Explore Rugged Grand Teton National Park

Breathtaking spires rocket from a valley called Jackson Hole, the most dramatic peaks in the Rockies, the Grand Tetons, the home of Grand Teton National Park. In the rugged Northwest of the state of Wyoming, due south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park resides encompassed on all sides by thick national forests. Carved by long vanished glaciers, the Tetons form a mountain range less than 40 miles long. From the valley floor, the highest, the singular Grand Teton rises abruptly more than 7,000 feet. These are mountains without foothills. Rather, the range is rimmed by a chain of Alpine lakes, sparkling and the thin clean air. A legacy of glacial meltwater. Here the Shoshone hunted big horn sheep. Their tribal name to Native Americans was Tukudika, meaning sheep-eaters. It was French fur trappers, in the early 19th century, who blazed trails here while hounding down beavers for their pelts. What impressed them, on the first glimpse of the mountains, were three prominent peaks. A forlorn Frenchman in their party dubbed them , the breasts. Today's visitors walk in the footsteps of those trappers. There are trips into Jackson Hole's past. On Mormon Row. In the early 1900s, Mormon settlers homesteaded this territory. Here's what's left of their cabins and barns, and outbuildings. There are deserted ranches to explore, old bunk houses, old corrals. There's a restful visit to the log chapel of the transfiguration. The rough log interior is softened by light filtering through a scenic picture window behind the altar. Services are still held here. For folks who need to get away from their city jobs there are dude ranches. Forget the freeways. Here you ride on horseback through sage covered hills. You can escape rush hour subway herding and help herd cattle on a working ranch. For a wild ride, there are guided raft trips down the Snake River. Although the upper and lower reaches of the river look placid, this winding waterway is no trip for beginners. Willow Flats is located in the central area of the park. It's pocked with ponds, streams, brush, and some of the most alluring of lake scenes. Trails and foot paths lead to great places to get away for a meal and spectacular vistas. Fall colors are on fire in the Grand Tetons. Weary animals brace for a long winter. With the change of seasons come new vistas. Big horn sheep work the valleys now. For sportsman, winter offers cross country skiing, with chances to spot coyotes, moose, and elk cavorting in the snow. While here, whatever a visitor's pursuit, one should keep one's eyes wide open. For almost everywhere throughout the park, The Tetons are visible. Imposing, majestic, and certainly grand.