes. Ranchers became concerned that if the lakes were dammed, it could lead to the destruction of natural resources by way of increased commercial development. This concern led to a key meeting in 1923, when Yellowstone Superintendent Horace Albright and some local residents decided that they could pool private funds to buy up land. This way, they could lock the land away from developers and preserve the natural character of the Jackson Hole region.

Albright was the only person at the meeting who openly supported a national park. The other attendees wanted to make sure that they could continue to use the land for hunting and ranching. As time went by, public support for a national park grew. This support wasn't unanimous, and there were still many holdouts who would not sell their land to the government. Nonetheless, on February 26, 1929, Grand Teton National Park was signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge.

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. became enamored of the Jackson Hole area and decided to help with Superintendent Albright's plan. Rockefeller created a private company as a front to buy land, using the company to hide both his personal involvement and any links to the federal government. That way, local residents would sell their land to the company, not knowing that it was in fact going to be donated to the National Park Service.

When the true nature of Rockefeller's front company became publicly known, it caused outrage in the area. After many legal battles, this controversy was put to rest with a compromise that allowed limited hunting and grazing within the park, as well as the existence of some privately run guest ranches.

The Wyoming landscape in Grand Teton National Park is stunningly beautiful. This range often represents the entire Rocky Mountain range in countless photographs, postcards, and imaginations. This section of the Rockies is a wondrous playground for climbers, hikers, skiers, and nearly all other outdoor enthusiasts.

Grand Teton National Park has abundant wildlife, but it is most famous for its populations of elk, bison (buffalo), moose and bald eagles.

Jackson Hole hardly seems the same place when one contrasts the winter and summer seasons. The southern end of the valley averages 15 feet of snow in the winter and often reaches balmy 80 °F temperatures in the summer. Temperatures in higher elevations average four degrees Fahrenheit cooler every 1,000 feet in rise. Raingear is recommended during spring, summer and fall. Sub-zero temperatures are common throughout winter and demand multi-layered clothing, hats, mittens and cold weather boots. Vehicles with four-wheel drive or all-weather tires are recommended for winter travel, roads may be closed during blizzards. Drive at or below posted speed limits at all times; moose and other wildlife are often seen crossing roads during the winter.

The first heavy snows may fall by November 1. Between winter storms the days are sunny and the nights are frigid. Average temperatures range from a daily maximum of 29°F to a minimum of 6°F. Ask at the Moose Visitor Center for road closures during blizzards.

During spring mild days and cool nights frequently come with rain or snow. The spring months average 11 days with measurable precipitation. Temperatures typically range from 22°F to 49°F. Valley trails remain snow-covered until late May.

Between the months of June through August the average daily temperature is 76°F, but high-elevation hiking trails don’t melt out until mid-July. Nighttime temperatures can reach the lower 40s. Most of the year’s precipitation falls during the summer months; afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Sun and occasional rain and snow fill the short fall days. The average daily maximum is 54°F while the minimum average is a cool 25°F. The fall months average 23 days that drop below freezing. For a comfortable trip, bring plenty of layered clothing.

• Park website
• 🌍 Colter Bay Visitor Center. A surviving Mission 66 visitor center, the Colter Bay Visitor Center provides great views of Jackson Lake. Inside, view 35 artifacts from the David T. Vernon Indian Arts Collection. The auditorium hosts ranger-led programs and shows a variety of park-related videos throughout the day. Visit this facility for trip planning information, backcountry, or boating permits. Shop at the Grand Teton Association bookstore, attend a ranger-led program, or visit nearby shops and restaurants. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center (12 miles north of Jackson). The grand expanse of the Teton Range rises above the visitor center. Inside, interwoven themes of place, people, preservation, mountaineering and Native American Indians encourage visitors to contemplate the past, present and future of this place. Visit this facility for trip planning information, backcountry or boating permits. Shop at the Grand Teton Association bookstore, enjoy the variety of exhibits and artwork, attend a ranger program or watch a movie about the park. (updated Jul 2020)

• 🌍 Flagg Ranch Information Station. For visitors traveling south from Yellowstone National Park, Flagg Ranch is the first stop for trip planning information. This small wooden cabin is staffed daily during the peak summer season and includes a visitor information area, small sales area, exhibits depicting the Rockefeller legacy and restrooms. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Jenny Lake Ranger Station. In the 1930s, the Jenny Lake Ranger Station and Museum opened as the park’s first visitor facility. Today, climbing rangers provide backcountry safety information, climbing route conditions and perform mountain rescues. A small raised-relief map features the core backcountry area and other exhibits address backcountry risks. A safety video provides visitors with essential information. The ranger station issues backcountry permits to all backcountry users, and sells boat permits. (updated Aug 2020)

• 🌍 Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Harrison Crandall built this cabin in 1921 near the Cathedral Group Turnout as his studio. Today, the visitor center highlights art in the park through Crandall and other artist's work. Visit this facility for trip planning and information. The nearby Jenny Lake Ranger Station offers backcountry and boat permits. Shop the Grand Teton Association bookstore, attend a ranger program or begin your backcountry adventure. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center. The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center allows visitors to learn about Mr. Rockefeller's vision and his legacy of conservation stewardship. Exhibits engage visual, tactile, and auditory senses through a poem by Terry Tempest Williams, audio recordings of Mr. Rockefeller, videos, photography, and a soundscape room. Visitors may relax in the resource room, attend a ranger program, or strike out on a hike to Phelps Lake. The center does not have a sales area or offer permits. (updated Aug 2020)

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC ^IATA) lies within the park boundaries, on the west side of the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway, which carries three US Route designations: 26, 89, and 191. American, Delta, Frontier, and United serve the airport. Some service is seasonal.

The nearest major airport to the park is Salt Lake City International Airport (~6h drive away).

From the north, U.S. Highways 89, 191 and 287 share the same road into the park via Yellowstone National Park. This route is closed from November to April due to snow.

From the south, U.S. Highways 26, 89 and 191 share a road from Jackson.

From the east, U.S. 26 connects to Dubois.

From the west, Grassy Lake Road, a gravel road, connects Ashton, Idaho, to U.S. 89 near the north end of the park. This route is closed during the winter.

Driving Teton Pass, going from Sheridan over to Idaho, is treacherous. It has a steep grade up and down, wide curves, and you can easily miss a turn and drive off if you take your eyes off the road or the sun gets in your eyes.

There are an extensive number of trails entering the park on all sides including the 3100 mile long Continental Divide Trail.

There are turnouts and scenic overlooks throughout the park which offer a good view of Grand Teton's many mountains. Here are just a few highlights:

• 🌍 Oxbow Bend (About a mile east of Jackson Lake Junction). Besides the view of Mt. Moran, many types of birds can be seen here 
• 🌍 Cathedral Group turnout. This turnout offers a great view of the three highest peaks in the Teton range: Teewinot, the Grand Teton and Mt. Owen 
• 🌍 Teton Glacier turnout (About 4 miles north of Moose Junction on Teton Park Road). This turnout highlights the largest glacier in the park. 
• 🌍 Snake River Overlook (This overlook is along U.S. 26/89/191.). Ansel Adams took a famous photograph of the Tetons from this site. 
• 🌍 Schwabacher's Landing (This dirt road, off U.S. 26/89/191, forks into two branches, one labeled for cars, the other for boats. Both branches have parking). They lead to nice views of the Tetons and their reflections in the Snake River. 
• 🌍 Signal Mountain (Turn off the park road south of Jackson Lake Junction.). A fairly narrow paved spur road climbs to a parking area, then a very short walk to the summit gives an excellent 360 degree view of Jackson Hole. 

Besides the mountains, there are other attractions worth seeing:

• 🌍 Menor's Ferry. This is a reconstruction of an 1890s ferry that crossed the Snake River. 
• 🌍 Chapel of the Transfiguration, ☏ +1 307 733-2603. Holy Communionː Sundays 8AM & 10 AM (Memorial Day-Sept.). This Epicopalian log cabin chapel, in a meadow near Moose Junction on Teton Park Road, has a view of the mountains through an altar window. There are also stained glass windows that depict the mountainous landscape. (updated Aug 2020)
• 🌍 Chapel of the Sacred Heart, ☏ +1 307 733-2516. This Catholic chapel, near Jackson Lake Junction, has a rustic feel with its log cabin construction. (updated Aug 2020)

• 🌍 Colter Bay Village (Just off U.S. 89/287), ☏ +1 307 543-2811, toll-free: +1-800-628-9988. Open late May to late September. Facilities range from basic tent cabins to cabins with private baths. Budget to midrange prices. The tents have 4 bunk beds outfitted with decent sleeping pads, but you'll need to provide your own sleeping bag. 
• 🌍 Jackson Lake Lodge (Just off U.S. 89/287), ☏ +1 307 543-2811, toll-free: +1-800-628-9988. Open from late May to early October. Large hotel with on-site restaurants and heated outdoor pool. Many mountain views. Midrange to pricey for this area. 
• 🌍 Jenny Lake Lodge, ☏ +1 307 733-4647, toll-free: +1-800-628-9988. Accessible via North Jenny Lake Junction off of Teton Park Road. Open early June to early October. Upscale to luxurious cabins and suites with on-site restaurant. Expensive. 
• 🌍 Teton Mountain Lodge, 3385 Cody Lane Teton Village, ☏ +1 307-201-6066, toll-free: +1 855-318-6669 (Room reservation). PO Box 564, Teton Village. A slope-side mountain resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that offers rustic lodge rooms and suites. This luxury resort features a luxury spa, extensive meeting facilities, a variety of ski services and fine dining at Cascade Grill House & Spirits. 
• 🌍 Signal Mountain Lodge & Marina, 1 Inner Park Rd, Moran, ☏ +1 307 543-2831. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Jan 2020)

• 🌍 Headwaters Campground and RV Park at Flagg Ranch (South of Yellowstone and 5 miles north of Grand Teton National Park on U.S. 89/191/287), toll-free: +1-800-443-2311. Open May-Sept. 131 sites, 97 sites with electrical hookups. 114 sites can be reserved in advance, 17 sites are first-come, first-served. This campground has facilities for both tent campers and RVs. Located within the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, Flagg Ranch is only two miles south of Yellowstone and five miles north of Grand Teton. Wilderness surrounds the Headwaters development. The upper reaches of the Snake River flow through meadows mixed with open conifer forest. The Yellowstone Plateau rises to the north and Huckleberry Mountain to the east. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Lizard Creek Campground (32 miles north of Moose), toll-free: +1-800-672-6012. Open May-Sept. 60 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Usually fills by about 2PM. Vehicle size limited to 30 feet. A less heavily developed campground with sites in the spruce and fir forest. One side of the campground is adjacent to and slightly above Jackson Lake. This rustic campground is in a remote park of Grand Teton National Park. The campground is 11 miles south of Yellowstone and eight miles north of Colter Bay Village providing easy access to both parks. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Colter Bay Campground (25 miles north of Moose, near Jackson Lake), toll-free: +1-800-628-9988. Open May-Sept. 346 sites, 11 group sites, 13 sites with electrical hookups. 11 sites can be reserved in advance, 335 sites are first-come, first-served. This large campground is in a lodgepole pine forest near Colter Bay Village. While not on the shores of Jackson Lake, a short stroll leads to a spectacular view of Mount Moran and the northern Teton Range. Trailer dump station, showers, and laundry nearby. Usually fills by about noon. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Signal Mountain Campground (16 miles north of Jenny Lake), toll-free: +1-800-672-6012. Open May-Sept. 81 sites, 25 sites with electrical hookups. All sites are first-come, first-served. Usually fills by about 10AM. Signal Mountain offers a mix of spruce and fir trees, hillsides, and lake and mountain views. Adjacent to Signal Mountain Lodge and marina with a camp store and amenities close by. Sites are generally small and intimate. The campground accepts both tents and smaller RVs (up to 30 feet total length). The developed area offers a wide variety of services and amenities including lodging, restaurants, showers, laundry, dump station, and marina. Maximum stay is 14 nights. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Jenny Lake Campground (8 miles north of Moose), toll-free: +1-800-628-9988. Open May-Sept. 59 tent-only sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. This is the park's most popular campground and is generally full by 8AM. Sites are in among the evergreens and glacial boulders a short distance from Jenny Lake. Only one vehicle, less than 14 feet long, is permitted per site. Trailers, campers and generators are prohibited. The campground straddles a glacial moraine covered with an open forest of lodgepole pine, subalpine fir and Douglas fir. Maximum per site is two tents, one vehicle, and six guests for up to 7 nights. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Gros Ventre Campground (11.5 miles south and east of Moose), toll-free: +1-800-628-9988. Open May-Sept. 300 sites, 5 group sites, 36 sites with electrical hookups. 5 sites can be reserved in advance, 295 sites are first-come, first-served. The park's largest campground is in the southeast part of the park, closest to the town of Jackson. Generally fills in the evening, if at all. The campground lies along the Gros Ventre River with a mix of sites in sagebrush, beneath cottonwoods and adjacent to but a short distance from the river. If you are arriving in the afternoon of a busy day, just pull in and seek a better site the next morning. Some sites offer views of the Grand Teton and Blacktail Butte. Wildlife including bison, moose and mule deer frequent the area. Maximum stay is 14 nights. $30 Campsite with vehicle, $31 Group campsites, $55 Campsite with electric hookup (2020 rates). (updated Jun 2020)

All backcountry camping requires a permit. These permits are free when applied for in person, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Permits can be obtained at the Moose and Colter Bay visitor centers, and at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. People who wish to climb mountains must apply at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station.

Requests for advance reservations are accepted from January 1st to May 15th. Send the request by regular mail, fax, or in person. Include your name, address, phone number, number of people, and preferred campsites and dates. Be sure to include alternatives. Requests are processed in the order received. Requests may be faxed to +1 307 739-3438 or mailed to:

Grand Teton National Park

Backcountry Permits

PO Box 170

Moose, Wyoming 83012

A non-refundable service fee of $15 will be charged for each reservation (fee is per trip, not per person). Put credit card information directly on the fax, or mail a check made payable to the National Park Service. If no payment is received with your request, you will be billed. Only one-third of the sites are reserved in advance, leaving two-thirds available for walk-in reservations.