Grand Teton National Park

Situated immediately to the south of Yellowstone National Park is Grand Teton National Park, established in 1929. These two sisters are similar and they are adjoining so you never really get out of the park service when traveling between them via the John D. Rockefeller Parkway. Yet, they are different. Yellowstone is formed from the caldera of an ancient super volcano but the Grand Tetons were formed by the uplift of continental plates as the Teton Mountain range rose up over the plains to the east. From the east this gives a unique perspective - like a wall of mountains rising before you. The two most prominent peaks in this range are Mount Moran with it's hanging glaciers and Grand Teton with it's tall spire towering over the park. Nestled at the base of this mountain range lies the Snake River and numerous lakes and glacial moraines. This area, known as Jackson Hole, is filled with wildlife. Moose can be found in these areas while elk freely roam the grassy meadows. In fact, the National Elk Refuge is just at the southernmost tip of the park. This is where tens of thousands of elk come down from the high country to winter in the plains here. Beaver make their lodges amongst the Aspen stands to the south while geese and swans float silently along in the marshes.

The town of Jackson is erroneously referred to as Jackson Hole. In reality Jackson Hole is the large sunken depression where the Snake River meanders through Grand Teton National Park as it makes it's way to the south, towards Jackson, Wyoming. It's in this area of open plains for grazing, aspen groves, and marsh habitat that the wildlife of Grand Teton Natiuonal Park flourish.

Mount Moran is one of the more prominent peaks in the Tetons. At 12,605' it's not quite as tall as the Grand Teton but it's prominence juts out 6,000' over the shores of Jackson Lake. In fall the Aspen that are beginning to turn colors while they prepare for the long winter ahead and Mount Moran's Panhandle Glacier can easily be seen in this image.

This bull moose is resting near a marshy area in Grand Teton National Park. The largest member of the deer family, their antlers shed their velvet every fall.

Situated between Jackson Lake and Moran Junction, Signal Mountain looks out over the Snake River plain and the large meadows where elk graze. A drive to the top, which is 800' over the valley floor, reveals wide vistas, as this evening image shows.

The Grand Teton rises 13,770' to tower over the park. The Teton Range was formed by the tectonic movement of two plates that forms a fault line at it's base. Continuing movement at the Teton Fault raise the mountains up while the valley floor is thrust downward. This movement occurs over time and is not discernable by present day visitors.

Grand Teton National Park is a popular stopover for migratory birds. This Canada Goose was one of a number found in the marshy areas at the southern end of the park.

Jenny Lake is found at the base of the Teton Range. A hiking trail skirts it's perimeter and will also take you to Hidden Falls.

This bald eagle was spotted in a tree overlooking the Gros Ventre River shortly after the sun had set behind the Gros Ventre mountains.

During the fall rut bull elk can be seen gathering their harems in Jackson Hole, where the large grassy meadows provide good grazing for these herds.

String Lake is located at the outflow to Leigh Lake and is prime moose habitat. There are some nice hiking trails in the area but it is known to be frequented by grizzly bear in certain times of the year. This image was taken late in the evening as the Alpenglow was retreating behind Storm Point and Symmetry Spire.

Grizzlies generally appear in the northern regions of the park as well as the upper reaches of the Teton Range. Black Bear are more widely scattered around the park and are excellent tree climbers. This mother black bear was found teaching here off spring how to pick berries in the trees and vegetation in the south end of the park.

Oxbow Bend is a point where the Snake River loops, or bends, around prime moose habitat. It's shape resembles an oxbow, used by the earlt pioneers, hence it's name. Mount Moran can be seen reflecting in the water as it peaks through the low cloud cover surrounding the base of the Teton Range.

Moose are well adapted to foraging for moist sedges and vegetation located on the floor of marshes ands streams. Their large muzzles hold lots of vegetation and the nostrils can close up when under water to keep their noses dry while their tall legs keep their body out of the cold water. This female moose was found in a marshy area feeding on vegetation, straining the water from it when raising her head out of the water.

Schwabacher Landing is filled with streams and marshy ponds created as the Snake River meanders around the various glacial moraines. This area is further defined by a number of beaver dams in the area, one of which is present in this image. The Teton Range, and the Grand Teton itself, create a photogenic backdrop to this scene.