Getting Oriented

Grand Teton's immense peaks jut dramatically up from the Jackson Hole valley floor. Without any foothills to soften the blow, the sight of these glacier-scoured crags is truly striking. Several alpine lakes reflect the mountains, and the winding Snake River cuts south along the eastern side of the park. The northern portion of the park is outstanding wildlife-watching territory—you can see everything from rare birds to lumbering moose to the big predators (mountain lions and black and grizzly bears). Two main roads run through the 310,000-acre park; Highway 26/89/191 curves along the eastern or outer side and Teton Park Road (also called the inner park road, which is closed during winter) runs closer to the mountain range.