Key Facts
- ✓ Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming.
- ✓ The park is home to the Teton Range, one of the youngest mountain ranges in North America.
- ✓ It is the only national park with a commercial airport entirely inside its boundaries.
- ✓ Nearby attractions include the town of Jackson and Yellowstone National Park.
Quick Summary
After visiting all 63 major US national parks, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has been identified as the top favorite by traveler Emily Hart. The park is distinguished by the jagged peaks of the Teton Range, which appear sharper than other mountain ranges due to their status as one of the youngest ranges in North America. Despite Wyoming being a landlocked state, the park offers abundant water activities on lakes such as String, Jenny, and Jackson, as well as the Snake River.
The park is also known for its accessible amenities, including a pizzeria and lodging options ranging from campgrounds to luxury hotels. Its unique location features a commercial airport entirely inside its boundaries, and it serves as a gateway to the town of Jackson and nearby Yellowstone National Park.
The Majesty of the Teton Range
The defining feature of the park is the Teton Range. As one of the "youngest" mountain ranges in North America, erosion has had less time to soften the peaks. This results in a range that is much sharper in appearance compared to others in the country. The sharpness, juxtaposed with the lack of a traditional foothill, makes the peaks appear even larger than they are.
Traveler Emily Hart noted that the first time the jagged Teton Range came into her windshield view, she cried, and she still gets emotional every time, even after over a dozen visits. The visual impact is described as stunning and awe-inspiring.
"I cried the first time the jagged Teton Range came into my windshield view — and I still get emotional every time, even after over a dozen visits."
— Emily Hart, Traveler
Water Activities in a Landlocked State
Despite being located in Wyoming, an entirely landlocked state, Grand Teton is known for its abundant water. The park serves as a water-lover's paradise, offering numerous ways to get out on the water.
Visitors can engage in various activities, including:
- Floating on the iconic Snake River
- Swimming in String Lake
- Taking a scenic cruise on Jenny Lake
- Boating, paddleboarding, or kayaking on Jackson Lake
There is a beautiful body of water nearly everywhere you look in the park, which is unusual for many mountain parks and especially welcome in the warm summer months.
Wildlife and Park Amenities
For those whose goal is to spot wildlife, the park consistently delivers. Animals frequently seen include deer, bison, elk, and moose, as well as black and grizzly bears. Horseback riding is also permitted on many of the park's trails for those who wish to see the landscape differently.
Beyond hiking, the park offers numerous developed amenities that are somewhat unusual compared to other national parks. Visitors can find:
- A pizzeria serving pizza and beer within the park
- Lodging options ranging from cabins and campgrounds to luxury hotels
This combination of wilderness and convenience makes the park a unique destination.
Accessibility and Nearby Attractions
Grand Teton is highly accessible, holding the distinction of being the only national park with a commercial airport entirely inside its boundaries. Just south of the park lies Jackson, Wyoming, a popular mountain town offering ample shopping, restaurants, and accommodations to suit all budgets.
To the west, the "Idaho side of the Tetons" offers a slower pace with towns like Driggs, Victor, and Tetonia. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park is not far from Grand Teton, making it a perfect day trip from a base in the Tetons. The strong pull to the area keeps visitors returning for years to come.
"The sharpness, juxtaposed with the lack of a traditional foothill, makes the peaks appear even larger than they are, and is truly stunning and awe-inspiring."
— Emily Hart, Traveler
