Grand Teton National Park

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Grand Teton National Park
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Grand Teton National Park in winter
IUCN category	II
Location	[[Teton County, Wyoming, United States]]
Nearest city	[[Jackson]]
Area
Established	February 26, 1929
Visitors
Governing body	[[National Park Service]]
Website	[ Grand Teton National Park]
This protected area related article is a stub.

Grand Teton National Park is a United States National Park located in northwestern Wyoming. The park encompasses the major peaks of the 40-mile-long (64 km) Teton Range as well as most of the northern sections of the Jackson Hole valley. It is only 10 miles (16 km) south of Yellowstone National Park, to which it is connected by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. The park is named for Grand Teton, the tallest mountain in the Teton Range.

History[edit | edit source]

The area of Grand Teton National Park has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Paleo-Indians were the first known inhabitants of the region, followed by various Native American tribes who used the area for hunting and fishing. The first European explorers arrived in the early 19th century, and the region was later explored by mountain men and fur trappers.

The park was established on February 26, 1929, to protect the Teton Range and the surrounding area. In 1950, the park was expanded to include the valley of Jackson Hole, which had been protected as a national monument since 1943.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Grand Teton National Park covers approximately 310,000 acres (130,000 ha) and includes the major peaks of the Teton Range. The park's highest point is Grand Teton, which rises to an elevation of 13,775 feet (4,199 m). The park also includes several lakes, including Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake, and Leigh Lake.

The Snake River flows through the park, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife and recreational opportunities for visitors. The park's diverse ecosystems include alpine, subalpine, and montane environments, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species.

Flora and Fauna[edit | edit source]

Grand Teton National Park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. The park's flora includes over 1,000 species of vascular plants, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees such as lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir.

The park's fauna includes large mammals such as grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, bison, and pronghorn. Smaller mammals, birds, fish, and amphibians also inhabit the park. The park's diverse habitats support a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and trumpeter swans.

Recreation[edit | edit source]

Grand Teton National Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors. Popular activities include hiking, climbing, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park has over 200 miles (320 km) of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes.

The park is also a popular destination for mountaineering, with the Teton Range offering some of the most challenging climbs in North America. The park's lakes and rivers provide opportunities for fishing and boating, while the diverse wildlife attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts.