Grand Teton National Park – stunning mountain vistas

Grand Teton National Park is a national park in the Rocky Mountains, in Northwest Wyoming in the US. This wonder in Wyoming is known for its dazzling mountain vistas, its glistening alpine lakes and its copious wildlife which call this park home. The Wyoming backdrop located in Grand Teton National Park is strikingly gorgeous. This range frequently symbolises the complete Rocky Mountain range in innumerable postcards, photographs and imaginations.

I have to warn you though that it is practically impossible to stop staring at the toothed granite spires of the Teton Range, which lies bang in the centre of the stunning Grand Teton National Park. The Grand Teton stands at an impressive 13, 770ft amid twelve glacier carved summits which rise higher than 12, 000ft. The park is much less packed and more warm and friendly than the neighbouring Yellowstone Park. It is the perfect place to lose yourself in nature and get off the beaten track.

There are plenty of hiking trails which twist themselves through the alpine panorama, past the bubbling streams and around lucid lakes which reflect the elevated peaks. Bear, moose and elk ramble about freely across a 40-mile-long range.

Your jaw may well fall to the floor when you lay eyes on the magnificent Teton Range. There are absolutely no foothills block your view and you will have a completely unhindered view of glorious snow capped peaks. What you would consider impossible, you shall see right before your eyes. Mountain glaciers creep almost undetectably down 12,605-foot high Mount Moran. Small and large lakes shimmer across the base of the range.

There are several hiking trails located and interspersed with the amazing scenery. The Grand Teton itself is a challenging and classic climb. There are quite a few routes to take you to the top. Experienced climbers usually prefer the Owen-Spalding Route as its quite exposed and filled with adventure. Please not that this route is not recommended for anyone without prior climbing experience. The route commences at the Upper Saddle. You can reach here by walking up Garnet Canyon from Lupine Meadows Trailhead to the Lower Saddle. The Upper Exum Ridge Route located on the Exum Ridge is possibly the most popular way to experience this beauty. It commences with quite a strenuous hike up Garnet Canyon as well as making camp. On day 2, climbers make an alpine start. The entire climb itself involves three easy 5th-class pitches, 2700 feet of elevation gain and the best of all is the adrenaline filled rappel from high on the mountain. The view from the top is unmatched. The lush greenery, the crystal clear water and the crispy air almost makes for paradise. Then there is the part of the descent. Only extremely fit non-climbers can complete the climb with an outfitter and prior training. Usually, all non-climbers opt for an outfitter. The rates are fixed and they are possibly your best choice during your trip. They usually know the best spots and the quickest and simplest climbs.

Please note that if you plan to climb only during the day you do not need to register. However, those staying overnight would need a backcountry-use permit. Most people prefer taking their cars into the park as its easir to cover the distance.

There is a USD 25 fee per vehicle to enter the Park. It’s valid for 7 days and is also applicable to Yellowstone. Per person entry into the park is USD 7. Although no fees or permits are required to climb, it is advisable to check-in with the Jenny Lake Ranger Station before the ascent.

It’s not only about the hike and climb in the Grand Teton National Park. There are plenty of other things to spot and do like visiting the Menor’s Ferry Historic Area, the museums and galleries, book yourself for a tour etc. While you’re making your pilgrimage to the Grand Teton do check out Oxbow Bend, which is possibly among the most scenic spots in the National Park for wildlife-watching. The reflection of Mt Moran makes an exquisite backdrop.

The best season to explore the Grand Teton is in the summer season, which is just through early September. July is considered to be the best time to hike. However, please note that the weather is extremely unpredictable and it can rain for days on end during any month of the year. It best to get an early start since the Tetons like any typical Rockies weather is famous for its violent afternoon thunderstorms.

In terms of accommodation, the best place you can lodge at is the American Alpine Club Climbers Ranch located on Teton Park Road just 7 miles past Moose Junction. Available for only USD 20 per night, this place offers just the basic amenities, although it’s clean and hygienic. It also has a cooking area. You may have to share a cabin with other climbers.