Robert Stone - Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park: 89 Great Hikes

Published by Day Hike Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 865 Red Lodge, Montana 59068
www.dayhikebooks.com

Distributed by National Book Network
800-462-6420

Cover photograph by Derek DiLuzio
Back cover photograph by John Slaughter
Layout/maps by Paula Doherty

The author has made every attempt to provide accurate information in this book. However, trail routes and features may changeplease use common sense and forethought, and be mindful of your own capabilities. Let this book guide you, but be aware that each hiker assumes responsibility for their own safety. The author and publisher do not assume any responsibility for loss, damage, or injury caused through the use of this book.

Copyright 2014 by Day Hike Books, Inc.
5th Edition

ISBN: 978-1-57342-069-3

eISBN: 978-1-57342-214-7

All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012954094

Cover photo:
The Tetons at sunset from Schwabachers Landing, Hike 59

Back cover photo:
At the head of Death Canyon, approaching the Death Canyon Shelf, Hike 8

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G rand Teton National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the Rocky Mountains. The craggy Teton peaks reach as high as 13,770 feet, forming a bony ridge through Wyoming along the Continental Divide. Fronting the Teton Range lies the twisting and curving Snake River, winding its way down the Jackson Hole valley. The reflections of the Tetons gently ripple across the rivers serene water.

The 96,000-acre Grand Teton National Park lies just south of Yellowstone National Park, their borders connected by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. The Snake Rivers headwaters originate in Yellowstone, then the river runs the length of Grand Teton Park. En route, the river forms the 25,000-acre Jackson Lake. Tributaries of the Snake cascade down the Teton Range and form a string of large morainal lakes along the front range. The river continues down the expansive Jackson Hole valley and past the town of Jackson. The Snake River watershed and the valley create a natural corridor teeming with wildlife.

Grand Teton National Park was officially established in 1 929. Prior to this, however, people occupied the area for 12,000 years. Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet, Crow, Gros Ventre, and Shoshone, used this high valley for habitation and hunting during the warmer seasons. Mountain men, trappers, and settlers followed in the 1800s. Through the establishment of the park, the Teton Range received protection from development and overuse of its resources. Parts of the Jackson Hole area were added in 1950.

Jackson Hole is a 60-mile-long valley running north and south along the Teton Range. This 1 0-mile-wide valley runs through Grand Teton National Park and south past the town of Jackson. The valley is surrounded by rugged mountain ranges and forested wilderness areas.

The majestic Teton Range lies to the west of Jackson Hole. This range of jagged, snowcapped mountains boasts 30 peaks rising above 11,000 feet, including ten peaks above 1 2,000 feet. The three peaks of Grand Teton, Teewinot, and Mount Owenknown collectively as the Cathedral Groupare the centerpiece of the park. These peaks were first called Les Trois Tetons by French Canadian trappers in the early 1800s. (Ask a French-speaking person the literal translation.) The Teton peaks rise 3,000 to 7,000 feet from the valley floor to a high of 13,770 feet at the summit of Grand Teton.

Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park includes a thorough cross-section of 89 day hikes throughout this park and around its perimeter. The hikes are located along the meandering Snake River and its tributaries, Jackson Lakes shoreline, up into the valleys and canyons of the Teton Range, and across the peaks straddling the Continental Divide. The trails have been chosen for their scenery, variety, and ability to be hiked within a day. All levels of hiking experience are accommodated, with hikes ranging from easy lakeshore paths to rugged canyon hikes that gain several thousand feet in elevation. Highlights include panoramic vistas, glacier-carved canyons, tumbling creeks and waterfalls, several large lakes, old-growth forests, meadows, hot springs, his toricalsites, prime wildlife habitats, North Americas largest landslide, and two hikes atop the Jackson Hole Ski Resort.

A quick glance at the hikes summaries will allow you to choose a hike that is appropriate to your ability and desire. An overall map on the next page identifies the locations of the hikes. Several other regional maps, as well as maps for each hike, provide the essential details. Many commercial maps are available for further hiking. Suggestions are listed with each hike.

Even though these trails are described as day hikes, many of the trails involve serious backcountry hiking. Reference the hiking statistics listed at the top of each page for an approximation of difficulty, and match the hikes to your ability. Hiking times are calculated for continuous hiking. Allow extra time for exploration. Feel free to hike farther than these day hike suggestions, but be sure to carry additional trail and topographic maps. Use good judgement about your capabilities, and be prepared with adequate clothing and supplies.

Because many of the hikes are located in high altitude terrain, be aware that the increased elevation will affect your stamina. Weather conditions undoubtedly change throughout the day and seasons. It is imperative to wear warm, layered clothing. Snacks, water, and a basic first aid kit are a must. Both black and grizzly bears inhabit the region, so wear a bear bell and hike in a group whenever possible. Ranger stationslocated throughout the park have the latest information on weather, trail conditions, and bear activity. Some preparation and forethought will help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable hike.

Hiking in and around this national park will give you a deep appreciation of the areas beauty. You are sure to take home great memories of your hikes in the shadows of the Tetons and around Jackson Hole.

from GROS VENTRE ROAD

Hiking distance: 5.6 miles round trip

Hiking time: 3 hours

Configuration: out-and-back

Elevation gain: 1,100 feet

Difficulty: moderate

Exposure: mostly exposed hillside with shaded pockets

Dogs: not allowed