Grand Teton Facts
The Grand Teton is a dramatic mountain peak in the backdrop of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The surrounding forest area is populated with evergreens, mule deer, moose, elk and black bears. In Jackson Hole, there are bison and other wildlife. Local waters are populated with several species of trout. The Jackson Hole area is a popular recreational destination.
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Identification
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The tallest peak of the Teton Mountains is known as the Grand Teton, and it is considered one of the most majestic mountain peaks in North America. The Grand Teton has been compared to Switzerland's Matterhorn. The Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet above sea level. It is located in the Grand Teton National Park. The Teton mountain range is 40 miles long and about 8 miles wide.
Geography
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The Grand Teton National Park is located to the south of Yellowstone National Park in northwest Wyoming. The Teton Mountains rise 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole, and the area includes lakes and forest. It has seven different species of coniferous trees and more than 900 different flowering plant species.
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History
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Millions of years ago, the Teton Mountains were created when ground pressure forced two sections of the earth's crust to move. One moved upward to form the mountains, and the other created the valley of Jackson Hole when it sank down. Melting glaciers helped to create lakes in the area, including Jackson Lake.
Protection
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In 1929, the Grand Teton National Park was established to protect the lakes and mountain peaks. Prior to the establishment of the park, there were efforts to bring the area into the Yellowstone National Park, but that effort failed. In 1950, the Grand Teton National Park was enlarged and incorporated the area that had once been Jackson Hole National Monument, which had been abolished by Congress.
Considerations
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The Grand Teton National Park ranger stations are open from mid-May to early September. The park is closed during the winter months. The winter can be bitterly cold, with recorded lows at minus-63 degrees F. Snow can begin falling in early November and last until April. The park is 45 miles long (from north to south) and is 26 miles at its widest point. It encompasses some 310,000 acres.
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Resources
- Photo Credit A. Johnson
