Grand Teton
Reading edition
A Guide to Grand Teton National Park Wyoming
Produced by the Division of Publications National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 1984
2
Using This Handbook
Grand Teton National Park offers the startling and abrupt scenic grandeur of the Teton Range and the colorful history and natural history of the valley called Jackson Hole. Other major attractions include the Snake River, Jackson Lake, and surprisingly good opportunities for viewing wildlife, including such larger mammals as elk, moose, and pronghorns. This handbook is published in support of the National Park Service’s management policies and interpretive programs at the park. Part 1 introduces the park through the eyes of a beloved, longtime Jackson Hole resident, the nationally known conservationist Margaret E. (Mardy) Murie; Part 2 outlines the natural history, geology, and history of the mountains, valley, and river; and Part 3 presents concise travel guide and reference materials.
National Park Handbooks, compact introductions to the great natural and historic places administered by the National Park Service, are designed to promote understanding and enjoyment of the parks. Each is intended to be informative reading and a useful guide before, during, and after a park visit. More than 100 titles are in print. This is Handbook 122.
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Main entry under title:
Grand Teton National Park.
(National Park handbook; 122)
Includes index
Supt. of Docs. no.: I 29.9/5:122
1. Grand Teton National Park (Wyo.)—Guide-books.
I. United States. National Park Service. Division of Publications.
II. Series: Handbook (United States. National Park Service. Division of Publications): 122.
F767.T3G7 1983 917.87’550433 83-600157
ISBN 0-912627-19-0
★GPO:1983—381-611/302 Reprint 1992
3
Part 1 Welcome to the Tetons 4
What Gratitude We Owe 7
By Margaret E. Murie
Part 2 Teton Country 22
The Mountains 25
The Valley 39
The Snake River 49
Wildlife and Wildflowers 59
Part 3 Guide and Adviser 70
Approaching Grand Teton 72
Map of the Park 74
Visitor Centers and Museum 76
Ranger-led Activities 78
Camping and Accommodations 79
Hiking 81
Backcountry Basics 82
Mountaineering 85
Boating and Floating 86
Fishing 89
Winter Activities 90
Management Concerns and Safety 92
Nearby Attractions 93
Armchair Explorations 94
Index 95
4