Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Grand Teton National Park stands as a testament to the grandeur of nature and the rich tapestry of human history. Part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the park covers approximately 310,000 acres in northwestern Wyoming, as much a haven for wildlife as it is for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife aficionados, and cultural explorers alike.
Conservation efforts culminated in the establishment of Grand Teton National Park in 1929, protecting the major peaks of the Teton Range. Further conservation initiatives, championed by John D. Rockefeller Jr., led to the acquisition of land in Jackson Hole, resulting in the establishment of Jackson Hole National Monument in 1943. Despite repeated Congressional efforts to repeal the measures, the monument was absorbed into Grand Teton National Park in 1950, filling out the borders of the park we know today.
Located just south of Yellowstone National Park, connected by a 30-mile stretch of wilderness called the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, Grand Teton boasts a stunning landscape dominated by the towering peaks of the Teton Range. These rugged mountains, with their jagged lines and pristine alpine lakes, provide a dramatic backdrop for the park's diverse ecosystem, which also consist of forests, wetlands, and sagebrush communities, together providing habitat for over 1,000 species of plants, 60 species of mammals, and 300 species of birds.
One of the park's most iconic features is the Grand Teton itself, towering over 13,000 feet above sea level. Its sheer granite face attracts climbers from around the world, while its snow-capped summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Other notable peaks include Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, and Mount Moran, each with its own unique charm, challenges, and allure.
In addition to its majestic mountains, Grand Teton National Park is home to a wealth of natural wonders. From cascading waterfalls and meandering rivers to lush forests and vast meadows, the park provides a diverse array of habitats for wildlife to thrive. Visitors can spot elk grazing in the meadows, bald eagles soaring overhead, and moose wading in the lakeshores.
In recent years, Grand Teton National Park has taken significant steps to conserve its native wildlife. Since the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service reintroduced gray wolves (Canis lupus) into Yellowstone National Park in 1995–96, wolves have dispersed to Grand Teton National Park and surrounding areas.
In 1999, a wolf pack denned in Grand Teton and produced a litter of pups—the first in the park in over 70 years. Since then, wolves continue to live and reproduce in the area, restoring a predator-prey relationship absent since Europeans eradicated wolves from the ecosystem in the early 20th century. At the end of 2021, a minimum of 43 wolves in 6 packs resided in the Jackson Hole area with home ranges in Grand Teton National Park. Today, the park works closely with conservation organizations and local communities to monitor wolf populations and ensure their continued survival.
In addition to conservation, Grand Teton National Park is also committed to honoring the heritage of the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home for thousands of years. The park works with affiliated tribes, including the Shoshone and Arapaho, to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into its management practices and visitor programs. This includes the promotion of Indigenous art and storytelling, as well as the preservation of sacred sites and cultural resources.
At the forefront of efforts to steward, protect, and enhance the natural wonders and history of the park is the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. Founded in 1997, the Foundation serves as a vital partner to the National Park Service, working to ensure the long-term preservation and enjoyment of this iconic landscape.
Through strategic partnerships and generous philanthropic support, the Foundation spearheads initiatives aimed at conserving wildlife habitats, restoring historic structures, and engaging with Indigenous communities to ensure their voices are heard and their cultures recognized. Through the Tribal Youth Corp program, it offers meaningful opportunities for youth to connect with their ancestral lands via conservation and educational projects.
With its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural education, the park offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains while also learning about the rich history and heritage of the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land for centuries, helping to ensure that the natural and cultural treasures of the Tetons remain protected and cherished for generations to come.
