There are so many reasons to visit the Grand Teton National park! Indeed, there is something for everyone of all ages to do in and around the Tetons. You will find ample choices of lodging, restaurants, and interesting shops to explore surrounding the area. This is one of the finest parks in the US.
About the Park and Why It’s My #9 Choice
Grand Teton National Park is considered one of the most picturesque and beautiful areas in the western US. Visitors come from all over the country and the world for all the activities the park has to offer. While in Grand Teton, you can enjoy camping, biking, climbing, fishing, cross-country snow skiing, horseback riding, and hiking.
Within its 484 mile (780 km) area is 200 miles (320 km) of perfect hiking trails encompassing all levels of hiking skill. No matter how severe or casual a hiker you may be, there is a trail within the park just for you. In addition, all along those trails are fabulous examples of flora and wildlife that will amaze and astound you. There are over one thousand species of plants within the park, and you have a chance to see everything from coyotes and moose to red squirrels and black bears.
History of the Park
One of the most fabulous parks in the National Park System is Grand Teton National Park located just south of Yellowstone Park in northwestern Wyoming. The origin of the name of the park is just as impressive as the park itself. The mountain range was mistakenly named by a French trapper who felt that some hills in the area of Arco, Idaho, were reminiscent of the female anatomy. Thus, the name Tetons, which is French for “nipples,” was given to those hills. Years after that, the name was incorrectly assigned to the mountains now within the Grand Teton National Park on a map! For additional information, download the Grand Teton App.
Where Is the National Park?
The park is located at the north end of the town of Jackson, Wyoming, and south of the popular Yellowstone National Park. The park covers an area of 310,000 acres (125,450 hectares) which includes lush valley floors, mountain meadows, alpine lakes, and the rising peaks of the Teton Range.
Best Time to Visit
Grand Teton National Park can be visited between mid-May to late September when the hiking trails and park activities are accessible. The park is mostly closed in October due to winter blows across the park that shut down most of the facilities and roads. There are many hiking activities in this park, but my favorite is Cascade Canyon Trail.
Best Day Hike in Grand Teton National Park – Cascade Canyon Trail.
Cascade Canyon Trail is a heavily trafficked out-and-back trail near Moose, Wyoming. It features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best accessed from June until October.
QUICK FACTS
- Location: Near Moose, Grand Teton National Park, northwestern Wyoming
- Distance: 9.7 miles (15.6 km)
- Time: 1 to 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate/strenuous
- Route: Out and back
- Track Quality: Well paved road
- Hazards: Dehydration and exhaustion
- Elevation: 550 m
- Wet Feet: Yes
- Toilets: Jenny Lake visitor center
- Mobile Coverage: No
- Updates on trail conditions and closures
HIKE DETAILS
From taking a boat across the nearby Jenny Lake trailhead to taking a rest at Hidden Falls to hiking through Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon trail is a great hiking place to start your Grand Teton adventure.
Full Track Description
The hiking trails that lead to the forks of Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park starts from the Jenny Lake trailhead. From the trailhead, turn west off Teton Park Road at the South Jenny Lake Junction situated at about 7.7 miles north of Moose Junction. From that junction, move another half mile by driving to the boat dock parking area. You can either take the south end of Jenny Lake Trail or take a shuttle boat across to the Cascade Canyon Trailhead. The boat can save you roughly 2.4 miles (3.8 km) of the walk, but there is a fee for the boat ride.
To get to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, enter the park through Moose Junction and walk through the main park road north passed Menors Ferry Historic District. The Jenny Lake Trailhead is located at the mouth of Cascade Canyon.
Things to Note
Make sure to bring food and water, as there won’t be supplies available after you leave the visitor center.
