Grand Teton National Park: Jagged Peaks and Untouched Valleys
Grand Teton National Park
“Jagged peaks rise dramatically above Jackson Hole, alpine lakes shimmer, and wildlife roams untouched valleys.”
Park Overview
Grand Teton National Park protects over 310,000 acres of mountainous terrain in northwestern Wyoming. The iconic Teton Range towers — with Grand Teton reaching 13,775 ft — rising without foothills above Jackson Hole, creating some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Rocky Mountains. This young fault-block range is carved by ancient glaciers and bordered by pristine lakes and wild rivers.
Designated as a national park in 1929—and expanded in 1950—the area is one of the most intact mountain ecosystems in the U.S., supporting abundant wildlife and rugged wilderness.
Fast Facts
| Location | Wyoming (Teton County) |
| Established | Feb 26, 1929 (expanded 1950) |
| Area | ~310,000 acres |
| Highest Peak | Grand Teton (13,775 ft) |
| Lakes | Jackson Lake (15 mi), Jenny, Leigh, Bradley & more |
| Trails | 200+ miles |
| Wildlife | Elk, moose, grizzly & black bears, wolves, bighorn sheep |
What to See & Do
- Scenic Drive & Viewpoints — Drive Teton Park Road and stop at Oxbow Bend and Snake River Overlook, made famous by Ansel Adams.
- Hike Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point — Classic trails beside Jenny Lake.
- Climb Grand Teton — A historic alpine experience via the Owen-Spalding route.
- Paddle & Relax — Explore Jackson, Jenny, and Leigh Lakes.
- Wildlife Watching — Look for elk, moose, bison, and pronghorn in meadows; watch for eagles and osprey around wetlands.
Geology & Natural History
The Teton Range is one of the youngest in the Rockies, raised by faulting less than 10 million years ago. Yet its core rocks are more than 2.7 billion years old—among the oldest in North America. Glaciers carved its sharp ridges, cirques, and U-shaped valleys, leaving behind dozens of alpine lakes.
Wildlife & Wilderness
Grand Teton remains one of the most complete ecosystems in the nation. It’s home to large predators like grizzly and black bears and wolves, and hosts elk migrations into Jackson Hole. More than 1,000 plant species and 300 bird species thrive here.
Human & Conservation History
Native tribes—including Shoshone and Bannock—have inhabited the area for over 11,000 years. Euro-American exploration began in the early 1800s with fur trappers like John Colter. The park’s creation in 1929 followed conservation efforts, including the formation of the Rockefeller Preserve in 2008.