Grand Teton National Park |
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Grand Teton National Park is one of the crown jewels of the National Park Service. Its snow capped peaks, wildlife, and sheer beauty make it a must on any tour of the western United States. Where else can you climb mountains, float a world-class river and take pictures of wild buffalo all from the same locale? Located in the Rocky Mountains in northwest Wyoming south of Yellowstone National Park, it is most easily accessed from the town of Jackson Hole. The name Teton was coined by a French trapper who thought the local mountain peaks resembled the female anatomy (tetons is the French word for teats). There are twelve peaks in the park that are over 12,000 feet elevation with the highest peak, Grand Teton, reaching just under 14,000 feet. There are also seven moraine lakes. This section of the Rocky Mountains is a playground for climbers, hikers, skiers, and nearly all other outdoor enthusiasts. The park has abundant wildlife, but it is most famous for its population of elk, buffalo, moose and bald eagles. Grand Teton National Park was signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge in 1929 after many years of heated debate and controversy.
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