Surely our people do not understand even yet the rich heritage that is theirs. There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, its groves of giant sequoias and redwoods, the canon of the Colorado, the canon of Yellowstone, the three Tetons; and the representatives of the people should see to it that they are preserved for the people forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred. - Theodore Roosevelt 1904
My love for the national parks is no secret.
There's something so peaceful and fascinating about these refuges.
So when my family was planning a trip to Yellowstone I begged them (it didn't take too much persuading) to make a stop at Grand Teton National Park.
What a view.
There's something so peaceful and fascinating about these refuges.
So when my family was planning a trip to Yellowstone I begged them (it didn't take too much persuading) to make a stop at Grand Teton National Park.
What a view.
Driving Directions
We drove north from Franklin Idaho, (after picking up Grandma Woodward, so glad she came with us!) through Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We entered via the Moose Entrance on the south end of the park. If you're coming from Jackson, pass the airport, you will see the Moose junction. Turn left and there's the park!
Visitor Center
Our first stop was at one of the visitor centers.
There were neat gifts, souvenirs, and displays. I love looking at visitor centers. I collect mugs and now posters (I'm decorating my classroom with a camping/national park theme). It was a nice new building. Very fancy.
We drove north from Franklin Idaho, (after picking up Grandma Woodward, so glad she came with us!) through Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We entered via the Moose Entrance on the south end of the park. If you're coming from Jackson, pass the airport, you will see the Moose junction. Turn left and there's the park!
Visitor Center
Our first stop was at one of the visitor centers.
There were neat gifts, souvenirs, and displays. I love looking at visitor centers. I collect mugs and now posters (I'm decorating my classroom with a camping/national park theme). It was a nice new building. Very fancy.
Side of the Road
Then we drove on the main road (aka Teton Park Road) and pulled off on the side to take some amazing pictures.
The tallest one is called the Grand Teton and it is 13,770 feet high. This mountain range is surprisingly the youngest range in the Rocky Mountains. There's an active fault block along the base of the mountains that's pushing the mountains upward while pushing the jackson valley lower. Because of their youth, the mountains haven't eroded enough to create any foothills, which provides us with this stunning view.
Then we drove on the main road (aka Teton Park Road) and pulled off on the side to take some amazing pictures.
The tallest one is called the Grand Teton and it is 13,770 feet high. This mountain range is surprisingly the youngest range in the Rocky Mountains. There's an active fault block along the base of the mountains that's pushing the mountains upward while pushing the jackson valley lower. Because of their youth, the mountains haven't eroded enough to create any foothills, which provides us with this stunning view.
Jenny Lake Drive
20 minute drive
We continued our journey by turning west and traveling on the Jenny Lake Drive. It's a one way street so make sure you're going the right way! We stopped by the lake and were amazed by the color of the water. It took our breath away.
20 minute drive
We continued our journey by turning west and traveling on the Jenny Lake Drive. It's a one way street so make sure you're going the right way! We stopped by the lake and were amazed by the color of the water. It took our breath away.
Signal Mountain Drive
5 miles
We continued driving north toward Signal Mountain. If you follow the signs, the drive will start to the east of the road. Follow the long windy drive to the look out point. My family stopped at the first parking lot because we were running short on time, however you can drive to the top if you keep going. We got out and saw elk crossing a lake (using our binoculars) then we were rewarded with a gorgeous view of the Teton Mountain Range. It really was mind blowing. The majestic mountains stand so tall and still against the bright, clear sky. Heavenly Father is real and as I stood looking up at these peaks, my heart overflowed with joy for a Father who would give us such a beautiful world to live in.
5 miles
We continued driving north toward Signal Mountain. If you follow the signs, the drive will start to the east of the road. Follow the long windy drive to the look out point. My family stopped at the first parking lot because we were running short on time, however you can drive to the top if you keep going. We got out and saw elk crossing a lake (using our binoculars) then we were rewarded with a gorgeous view of the Teton Mountain Range. It really was mind blowing. The majestic mountains stand so tall and still against the bright, clear sky. Heavenly Father is real and as I stood looking up at these peaks, my heart overflowed with joy for a Father who would give us such a beautiful world to live in.
Grand Teton National Park is amazing. I was sad we only got to spend one day there. However I do plan to go back one day. Hiking the Grand Teton has now officially made it on the bucket list.