For Grand Teton N P, being located next to Yellowstone is both a blessing and a curse. While many visitors combine the two parks in a single visit, many others overlook Grand Teton by spending all their vacation time in Yellowstone. Those who take the time see some of the most compelling mountains (up to nearly 14,000 feet), numerous lakes, streams and plenty of wildlife. The park has about a dozen glaciers, formed only recently in geologic terms, and a few waterfalls. The park includes most of the valley known as Jackson Hole, named for mountain man David Jackson. The nearby town of Jackson, with an elite ski resort, is an added attraction offering upscale shopping and dining. Some of the country's richest people have homes nearby, with prices in the millions.
In 2004, the Snake River and Jackson Lake, the park's largest, were both experiencing low levels due to drought.
Named by French fur trappers, Grand Tetons is roughly French for "large teats". However you might feel about that, most people agree that the Tetons are some of our most beautiful mountains.
While there are many small lakes high in the mountains, the larger lakes at the base of the mountains, created by glaciers in the last Ice Age, are popular for swimming, boating and fishing. They have been tested and found to be absolutely pristine. Creeks and waterfalls are accessible via hiking trails.
Wildlife is much the same as Yellowstone, and some species frequently travel between the two parks. In my experience, moose are more commonly seen in Grand Teton while bear are probably seen more in Yellowstone.
Wildflowers can be prolific all over Jackson Hole.
One of my favorite stops is the Chapel of Transfiguration.
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