|
Pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy the sights of Wyoming U.S.A. Here you will find some of my photographs taken in 2000 in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Sadly we were only to spend one week amongst the mountains, but with a well laid plan you can see a lot of the area.
Base camp was Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A well renowned town, it lies at the southern tip of the Grand Teton N.P. The Teton mountain range is approximately 60 miles long and 15 miles wide. The majestic peaks rise abruptly from the floor, the main peak being The Grand Teton, rising 13,770 feet above sea level. There are 12 Teton peaks that rise above 12,000 feet, high enough to support a dozen mountain glaciers. Winding it's way through the park is Snake River, together with 6 lakes, the largest by far being Jackson Lake. The most popular lake is Jenny Lake with lots of visitor activities to enjoy, boating, skiing, wind surfing, and fishing. The Snake River affords those who have a spirit of adventure to try white water rafting, or a more gentle approach while just floating down stream on a raft.
The park is full of wildlife, Elk, Moose, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Buffalo, Pronghorn, Coyote, Beavers, Ospreys, Trumpeter Swans, Blue Herons and Bald Eagles. It is forbidden to feed any of the wildlife, and indeed, they have priority over visitors at all times. During the winter months you will see a spectacular sight as 8-10,000 Elk make their way into the refuge on the valley floor, together with large herds of buffalo.
To the west lies Targhee National Forest and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness, and on the eastern side lies the Teton National Forest and the Teton Wilderness. Traveling along the roads outside of the park can be hazardous during winter months, often you will find that some roads are only open during the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons. Towns are scarce and it is advised to be totally prepared whist driving for all things. A full tank of gas at all times is a must if you are driving on Rt 191 from Cheyenne to the south. You could drive 200 miles and not pass another motorist along the way. The only thing you will see along the way is wildlife, mostly Deer crossing the roads.
When you reach Grand Teton N.P. you have several choices of where to stay within the National Park. Moose Center, Jenny Lake, Coulter Bay and Jackson Lake Lodge. For our trip we chose Jackson Lake Lodge, probably the most prestigious hotel in the region, a refuge for Presidents and celebrities. We booked a chalet out in the grounds away from the main hotel with a majestic view of the mountains from our patio.
Let's begin our tour of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Please click on the links on the left column under Page Index.
Enjoy!
|
|
