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GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKYOUNGEST RANGE IN THE ROCKIES

Towering more than a mile above the valley ofJackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feetand support a dozen mountain glaciers. The westside of the range slopes gently, showing the angleof tilt of the Earth’s crust. The Teton Range is theyoungest range in the Rockies and displays someof North America’s oldest rocks.

HISTORY OF GRAND TETONNATIONAL PARK

The Earliest Visitors Archeological studies established human occupa-tion of Jackson Hole for at least 11,000 years.Knowledge of early people is extremely limited.Data suggests that they used the area from springto fall, based on seasonal availability of resources.Prehistoric people crossed the passes into JacksonHole en route to seasonal hunting grounds in theregion. In historic times, Indian tribes such as theShoshoni, Gros Ventre, Flathead and Blackfeetknew the Teton country.

Days of Mountain Men The splendor of the Teton Mountains first

dazzled fur traders. Although evidence is incon-clusive, John Colter probably explored the area in1808. By the 1820s, mountain men followedwildlife and Indian trails through Jackson Holeand trapped beaver in the icy waters of the valley.

The term “hole” was coined by fur trappers ofthe 1820s to describe a high altitude plateauringed by mountains. Thus, Jackson Hole is theentire valley, 8 to 15 miles wide and 40 mileslong. The valley was named for David E. Jackson,a trapper who reputedly spent the winter of 1829along the shore of Jackson Lake.

After the decline of the fur trade in the late1830s, America forgot Jackson Hole until the mil-itary and civilian surveys of the 1860s and 1870s.Members of the Hayden Survey named many ofthe area’s features.

The First TouristsThe region acquired a national reputation for

its splendid hunting and fishing in the 1880s and1890s. Many settlers supplemented their incomesby serving as guides and packers for wealthyhunters. A few, such as Ben Sheffield, made it afull-time occupation. He acquired a ranch at theoutlet of Jackson Lake in 1902 to use as a basefor outfitting his expeditions. The ranch became

the town of Moran. Others recognized that dudes winter better

than cows and began operating dude ranches.The JY and the Bar BC were established in 1908and 1912, respectively. By the 1920s, dude ranch-ing made significant contributions to the valley’seconomy. At this time some local residents real-ized that scenery and wildlife (especially elk)were valuable resources to be conserved ratherthan exploited.

Evolution of a DreamThe birth of present-day Grand Teton

National Park involved controversy and a strugglethat lasted several decades. Animosity towardexpanding governmental control and a perceivedloss of individual freedoms fueled anti-park senti-ments in Jackson Hole that nearly derailed estab-lishment of the park. By contrast, YellowstoneNational Park benefited from an expedient andnear universal agreement for its creation in 1872.The world's first national park took only twoyears from idea to reality; however Grand TetonNational Park evolved through a burdensomeprocess requiring three separate governmentalacts and a series of compromises:

The original Grand Teton National Park, setaside by an act of Congress in 1929, includedonly the Teton Range and six glacial lakes at thebase of the mountains.

The Jackson Hole National Monument,decreed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt throughpresidential proclamation in 1943, combinedTeton National Forest acreage, other federal prop-erties including Jackson Lake and a generous35,000-acre donation by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.The Rockefeller lands continued to be privatelyheld until December 16, 1949 when impasse foraddition to the national park was resolved.

On September 14, 1950, the original 1929Park and the 1943 National Monument (includ-ing Rockefeller's donation) were united into a"New" Grand Teton National Park, creating pres-ent-day boundaries.

An Idea is BornAs early as 1897, Colonel S.B.M. Young, act-

ing Superintendent of Yellowstone, proposed toexpand Yellowstone's boundaries southward toencompass portions of northern Jackson Holeand protect migrating elk herds. In 1898 CharlesD. Walcott, head of the U.S. Geological Survey,made a similar proposal, suggesting that theTeton Range be included as well as northern

Mt. Moran. National Park Service Photo.

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Average Max. Temperature (F) 26 32 38 48 60 70 80 78 68 56 38 28 Average Min. Temperature (F) 5 8 10 24 31 38 42 41 34 26 16 7Extreme High (F) 55 60 64 75 85 98 95 96 93 84 65 58Extreme Low (F) -60 -63 -43 -28 0 18 24 18 7 -20 -36 -52Days above 90º 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0Days below 32º 31 27 30 26 19 6 2 4 14 26 28 31 Average Total Precipitation (in.) 1.4 0.8 1.1 1.3 1.9 2.2 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.0 1.1 1.2Maximum Precipitation (in.) 3.8 1.8 3.0 2.8 2.9 4.0 2.2 3.9 3.7 2.6 2.5 4.1 Maximum SnowFall (in.) 42 30 32 24 14 6 6 2 8 18 23 31 Days with measurable precipation 14 12 12 10 10 10 7 8 8 9 10 13 Average No. Thunderstorms 0 0 0 1 5 11 14 12 2 0 0 0

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Jackson Hole. Neither the Interior Departmentnor Congress acted on either of these proposals.

In 1916, a new bureau called the NationalPark Service was created within the Departmentof Interior. This bureau could promote park ideasboth locally and at the national level with the cre-ation of a Washington DC office. Director of theNational Park Service, Stephen Mather and hisassistant, Horace Albright affirmed their commit-ment toward park expansion in a 1917 report toSecretary of the Interior, Franklin Lane. Thereport stated that adding part of the Tetons,Jackson Lake, and headwaters of the Snake Riverto Yellowstone National Park is "one of sevenurgent needs facing the Park Service." Mather andAlbright worked with the Wyoming congressionaldelegation to draft a bill addressing expansion ofYellowstone's boundaries into the Teton country.

Congressman Frank Mondell of Wyoming intro-duced the bill in 1918. The House unanimouslyapproved a revised bill in 1919. However, the billdied in the Senate when Idaho Senator JohnNugent feared the loss of sheep grazing permitswith expanded park service jurisdiction.

As historian Robert Righter states, "an oppor-tunity had been lost. Never again would parkextension be so non-controversial."

A Fledgling Park EmergesIn addition to Idaho sheep ranchers, other

groups opposed park extension, these includedregional U.S. Forest Service personnel, JacksonHole businessmen, and some area ranchers. In1919 Yellowstone Superintendent, HoraceAlbright was unaware of the pervasive anti-parkattitude in Jackson Hole. As a result, he was prac-

tically "run out of town" when he traveled toJackson to promote his park enlargement vision.Ranchers worried that park extension wouldreduce grazing allotments; Forest Service employ-ees feared the loss of jurisdiction on previouslymanaged forest areas; and local dude rancherswere against improved roads, hotel constructionand concessioner monopolies.

Proposals emerged to dam outlets of JennyLake and Emma Matilda and Two Ocean Lakes in1919. Alarmed businessmen and ranchers felt thatsome form of protection by the National ParkService might be their only salvation from com-mercialization and natural resource destruction.Eventually, local and National Park Service inter-ests merged at an historic meeting in MaudNoble's cabin on July 26, 1923. Participantsincluded Yellowstone Superintendent, HoraceAlbright; Bar BC dude ranchers, Struthers Burtand Horace Carncross; newspaperman, DickWinger; grocery storeowner, Joe Jones; rancher,Jack Eynon; and ferry owner, Maud Noble. Theydevised a strategy. Their plan sought to find pri-vate funds to purchase private lands in JacksonHole and create a recreation area or reserve thatwould preserve the "Old West" character of thevalley, basically creating a "museum on the hoof."With the exception of Horace Albright, the atten-dees did not support a national park, "becausethey wanted traditional hunting, grazing, anddude-ranching activities to continue." In 1928, aCoordinating Commission on National Parks andForests met with residents of Jackson and reachedconsensus for park approval. Local support andthe Commission's recommendations led SenatorJohn Kendrick of Wyoming to introduce a bill toestablish Grand Teton National Park. SenatorKendrick stated that once he viewed the Tetons he"realized that some day they would become a parkdedicated to the Nation and posterity…" Congresspassed Senator Kendrick's bill. On February 26,1929, President Calvin Coolidge signed this billcreating a 96,000-acre park that included theTeton Range and six glacial lakes at the base of thepeaks. Since this fledgling 1929 park did not safe-guard an entire ecosystem, Albright and the otherparticipants of the 1923 meeting continued topursue their dream of seeking private funds topurchase private lands in Jackson Hole.

Rockefeller's Interest GrowsJohn D. Rockefeller, Jr. became involved in the

Jackson Hole Plan after a visit to Teton country in1924 and again in 1926. These visits highlightednot only spectacular Teton scenery, but also shab-by developments littering the roadway fromMenor's Ferry to Moran and along Jenny Lake'ssouth and east shores. Yellowstone SuperintendentAlbright seized an opportunity to explain toRockefeller the essence of the Noble cabin meetingand the hope of protecting and preserving "thissublime valley" from unsightly commercial devel-opment. Rockefeller decided to purchase offend-ing private properties with the intention ofdonating these lands for National Park designa-tion. He created the Snake River Land Companyas a purchasing agent to mask his association andkeep land prices affordable, since landownerswould have undoubtedly inflated their askingprices had they known of his involvement.

The Snake River Land Company launched anambitious campaign to buy more than 35,000acres for approximately $1.4 million. What seemedlike a simple and straightforward plan became 20years of bitter debate, nearly tearing apart theJackson Hole community. Intense hostility sur-rounded land acquisitions; attempts by Rockefeller

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to gift these properties to the National Park Servicemet resistance. Economic hardships suffered byranchers during the 1920s helped ease some landacquisitions. Many ranchers were actually relievedto sell and get out of business during a time of eco-nomic difficulty. In 1925, ranchers circulated apetition in support of the private buyout counter-ing anti-park opinions in Jackson Hole. Ninety-seven ranchers endorsed the petition's statement,"that this region will find its highest use as a play-ground…The destiny of Jackson's Hole is as aplayground, typical of the west, for the educationand enjoyment of the Nation, as a whole." Perhapsthis quote has more credibility as a tacit admissionthat ranching in northern Jackson Hole was diffi-cult, if not impossible, than it has as a genuinealtruistic gesture by the ranchers.

A Valley in DiscordBecause allegations were made that the Snake

River Land Company used illegal tactics duringthe purchase of properties, a SenateSubcommittee convened hearings in 1933 toinvestigate. When the hearings concluded, it wasclear that claims about unfair business dealingsby the Snake River Land Company and theNational Park Service were groundless and bothwere exonerated. In 1934, Wyoming SenatorRobert Carey introduced a bill in the Senate onceagain to expand park boundaries. One compro-mise of this bill dealt with reimbursement toTeton County for lost tax revenues. This bill andanother drafted in 1935 failed. The tax issue andobjections to including Jackson Lake because ofdam and reservoir degradation fueled anti-parksentiments anew. During 1937 and 1938, theNational Park Service prepared a document out-lining the history of park extension and defend-ing the importance of park status upon tourism.Again, anti-park sentiments flared and the expan-sion issue grew politically hotter. A group oflocals calling themselves the Jackson HoleCommittee vehemently opposed the park planand encouraged the Wyoming delegation andCongress to do so as well. The park dreamremained bruised and battered as controversyover enlargement continued into the 1940s.

After purchasing 35,000 acres and holdingthe land for 15 years, John D. Rockefeller, Jr.became discouraged and impatient with the stale-mate surrounding acceptance of his gift. In anhistoric letter to President Franklin DelanoRoosevelt, he wrote that if the federal governmentdid not want the gift of land or could not"arrange to accept it on the general terms longdiscussed…it will be my thought to make someother disposition of it or to sell it in the market toany satisfactory buyers." This threat persuadedFDR to use his presidential power to proclaim221,000 acres as the Jackson Hole NationalMonument on March 15, 1943. Robert Righterbelieves that Rockefeller threatened to sell inorder to provoke governmental action. This boldaction by Roosevelt provided a chance to circum-vent obstacles created by Congress and theWyoming delegation.

Local backlash immediately followed as parkopponents criticized the monument for being ablatant violation of states' rights. They alsobelieved the monument would destroy the localeconomy and county tax base. Hoping to force aconfrontation, armed and defiant ranchers trailed500 cattle across newly created monument land.The Park Service ignored this stunt but the drivefocused national attention on the monument.Controversy grew more vocal and bitter, causingWyoming Congressman Frank Barrett to intro-duce a bill abolishing the Jackson Hole NationalMonument; it passed both House and Senate.President Roosevelt exercised a pocket veto,killing the bill. The state of Wyoming respondedto the veto by filing suit against the National ParkService to overturn the proclamation. The suitfailed in the court system but the acrimoniouslocal rift continued. The proclamation directedtransfer of acreage from the Teton National Forestto the National Park Service. Since forest serviceadministrators opposed the monument, the tran-sition between jurisdictions provoked several vin-dictive deeds; one vengeful act involved guttingthe Jackson Lake Ranger Station before turning itover to park staff. Local park supporters oftenfaced hostilities and boycotts of their businessesthroughout these turbulent years.

The Storm PassesAfter World War II ended, the sentiment

began to change in Jackson Hole. Between 1945and 1947, bills were introduced in Congress toabolish the monument, but none passed. Localcitizens began to realize that tourism offered aneconomic future for Jackson Hole. Eventually,attitudes became more agreeable toward parkenlargement. By April 1949, interested partieshad gathered in the Senate AppropriationCommittee chambers to work out a final compro-mise. Though it took decades of controversy andconflict, discord and strife, the creation of a"new" Grand Teton National Park finally occurredon September 14, 1950, when Harry S. Trumansigned a bill merging the 1929 park with the1943 monument to form an enlarged 310,000-acre park. Preservation of the Teton Range,Jackson Lake, and much of Jackson Hole wasfinally placed in the hands of the National ParkService as a more complete ecosystem.

Difficulties of park-making define GrandTeton National Park and emphasize the visionaryideology of Horace Albright, John D. Rockefeller,Jr. and several pro-park residents. Legislation forthe new park contained significant compromises:1) protection of existing grazing rights and stockdriveways; 2) reimbursement to Teton County forlost tax revenues; 3) provision for the controlledreduction of elk within park boundaries; 4) agree-ment that in the future presidential proclamationcould not be used to create a national monumentin Wyoming; and 5) allowance for continuationof certain existing uses and access rights to forestlands and inholder properties.

Heritage PreservedCongress enlarged the park to its present

size in 1950, "…for the purpose of including inone national park, for public benefit and enjoy-ment, the lands within the present Grand TetonNational Park and a portion of the lands withinJackson Hole National Monument." The conser-vation battle for Jackson Hole coupled with thephilanthropic dedication of John D. Rockefeller,Jr. shapes the character of this valley to thepresent day. Imagine how different the Tetonlandscape would look if unbridled developmenthad prevailed over preservation of naturalresources. In celebrating the FiftiethAnniversary of Grand Teton National Park, werecognize and honor the dedication, persever-ance and aspirations of visionary men andwomen who believed that the greatest good forthe Teton countryside was as a "public park orpleasure ground for the benefit and enjoymentof the American people." As Crucible forConservation author Robert Righter suggests,what these visionaries achieved was "perhapsthe most notable conservation victory of thetwentieth century."

The Creation of Grand Teton National Parkwas written in January 2000 by Jackie Skaggs,50th Anniversary Coordinator, with research, ref-erences, and quotations taken from A PlaceCalled Jackson Hole by John Daugherty, ParkHistorian 1980-1991 and from Crucible ForConservation by Robert Righter, currentlyresearch professor of history at SouthernMethodist University in Texas.

NATURE AND SCIENCELocated in northwestern Wyoming, Grand TetonNational Park protects stunning mountainscenery and a diverse array of wildlife. Risingover 7,000 feet above the valley known as

FACTS ABOUT THE PARK:Teton RangeAn active fault-block mountain front, 40 mileslong (65 km), 7-9 miles wide (11-14.5 km).

Highest peakGrand Teton, elevation 13,770 feet (4198 m).Twelve peaks over 12,000 ft (3658 m) in ele-vation.

Jackson HoleMountain valley, 55 miles long (89 km), 13miles wide (21 km), average elevation 6,800feet (2073 m). Lowest elevation at south parkboundary, 6350 feet (1936 m).

ClimateSemi-arid mountain climate. Extreme high: 93 degrees F (34 degrees C).Extreme low: -46 degrees F (-43 degrees C).Average snowfall: 191 inches (490 cm). Avg. rainfall: 10 inches (26 cm).

Snake RiverHeadwaters of the Columbia River system,1056 miles long. Approximately 50 miles liewithin Grand Teton NP. Major tributaries: Pacific

Creek, Buffalo Fork, and Gros Ventre River.

LakesSeven morainal lakes at the base of the TetonRange: Jackson, Leigh, String, Jenny, Bradley,Taggart, and Phelps. Jackson Lake: 25,540acres (10,340 hectares) maximum depth 438feet (134 m). Over 100 alpine and backcoun-try lakes.

Wildlife17 species of carnivores (black and grizzlybears)6 species of hoofed mammals3 species of rabbits/hares22 species of rodents6 species of bats4 species of reptiles (none poisonous)5 species of amphibians16 species of fishes300+ species of birdsnumerous invertebrates

(no poisonous spiders)

Flora7 species of coniferous trees900+ species of flowering plants

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WOLVES IN THE TETONS

In October of 1998, the howling of wolvescould be heard in Grand Teton National Park forthe first time in over fifty years. Two years afterbeing reintroduced to Yellowstone, wolvesbegan expanding their range south to encom-pass the sagebrush flats, forested hillsides, andriver bottoms of Grand Teton National Park andthe valley of Jackson Hole. Their return repre-sents the restoration of an important part of thisecosystem.

Although their present distribution is limitedto Canada, Alaska, and a few isolated areas inthe northern United States, wolves onceroamed the tundra, forests, and high plains ofNorth America from coast to coast. By 1930,human activities, including extensive settlement,unregulated harvest, and organized predatorcontrol programs, had pushed the gray wolf tothe brink of extinction in the United States. Thelast known wild wolf in the Yellowstone area waskilled in the 1940s.

In 1987, the United States Fish and WildlifeService recommended establishing three corewolf recovery areas in the Northern RockyMountain region: northwestern Montana, centralIdaho, and Yellowstone. Biologists suggestedallowing wolf populations to recover naturally innorthwestern Montana while reintroducingwolves in central Idaho and Yellowstone.

In accordance with this plan, wolves cap-tured in Canada were transported to the U.S.and released in central Idaho and YellowstoneNational Park in 1995 and 1996.

EcologyThe gray wolf is a critical player in the

Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which encom-passes Yellowstone and Grand Teton NationalParks and surrounding National Forests. Wolvesare highly efficient and selective predators, prey-ing on young, old, weak, and sick animals. Byculling the herds of their prey species in thismanner, wolves are important agents of naturalselection, encouraging survivorship of those ani-mals best suited to their environment—thefastest, strongest, and healthiest.

In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,wolves usually prey on elk, although they willoccasionally take moose, bison, pronghorn,bighorn sheep, and beavers. Wolf populationsare naturally regulated by prey availability,which prevents decimation of prey speciespopulations.

Although wolves do make surplus kills whenconvenient, the carcasses do not go to waste.They are either cached for later consumption orleft for scavengers, including coyotes, ravens,magpies, golden and bald eagles, crows, bears,wolverines, fishers, mountain lions, and lynx.

Wolf BiologyThe gray or timber wolf, Canis lupus, is the

largest wild canid in existence, ranging from 60to 175 pounds. Despite its common name thegray wolf may be white, silver/gray, or black incolor. Wolves have been clocked at speeds inexcess of thirty miles per hour and have beenknown to travel over a hundred miles in a day,although travels are more often ten or twentymiles per day. Wolves may live up to fifteen

years in the wild. Wolves are highly social animals, function-

ing primarily in packs. The social structure ofthe pack is based on a breeding pair com-prised of an alpha male and female, followedby a hierarchy consisting of betas (secondrank, males and/or females), subordinates,pups, and occasional omegas (outcasts, gen-erally recipients of aggressive behavior fromother pack members).

Because only the alpha pair breeds, subor-dinate wolves of reproductive age must dis-perse from their packs and form newassociations in order to breed. Pack size is ulti-mately determined by hunting efficiency, whichin turn depends on the size, type, and densityof prey species available. Wolf packs averagefive to ten members.

Wolf packs defend home ranges of up toseveral hundred square miles. During thespring denning season, wolves are especiallyaggressive in defending core territories aroundtheir den sites. In the Greater YellowstoneEcosystem, wolves generally breed in Februaryand give birth in late April, after a gestationperiod of about 63 days. The alpha femaleusually remains at the den site with the pups,while the alpha male and other pack mem-bers bring food back to the den. When pupsreach approximately two months of age, theyare moved to an outdoor nursery referred toas a rendezvous site. By October, pups areusually traveling and hunting with the rest oftheir pack.

Eradication HistoryWolves have long been the target of aggres-

sive eradication efforts by humans. In 1630, theColony of Massachusetts enacted the first boun-ty on wolves in what is now the United States.Wolves were effectively eliminated from theeastern United States by the end of the eigh-teenth century. With settlers' westward expan-sion, populations of predator and prey specieswere greatly reduced due to human develop-ment and unregulated harvest.

The decline in wild prey populations, espe-cially bison, led many people to believe thatwolves posed an unacceptable threat to domes-tic livestock. These beliefs fueled government-sanctioned, bounty-driven efforts to destroy thewolf in the west. From approximately 1850through 1930, thousands of wolves weretrapped, shot, and poisoned each year in thewestern U.S.

Government hunters destroyed the lastknown wolf in the Yellowstone area in the1940s. By 1930, wolves were virtually absentfrom the contiguous U.S., except Minnesota andremote areas of northwestern Montana.Sizeable wolf populations remained in Canadaand Alaska.

Recovery1973 marked the passing of the federal

Endangered Species Act (ESA), a pivotal eventin the history of wildlife preservation. Under theESA, the gray wolf is listed as endangeredthroughout the contiguous United States exceptMinnesota, where it is listed as threatened. TheESA defines an endangered species as one "indanger of extinction throughout all or a signifi-cant part of its range" and a threatened species

as one "likely to become endangered" in theforeseeable future.

The Endangered Species Act requires theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to createrecovery plans for all listed species. In 1987, theFWS published a recovery plan for the gray wolfin the Northern Rockies, which recommendedestablishing three gray wolf populations, innorthwestern Montana, central Idaho, andYellowstone, respectively. Biologists predictedthat wolves from Canada would naturally recol-onize northwestern Montana. However, becausecentral Idaho and Yellowstone were isolatedfrom existing wolf populations, biologists deter-mined that it was impractical to expect naturalrecolonization of these areas in the near future.Therefore, the Fish and Wildlife Service recom-mended reintroducing wolves into central Idahoand Yellowstone, while encouraging natural wolfrecovery in northwestern Montana.

In 1995, wolves captured in Canada weretransported to the U.S. and released in centralIdaho and Yellowstone National Park. Becausethe central Idaho and Yellowstone area wolvesare reintroduced populations, they are definedas "experimental" according to the EndangeredSpecies Act. This designation allows more flex-ibility in managing these populations than isnormally allowed for populations of endan-gered species.

Delisting/Reclassification of the GrayWolf in the Northern Rocky Mountains

The minimum criteria for removal of thegray wolf from the endangered species listrequires the establishment of ten breedingpairs, about 100 wolves, in each of threenorthern Rocky Mountain population areas(Yellowstone, central Idaho, and northwesternMontana) for three consecutive years. As aprerequisite for delisting from federal protec-tion, the individual states within the recoveryarea must establish wolf management plansapproved by the FWS. These state plans couldallow for wolves to be managed in a mannersimilar to that in which individual states cur-rently manage other large predators, such asbears and mountain lions.

Wildlife managers predicted that recoverygoals for the northern Rocky Mountain regionwould be achieved by the year 2002 or 2003,andit seems that the restoration program is ontrack. In 1998, there were nine breedingpairs/packs in the Yellowstone area, ten in cen-tral Idaho, and seven in northwestern Montana.

Your Park VisitAs with all wildlife, it is smart to keep your

distance from wolves in order to avoid disturb-ing the animals or endangering yourself. Manywild animals will attack people if provoked.However, according to wolf expert L. DavidMech, there has never been a documentedcase of a healthy, wild wolf killing or seriouslyinjuring a human in the Western Hemisphere.

There have been five documented cases ofpets being killed by wolves in the Yellowstonearea since the reintroduction, and rates of wolfattacks on pets have been similarly low in otherareas inhabited by wolves. Grand TetonNational Park regulations restrict pets to areasopen to motorized vehicles, and require thatpets be restrained on a leash at all times.

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Jackson Hole, the Teton Range dominates thepark’s skyline. Natural processes continue toshape the ecosystem against this impressive andrecognizable backdrop.

The elevation of the park ranges from 6,400feet on the sagebrush-dominated valley floor to13,770 feet on the windswept granite summit ofthe Grand Teton. Between the summit and plain,forests carpet the mountainsides. During summer,wildflowers paint meadows in vivid colors.Crystalline alpine lakes fill glacial cirques, andnoisy streams cascade down rocky canyons tolarger lakes at the foot of the range. These lakes,impounded by glacial debris, mirror the moun-tains on calm days. Running north to south, theSnake River winds its way down the valley andacross this amazing scene.

Long, snowy, and bitterly cold winters make theclimate of Jackson Hole unforgiving. The coldesttemperature ever recorded in Grand Teton NationalPark was –63°F, and snow often blankets the land-scape from early November to late April. Brief, rela-tively warm summers provide a respite from therigors of winter and a time of renewal and rebirth.In cooperation or competition, the plants and ani-mals adapt to this harsh climate and dramatic ele-vation change as each finds ways to survive.

AnimalsIt seems that wildlife is never far away in GrandTeton National Park. High in the mountains, ayellow bellied marmot whistles a warning as agolden eagle soars above. Searching for insect lar-vae, a black bear rips into a rotten lodgepole pinelog. On the valley floor, a herd of bison graze as acoyote trots among the sagebrush, looking for ameal. Along the Snake River, an osprey dives intothe water with talons extended, rising with a cut-throat trout. In a nearby meadow, a moose brows-es the tender buds of willows that grow in thiswater-rich environment.

Animals relate to and shape the environment inwhich they survive; they are also connected onewith another. Some of these relationships areobvious, while others are much less so. Theserelationships and connections cross park bound-aries. Grand Teton National Park’s 310,000 acreslie at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Area.The Greater Yellowstone Area encompasses overeleven million acres and is considered one of thefew remaining, nearly intact, temperate ecosys-tems on earth. The animals that inhabit GrandTeton National Park depend on this vast area forsurvival, residing in and migrating to differentareas depending on the season.

AmphibiansWhile most visitors don’t come to Grand

Teton National Park seeking amphibians, they aresome of the most unique and important speciesfound in the park. The word amphibian comesfrom the Greek words meaning “double life”, andrefers to their unusual two-stage life cycle. An

Forget-me-nots, the official park flower. NationalPark Service Photo.

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BIRD FINDING GUIDE

Grand Teton National Park and the John D.Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway encompass arange of habitats, from alpine meadows to sage-brush flats, from lodgepole pine forests tomountain streams. Birds use habitats that meettheir needs for food, water, shelter and nestsites. Some birds frequent only one habitat typewhile others occupy a variety of habitats. Thisguide will acquaint you with some habitat typesof the park and parkway as well as specific loca-tions to look for birds. Use it in conjunction withthe park map and the various bird identificationbooks available at any of our vistor centers.Please report any sightings of birds listed as rareor accidental on the bird checklist.

Lodgepole Pine Forests Lodgepole pine grows in dense forests cov-

ering much of the valley and the lower slopes ofthe mountains. Expect olivesided flycatchers,yellow-rumped warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets,mountain chickadees, white-crowned and chip-ping sparrows and dark-eyed juncos (especiallyin developed areas within lodgepole forestssuch as Colter Bay).

Aspens Aspens occur chiefly in pure stands, often on

hillsides. Many of the aspen stands in the parkand parkway have rotting trunks that attractnumerous woodpeckers. Sawwhet owls, housewrens, mountain and black-capped chickadees,tree swallows and violet-green swallows nest inold woodpecker cavities.

Sagebrush Flats Sagebrush covers most of the valley called

Jackson Hole. Despite the hot dry conditionsexisting where sagebrush grows, some speciesflourish. Look for sage grouse, vesper sparrows,Brewer’s sparrows and sage thrashers.

Alpine Above 10,000 feet, severe conditions limit

vegetation to low-growing forms. Birds that nestabove treeline migrate south or to lower eleva-tions for winter. Watch for golden eagles, Clark’snutcrackers, rosy finches, white-crowned spar-rows and water pipits.

Aquatic and Riparian Numerous rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds

provide habitats where Canada geese and otherwaterfowl nest and osprey and bald eagles huntfor fish. Common snipe, white-crowned andLincoln sparrows, yellow and MacGillivray’s war-blers and common yellowthroats nest and foragein adjacent wet meadows. American dipperssearch for insects in fast-moving streams.

Bird-Watching Etiquette Enjoy birds but be a responsible birder.

• Nesting birds of all species are easily disturbed.If an adult on a nest flies off at your approach orcircles you or screams in alarm, you are tooclose to the nest. Unattended nestlings readilysuccumb to predation or exposure to heat, coldand wet weather.

• Good birding areas often attract other wildlife.

Maintain a safe distance (300 feet) from largeanimals such as moose, bears and bison. Donot position yourself between a female andher offspring.

Cascade Canyon. Glaciers gouged out Cascade Canyon thou-

sands of years ago. Today Cascade Creek carriesmelted snow through conifer forests and mead-ows of wildflowers, while the Teton peaks towerabove. American dippers frequent CascadeCreek near Hidden Falls. Western tanagers, ruby-crowned kinglets and yellow-rumped warblersnest near the trail. Also look for golden eagles,Steller’s jays, gray jays, golden-crowned kinglets,dark-eyed juncos and occasional Townsend’swarblers. Secretive harlequin ducks sometimesnest along the creek.

Taggart Lake Trail In 1985 a lightning-caused forest fire

burned most of the trees on the glacialmoraine surrounding Taggart Lake. Insectsfeeding on the decaying trees attract wood-peckers. Look for blackbacked and three-toedwoodpeckers. Abundant insects also attractmountain bluebirds, tree swallows, olive-sidedand dusky flycatchers, western wood-peweesand yellow-rumped warblers. Calliope hum-mingbirds frequently perch in willows near thebase of the moraine.

Antelope Flats – Kelly Road. Large hayfields attract raptors that search the

fields for abundant small rodents. Look forAmerican kestrels, prairie falcons, redtailedhawks, Swainson’s hawks and northern harriers.Check fence posts for western meadowlarks,western and eastern kingbirds and mountainbluebirds. Scan irrigated pastures for long-billedcurlews and savannah sparrows.

Menor’s Ferry at Moose Follow the self-guiding trail to homesteader

cabins along the Snake River. Bird life aboundsdue to riparian habitat. Violet-green, tree, cliffand barn swallows scoop insects out of the airas western wood-pewees, dusky flycatchers andmountain bluebirds hawk for flying insects.Yellow warblers glean insects from cottonwoodtrees and willow and silverberry shrubs lining theSnake River. Calliope, broad-tailed and rufoushummingbirds seek nectar from wildflowers.Kingfishers, common mergansers, ospreys andbald eagles catch fish in the river.

Phelps Lake Overlook The trail to the overlook traverses a lateral

glacial moraine where mixed conifers andaspens grow. Because the trail follows a smallcreek, expect abundant birdlife. Look for westerntanagers, MacGillivray’s warblers, northern flick-ers, Lazuli buntings, ruby-crowned kinglets andgreentailed towhees. Listen for the sweet songsof hermit and Swainson’s thrushes. Calliope andbroad-tailed hummingbirds feed on scarlet giliabelow the overlook.

Grand View Point. Old growth Douglas firs support Williamson’s

sapsuckers, red-naped sapsuckers and otherwoodpeckers. Common songbirds include moun-tain chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches, dark-

eyed juncos, western tanagers and Townsend’ssolitaires. Blue grouse and ruffed grouse nesthere. At the summit, look up for red-tailed hawks,white pelicans and other soaring birds.

Christian Pond Several species of waterfowl nest here. Look

for ruddy ducks, ring-necked ducks, Americanwigeon and American coots. Trumpeter swansoccasionally nest on the pond. Because humanpresence interferes with the swans’ nestingeffort, remain on the trail on the west side of thepond, at least 300 feet from the edge of thepond, and obey all posted closures.

Willow Flats Extensive willow thickets merge with wet

grassy meadows. Small creeks and beaverponds provide riparian and aquatic habitats.Look for cinnamon teal, greenwinged teal andAmerican wigeon in ponds and creeks. Sandhillcranes, northern harriers, American bitterns,common snipes and soras nest here. Calliopehummingbirds feed on scarlet gilia growing nearJackson Lake Lodge. Red-naped sapsuckers andother woodpeckers abound. Frequently seensongbirds include willow flycatchers, cliff swal-lows, yellow warblers, MacGillivray’s warblers,common yellowthroats, Wilson’s warblers, foxsparrows, white-crowned sparrows, pine siskinsand yellow-headed blackbirds. Lazuli buntingsand greentailed towhees use the drier hillsidesadjacent to Willow Flats.

Oxbow Bend A slow-moving, cut-off meander of the

Snake River, Oxbow Bend supports lush under-water plant growth and abundant fish, food foraquatic birds. Great blue herons and osprey nesthere. White pelicans, double-crested cor-morants, common mergansers and bald eaglesfish in the shallow water. Because of OxbowBend’s proximity to Willow Flats, the birdlife isquite similar.

Two Ocean Lake Western grebes, trumpeter swans, common

mergansers and occasional common loonssummer on the lake. Western tanagers, pinegrosbeaks, Cassin’s finches and other songbirdsabound in the open coniferous forests andaspen stands surrounding the lake.

Blacktail Ponds Overlook This overlook is justnorth of Moose Junction and is situated at thetransition of three different plant communities:Sagebrush flats, the coniferous forest of BlacktailButte, and the willow and cottonwood linedwetlands of the Snake River flood plane. Lookingdown on the wetlands from the overlook givesyou a great vantage point to observe waterfowlsuch as American wigeons, blue-winged teal,mallards, and goldeneyes. Up to six species ofswallows can also be seen at eye level as theyskillfully fly through the air catching insects.Raptors such as bald eagles and osprey can beseen in the high cottonwoods. Strewn throughout the willows, yellow warblers, song sparrowsand willow flycatchers among others can beseen and heard. An occasional greentailedtowhee flutters through the sagebrush near theoverlook and evening grosbeaks visit from theforest. Partners in Flight

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amphibian begins life as an egg, laid either inwater, or in some other damp environment. Thelarvae hatch and spend their time in waterbreathing through gills. They then undergo ametamorphosis into an adult form, and the adultsbreathe using lungs. While adults are consideredterrestrial, amphibians continue to spend most oftheir lives near water. Unlike reptiles that havedry scaly skin, amphibians have moist, smooth,glandular skin with no scales, and they have noclaws on their toes.

Amphibians are cold-blooded and cannotregulate their body’s temperature like mammalsand birds, so in the park, the cold annual tem-peratures, high elevation, and dry climate limitsamphibian diversity and numbers. The park ishome to six species of amphibians: spottedfrogs, boreal chorus frogs, boreal toads, tigersalamanders, northern leopard frogs (unfortu-nately, these are now believed to be extinct inthe area), and bullfrogs (which were introducedjust outside the park).

The best places to find amphibians are nearthe rivers, streams, and lakes along the valleyfloor. Good places to look for spotted frogsinclude String Lake, Schwabacher’s Landing(along the Snake River), and Taggart Lake.Chorus frogs are easiest to find in late May andearly June because the males are actively callingduring their breeding season, moist valley mead-ows are great spots to look and listen for thesefrogs at dusk. The boreal toad seems to be disap-pearing from their historic range; sightings ofthese, as well as leopard frogs, should be reportedto any of the park’s visitor centers.

Take some time on your visit to search forthese interesting creatures; they can be readilyseen if one knows where to look. They are keylinks in the food web—providing food for manyother animals including birds, otters, and fish.Amphibians are also important predators ofinsects. Finally, they are excellent indicators ofoverall ecosystem health. Their dependence onwater and the dual life cycle they lead makesthem extremely sensitive to changes in environ-mental conditions.

BirdsGrand Teton National Park has a number of

diverse habitats which support a host of birds inthe area. Within the park boundaries some of thelargest and smallest North American birds can befound. The calliope hummingbird, the smallestNorth American bird, weighs less than a tenth ofan ounce. This bird can be found around bloom-ing scarlet gila and near willow. The trumpeterswan, the largest water fowl in North America,can be seen in the area of Swan Lake as well asnear the National Elk Refuge. These birds areusually found in pairs that mate for life.

Two birds that can be found around areas ofwater are the osprey and bald eagle. A sighting ofeither of these birds catching fish is a specialtreat. Ospreys are distinguishable from otherbirds by the streamlined manner in which theycarry a fish in their talons. The talons are typical-ly turned so that the fish can be carried parallel tothe bird’s body.

The Western Tanager is one of the most color-ful birds in the Tetons and can be found in forest-ed areas. In the summer the male is red, orange,yellow, and black. Another impressive bird sight-ing in the area of the Tetons is the Sage Grouse. Ifyou visit the park during the spring months youmay see the courtship display which occurs nearthe Jackson Hole airport. The tail feathers of themale Sage Grouse can spread over a 280-degreeangle. This display, along with brightly coloredexpanded air sacs on the chest which produce apopping sound, may help to attract a female.

Birdwatchers are reminded to view birdsfrom a distance, preferably with binoculars. Also,as with all wildlife, birds are not to be harassedor disturbed. This descriptive list is only a sam-pling of the birds that can be found in theJackson Hole area.

FishThe world inhabited by the fishes of Grand TetonNational Park seems to be a world apart. Whilethe rivers, lakes, and ponds are wonderful visualfeatures of the landscape, the processes and lifeforms that exist beneath the waters’ surface arenot so readily observed. For many of us the most

familiar creatures of these underwater worlds arethe fishes. Although sometimes the victims of"out of sight, out of mind" thinking, the fishes arecrucial to the health of the regions ecosystem.

The fish species present in Grand Teton comein a range of shapes and sizes. The species have avariety of eating habits. The mountain suckerfeeds almost exclusively on algae; the cutthroattrout, named for its markings not its tempera-ment, feeds mainly on insects and smaller fish.The species favor different zones in which to livewithin the waters. The Utah chub is typicallyfound in warm, shallow, slow-moving water; themountain whitefish prefers cold, deep, fast-mov-ing water. Despite their many differences, a com-mon thread that connects the various fish speciesis their importance as a food source. Fish are theprimary food of several species of birds, mam-mals, and other fish. The threatened bald eaglesare dependent on fish for their survival. Manyother animals, including human beings, consumefish as a secondary food source. Fish in turn con-trol plant and animal, especially insect, popula-tions through their eating habits. Because of theirunique physiology the well being of fishes world-wide is precarious. Pollution, loss of habitat, andoverfishing are continuous threats.

Grand Teton National Park has a worldwidereputation for its excellent trout fishing.Interestingly, of the five species of trout present inthe park only one, the Snake River cutthroattrout, is native to the region. In total there aremore than a dozen species of fish that make thewaters of Grand Teton National Park home.

Native SpeciesSnake River cutthroat trout Utah suckerLongnose daceRedside shinerPaiute sculpinMountain whitefishSpeckled daceMountain suckerMottled sculpinNon-Native SpeciesRainbow troutEastern brook troutLake troutBrown troutUtah chubArctic graylingBluehead sucker

MammalsMammals hold a special place in our percep-

tion of wild nature. They warm our hearts,inspire our imaginations, and thrill our senses.They are big and small, friendly and malicious,inquisitive and reclusive. They are always engag-ing and thrilling to see. The sixty-one species ofmammals that live beneath the towering peaks ofthe Teton Range in Grand Teton National Park areno exception. They are found in each of the fourmajor habitats in the park: the alpine, coniferousforests, sagebrush flats, and wetlands, and in eachthey have secured a place for themselves that hasallowed them to live and prosper no matter whatthe conditions.

Mammals share two characteristics that makethem unique among the world’s animals: theyhave hair, and they nurse their young. In addi-tion, there are several other characteristics thathave allowed mammals to live successfully inalmost any habitat. First, mammals are warm-blooded. They rely on metabolism to maintain a

Bull Elk. National Park Service Photo.

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constant body temperature instead of dependingon the environment to keep them warm. Thisallows mammals to live in areas that cold-blood-ed animals cannot tolerate. Secondly, mammalshave well-developed sensory systems and special-

ized tooth structures that allow them to find andeat different foods depending on their require-ments. Also, different modes of travel, such asclimbing, swimming, running, gliding, and flying,have allowed mammals to inhabit a variety of

niches in every ecosystem. Finally, mammalsstress quality over quantity in regard to reproduc-tion. Instead of utilizing energy to produce vastnumbers of offspring, mammals instead producea smaller number of young and concentrate theirefforts on ensuring the survival and success ofthose young. Thanks to a combination of thesecharacteristics, mammals have successfully adapt-ed to almost every environment found on Earth.

In Grand Teton National Park, mammalsmake up the largest part of the wildlife that peo-ple travel hundreds of miles to see. Large ungu-lates like moose, elk, mule deer, bison, andpronghorn are commonly seen from roadsidevantage points. However, large predatory mam-mals like grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, andmountain lions are often more sought after sight-ings. Uinta ground squirrels, least chipmunks,and red squirrels tend to show up where ever yougo in the park, but you’ll have to keep your eyesopen to find less commonly viewed mammals likebadgers, pine martens, long-tailed weasels, andwolverines. In rocky regions, pikas, yellow-bellied

marmots, and golden mantled ground squirrelswill probably cross your path, and in the watersof Grand Teton National Park, you may be luckyenough to spy a muskrat, beaver, or river otter.No matter where you go in Grand Teton NationalPark, a mammal will not be far away. Their suc-cess in adapting to a variety of conditions hasmade their dispersal throughout the park possi-ble, and their ubiquitous presence in Grand TetonNational Park has made this beautiful place evenmore exciting and rewarding to visit.

ReptilesGrand Teton National Park is home to a

diverse array of wildlife including several speciesof reptiles. Reptiles are a highly successful groupof animals with dry, scaly skin that either lay eggsor bear live young. Although reptiles cannotmaintain a constant body temperature like mam-mals, they can regulate their body temperaturebehaviorally, such as moving into or out of sun-light. The park's cold mountain climate limits thediversity, distribution, and abundance of reptilespecies found here.

There are currently four confirmed species ofreptiles in Grand Teton National Park. Alongwith one species of lizard, there are three speciesof snakes. The most common reptile in the parkis the wandering garter snake (Thamnophis ele-gans vagrans). The valley garter snake(Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi) and the rubber boa(Charina bottae) are much less commonlyencountered. All three species of snakes typicallylive near areas of water. There are no species of

The Snake River flows in the shadows of the TetonRange. National Park Service Photo.

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poisonous snakes in the park. The only confirmed species of lizard in Grand

Teton National Park is the northern sagebrushlizard (Sceloporus graciosus graciosus).Amazingly, this lizard species, which lives in dry,rocky sagebrush habitat, was not confirmed toexist within the 310,000-acre park until 1992.Although Grand Teton is a heavily visited jewel ofthe National Park Service, and much is knownabout its larger mammal species, this recent “dis-covery” points to our deficiency of knowledge ofsmaller invertebrate and vertebrate species withinthe park, including reptiles. Since the possibilityexists that other reptile species, including theGreat Basin gopher snake (Pituophis cateniferdeserticola), may someday be found in the park,further study on the reptiles of Grand TetonNational Park is needed.

PlantsOver 1000 species of vascular plants grow in

Grand Teton National Park and the surroundingarea. Soil conditions, availability of moisture,slope, aspect, and elevation all determine whereplants grow. Plants that require similar conditionsare often found growing in the same area. Theseassociations form various plant communities. It isuseful to divide the plants of Grand TetonNational Park into the following communities:sagebrush flats, riparian corridors and wetlands,

forests, and alpine areas. The valley floor of Jackson Hole is comprised

of loose rocky soil through which water perco-lates easily. In these conditions the silvery-greenbig leaf sagebrush is conspicuous. Although atfirst glance it appears that only sage grows on theflats, this area is remarkably diverse.

Moisture-loving plants find suitable growingconditions along the Snake River, its tributaries,and other wetland areas. Narrow leaf cottonwoodand willows, both of which thrive in wet areas,grow along the watercourses, creating ribbons oflight green across the landscape. Wet meadowsprovide the conditions suited to grasses, sedges,and wildflowers.

The canyons, mountainsides, and hills creat-ed by glacial debris, called moraines, containdeeper soils that are capable of holding moisture.These conditions support the growth of trees.Conifers dominate these areas, coloring theslopes a dark green.

Although they appear gray and lifeless, thehigh alpine reaches of the park support plantsspecially adapted to the harsh growing conditionsfound there. Wind, snow, lack of soil, increasedultraviolet radiation, rapid and dramatic shifts intemperature, and a short growing season all chal-lenge the hardy plants that survive here. Mostplants adapt by growing close to the ground inmats like the alpine forget-me-not.

NATURAL FEATURESAND ECOSYSTEMSArtists create a mosaic by setting small coloredpieces of tile into mortar to create a decorativedesign or picture. While each piece of tile isunique and colorful in its own right, the artistcreates something greater than the individualparts by carefully combining and arranging eachsmall piece.

While the Teton Range dominates the land-scape, it is the interplay of mountains, faults, gla-ciers, forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and geologicfeatures that create the overal grandeur of GrandTeton National Park. Taken individually, each fea-ture is fascinating and worthy of protection, butwhen combined as they are in Grand Teton, theycreate a mosaic that is inspiring beyond compare.

Flood PlainsIt is normal for river levels to fluctuate through-out the year. The flood plain is the area around ariver that experiences flooding while water levelsare high. In the park you can see the Snake Rivermeander through its flood plain, creating a braid-ed effect.

Wetlands and marshes can be found in the floodplain and provide vital plant and animal habitat.A great place to view wildlife in the flood plain isSchwabacker’s Landing, where you can observean active beaver colony. (Don't get too close,beavers are very shy.)

Flooding brings nutrients to the flood plainbecause rivers carry rich sediments and materialthat serves as fertilizer. Efforts to control naturalflooding often leads to worse flooding in otherareas. Wild rivers without levees or dams arebecoming increasingly hard to find.

ForestsEveryone knows that forests contain trees, but

each forest is unique in it’s own way, and everyforest has an intricate story to tell. The forest typeis dependent on many factors, including climate,topographical conditions, geographical location,and soil type. Forests may contain just one or twospecies of trees in large stands, or mix hundredsof different species together! Along with the treescomes various other species of plants and animalsthat are all interconnected in the forest ecosystem.

In Grand Teton National Park, there are avariety of forest types, containing different treespecies as well as associated wildlife. Some trees,such as the whitebark and limber pines, sub-alpine fir, and engelmann spruce can survive thecold windy slopes and alpine zone high up in theTetons to around 10,000 feet. Other evergreens,like the lodgepole pine, douglas fir, and bluespruce, are more commonly found on the valleyfloor, while the aspens, cottonwoods, alders, andwillows prefer the moist soils found along therivers and lakeshores.

Grand Teton forests generally contain two orthree different types of trees growing together in aspecific habitat type. These forests merge into oneanother in zones called ecotones, which createsedge habitat for various species of wildlife. Someanimals, like the red squirrel, pine marten, andblack bear spend most of their time in the forests.Others, such as moose, elk, and wolves, seek theforest for shade and shelter during the day andmove out to the sagebrush or meadows to feed inthe early mornings and evenings. Forests are avery important part of the Grand Teton ecosys-tem. They stabilize the soil, create homes and

MENOR'S FERRY

Menor's Ferry once belonged to William D.Menor who came to Jackson Hole in 1894, tak-ing up a homestead beside the Snake River.Here he constructed a ferryboat that became avital crossing for the early settlers of JacksonHole Valley.

Jackson Hole was isolated by its surround-ing mountains and had such a harsh climatethat it was one of the last areas of the lower 48states to be settled. Homesteaders came here,mainly from Idaho, beginning in the late1880s. Most early settlement in the valley tookplace in the south, or on a few scattered areaswith fertile soil onthe east side of theSnake River. Menorwas alone on thewest side of theSnake for more thanten years.

Rivers are oftenimportant trans-portation corridors.However, the SnakeRiver was a naturalbarrier that dividedthe valley. In drymonths the rivercould be forded safely in several locations,but during periods of high water even themost reliable fords were impassable. After1894, Menor’s Ferry became the main cross-ing in the central part of Jackson Hole.Residents crossed on the ferry to hunt, gath-er berries and mushrooms, and cut timber atthe foot of the mountains.

Bill Menor built the original ferryboat andcableworks. Today’s ferry and cableworks arereplicas. The ferry is a simple platform set ontwo pontoons. The cable system across theriver keeps the ferry from going downstream,

while allowing it to move sideways. By turningthe pilot wheel, the rope attaching the boat tothe cable is tightened and points the pon-toons toward the opposite bank. The pressureof the current against the pontoons pushesthe ferryboat across the river in the directionthe pontoons point. This type of ferry existedin ancient times and was used elsewhere inthe United States.

Menor charged 50¢ for a wagon andteam and 25¢ for a rider and horse.Pedestrians rode free if a wagon was cross-ing. When the water was too low for the ferry,Menor suspended a platform from the cableand three to four passengers could ride aprimitive cablecar across the river. In later

years, Menor andhis neighbors built abridge for winteruse, dismantling iteach spring.

Menor sold outto Maude Noble in1918. She doubledthe fares, hoping toearn a living fromthe growing numberof tourists in the val-ley. Noble charged$1 for automobileswith local license

plates, or $2 for out-of-state plates. In 1927, asteel truss bridge was built just south of theferry, making it obsolete. Maude Noble soldthe property to the Snake River LandCompany in 1929.

Bill Menor and his neighbors homesteadedhere thinking of the local natural resources ascommodities for survival, but many of themgrew to treasure the beauty and uniqueness ofJackson Hole. In 35 short years, from BillMenor’s arrival until the establishment of theoriginal park in 1929, this land passed fromhomestead to national treasure.

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food for wildlife, provide nutrients and carbondioxide to the ecosystem, and create beauty andenjoyment for us all.

FossilsWhen one views the Teton Range visions of

vast, ancient seas do not usually come to mind.The peaks of the Tetons seem so powerful, soimposing, that it may be difficult to imagine thisarea as an almost featureless underwater plain.Both of these scenes, however, describe chaptersin the geologic history of Grand Teton NationalPark. One of the most revealing clues for geolo-gists unraveling the mystery of the Tetons’ past isthe existence of fossils. Fossils are the mineralizedremains or impressions of plants or animals frompast geologic ages.

Fossils are typically found in sedimentaryrock. One way that sedimentary rock forms isthrough the settling of suspended material (sand,gravel, or mud) from water. The settling materialforms horizontal layers that thicken and lithify(harden to rock) over time. Sand, gravel, andmud are not the only material that settles to thebottom of aquatic bodies. Plant and animal mate-rial settles too. Once this organic material—per-haps the remains of an ancient fish—has settled,it is covered by the ongoing sedimentationprocess. In time the seas recede and the sedimen-tary layers are exposed to erosive forces such aswind, rain, and gravity. These forces break downthe rock formations exposing successive underly-ing layers. Eventually, the fossil remains of a crea-ture once buried under tons of sediment areexposed at the earth’s surface.

In the northern, southern, and, most dramati-cally, in the western portions of Grand TetonNational Park are extensive formations of sedi-mentary deposits, some over a thousand feetthick. These formations contain the fossil remainsof oceanic organisms. The presence of the fossilsleads geologists to conclude that the area now

occupied by the Tetons was once the floor ofancient seas. The seas were inhabited by algaesand corals, brachiopods (clamlike in appearance),and early ancestors of the crayfish—trilobites.Fossil records in Grand Teton date back to at leastthe Cambrian age approximately 500 millionyears ago.

Fossils do more than provide us with a fasci-nating look at prehistoric life forms. They are use-ful tools in dating geologic features, analyzingpast climates, and tracing evolutionary processes.If you are fortunate enough to find a fossil duringa visit to one of the national parks, please lookbut do not touch. Leave them to be rediscoveredby the visitors and scientists of the future.

Glaciers / Glacial FeaturesA quilt of white blankets Grand Teton

National Park in the winter. As spring approachesthat white blanket dwindles in size. However,even in the heat of summer, snow and ice arepresent in the form of glaciers and snowfields.

Glaciers carry rocks, soil, sand, and otherdebris from higher to lower elevations. This mate-rial can be carried on the surface, inside, or evenfrozen to the bottom of the glacier. In this park,the glaciers are wet-based, meaning they move ona thin plane of water like an ice skater.

One major feature you may see on a glacier isa crevasse. These are deep, V-shaped structuresfound in the uppermost layer of the glacier. Thispart of the glacier breaks easily as the ice moves,causing crevasses to open and close.

Glaciers have had a weighty impact on theTeton Range. Ice, over 3,000 feet thick, movedacross the valley floor. Today the mottled beautyof the mountains is punctuated by a contrast ofdark and light. Exposed rock lies adjacent tosnow or ice. Currently there are numerous snow-fields and twelve glaciers in the park. These mass-es of moving ice have names like Schoolroom,Teton, Middle Teton, Triple, and Skillet Glacier.

Lakes and PondsMost of the lakes in the park were created

thousands of years ago. As the glaciers movedthey pushed aside soil and dug into the ground.When they melted they left behind an indenta-tion in the ground that filled with water from themelting glacial ice. These became the lakes thatwe see today. Jackson Lake, the park's largestlake, is a natural lake that has been altered by ahuman-made dam.

Ponds can be formed like lakes but may alsobe the result of part of a river being blocked,beavers building a dam, natural sinkholes in theground, or even human activity. The plant andanimal life in a pond area is very diverse and pro-ductive.

Ponds and lakes provide for a variety of habi-tat in and around them. From cutthroat trout tocrawfish, from great blue herons to moose, almostall wildlife in the park derive some benefit fromlakes and ponds.

Ponds and lakes also provide recreationalopportunities for visitors. Some of the easiest andmost popular hikes are around lakes and ponds.All of the lakes are open to swimming and non-motorized boating. Jackson Lake also allowsmotorized boats for recreational use.

MountainsGrand Teton National Park inspires your

sense of wonder. Magnificent mountains towerover a valley bisected by the Snake River. Thisbeautiful valley, overlooked on the western edgeby an impressive skyline, is known as JacksonHole. The Teton Range dominates the landscapeof the park.

The range began rising 2 to 13 million yearsago. There were numerous earthquakes thatreleased tension along the Teton Fault to create avertical offset of 23,000 feet. However, when youview the range you will see that the Grand Teton

PEAK NAMES

From the book Origins by Hayden and Nielsen.

Static Peak In the Teton Range north of DeathCanyon. So named because it is so often hit bylightning.

Buck Mountain Named for George A. Buck,recorder for T.M. Bannon’s 1898 mapping party.Bannon gave the name “Buck Station” to the tri-angulation station he and George Buck estab-lished on the summit in 1898.

Nez Perce Named for an Indian tribe whosewell-known leader was Chief Joseph.Sometimes referred to as Howling DogMountain because of the resemblance whenseen from the north.

The Grand Teton Highest mountain in theTeton Range. Named by French trappers. Uponviewing the Teton Range from the west, the trap-pers dubbed the South, Middle and Grand, LesTrois Tetons, meaning “the three breasts.” WilsonPrice Hunt called them “Pilot Knobs” in 1811because he had used them for orientation whilecrossing Union Pass. In his Journal of a Trapper,Osborne Russel said that the Shoshone Indiansnamed the peaks “Hoary Headed Fathers.”

Mount Owen Neighboring peak of the GrandTeton to the northeast. Named for W.O. Owen,who climbed the Grand Teton in 1898 withBishop Spalding, John Shive, and FrankPetersen.

Teewinot Mountain Towers above CascadeCanyon and Jenny Lake. Its name comes fromthe Shoshone word meaning “many pinnacles.”

Teewinot probably once applied to the entireTeton Range, rather than just this one peak.Fritiof Fryxell and Phil Smith named the peakwhen they successfully completed the firstascent of the mountain in 1929.

Mount Saint John Between Cascade andIndian Paintbrush canyons. Actually a series ofpeaks of nearly equal height. Named for OrestesSt. John, geologist of Hayden’s 1877 survey,whose monographs on the Teton and Wind Riverranges are now classics. MOUNT MORAN Mostprominent peak in the northern end of the TetonRange. Named by Ferdinand V. Hayden for thelandscape artist Thomas Moran, who traveledwith the 1872 Hayden expedition intoYellowstone and into Pierre’s Hole on the west-ern side of the Teton Range. He produced manysketches and watercolors from these travels.

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at 13,770 feet, stands only about 7,000 feet abovethe valley floor. Most of the elevation change hasbeen buried in this gravity driven environment.Erosion is filling the valley in but it also bestowedthe Teton Range with a rugged appearance. Theterrain and lack of foothills allures outdoor enthu-siasts of all types to visit this area. Climbers canfind at least 12 peaks in the Teton Range over12,000 feet high with varying degrees of difficulty.

WatershedsA watershed is a topographic region in which

all precipitation flows from an area of uplifttoward a central valley. The North American con-tinental divide bisects the continent as the land-mass’ most consistent high point, usually foundnear the Rocky Mountains. Precipitation that fallseast of the continental divide flows toward theAtlantic Ocean watershed, while precipitationthat falls to the west of the divide flows westtoward the Pacific Ocean watershed.

In Grand Teton National Park, the mostapparent watersheds are located east and west ofthe Teton Mountain range. Precipitation falling onthe eastern side of the range flows toward theJackson Hole valley watershed. However, the rateof uplift of the Teton Range is occurring so quick-ly that the mountain peaks do not act as thedividing line between the two watersheds. In real-ity, the watershed is two kilometers west of thepeaks due to the rate of erosion not occurring asquickly as the rate of uplift. Nonetheless, precipi-tation falling on the west side of the mountainsflows into eastern Idaho. The Snake River Valleyis its own watershed, collecting precipitation thatfalls on or near the Snake River.

Two Ocean Lake, in the northeastern portionof the park near Moran, was originally nameddue to the misbelief that the continental divideran through the center of the lake forcing wavesto move toward opposite shores and oppositewatersheds. Subsequent mapping has determinedthat the divide is many miles to the northwest ofTwo Ocean Lake, yet the name remains.

Wetlands, Marshes and SwampsWetlands, marshes, and swamps are abundant

in Grand Teton National Park. These areas are fedby numerous mountain streams, springs, orseeps and provide vital habitat for a wide varietyof plants and animals. Vegetation such as pondlilies, willows, and cattails supply wildlife withfood and shelter.

It is very common to see wildlife browsing inthese areas where the water meets the land.Oxbow Bend and Willow Flats provide excellenthabitat for moose that graze on willow and otheraquatic vegetation.

Beyond providing habitat for plants and ani-mals, wetlands help filter water and temper floodwaters. Whether they are created by a beaver'sdam at Schwabacher's Landing or are naturallyoccuring along the Snake, wetlands are an inte-gral component of the ecosystem.

GEOLOGYRead the past as you view the Teton Range today.The ancient geologic processes that shaped themountains and valley have left visible marks.Watch millions of years of dynamic geologyunfold before you while exploring Grand TetonNational Park.

Two rectangular blocks of the Earth's crustmoved like giant trap doors, one swinging sky-ward to form the mountains, the other hingingdownward to create the valley. Wind, rain, ice,

and glaciers constantly eroded the rising range.Meanwhile, enormous glaciers and torrentialmeltwaters flowed southward carrying cobbles,gravel, and coarse sand and periodically re lev-eled the floor of the sinking valley.

Collecting RocksFederal law prohibits collecting in National

Parks. Please leave rocks where you find them sothat others may enjoy the intact geologic story.

Rock FormationThe geologic story of the Teton Range starts

with the formation of the rocks that make up themountains, rocks far older than the mountainsthemselves. The process began over 2.5 billionyears ago when sand and volcanic debris settledin an ancient ocean. For millions of years, addi-tional sediment was deposited and buried withinthe earth's crust. Heat and pressure metamor-phosed (changed) the sediment into gneiss, therocks that comprise the main mass of the TetonRange. The stress of metamorphosis caused min-erals to segregate. Today, alternating light anddark layers identify banded gneiss, readily seen inDeath Canyon and other canyons in the TetonRange.

Next, magma (molten rock) forced its way upthrough cracks and zones of weakness in thegneiss. This igneous (formed by heat) rock slowlycooled, forming light-colored dikes of granite,inches to hundreds of feet thick. Look for largerdikes as you view the mountains from the JennyLake and String Lake areas. Uplift and erosionhave exposed the granite that now forms the cen-tral peaks of the range.

Diabase, a dark-colored igneous rock, 1.3 bil-lion years ago flowed up through the gneiss andgranite, resulting in the prominent vertical dikesseen today on the faces of Mt. Moran and theMiddle Teton. The diabase dike on Mt. Moranprotrudes from the face because the gneiss sur-rounding it erodes faster than the diabase. Thediabase dike on the Middle Teton is recessedbecause the granite of the central peaks erodesmore slowly than the diabase.

Shallow seas that covered the Teton region600 million to 65 million years ago have left sedi-mentary formations, still visible at the north and

south ends of the Teton Range and also on thewest slope of the mountains. Marine life, especial-ly tiny trilobites, corals and brachiopods, flour-ished in the shallow seas covering this area. Theseas repeatedly advanced and retreated. Duringretreat of the younger seas, this area became alow-lying coastal plain frequented by dinosaurs.Fossilized bones of a horned dinosaur, theTriceratops, have been found east of the Park nearTogwotee Pass.

Mountain BuildingCompression of the earth's crust 80 million to

40 million years ago caused uplift of the RockyMountain chain, from what is now Mexico toCanada. While the mountains on the south andeast formed during this period, the rise of theTeton Range as we now see it had not yet begun.Stretching and thinning of the earth's crustcaused movement along the Teton fault to beginabout 6-9 million years ago.

Every few thousand years, when the elasticityof the crust stretches to its limit, a fault (or break)of about 10 feet occurs, relieving stress in theearth's crust. The blocks on either side of the

fault moved, with the west block swinging sky-ward to form the Teton Range, the youngest andmost spectacular range in the Rocky Mountainchain. The east block dropped downward, form-ing the valley called Jackson Hole. The valleyblock has actually dropped down four times morethan the mountain block has uplifted. Total verti-cal movement along the Teton fault approaches30,000 feet. Evidence for the amount of move-

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ment comes from the present location of theFlathead Sandstone. Activity along the Teton faultseparated this formation on the opposing blocks.

On the summit of Mt. Moran 6,000 feet abovethe valley floor, lies a pink cap of FlatheadSandstone, visible when the snow has melted. Onthe valley side of the fault, this formation liesburied at least 24,000 feet below the surface.

Early nineteenth century fur trappers referredto high mountain valleys as "holes". When theynamed this valley Jackson Hole, they were geo-logically correct! Today the sheer east face of theTeton Range, rising abruptly more than a mileabove the valley, captures our attention more thanthe valley does. Rocks and soil, thousands of feetthick, transported into the valley over the pastseveral million years, mask the subsidence of thevalley. Some of the deposits filling Jackson Holecontain innumerable rounded rocks varying incolor from white to pink and purple. Thesequartzite rocks eroded from an ancestral moun-tain range probably located 20 to 70 miles north-west of the Teton Range. Rivers rounded thequartzite into cobblestones as they carried therocks into this area.

VolcanismVast clouds of volcanic ash blew into the

Teton region from the west and north, beginningmore than 20 million years ago. White ash accu-mulated on the sinking floor of Jackson Hole 9million to 10 million years ago, leaving depositsnearly one mile thick. Between 6 million and 600thousand years ago, fiery incandescent clouds ofgaseous molten rock originated in what is nowcentral Yellowstone Park and flowed southwardon both sides of the Teton Range. Remnants of

this flow are exposed on Signal Mountain and onthe north end of the Teton Range.

GlaciationThe sculpturing influence of ice has provided

a final spectacular touch to a scene that alreadyboasted mountains rising sharply from a broad,flat valley. About 150,000 years ago this regionexperienced a slight cooling that allowed an accu-mulation of more and more snow each year.Eventually glaciers (masses of ice) began to flowfrom higher elevations. Over two thousand feetthick in places, the ice sheet flowed from north tosouth through Jackson Hole. The glacier finallyhalted south of the town of Jackson and meltedabout 100,000 years ago.

About 60,000 years ago the glaciers returned,first surging from the east down the BuffaloValley, stopping near the Snake River Overlook.The most recent ice advance flowed from theYellowstone Plateau south down the Snake Riverdrainage and east from the canyons in the TetonRange, about 20,000 years ago. The Yellowstoneice mass gouged out the depression occupiedtoday by Jackson Lake. Smaller glaciers flowingeastward down the Teton Range broadened the V-shaped stream canyons into U-shaped canyons,typical evidence of glaciation. Ice flowed from thecanyons into Jackson Hole, then melted to formthe basins that small lakes occupy today. Glaciallakes include: Phelps, Taggart, Bradley, Jenny,String, and Leigh. As glaciers flowed down thecanyons, rocks and ice smoothed and polishedcanyon floors and walls. Look for glacial polish-ing today in Cascade and other canyons. Othertelltale signs of glaciation include cirque lakeshigh up in the canyons, such as Lake Solitude inthe north fork of Cascade Canyon.

The peaks of the Teton Range became morejagged from frost-wedging, where water freezingin the rocks exerted a prying force, eventuallychiseling the rocks free, leaving the sharp ridgesand pinnacles seen today.

Although the last great ice masses meltedabout 15,000 years ago, a dozen re-establishedglaciers still exist in the Teton Range. Mt. Moranexhibits five glaciers: Triple Glaciers on the northface, prominent Skillet Glacier on the east faceand Falling Ice Glacier on the southeast face.Teton Glacier lies in the shadow of the GrandTeton. One way to view a glacier up closeinvolves a ten-mile hike (twenty miles round trip)up the south fork of Cascade Canyon toSchoolroom Glacier. It demonstrates all the fea-tures of a classic glacier.

Moraines (deposits of glacially-carried debris)accumulated at the terminus of each ice surge.Because moraines contain a jumble of unsortedrocks and soil that retains water and minerals,glacial debris today supports dense lodgepolepine forests. To locate moraines, look for largestands of pines on ridges projecting above thevalley floor, such as Timbered Island and BurnedRidge. Glacial moraines also surround the lakes atthe base of the peaks. Where glacial meltwaterwashed away most of the soil, the cobbles andpoor, thin soil left behind cannot retain moistureor nutrients. Sagebrush, certain wildflowers andgrasses can tolerate such desert-like growing con-ditions. Thus the geologic history of a regiondetermines the vegetation and ultimately thewildlife, too.

ACCESSIBILITYFacilities for visitors with disabilities include rest-rooms, picnic tables, and a limited number ofcampsites.

There are approximately 100 miles of parkroads and 200 miles of trails throughout the park.Most park trails are rough rock or dirt and arenot accessible to visitors with disabilities.

There are many asphalt trails in the JennyLake area, some of which are accessible. Sometrails may begin as asphalt and change to dirt orgravel shortly thereafter

Weatherwww.mountainweather.com Teton Forecast

Avalanche Forecast(307) 733-2664 recorded information(307) 733-2759 report obsreved avalanche activity

Jackson Hole has long, cold winters. The firstheavy snows fall by November 1 and continuethrough March; snow and frost are possible dur-ing any month.

Mid-April, May, JuneMild days and cool nights alternate with rain

and occasional snow. Valley trails are snow cov-ered until late May.

July and AugustWarm days and cool nights prevail, with

afternoon thundershowers common.

September, October, November Sunny days and cold nights alternate with

rain and occasional snow storms.

December through mid-AprilBetween storms the days are sunny and nights

are frigid. Snow blankets mountains and valley.Travel is not advised and roads may be closedduring blizzards.

Recommended ClothingRaingear is recommended during spring,

summer, and fall. Sub-zero temperatures are com-mon throughout winter and demand multi-lay-ered clothing, hats, mittens and cold weatherboots.

FeesFees are established annually. Call the Park or

consult their website for current fees. 2003 fesswere:

Park Entry$20.00 entrance fee covers both Yellowstone andGrand Teton National Parks.

Camping$12.00 per night, per site

Other FeesFees are also charged for watercraft, backcountryreservations (not permits) and snow planes.

Pets in the ParkGrand Teton National Park is a protected area

where wildlife is free to roam undisturbed. Parkvisitors should be able to enjoy native wildlife intheir natural environment without the disruptionof other people’s pets. For this reason pet restric-tions are enforced.

A good rule is a pet may go anywhere a carmay go: roads and road shoulders, campgroundsand picnic areas, parking lots, etc. Pets must beon a leash and under physical restraint. Pets arenot permitted on any park trails or in the parkbackcountry. Pets are not considered pack ani-mals.

RegulationsYou are responsible for clean-up and disposal

of all pet feces.Pets must be kept under physical control at

all times — caged, crated, or restrained on a leash

THE COLTER STONE

The Colter Stone, discovered near Tetonia,Idaho in 1933, is a piece of rhyolite carved inthe shape of a human head. It is engraved onone side with the name “John Colter”, on theother side is the year “1808”. If authentic, itrepresents the only solid proof of the routefollowed by trapper and explorer John Colter.

Colter explored the greater Yellowstonearea during the winter of 1807-8, perhapsthe first white man to do so. His route, how-ever, is uncertain as no clear maps or recordsexist. Colter set out from a fur trapping fort inpresent-day southern Montana and headedsouth to near today’s Cody, Wyoming. On hisreturn he passed through what is nowYellowstone National Park. The middle sec-tion of his journey is a matter of conjecture.One theory indicates he traveled viaTogowtee Pass. The other commonly heldview traces Colter’s route through JacksonHole, over Teton Pass, and north along thewest side of the Teton Range. No evidenceexists to substantiate either route. The onlyavailable sources of information are vagueaccounts and maps derived from interviewswith Colter after his return.

Thus, the significance of the Colter Stonebecomes clear. The location of its discovery,the west side of the Teton Range, wouldprove that John Colter had traveled the TetonPass route. But the Stone has not been fullyauthenticated, so the Colter Stone remains afascinating piece of the puzzle yet to fit intothe mystery of John Colter’s pioneeringsojourn through this region.

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not to exceed six feet in length.Pets are prohibited in the backcountry and on

park trails.Pets are prohibited from public buildings and

swimming beaches, except for guide dogs.Pets are prohibited from riding in boats on

park waters, except for Jackson Lake.Pets must stay within 50 feet of any roadway.Pets must not be left unattended and/or tied

to an object.Pets are prohibited from making unreasonable

noise or frightening wildlife.Pets running-at-large may be impounded and

their owner charged for the care and feeding ofthe animal.

KennelsIf you are planning on exploring areas of the

park that are closed to pets, we recommend thatyou place your pet in a kennel.

Jackson, WyomingAlpha Animal Care(307) 733-5352

Babysitting by the Tetons(307) 733-0754

Critter Camp(307) 733-4279

Kindness Kennels(307) 733-2633

Spring Creek Kennels(307) 733-1606

IdahoThe Hairball Hotel(208) 787-2806

Petstoppe Ranch(208) 787-2420

BEAR SAFETY

Allowing a bear to obtain human food, evenonce, often results in aggressive behavior. Thebear then becomes a threat to human safety andmust be removed or destroyed. Help keep parkbears wild and safe. Do not feed the bears for anyreason! Failure to follow park regulations is a vio-lation of federal law and may result in citationsand fines.

Keep a Clean CampAfter eating and before leaving camp or sleep-

ing, check to be sure you have a clean, bear-proofcampsite:

All food, containers, and utensils must bestored in a bear box or in a closed, locked vehiclewith windows rolled up. The only exceptions areduring the transport, preparation, and eating offood.

Trash and garbage must be stored in the samemanner as food, or placed in bear-proof trashcans or dumpsters.

Treat odorous products such as soap, deodor-ant, sunscreen, and perfumes in the same manneras food.

For your safety absolutely no food, foodstuffs,garbage, or odorous products may be stored intents or sleeping bags.

Ice chests, thermoses, water containers, bar-becue grills, stoves, dishes, and pans must bestored in the same way as food — inside a lockedvehicle or bear box.

Bear EtiquetteIf you encounter a bear, do not run. If the

bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quiet-ly away. If the bear is aware but has not actedaggressively, back slowly away while talking in aneven tone.

Never approach a bear for any reason.

Never allow a bear to get human food. Ifapproached while eating, put food away and

retreat to a safe distance (100 yards/91 meters).

Never abandon food because of an approachingbear. Always take it with you.

Never throw your pack or food at a bear in anattempt to distract it.

Never bury food scraps, containers, or fishentrails. Put them in trash cans.

Never leave food, containers, or garbage unat-tended in camp. Bears are active both day andnight.

You Can Make a DifferenceSince 1996, seven bears have been destroyed

in this park due to irresponsible human behaviorthat led to the bear’s habituation to human food.Please help to ensure that similar situations arenot repeated. Your actions while on park trailsand in the campground will affect the chances ofthese bears survival.

If you encounter a bear, do not approach it forany reason. Bears are unpredictable and should bewatched only from a safe distance of at least 100yards (91m). Report all bear sightings to a ranger.

WILDLIFE VIEWING

Always Keep a Safe Distance When ViewingWildlife

All animals require food, water, and shelter.Each species also has particular living space, orhabitat, requirements. To learn more aboutwildlife habitats and animal behavior, attendranger-led activities.

Oxbow BendOne mile east of Jackson Lake Junction. Slow-

moving water provides habitat for fish such assuckers and trout, which become food for riverotters, ospreys, bald eagles, American white peli-cans, and common mergansers. Look for swim-ming beavers and muskrats. Moose browse onabundant willows at the water’s edge. Elk occa-sionally graze in open aspen groves to the east.

Timbered IslandA forested ridge southeast of Jenny Lake.

Small bands of pronghorn antelope, the fastestNorth American land animal, forage on nearbysagebrush throughout the day.

Elk leave the shade of Timbered Island atdawn and dusk to eat the grasses growing amongthe surrounding sagebrush.

Mormon RowEast of Highway 26-89-91, one mile north of

Moose Junction. Along Mormon Row andAntelope Flats Road, bison and pronghorn can beseen grazing in spring, summer, and fall. Alsowatch for coyotes, Northern harriers, andAmerican kestrels hunting mice, Uinta groundsquirrels, and grasshoppers. Sage grouse, sagethrashers, and sparrows also frequent the area.

Snake RiverJackson Lake Dam south to Moose. Elk and

bison graze in grassy meadows along the river.Bison also eat grasses in the sagebrush flats on thebenches above the river. Bald eagles, ospreys, andgreat blue herons build large stick nests withinsight of the river. Beavers and moose eat willowsthat line the waterway.

Cascade CanyonWest of Jenny Lake. Look for, but do not feed,

golden-mantled ground squirrels at Inspiration

Photography is one of the most popular pastimes in the park. National Park Service Photo.

Grizzly bear. Best to watch from a (long) distance.National Park Service Photo.

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Point. Pikas and yellow-bellied marmots live inscattered boulder fields.

Mule deer and moose occasionally browse onshrubs growing at the mouth of the canyon.Listen for the numerous songbirds that nest inthe canyon.

Blacktail PondsHalf-mile north of Moose on Highway 26-89-

191. Old beaver ponds have filled in and nowsupport grassy meadows where elk graze duringthe cooler parts of the day. Several kinds of ducksfeed in the side channels of the Snake River.Moose browse on willows growing along theriver.

Be a Responsible Wildlife ObserverUse binoculars, spotting scopes or long lenses

for close views and photographs. Always maintaina safe distance of at least 300 feet from large ani-mals such as bears, bison, moose, and elk.

Never position yourself between an adultand its offspring. Females with young are espe-cially defensive.

It is illegal to feed wildlife, including groundsquirrels and birds. Feeding wild animals makesthem dependent on people, and animals oftenbite the hand that feeds them.

Do not harass wildlife. Harassment is anyhuman action that causes unusual behavior, or achange of behavior, in an animal. Repeatedencounters with people can have negative, long-term impacts on wildlife,including increased lev-els of stress and the avoidance of essentialfeeding areas.

Nesting birds are easily disturbed. Forwildlife, raising young is a private affair. If anadult bird on a nest fl.ies off at your approach, orcircles you or screams in alarm, you are too closeto the nest. Unattended nestlings readily suc-cumb to predation and exposure to heat, cold,and wet weather.

Allow other visitors a chance to enjoywildlife. If your actions cause an animal to flee,you have deprived other visitors of a viewingopportunity. Use an animal’s behavior as a guideto your actions, and limit the time you spendwith wildlife, just as you would when visiting afriend’s home.

A trip into the backcountry requires advanceplanning. Download the Backcountry publicationfor more details.

Backcountry Regulations• Pets, weapons, bicycles, and vehicles are notallowed on trails or in the backcountry.

• All overnight camping requires a permit.

• Carry out all your garbage.

• Prevent erosion by hiking on established trailserosion.

• Horses have the right-of-way. Step off the trailand remain quiet while horses pass.

• Observe and photograph wildlife from a safedistance. Do not approach or feed animals.

•Prevent contamination of waterways by buryingfeces in a hole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feetfrom streams and lakes. Pack out used toiletpaper, tampons, sanitary napkins, and diapers insealed plastic bags. Do not bury or burn them.

For your safety• This is bear country. Make bears aware of yourpresence and avoid surprising them by makingloud noises like shouting or singing.

• Carry drinking water.

• Be prepared for rapid weather changes; bringrain gear and extra clothing.

•High elevation may cause breathing difficulties;pace yourself.

• Snow melts gradually, leaving valley trails bymid-June, canyon trails by late July. Be carefulcrossing snowfields and streams.

• Tell someone where you are going and whenyou expect to return.

• Solo hiking and off-trail hiking are not recom-mended.

•Check with a ranger for current information ontrail conditions.

Avoid CrowdsDuring July and August trailhead parking

areas fill early, especially at South Jenny Lake,String Lake, Lupine Meadows, Death Canyon,and Granite Canyon. Parking

on natural vegetation results in permanentdamage to plants; violators will be ticketed.

In paved parking lots, parking illegally willalso result in a ticket. An early start will help youavoid parking problems.

SCENIC DRIVESMany turnouts along park roads offer exhibits onpark geology, wildlife, and plants. Turnouts alsoprovide safe places to enjoy scenic views and takephotographs. Do not stop in the middle of theroad to view wildlife.

The Teton Park Road follows the base of theTeton Range from Moose to Jackson LakeJunction.

The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive skirts JennyLake and provides spectacular views of the peaks;the scenic drive is one-way and begins just southof String Lake.

The Signal Mountain Summit Road climbs800 feet (242 meters) to panoramic views ofthe Teton Range, Jackson Hole valley, andJackson Lake.

Driving SafelyWatch for large animals on the road. Drive

slowly at night. Elk, bison and mule deer fre-quently migrate at night and may be difficult tosee. Moose use roads as travel corridors. Hitting alarge animal at highway speeds has resulted infatal accidents. Careful driving protects you andwildlife. Always wear your seatbelt.

Half-Day ActivitiesYou can do all of these activiites in a half-day.

Colter Bay Visitor Center and Indian Arts MuseumVisit the museum to view art created by

native peoples and gain a glimpse of 19th centuryAmerican Indian life. American Indian andwildlife videotapes and a park orientation slideprogram are shown throughout the day. Ranger-led activities include museum tours, park orienta-tion talks, natural history hikes and eveningamphitheater programs.

Signal Mountain Summit RoadThis 5-mile drive starts one mile south of

Signal Mountain Lodge and Campground. Theroad winds to the top of Signal Mountain, 800feet above the valley. Summit overlooks providepanoramic views of the entire Teton Range,Jackson Lake and most of Jackson Hole. The roadis narrow and parking at overlooks is limited, sono trailers or large motorhomes, please.

Jenny Lake Scenic DriveTurn at North Jenny Lake and drive south-

west. Stop at the Cathedral Group Turnout for aspectacular view of the Grand Teton (13,770'),Teewinot and Mt. Owen. The road is two-way asfar as String Lake and Jenny Lake Lodge. South ofString Lake, the road becomes one-way and pro-vides a relaxed lakeshore drive with views ofJenny Lake. Rejoin the Teton Park Road nearSouth Jenny Lake.

Menors Ferry & the Chapel of the TransfigurationTurn off the Teton Park Road 0.5-mile north

of Moose. The Menor's Ferry Trail, less than 0.5-mile long, affords a look at homesteading andpioneer life in Jackson Hole. Visit Bill Menor'scabin and country store. Ride a replica of theferry that crossed the Snake River at the turn ofthe century (the ferry is launched after high waterin the spring, usually after the 4th of July). Thealtar window of the Chapel of the Transfigurationframes the tallest Teton peaks. Please be respect-ful, the chapel is a house of worship.

Whole-Day ActivitiesIf you have a whole day add the following

stops to those suggested for the half day visit:

Willow FlatsStop at the Willow Flats Turnout, 6 miles

south of Colter Bay, for a view of an extensivefreshwater marsh that provides excellent habitatfor birds, beavers and moose. Jackson Lake andthe Teton Range for the backdrop.

Oxbow BendLocated one mile east of Jackson Lake

Junction, this cut-off meander of the Snake Riverattracts a wide variety of wildlife. Mount Moran,the most massive peak in the Teton Range, domi-nates the background.

Jackson Lake Dam OverlookJackson Lake Dam, one mile west of Jackson

Lake Junction on the Teton Park Road, raises thelevel of Jackson Lake a maximum of 39 feet. Inaddition to being a reservoir, Jackson Lake is also

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER,JR.MEMORIAL PARKWAY

Located at the heart of the GreaterYellowstone Ecosystem, the RockefellerParkway connects Grand Teton andYellowstone National Parks. The late conser-vationist and philanthropist John D.Rockefeller, Jr. made significant contributionsto several national parks including GrandTeton, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, andVirgin Islands. In 1972 Congress dedicated a24,000 acre parcel of land as the John D.Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway to recog-nize his generosity and foresight. Congressalso named the highway from the southboundary of Grand Teton to West Thumb inYellowstone in honor of Rockefeller.

The Rockefeller Parkway provides a natu-ral link between the two national parks andcontains features characteristic of both areas.In the parkway, the Teton Range tapers to agentle slope at its northern edge, while rocksborn of volcanic flows from Yellowstone linethe Snake River and form outcroppings scat-tered atop hills and ridges.

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a natural lake formed by an immense glacier thatonce flowed from Yellowstone National Park.Park on the southwest side of the dam and take ashort walk for a peaceful view of Jackson Lakeand Mount Moran.

South Jenny LakePark at South Jenny Lake and take a short

walk to view glacially-carved Jenny Lake nestledat the base of the tallest Teton peaks. A 6-milehiking trail encircles Jenny Lake. Shuttle boats(early June through late September) provide easyaccess to the west shore of the lake and trails toHidden Falls, Inspiration Point and CascadeCanyon. Parking is limited and the trail becomescrowded, so plan to arrive early or late in the day.A midday arrival will be frustrating.

Antelope Flats-Kelly LoopAt Gros Ventre Junction, 5 miles south of

Moose Junction on Highway 26-89-191, turneast. Follow the road to the small town of Kelly.To see the Gros Ventre Slide, turn at the signmarked national forest access. The Gros VentreSlide occurred in 1925 when earthquakes andrain caused the north end of Sheep Mountain tobreak off and dam the Gros Ventre River, formingLower Slide Lake. Follow the Antelope Flats Roadalong hayfields and ranches to rejoin Highway26-89-121.

Multi-Day ActivitiesIf you have more than one day, try some of

these ideas in addition to the half-day and whole-day suggestions:

Attend Ranger-Led ActivitiesJoin a ranger for a visitor center talk, muse-

um tour, stroll, hike or evening program. From

early June to Labor Day a full schedule of activi-ties is conducted daily. Consult a park newspa-per, available at visitor centers and entrancestations, or various bulletin boards in the park.Attend the activities of your choice and learnmore about the natural and human history of thepark and parkway.

Take a HikeOver 200 miles of hiking trails in the park

and parkway range from level and easy trails onthe valley floor to steep, arduous trails into themountains. At visitor centers, ask a ranger for rec-ommended hikes and look at or purchase mapsand trail guides. Parking areas at popular trailheads fill as early as 11:00 a.m., from late June toearly September.

Go Rafting Park and parkway concessioners and opera-

tors provide a variety of floating and fishing tripson the Snake River. Equipment is also availablefor rent in Jackson from several sources.

Ride a BikeThe Teton Park Road has wide shoulders and

superb views of the Tetons. The Antelope Flats-Kelly Loop provides riding opportunities on sec-ondary roads. Ride bikes only where cars canlegally go; bicycles are not allowed on trails or inthe backcountry. Equipment is available atDornans and in Jackson from several sources.

Climb a MountainThe Teton Range offers many opportunities

for climbers and mountaineers. The Jenny LakeRanger Station is the center for climbing informa-tion and climbers are encouraged to stop in andobtain information on routes, conditions and reg-ulations. Registration for day climbs is notrequired, while all overnight stays require a back-country permit. The Jenny Lake Ranger Station isopen from early June to mid-September, 8 a.m. to6 p.m.

Go Horseback RidingPark concessioners offer horseback rides at

Colter Bay and Jackson Lake Lodge. A publicationis available for Saddle and Pack Stock.

DAY HIKES

The following hikes are shown on the accompa-nying map.

1. Flagg RanchPolecat Creek Loop Trail, 2.5 miles roundtrip, 2hours, EASY.

West side of level loop follows ridge above amarsh, habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.

Flagg Canyon, 5.0 miles roundtrip, 3-4 hours, 40-foot elevation change, EASY.

Access from east side of Polecat Creek Loop Trail.Spectacular views of the Snake River.

2. Colter BayLakeshore Trail, 2.0 miles roundtrip, 1 hour, EASY.

Level trail follows east and north shoreline ofColter Bay then follows perimeter of a forestedpeninsula jutting into Jackson Lake, providingviews of the northern part of the Teton Range.

Heron Pond & Swan Lake, 3.0 miles roundtrip, 2hours, 40-foot elevation change, EASY

Follow mostly level trail to ponds to see birds andother wildlife. Brochure available.

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Hermitage Point, 8.8 miles roundtrip, 4 hours,100-foot elevation change, EASY

Forests, meadows, ponds, and streams along trailprovide wildlife habitat. Terrain is gently rolling.

3. Jackson Lake LodgeLunch Tree Hill, 0.5 mile roundtrip, 1/2 hour, 80-foot elevation change, EASY.

Short trail with interpretive signs leads to top ofhill overlooking Willow Flats and Teton Range.

4. Two Ocean LakeTwo Ocean Lake, 6.4 miles roundtrip, 3 hours, 80-foot elevation change, MODERATE.

Traverses conifer forests along the south shore;aspens and meadows on the north shore.

Emma Matilda Lake, 9.1 miles roundtrip, 5 hours,440-ft elevation change, MODERATE.

Follows lakeshore with views of the Tetons.

Two Ocean & Emma Matilda Lakes, 12.9 milesroundtrip, 7 hours, 710-foot elevation change,MODERATE.

Follows north shore of Two Ocean Lake, climbsto Grand View Point for a panoramic view, thenfollows south shore of Emma Matilda Lake loop-ing back to Two Ocean Lake.

5. Leigh LakeLeigh Lake, 2.0 miles roundtrip, 1 hour, 40- foot

elevation change, EASY.

Bearpaw Lake, 7.4 miles roundtrip, 4 hours, 40-foot elevation change, EASY

Follows forested shore of Leigh Lake, with close

views of Mount Moran.

6. String LakeString Lake, 3.3 miles roundtrip, 3 hours, 120-footelevation change, EASY.

Backcountry travel is uncrowded and rewarding. National Park Service Photo.

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Trail circles the lake through a burned area justbelow Rockchuck Peak and Mt. St. John.

Holly Lake, 12.4 miles roundtrip, 8 hours, 2535-foot elevation change, STRENUOUS.

Follow Paintbrush Canyon trail through seasonal-ly abundant wildflowers.

Paintbrush-Cascade Loop, 19.2 miles roundtrip,14 hours, 3845-foot elevation change, VERYSTRENUOUS.

Hike up Paintbrush Canyon, over PaintbrushDivide, and down Cascade Canyon. An ice axemay be necessary until August.

7. Cascade CanyonJenny Lake Loop, 6.6 miles roundtrip, 4 hours,100-foot elevation change, EASY

Mostly level trail skirts shoreline, with views ofthe Teton Range. Brochure available.

Hidden Falls, 5.0 miles roundtrip, 3 hours, 150-foot elevation change; via shuttle boat (feecharged): 1.0 mile, 1-1/2 hours, 150-foot eleva-tion change, MODERATE.

Popular trail follows Jenny Lake’s south shore,then climbs to view of 200-foot cascade.

Inspiration Point, 5.8 miles roundtrip, 4 hours,417-foot elevation change; via shuttle boat (feecharged): 2.2 miles roundtrip, 2-1/2 hours, 417-foot elevation change, MODERATE-STRENUOUS.

Follow trail to Hidden Falls, then continue up toInspiration Point overlooking Jenny Lake

Forks of Cascade Canyon, 13.0 miles roundtrip,7 hours, 1057-foot elevation change; via shut-tle boat (fee charged): 9.0 miles roundtrip, 5hours, 105-foot elevation change, MODERATE-STRENUOUS.

Popular trail leads into Cascade Canyon withviews of the Grand, Mt. Owen, and Teewinot.

Lake Solitude, 18.4 miles roundtrip, 10 hours,2252-foot elevation change; via shuttle boat (feecharged): 14.4 miles roundtrip, 8 hours, 2252-foot elevation change, STRENUOUS.

Follow popular Cascade Canyon trail. North Forkleads to Lake Solitude and views of the Grandand Mt. Owen.

South Fork of Cascade Canyon, 23.2 milesroundtrip, 12 hours, 3589-foot elevation change;via shuttle boat (fee charged): 19.2 milesroundtrip, 11 hours, 3589-foot elevation change,STRENUOUS

Follow popular Cascade Canyon trail. South Forkleads to Hurricane Pass and views of SchoolroomGlacier.

8. Lupine MeadowsAmphitheater and Surprise Lakes, 9.6 milesroundtrip, 8 hours, 2958-foot elevation change,STRENUOUS

Hike up to glacial lakes surrounded by subalpinemeadows. Horses not allowed.

Garnet Canyon, 8.2 miles roundtrip, 7 hours,2160-foot elevation change, STRENUOUS

Trail leads to the mouth of Garnet Canyon.Horses not allowed.

9. Taggart LakeTaggart Lake, 3.2 miles roundtrip, 2 hours, 277-foot elevation change, MODERATE.

Trail traverses area burned in 1985 to reachTaggart Lake.

Grand TetonBackcountry Areas

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Bradley Lake, 4.0 miles roundtrip, 3 hours, 397-foot elevation change, MODERATE.

Trail climbs through area burned in 1985, thendown a glacial moraine to Bradley Lake.

Taggart Lake-Beaver Creek, 4.0 miles roundtrip, 3hours, 277-foot elevation change, MODERATE.

Trail traverses area burned in 1985 and climbsglacial moraines surrounding Taggart Lake.

10. Chapel of the TransfigurationMenor’s Ferry, 0.5 mile roundtrip, 1/2 hour, 10-foot elevation change, EASY.

See an original homestead on the banks of theSnake River. Brochure available.

11. Death CanyonPhelps Lake Overlook, 1.8 miles roundtrip, 2 hours,420-foot elevation change, MODERATE.

Trail climbs moraine to overlook Phelps Lake.Phelps Lake, 4.0 miles roundtrip, 4 hours, 987-foot elevation change, STRENUOUS.

Trail climbs to overlook, then descends to PhelpsLake. Return involves steep hike up to overlook.

Death Canyon-Static Peak Trail Junction, 7.6 milesroundtrip, 6 hours, 1061-foot elevation change,STRENUOUS.

Trail climbs up and then down to Phelps Lake,followed by a climb into Death Canyon.

Static Peak Divide, 15.6 miles roundtrip, 10 hours,4020-foot elevation change, VERY STRENUOUS.

Switchbacks through whitebark pine forest toimpressive views. Ice axe may be necessary untilAugust.

12. Granite CanyonMarion Lake, 20.8 miles roundtrip, 12 hours,2880-foot elevation change, STRENUOUS.

Follow Granite Creek to subalpine meadowsaround Marion Lake.

13. Top of the TramFee charged for tram. Visitors are allowed to hike

trails leading from the tram after snow has meltedsufficiently to allow safe travel.

Marion Lake, 11.8 miles roundtrip, 7 hours, 1206-foot elevation change, MODERATELY STRENU-OUS.

Hike through alpine and subalpine terrain toMarion Lake and return to the tram.

Granite Canyon, 12.4 miles roundtrip, 7 hours,4135-foot elevation change (downhill), MODER-ATE.

Start at the top and hike down through alpinemeadows to Teton Village.

14. Cunningham CabinCunningham Cabin, 0.75 mile roundtrip, 1 hour,20-foot elevation change, EASY.

Follow short trail to see early homestead. Trailleaflet available at trailhead and at visitor centers.

15. Teton CanyonTarghee National Forest/Table Mountain, 11.0 milesroundtrip, 7 hours, 4151-foot elevation change,STRENUOUS.

Steep trail follows Teton Creek and ends 0.5 mi.below the summit. Ascend summit by scramblingup talus slope. (Brochure available).

BACKCOUNTRY

Planning Your TripThis guide contains general information regardingGrand Teton National Park’s backcountry. Forspecific information obtain a topographic map ofthe park or a hiking guide. The map on the otherside of this guide is only for planning purposesand selecting campsites. As you plan your trip,consider every member of your party. Also con-

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sider the distance and elevation gain to your des-tination. There is no shuttle service in thepark.but taxi services are available from the localcommunity. If you have only one vehicle, youmay want to plan a loop trip that returns to thesame trailhead. July and August are the busiesttimes because there is less snow in the high coun-try. Weekends and holidays are busiest for boaterson Jackson Lake.

Getting A PermitPermits are required for all overnight trips. To

minimize impacts on park resources, backcountrypermits are limited. One-third of the backcountrycampsites and all of the groupsites may bereserved in advance. The rest are filled first-come,first-served at park permit offices.

ReservationsThe park backcountry is very popular.

Reservations are recommended. Requests areaccepted by mail, fax or in person from January1st to May 15th. Requests are processed in theorder received. Include your name, address, anddaytime telephone number, the number of peo-ple, and your preferred campsites and dates. It isbest to include alternate dates and campsites.Write to Grand Teton National Park, PermitsOffice, P.O. Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012 orfax to 307 739-3438. Reservations may be madein person at the Moose Visitor Center, open dailyfrom 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will return written con-firmation within two weeks. Phone reservationsare not accepted. Call 307 739-3309 or 739-3397for more information. A non-refundable servicefee of $15 will be charged for each reservation.

Picking Up Your PermitA reservation holds your permit but does not

replace your permit. Obtain permits in person atthe Moose and Colter Bay Visitor Centers or theJenny Lake Ranger Station in the summer. During

winter, permits may be picked up only at theMoose Visitor Center. You may get a permit asearly as the day before your trip begins. Havealternate destinations and dates in mind in caseyour first choice is full. A reserved permit mustbe picked up by 10 a.m. the morning of your tripor it will become available to others. You may callto inform us if you will be late. If you know youwill not be using your permit, please cancel yourreservation as soon as possible.

Permit ParametersBy signing the backcountry permit you agree

to respect the backcountry. Printed on the back ofyour permit are some of the backcountry regula-tions. Read and abide by them. Failure to complywith regulations may result in fines and revoca-tion of the permit.

Group SizeIndividual parties consist of 1 to 6 people.

Groups of 7 to 12 people are limited to campingin designated Groupsites able to withstand theimpact of larger groups. In winter, parties are lim-ited to 20 people.

Backcountry ConditionsSnow usually melts from valley trails by mid-

June but remains in the high country throughmuch of the summer. Safe travel over Paintbrush,Static Peak, and Moose Basin Divides andHurricane, Mt. Meek, and Fox Creek Passesrequires an ice axe and knowledge of its use untilas late as August. Snow conditions vary from yearto year. Check with a ranger for current informa-tion. Trails begin at about 6800 feet in elevation.Expect to encounter horses and yield to them bystepping off the uphill side of the trail and stand-ing quietly until they pass. Boaters should beaware of strong afternoon winds.

MountaineeringPermits are not required for mountaineering,

but climbers on overnight trips must have a back-country permit to camp or bivouac. Ask for theMountaineering brochure. Current and detailedinformation is available at the Jenny Lake RangerStation in the summer, 307 739-3343. In thewinter call 307 739-3309. From June throughSeptember, all Garnet Canyon permits and per-mits for any trip involving technical climbing ormountaineering should be picked up at the JennyLake Ranger Station.

FishingA Wyoming state fishing license is required to

fish in the park. There are established creel limits.For specific fishing rules and regulations ask forthe Fishing brochure. Fishing licenses are avail-able at the Colter Bay, Moose, Flagg Ranch andSignal Mountain camp stores.

BoatingAll vessels must be registered with the park

annually. A fee is required. Permits may be pur-chased at the Moose or Colter Bay VisitorCenters. Lakeshore campsites are located onJackson Lake and Leigh Lake. Camping is notpermitted on the Snake river. For specific infor-mation regarding the use of watercraft in the parkask for the Boating brochure.

Horses and LlamasStock may be used on established trails, how-

ever some trails are closed to horses and llamas.There are special campsites and rules forovernight stock use. Ask for the Stock Usebrochure.

Stay LimitsCampers may stay in a camping zone or des-

ignated sites for two consecutive nights. On

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Jackson Lake the limit is 3 nights. Between June 1and September 15 campers may stay in the back-country a maximum of 10 nights. In winter, thelength of stay is 5 nights in one site.

Maps and BooksMaps and guidebooks are available from the

Grand Teton Natural History Association, a non-profit organization that supports the interpretive,educational, and scientific programs in the park.Call 307- 739-3403 for details. This table charac-terizes the lower elevation areas of the park. Mostof the park is at higher elevations and tempera-tures will average at least 5 degrees colder.Precipitation will be much greater; the precipita-tion on the high windward slopes can be expect-ed to be twice that shown here. Be aware thatmountain weather changes quickly. Check theweather forecast before starting your trip. In TheBackcountry

Managing Backcountry UseThe permit system helps ensure protection of

park resources while providing a quality back-country experience. In popular areas, designatedcampsites are selected for their durability and arespread apart to minimize disturbance to othercampers. Canyons that receive less use are divid-ed into camping zones. A limited number of peo-ple are allowed to camp in each zone.

Leave No Trace• No trace means not leaving litter, scraps offood, fire rings, buried trash, or toilet paper.

• Camp in designated sites where required. Incamping zones, where improved sites are not pro-vided use an existing bare ground site at least 200feet from water and out of sight and sound ofothers if possible.

• In pristine areas camp on a durable surfacesuch as rock, snow, or bare ground. Dry grass orbare duff can stand a little use, but wildflowersand shrubs are fragile. In any camp, pick barerock or ground for social gathering and cooking.

• One foot leaves little trace, but many feet com-bined degrade resources quickly. Stay on existingtrails. Feet trample plants and compact soil, lead-ing to erosion. Be sure not to trample new areas.One misplaced step can destroy a tiny 100-year-old plant.

• Shortcutting switchbacks causes erosion and isprohibited.

• Where no trail exists, walk abreast, not singlefile. It’s better to trample many plants a little thana few plants a lot. Walk on rock, snow, or non-vegetated surfaces when possible.

• Be aware that loud voices and radios disturbthose who are seeking solitude.

• Your camping impact, added to everyone else’s,can remove vegetation from an area.

• Removing flowers, plants, rocks and other natu-ral or cultural objects is prohibited. Please leavethem for others to enjoy.

• Strive to avoid resource damage, and be awarethat past damage must be remedied. You maysee trails rerouted or campsites closed so scarsfrom overuse may heal. Please respect theseefforts by staying out of closed areas and byusing existing trails. Please help keep GrandTeton’s backcountry looking “grand.” Thescenery that you came here to experience needsto be preserved for your next visit and for gener-ations to come.

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WaterGiardia, campylobacter and other harmful

organisms that cause intestinal disorders withsevere diarrhea can be transmitted throughuntreated water. To be certain that your water issafe, treat backcountry water by boiling or filter-ing with a portable water filter.

SanitationPrevent contaminated waterways. Urinate at least200 feet away from any water source in rockyplaces that won’t be damaged by animals diggingfor the salts and minerals found in human urine.Bury feces in soil 6-8 inches deep and at least200 feet from lakes, streams, and wetlands. Packout toilet paper in a sealed plastic bag or use nat-ural options such as rocks, snow, or vegetation.Store used tampons, sanitary napkins, and dia-pers in sealed plastic bags.

Backcountry RegulationsRegulations are needed to protect resources andensure a high quality backcountry experience.Your cooperation is needed in understanding andabiding by all park rules. Help eliminate the needfor more restrictions by hiking and campingresponsibly.

The following key regulations are strictlyenforced.

Permits are required for all overnight stays.The permit is valid only for the location and datesindicated.

Campsite “improvements” such as the con-struction of rock walls, log benches, tree boughbeds, new fire rings, and trenches are prohibited.

Fires are permitted only at designatedlakeshore sites. Where permitted, fires must beconfined to metal fire grates.

Keep fires small and do not leave them unat-tended. Downed and dead wood may be collect-ed. Gas stoves are encouraged.

Pets, bicycles, wheeled vehicles, motorizedequipment, weapons, and explosives includingfireworks are not allowed in the backcountry.

Anglers must have a Wyoming State fishinglicense in possession.

Horse, mule and llama use is limited to estab-lished trails and stock camps. Use hitch railswhere provided. Carry stock feed; grazing is notallowed.

Shortcutting trail switchbacks is prohibited.Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Feeding

wildlife interferes with their natural diet and isharmful to their health. Please don’t feed the ani-mals.

This is bear country. Follow the food storageregulations in the In Bear Country section of thisbrochure.

Prevent pollution by not washing dishes orbathing in or near streams or lakes.

Carry out all trash and food scraps. Whenpossible, carry out trash left by others. Neverbury trash or attempt to burn aluminum.

Black bears and grizzly bears live in the parkand parkway. Follow these guidelines to makeyour hike and camp safer. They are for your pro-tection and for the preservation of the bears, oneof the true signs of wild country.

Camping ZonesWith a permit, you may stay within the indicatedcamping zone, unless assigned to a designatedsite.

• Signs mark the beginning and end of eachzone. If there are groupsites or improved camp-sites inside the zone, they are marked with signs.

• In non-designated sites, camp out of sight oftrails and other campers. Camp on previouslyimpacted campsites.

• Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams,where possible.

• Group campsites may only be used by groupsspecifically assigned to them. Groupsites aremarked with signs.

• Fires are prohibited, use a stove.

• Bears are common. Properly hang your foodusing the counter-balance method. Food storagepoles or boxes are available at some sites.

Berry Creek, Webb Canyon & Canyons Without TrailsBears, including grizzlies, are frequently observedin this area. Hiking includes difficult and danger-ous stream crossings without bridges. Safe travelrequires good physical condition and experiencewith map and compass. Hikers must be preparedfor selfevacuation in case of problems. Horse andllama camping is permitted only at HechtmanStock Camp.

Lower Paintbrush Canyon ZoneBegins 3 miles from the String Lake Parking Areabelow the first crossing of Paintbrush Creek. Theupper camping zone boundary is 1.5 miles belowthe lower Holly Lake Trail Junction. The “Outlier”campsite is I mile below Holly Lake and is a des-ignated site.

Upper Paintbrush Canyon ZoneExtends from about 0.1 mile above the lowerHolly Lake Trail Junction to the PaintbrushDivide headwall, on the main canyon trail. Fromthe lower end of the zone to the upper HollyLake Trail Junction, camp only on the south sideof the trail (the left side as you hike up thecanyon). From the upper Holly Lake TrailJunction to the Paintbrush Divide headwall, youmay camp on either side of the trail.

Holly Lake Designated SitesFollow the Holly Lake Trail to the trail marked“Holly Lake Campsites” that begins at Holly Lake.

This trail leads north to two designated camp-sites, each marked with a sign. Group and stocksite is 0.25 mile below Holly Lake.

North Fork Cascade ZoneExtends from the second bridge above the fork towhere the trail crosses the stream Lake Solitude.Groupsite is 0.5 mile above the lower boundaryof the zone on terraces east of the trail.

South Fork Cascade ZoneBegins 1 mile above the Cascade Canyon trailfork and ends 0.5 mile below Hurricane Pass.Groupsite is 1.75 miles above the trail fork, eastof the trail.

Death Canyon ZoneStarts 4.5 miles from the Death Canyon Trailhead1/4-mile above the bridge crossing of DeathCanyon Creek. The lower zone boundary is 0.5mile west of the Death Canyon Patrol Cabin (notstaffed). The upper boundary is 0.5 mile belowFox Creek Pass. Groupsite is between the trailand creek, 2 miles west of the patrol cabin.

Death Canyon Shelf ZoneExtends from just above Fox Creek Pass to Mt.Meek Pass. Groupsite is 2 miles north of FoxCreek Pass.

Marion Lake Designated SitesThree sites are just east of the lake. A spur trailleads east from the lake. Please camp on tentpads.

North Fork Granite Canyon ZoneLower boundary is 0.25 mile above theMiddle/North Fork trail junction. The upperboundary is where the trail crosses the NorthFork Creek.

South-Middle Forks ZoneLower boundary is 0.75 mile above the upperMiddle/North Fork trail junction. On the north,the boundary is the ridge between the North andMiddle Forks. The east boundary is 1.5 milesfrom the top of the tram. Groupsite is 4.6 miles

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from the top of the tram and 1.4 miles south ofMarion Lake. Site is in trees 150 yards east ofwhere the trail crosses the Middle Fork Creek.

Lower Granite CanyonUpper boundary is just below the Middle/NorthFork trail junction. Groupsite is south of the trail,3.4 miles west of the Granite Canyon trail junc-tion with the Valley Trail.

Mt. Hunt Divide ZoneUpper boundary is just south of Mt. Hunt Divide

and extends down to 0.75 mile above the GraniteCanyon trail.

Open Canyon ZoneExtends from where the trail crosses OpenCanyon Creek to just north of Mt. Hunt Divide.

Lakeshore Sites

Jackson Lake• Bears are common. Bear boxes are provided ateach site and must be used for food storage.

Coolers are not bear-proof.

• Fires are allowed only in fire grates.

• Pets are not allowed in Jackson Lake campsitesexcept at Spalding Bay. Pets must be physicallyrestrained at all times and are not allowed out ofboats.

• Beware of waves caused by afternoon winds onthe lake.

Leigh Lake• Bears are common. Bear boxes are provided ateach site and must be used for food storage.

• Fires are allowed in fire grates only.

• Pitch tents on tent pads, where provided.

• Beware of waves caused by afternoon winds onthe lake.

Phelps Lake• Bears are common. Bear boxes are provided ateach site and must be used for food storage.

• Fires are prohibited.

• Pitch tents on tent pads.

Trail Combination & Mileages

Tram to Granite Canyon via Marion Lake 17.1 miles.Trailhead: Teton Village – 1 night. Fee charged fortram.

Cascade Canyon/Paintbrush Canyon loop (Note: Thisis an extremely busy trail July through August)19.2 miles. Trailhead: String Lake parking area –1 night.

Granite Canyon/Open Canyon loop via Valley Trail19.3 miles. Trailhead: Granite Canyon parkingarea – 1 night.

Tram/Death Canyon loop via Valley Trail 23.1 miles.Trailhead: Teton Village – 1 to 2 nights. Feecharged for tram.

Cascade Canyon/Death Canyon via Static Peak Divide24.8 miles. Trailheads: South Jenny Lake parkingarea and Death Canyon parking area – 1 to 2nights.

Granite Canyon/Death Canyon loop via Valley Trail25.7 miles. Trailhead: Granite Canyon ParkingArea – 2 nights.

Tram to Cascade Canyon via Teton Crest Trail 28.5miles. Trailheads: Teton Village and South JennyLake parking area – 2 to 3 nights. Fee charged fortram.

Death Canyon/Cascade Canyon via Teton Crest Trail29.5 miles. Trailheads: Death Canyon parkingarea and String Lake parking area – 2 to 3 nights.

Death Canyon/Paintbrush Canyon via Teton CrestTrail 36.0 miles. Trailheads: Death Canyon park-ing area and String Lake parking area – 3 to 4nights.

Granite Canyon/Paintbrush Canyon via Teton CrestTrail 37.9 miles. Trailheads: Granite Canyon park-ing area and String Lake parking area – 4 nights.

BICYCLING

Most of Jackson Hole, a 40-mile long, 15-milewide valley surrounded by mountains, lies withinGrand Teton National Park and the John D.Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway. Within thepark and parkway, approximately 100 miles ofpaved roads await the bicyclist. Numerous scenicturnouts provide spectacular views of the impres-

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sive Teton Range. To enter or leave the valley,bicyclists may need to cross one or more moun-tain passes.

Some roads in the park predate today’s bicy-cling popularity. Most roads have a paved markedshoulder, providing limited space for safe bicy-cling. Some roads have only a very narrow shoul-der, or lack one altogether. Use extreme caution.

Mountain Biking Suggested Routes Two-Ocean Lake Road Three miles of dirt road lead from the Pacific

Creek Road to Two-Ocean Lake for a short butscenic ride over rolling terrain.

River Road A gravel road parallels the west side of the SnakeRiver for approximately 15 miles between SignalMountain and Cottonwood Creek. Watch forwildlife. Maintain a safe distance (300 feet mini-mum) from large animals, such as bison, that fre-quent this area.

Grassy Lake Road Travel an old American Indian route through thetransition between Grand Teton and YellowstoneNational Parks. Ride all or part of the 52-mileroad that starts west of Flagg Ranch and contin-ues to Ashton, Idaho.

REMEMBER: Bicycles are not allowed on anytrails in Grand Teton National Park or the JohnD. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway, but youcan ride your fat-tired bicycle on any unpavedroads where cars can legally go.

CAUTION: Unpaved roads are narrow. Ride onthe right side of the road and be alert for vehicu-lar traffic. Dry weather causes unpaved roads tobecome extremely dusty.

Road Biking Suggested Routes Teton Park Road Recent road construction

from Moose to North Jenny Lake Junction includ-ed widening the road shoulders. The adjacent 3-mile Jenny Lake Scenic Drive providesspectacular views of the tallest Teton peaks.

Antelope Flats – Kelly Area Bicycle secondary roads through sagebrush flatswith spectacular views of the Teton Range.

For More Information Obtain information concerning bicycling,

bicycle routes, facilities, and services from thepark visitor centers at Moose, Jenny Lake andColter Bay. A recorded message provides informa-tion about the park’s weather, activities and parkfacilities 24- hours a day all year long. Call (307)739- 3611.

Bicycles may be rented in the park atDornans' in Moose. Bicycle rentals, parts andservice are also available from several shops near-by in the town of Jackson.

FLOATING THE SNAKE RIVER

General Information Floating the Snake River offers a chance to expe-rience an outstanding natural area. Flowing westfrom its source in the Teton Wilderness, the riverenters Yellowstone National Park, then flowssouth through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr.,Memorial Parkway, and into Jackson Lake inGrand Teton National Park. Regaining its free-flowing character at the Jackson Lake Dam, theriver winds through the park.

The Snake is a complex river to float. The

Float Trip Planning Map

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beauty and lack of whitewater often lull floatersinto inattentiveness. A tangle of channels andconstant shifting of logjams present difficultiesfound on few whitewater rivers. Accidents occuroften. Use caution whenever you float.

Information on flow rates and additional cau-tion areas are posted at river landings, visitor cen-ters, the Rockefeller Parkway and Buffalo ForkRanger Stations. Reports are updated weekly orwhenever significant change in river conditionsoccur. Even boaters frequently floating the Snakeshould check conditions before every trip, as theriver can change overnight. River flow variesgreatly throughout the summer. Water depthsaverage 2 to 3 feet, but exceed 10 feet in a fewlocations. Boulders and bottom irregularities

cause standing waves up to 3 feet high. Typically,spring flows will be muddy, extremely cold, andvery high, increasing the difficulty of all river sec-tions. As snowmelt diminishes, volume decreasesand waters clear. In spite of reduced flow, thecurrent stays deceptively strong. Logjams andtight turns remain. Always set up maneuvers wellin advance and make decisions early. Take intoconsideration traditionally strong upstreamwinds, especially when canoeing.

River Etiquette The quality of float trips depends largely on

the wildness of the river. The very presence ofother boaters threatens this quality. Help preservethe tranquility of the river scene. Reduce conges-

tion at landings by preparing craft away fromlaunch slips. Launch when other boats are out ofsight, and maintain this interval throughout thetrip. Excessive noise disrupts the solitude othersseek. Silence is especially important when passingwildlife. When encountering other boaters andanglers, respect their rights by steering clear oftheir boats and lines.

Rangers regularly patrol the river during thesummer. Patrol boats carry first aid gear and two-way radios. If you have any questions or needassistance, contact the River Patrol Rangers.Information and assistance are available year-round at the Moose Visitor Center and in summer(May through September) at the Buffalo ForkRanger Station in Moran, the Rockefeller ParkwayRanger Station at Flagg Ranch and the Colter BayVisitor Center.

Equipment should include an extra paddle oroar, a waterproof container with extra clothes, afirst aid kit and a waste receptacle. Attach all gearsecurely. Inflatable boats should have an airpump, bucket for bailing and patch kit.

Do not drink the water unless you boil ortreat it first. Swimming in the river is not recom-mended.

For information on Snake River flows,call 1-800-658-5771; internet addresshttp://wy.water.usgs.gov/rt-cgi/ gen_tbl_pg/ Forinformation on floating the Snake outside thepark contact: Jackson Hole Chamber ofCommerce, Box E, Jackson, WY 83001, phone307-733- 3316; or Bridger-Teton National Forest,Box 1888, Jackson, WY 83001 307- 739-5500 or739-5417.

Regulations Detailed boating regulations are available at

visitor centers and ranger stations.

Beginner LevelJackson Lake Dam to Cattleman's Bridge Cattleman's

Bridge to Pacific Creek These stretches provide scenic views, calmer

water and the fewest obstructions. Fast water atthe Pacific Creek landing requires boaters to landtheir craft in quiet waters about 100 yardsupstream from the actual landing.

Intermediate Level Pacific Creek to Deadman's Bar

More difficult than the preceding section, thisstretch of river drops significantly, increasing thecurrent. Braided channels make routefinding diffi-cult and require more skill. Boating experience onlakes has proven to be of little help to river run-ners on the Snake.

Flagg Ranch to Lizard Creek Campground The braided channel makes route-finding a

challenge. After the Snake River winds throughthe Rockefeller Parkway for 6 miles, it flows intoJackson Lake. During the remaining 4 miles onthe lake, the predominant southwest winds canbe moderate to strong and strenuous rowing orpaddling is required. Afternoon thunderstormsand strong lake winds can produce high wavesthat can swamp rafts and canoes. Motorized craftare prohibited on the river; however, motors canbe carried on vessels and used on Jackson Lake.

Advanced Level Deadman's Bar to Moose Landing

Most river accidents occur on this section, themost challenging stretch of the river in the park.The river drops more steeply, with faster flowsthan in other sections south of Pacific Creek, giv-ing boaters very little time to maneuver their

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craft. Complex braiding obscures the main chan-nel. Strong current can sweep boaters into sidechannels blocked by logjams.

Moose to South Park BoundaryThis section of the river is as difficult as the

preceding section. Fast moving water, braiding,channel selection, logjams and route findingrequire advanced boating skills. The park bound-ary extends 5 miles downriver of Moose on thewest bank and 2 miles downriver on the eastbank; there is no take out or access to the river atthe park boundary. The next take out is atWilson, 12 miles downstream from Moose.

Southgate to Flagg Ranch Southgate Launch is 1/2-mile south of the

South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Theriver slopes steeply and the narrow riverway pro-vides challenging whitewater for rafts and kayaks.In spring, increased water volume creates largestanding waves, haystacks, laterals and large holescapable of flipping rafts. It can be scouted bywalking the canyon rim trail along the west bankof the river. During flows greater than 4000 cfs,the whitewater rapids are Class III and are notrecommended for canoes. Below 4000 cfs, onlycanoeists with advanced white water skills shouldattempt this section.

Mileages Southgate Launch to Flagg Ranch . . . . . . . .3.0 Flagg Ranch to Lizard Creek Campground 10.0 Jackson Lake Dam to Cattleman's Bridge . .2.0 Cattleman's Bridge to Pacific Creek . . . . . . .3.0

Pacific Creek to Deadman's Bar . . . . . . . . .10.5 Deadman's Bar to Moose Landing . . . . . . .10.0 Moose to Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12.0

SNOWMOBILING IN THE TETONS

When snow depth is sufficient, snowmobileroutes including the Continental DivideSnowmobile Trail (CDST) will be opened withinGrand Teton National Park and the John D.Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway. For theunplowed portion of the Teton Park Road, thesnowmobile season is generally mid-Decemberthrough mid-March. The season for the CDST isconsiderably shorter. Travel on Jackson Lake isnot recommended because of numerous hazards.See the map on the reverse side for the locationof snowmobile trails.

Snowmobile regulations in YellowstoneNational Park differ from those in Grand TetonNational Park and the Rockefeller Parkway. ForYellowstone information call 307-344-7381.

The CDST connects Dubois, Lander and theTogwotee Pass areas with Yellowstone NationalPark.

The CDST is a groomed trail and may beclosed periodically for grooming. For currentinformation on trail conditions, please call307-739-3612; ask at the Moose Visitor Centerand the Flagg Ranch Information Station; orcheck bulletin boards located along the CDST atthe East Entrance to Grand Teton, at SignalMountain and the Snake River Bridge at FlaggRanch.

The CDST is located immediately adjacent tothe plowed road and follows Highway 26- 287from the east park boundary to Moran Junction,then follows Highway 89 to the south entrance ofYellowstone National Park. From the east parkboundary to Jackson Lake Junction, the CDST islocated on the north side of the highway. AtJackson Lake Junction the trail crosses the high-way to the west side and follows an old roadbednorth to Christian Creek. After crossing ChristianCreek, the trail passes under the highway bridgeand continues north to Flagg Ranch on the eastside of the highway.

A spur trail from Jackson Lake Junction southconnects the CDST with the Teton Park Roadsnowmobile route. This spur trail follows thenorth side of the Teton Park Road to JacksonLake Dam. From Jackson Lake Dam to SignalMountain, snowmobiles must share the roadwaywith wheeled vehicles, so snowmobile operatorsmust be extremely cautious. The snowmobileroute from Signal Mountain south to Taggart Lakeparking area follows the unplowed road and isnot groomed.

Open AreasDesignated, unplowed roads and the groomed

Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail are open tosnowmobiling. In addition, the surface of JacksonLake is open when the ice is safe enough toaccommodate snowmobiles.

Closed AreasTo protect wildlife, Kelly Hill, Snake River

bottom from one mile north of Moose to MoranJunction, Buffalo Fork bottom from MoranJunction to the park boundary, Wolff Ridge, UhlHill and Willow Flats are closed to all winter trav-el. Plowed roads and road shoulders are closed tooversnow vehicles.

Protecting WildlifeWinter places enormous stress on wildlife.

Observe animals from a distance. If you cause ananimal to move, you are too close. Unnecessarymovement for wildlife uses precious body fatneeded to survive the harsh winter.

Trail DistancesMoran Junction to Jackson Lake Junction 5 miJackson Lake Junction to Signal Mountain 3 miSignal Mountain–Taggart Lake parking 15 miSignal Mountain summit road 5 miJackson Lake Junction to Colter Bay 6 miColter Bay to Flagg Ranch 15 miFlagg Ranch to Grassy Lake 11 miMoose-Wilson road 2 mi

CAMPGROUNDS

Five National Park Service campgrounds areavailable on a first-come, first-served basis withinthe park. The fee is $12.00 per night, per site.Maximum length of stay is 14 days, 7 days atJenny Lake Campground. These campgrounds donot have electrical hook-ups.

Gros Ventre CampgroundSouth of Moose360 sites and a trailer dump station; generally fillsin the evening, if at all.

Jenny Lake CampgroundNorth of Moose49 sites, tents only; full by 8 a.m.

Signal Mountain CampgroundNorth of Jenny Lake86 sites and a trailer dump station; no vehicles

X-Country Ski Trails from Taggart Lake Parking Area

X-Country Ski Trails from Moose-Wilson Road Area

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over 30 feet;full by 10 a.m.

Colter Bay CampgroundNorth of Jackson Lake Junction350 sites with showers, laundry, and dump sta-tion; full by noon.

Lizard Creek CampgroundAt the north end of the park60 sites; no vehicles over 30-feet; full by about2:00 p.m.

Concessioner-Operated CampgroundsA concessioner-operated campground is availableat Flagg Ranch in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr.Memorial Parkway, just south of YellowstoneNational Park. To make reservations contact:

Flagg Ranch ResortPO Box 187Moran, WY 83013(800) 443-2311 or (307) 543-2861www.flaggranch.com

For information on the Colter Bay RV Park &Tent Cabins contact:

Grand Teton Lodge CompanyPO Box 250Moran, WY 83013(307) 543-2811www.gtlc.com

GROUP CAMPINGOnly organized groups such as youth, religious,and educational groups may use the group sites. Colter Bay Campground has 10 group campsites

and Gros Ventre Campground has five. Sitecapacities range from 10 to 75 people.

The nightly use fee is $3.00 per person plus a$15.00 non-refundable reservation fee.

Advance reservations are required. Requestsfor reservations should be made between January1 and May 15 by writing to:

Campground ReservationsGrand Teton National ParkPO Drawer 170Moose, WY 83012

TRAILER VILLAGESColter Bay and Flagg Ranch Trailer Villages areconcessioner-operated trailer facilities with fullhook-ups, showers, and laundry.Flagg Ranch Trailer Village has 100 trailer sitesand 75 tent sites. To make reservations contact:

Flagg Ranch ResortPO Box 187Moran, WY 83013(800) 443-2311 or (307) 543-2861www.flaggranch.com

Colter Bay RV Park has 112 sites. For more infor-mation and to make reservations contact:

Grand Teton Lodge CompanyPO Box 250Moran, WY 83013(307) 543-2811www.gtlc.com

COMMERCIAL SERVICESThe National Park Service does not make conces-sion reservations. Please make direct contact withthe service of your choice.

Opening and closing dates are approximate.The listing of authorized concessions operat-

ing float trips, horseback riding and mountaineer-ing guide services is rotated within each categoryin a prescribed manner unrelated to quality.

A permit is required for conducting any com-mercial activity in Grand Teton National Park andthe John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.

Flagg Ranch Resort ( *open in winter)Open for summer season May 15 – Oct. 15.Open for winter season Dec. 15 – Mar. 12. Hoursof operation subject to change before June 1 andafter Sept. 15. Call 307-543-2861 or toll free 1-800-443-2311. Write Box 187, Moran WY83013.

Accommodations – Log style lodging units with 2queen beds or 1 king bed (open summer andwinter).

Restaurant and Espresso Bar – Open daily.Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Home style menu.

Camper & Trailer Services – Campground with fullhookups, tent sites, 24-hour launderette, showersand restrooms.

Gift Shop – National park gifts, souvenirs, cloth-ing, American Indian jewelry & children's items.

Service Station – Phillips 66. Diesel available.Emergency gas available year-round.

Grocery Store – Essentials, camping/fishing sup-plies, package beer, ice & firewood.

Float Trips – see Float Trip section.

Horseback Riding – See Horseback Riding section.

Spirits – Burnt Bear Saloon & package goods.

Snowmobiling and Snowcoach Tours – Self-guidedand guided snowmobile trips into Yellowstone.Daily snowcoach tours to Old Faithful with aninterpretive guide. Dec. 15 – Mar. 12.

Leek’s MarinaCall 307-543-2494.Pizza Restaurant – Pizza, sandwiches & beer.Open daily 11:00 a.m–9:00 p.m. June 4–Sept. 6.

Marina – On Jackson Lake. Gas dock, overnightbuoys. May 22 – Sept. 19.

Colter Bay VillageReservations today call 307-543-2811, for cabins543-2828; future 543-3100. Write Grand TetonLodge Co., Box 240, Moran, WY 83013.

Accommodations – Colter Bay Cabins Open May28 – Oct. 3. Tent Village open June 4 – Sept. 6.

RV Park – Open daily May 21 – Oct. 3 with allhookups available. Reservations advised.

Restaurants and Snack Bar – Chuckwagon RestaurantOpen daily May 28 – Oct. 3. Table and buffetservice for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Colter BayCafe Court Open daily 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.,June 11 – Sept. 6.

General Stores and Gift Shops – Colter Bay VillageGeneral Store open daily 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.,May 28 – Oct. 3. Hours subject to change. ATMmachine. Colter Bay Highway Convenience StoreOpen daily May 7 – Oct. 20. Groceries, softdrinks, beer, film, gifts & firewood.

X-Country Ski Trails from Colter Bay and Signal Mountain Areas

X-Country Ski Trails from Flagg Ranch Area

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Service Stations – Colter Bay Highway ChevronStation Open daily 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., May7 – Oct. 20. Automotive fuel, including dieselfuel. Self-service. Colter Bay Village Chevron Opendaily May 29 – Sept. 19. Self-service. RV acces-sories and service. Dump station.

Marina –Activities May 28 – Oct. 3. Daily break-fast &1-1/2 hr. scenic, narrated cruises. Sat. andWed. evening steak fry cruises, (dates subject tochange depending on weather & lake levels).Guided lake fishing, boat & canoe rentals,overnight buoys, fuel & discharge pump, tackle& WY fishing licenses. Marina Store May 28 –Oct. 3. Fishing tackle, film, outdoor apparel,snack food & beer.

Float Trips – see Float Trip section under Grand

Teton Lodge Co.

Horseback Riding – See Horseback Riding section.

Public Showers – Open daily 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.May 28 – Oct. 3. Hours subject to change.

Launderette – Open daily 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.May 28 – Oct. 3. Hours subject to change.

Jackson Lake LodgeCall 307-543-2811. Reservations today:543-2811; future 543-3100. Write Grand TetonLodge Co., Box 240, Moran WY 83013.

Accommodations – May 16 – Oct. 13.

Restaurants – Mural Room Breakfast 7:00 a.m. –9:30 a.m. Lunch noon – 1:30 p.m. Dinner 6:00p.m. – 9:00 p.m. May16 – Oct. 13. Pioneer Grill

Open daily 6:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. May 16 – Oct.13. Pool Open daily 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.lunch & snacks; poolside BBQ dinner 6:00 –8:00 p.m. July 1 – Aug. 31. Weather permitting.

Gift and Apparel Shops – Open daily 8:00 a.m. –10:30 p.m. May 16 – Oct. 13.

Newsstand – Sundries, magazines, books, cigars.7:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. May 16 – Oct. 13.

ATM Machine – Hotel registration area.

Service Station – Self-service Chevron station.Diesel fuel available. Open daily 7:30 a.m. – 6:00p.m. May 16 – Oct. 13.

Horseback Riding – See Horseback Riding section.

Float Trips – see Float Trip section under GrandTeton Lodge Co.

Spirits – Blue Heron Lounge open daily 11:00 a.m.– midnight (Sun. noon – 10:00 p.m.). May 16 –Oct. 12. Package Store open daily 8:00 a.m. –10:00 p.m. (Sun. noon – 10:00 p.m.) May 16 –Oct. 12.

Signal MountainCall 307-543-2831. Write Box 50, Moran WY83013.

Accommodations – Lakefront apartments withkitchenettes, log cabins (some with fireplaces) &motel units (some with fireplaces) on JacksonLake. May 8 – Oct. 16.

Restaurants – Aspens Dining Room open dailyBreakfast 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. Lunch 11:00 a.m. –2:30 p.m. Dinner 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. May 8 –Oct. 9. Hours subject to change before May 18 &after Sept. 21. Cottonwood Cafe open daily Lunch11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Dinner 5:30 p.m. – 10:00p.m. May 8 – Oct. 9. Hours subject to changebefore May 18 & after Sept. 21.

Gift & Apparel – Gift Shop National park gifts,mountain home accessories and American Indianjewelry. Open daily 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. May 8– Oct. 3. Teton Traditions Mountain-inspired cloth-ing and accessories. Open daily 9:00 a.m. – 8:30p.m. May 8 – Oct. 3. Hours of both stores subjectto change before May 18 & after Sept. 21.

Service Station and Convenience Store – Open daily7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. May 8 – Oct. 6. Hourssubject to change before May 18 & after Sept. 21.Emergency gas available year-round.

Marina – On Jackson Lake. Canoes, fishing boats,pontoon boats and deck cruiser rentals. Guestbuoys available. Guided lake fishing trips. Gasand courtesy docks. Open May 22 – Sept. 19.

Float Trips – see Float Trip section.

Spirits – Aspens Bar & Lounge open daily noon –midnight. May 8 – Oct. 9. Hours subject tochange before May 18 & after Sept. 21.

Jenny Lake LodgeCall 307-733-4647. Write Grand Teton LodgeCo., Box 240, Moran WY 83013.

Accommodations – Modified American Plan.June 2 – Oct. 10.

Dining Room – Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Lunchnoon – 1:30 p.m. Dinner 6:15 – 9:00 p.m.Reservations suggested for breakfast & lunch;reservations required for dinner. June 2 – Oct. 10.

South Jenny Lake AreaGeneral Store – Jenny Lake Store – Open dailyMay 13 – Sept. 26. Camping & hiking supplies,

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outdoor clothing, t-shirts, groceries, film & gifts.

Boat Shuttles & Cruises - Teton Boating Co. - OnJenny Lake. Scenic cruises, shuttle service, fishingboat rentals. Open 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. June 8– Sept. 12. Closing date is subject to water levels.Call 733-2703.

Mountaineering – Exum Mountain Guides & Schoolof American Mountaineering See Mountaineeringsection.

Moose VillageGeneral Store & Tackle Shop – Open daily May 22–Sept. 12. 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Guided fly-fish-ing trips. Call 733-3471.

Dornans at MooseOpen all year. Call 307-733-2415. www.dor-nans.com For accommodations call 733-2522 orwrite Spur Ranch Cabins, Box 39, Moose WY83012.

Accommodations - Spur Ranch Cabins. New logcabins located on the Snake River. Year-roundavailability, fully equipped kitchens, hand-craftedlodgepole furnishings.

Restaurants – Chuckwagon open daily for breakfast7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Lunch noon – 3:00 p.m.Dinner 5:00 – 8:45 p.m., June 12 – Sept. 5.Moose Pizza & Pasta Company open noon – 9:00p.m., June 15 – Sept. 15; 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.,Sept. 15 – June 15, with pizza to go service.Families welcome.

Gift Shop – Open daily May 15 – Sept. 15.Souvenirs, local crafts, gifts. Winter hours, Sept.16 – May 14.

Service Station – Open daily 8:00 a.m. – 8:00p.m., June – Sept., 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sept. –June.

Grocery Store – Open daily 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.Winter hours 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Firewoodavailable. ATM machine.

Spirits – Moose Bar Lounge & view deck opendaily 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; 10:00 a.m. – 7:00p.m., Sept. 15 – June 1. Wine and Package Shop –Large selection of wines. Open daily 10:00 a.m. –11:00 p.m. June 1 – Sept. 14; 10:00 a.m. – 7:00

p.m., Sept. 15 – June 1.

Sports Equipment Rentals – Dornans AdventureSports – Bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals. Repairsand accessories. 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., May 1 –October 15. 733-3307.

Fishing – Snake River Anglers – Spin & flyfishing,camping equipment. 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., May1 – Sept. 30. 733-3699. Fishing licenses availableyear-round.

Mountaineering Shop - Moosely Seconds Open 9:00a.m. – 8:00 p.m. summer.

Triangle X RanchCall 307-733-2183. Write Box 120T, Moose WY83012.

A dude ranch (weekly; American Plan) withhorseback riding, hikes, float trips, western cook-outs, meals, fishing, dancing, & other westernranch activities for ranch guests. May 20 – Nov.10. Winter activities include cross-country skiing,snowmobiling, snowshoeing & sightseeing.American Plan includes lodging, meals andguides. December 26– March 31.

Teton Science SchoolField Natural History Seminars – One- to four-day

naturalist-led field trips in Grand Teton NationalPark and throughout the Greater YellowstoneEcosystem (May- August). Write Box 68T, Kelly,WY 83011; call 307-733-4765, fax 307-739-9388, e-mail info@tetonscience.org or on the webwww.tetonscience.org

Gros Ventre Slide InGifts, American Indian crafts, snacks, ice & fire-wood. Open daily May 1 – Sept. 15. 7:30 a.m. –8:30 p.m. Write Box 101, Kelly WY 83011.

Snake River Float TripsThe season for most companies is between mid-May and mid-September depending on weatherand river-flow conditions.All trips interpretive. Fishing season extends later.

Jack Dennis Fishing Trips – Guided fishing floattrips; fly or spin fishing; lunch, instruction andequipment included. Call 733-3270 or write toBox 3369, Jackson WY 83001.

National Park Float Trips – 10-mile scenic wildlifetrips, departing throughout day. Group arrange-ments available. Write Moose WY 83012. Call733-6445 or 733-5500.

Heart Six Ranch Float Trips – 10-mile scenic tripsand sunrise wildlife trips. Guided fishing trips forranch guests. Write Box 70, Moran WY 83013.Call 543-2477.

Signal Mountain Lodge – 10-mile scenic trips, guid-ed fishing trips. Write Box 50, Moran WY 83013.Call 543-2831.

Triangle X-Osprey Float Trips – 5- & 10-mile scenictrips scheduled throughout the day; sunrise &evening wildlife trips, supper floats, & breakfastand lunch floats for groups. Fishing trips. MooseWY 83012. Call 733-5500 or 733-6445. FAX733-8685.

Barker-Ewing Float Trips – 10-mile scenic trips,including morning & late evening wildlife trips.Departures throughout the day. May 9 – Sept. 30.Dinner trips available weekdays June 15 – Aug.20. Write Box 100T, Moose WY 83012; Call 733-1800 or 1-800-365-1800.

Fort Jackson Float Trips – Scenic rafting trips departdaily May through Sept. Sunrise trips, short trips(3 hours). Long trips with meal (5 hours). Alsoguided fishing trips, full & half day, equipment &transportation included. Call 733-2583 or 1-800-735-8430.

Flagg Ranch Float Trips – Whitewater & scenicwildlife trips—only trips north of Jackson Lake.Whitewater trips depart every two hours startingat 10 a.m.; scenic trips 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.,depending on weather. Call 543-2861. June 1 –Labor Day.

Grand Teton Lodge Company – (Colter Bay Village& Jackson Lake Lodge) 10-mile scenic trips withseveral morning & afternoon departures daily;some trips include lunch or dinner cookout atDeadman’s Bar; morning departures daily; guidedfishing trips. Write Box 240, Moran WY 83013.Call 543-2811.

Solitude Float Trips – 5- & 10-mile scenic trips.Guided fishing trips. Write Box 112, Moose WY83012. Call 733-2871.

River & Lake Multi-Day TripsO.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) –Offers 2-, 3- and 5-day sea kayaking excursionson Jackson Lake, and 2-day scenic float trips onthe Snake River through Grand Teton National

Park. Wilderness camping, hiking, fishing, funand relaxation. Call 1-800-346-6277 for informa-tion or reservations. www.oars.com

MountaineeringExum Mountain Guides & School of AmericanMountaineering located at Jenny Lake. Daily basic& intermediate schools at Hidden Falls. Guidedascents of Grand Teton & all peaks & routes inTeton Range. Summer & winter. All skill levels.Rock, ice and snow. Private guides available forindividuals or groups. AMGA accredited. Call733-2297. Write Box 56, Moose WY 83012.

Jackson Hole Mountain Guides & Climbing School –Guide service for individuals and small groups.All peaks & routes in the Teton Range. Year-round. Daily schools on rock, ice, snow; all abili-ty levels, certified guides; member U.S. MountainGuide Federation; AMGA accredited. Office indowntown Jackson. Box 7477, 165 N. Glenwood,Jackson WY 83001; call (307) 733-4979.

Climbers’ Ranch/American Alpine Club – Dormitoryaccommodations, cooking area and showers forclimbers. Call 733-7271.

Horseback RidingFlagg Ranch Resort – One-hour trail rides. June 15– Sept. 1. Call 543-2861.

Colter Bay Village Corral – Breakfast & dinnerrides, wagon seats available. Trail rides of variouslengths. 543-2811. June 4 – Sept. 6. Weather per-mitting.

Jackson Lake Lodge Corral – Breakfast & dinnerrides, wagon seats available. Trail rides of variouslengths. Call 543-2811. May 29 – Oct. 12.Weather permitting.

Bus Tours and TransportationGrand Teton Lodge Co. - Call 543-2811 for bustours, charters, & transportation to & fromJackson, Yellowstone, intrapark. May 16 – Oct. 13.

MedicalGrand Teton Medical Clinic – Near Chevron stationat Jackson Lake Lodge. Open daily 10:00 a.m. –6:00 p.m. May 16 – Oct. 13. Call 543-2514.Other hours call 733-8002.Medical Services - St. John's Hospital in JacksonWY 83001. Call 733-3636.

Other Services Outside the ParkThe town of Jackson is 13 miles south of parkheadquarters at Moose. All services are avail-able. For a complete listing of accommodationsand attractions outside the park, stop at themulti-agency Visitor Information Center at 532North Cache, call 733-3316, or write JacksonHole Chamber of Commerce, Box E, JacksonWY 83001;http://www.jacksonholechamber.com

Stores and services are also available at TetonVillage. Some services are located 6-8 miles eastof Moran Junction. For information on Dubois,52 miles east of the park, call the DuboisChamber of Commerce, 455-2556.

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