Where My Troll Goes: Grand Teton National Park

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Grand Teton National Park

About 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming lies the 40-mile-long mountain range known as the Grand Tetons. Encompassing the tallest peaks of the spectacularly beautiful range as well as the town and area known as Jackson Hole is the Grand Teton National Park. The park was first created in 1929 and only included the mountains, but the Jackson Hole town and valley was included in a 1950 expansion.

Rising over 7,000 feet in height, the majestic Grand Teton mountains are famous the world over for their rugged beauty. The park has many streams and small lakes located in pristine settings which can only be accessed by hiking some of the 200+ miles of trails, but the largest is 15-mile-long Jackson Lake which is easily accessible from the main road that traverses the park. Most people do not know that hidden in the deep recesses in the heights of the mountains are 12 different active glaciers. Rocks found in the park have been dated to be 2.7 billion years old, older than any other rocks found in any of the other national parks in America.

The Ranger on duty at the park entrance was happy
to meet Lil Dude Troll!

Much of the flora and fauna is the same as it was in prehistoric times. Over 1,000 species of plants, dozens of mammals and more than 300 species of birds can be found within the park's boundaries.

Lil Dude Troll thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson and he recommends it for anyone who enjoys and appreciates the beauty found in nature. Plan on spending at least a few days, bring your hiking shoes and warm clothing (even in the middle of summer it is cold and there is snow in the higher elevations!) and by all means, do not forget your camera!