Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, established in 1929, covers 310,000 acres and attracts over 2.5 million visitors annually. It offers hiking, mountain climbing, biking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to over 300 bird species, 16 species of fish, and 900 species of flowering plants. Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing. The park’s mountain ranges were formed millions of years ago and Native Americans have occupied the area for over 12,000 years. The park was expanded in 1950 to include national forests and other federal properties.
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park attracts more than 2.5 million visitors annually. Established by the United States Congress in 1929, the park is governed by the National Park Service and offers 310,000 acres (about 1,255 sq km) for exploring mountain landscapes and wildlife. Featuring a 40-mile (about 64 km) mountain range, the park gets its name from Grand Teton, a 13,700-foot (about 4,198) high peak.
Grand Teton National Park is a popular area for hikers and climbers with its 200 miles (320km) of trails and eight peaks that rise more than 12,000 feet (about 3,658m) above sea level. Trails offer access to scenic lakes, streams, and canyons, as well as camping areas. Hikers can take advantage of more than a dozen trails that range from easy to strenuous. Other park activities include mountain biking, kayaking, and rafting down the Snake River.
Because Grand Teton National Park is south of Yellowstone National Park, animals often migrate between the two parks. Visitors have the opportunity to view and photograph a variety of wildlife in Grand Teton, as creatures large and small reside in the park. Moose and black bear are two of the most commonly sighted larger mammals in the park. Smaller creatures include weasels, beavers and spotted frogs.
Bald eagles, along with more than 300 other bird species, can also be seen in Grand Teton National Park. At least 16 species of fish have been found in the park, and anglers can set their eyes for cutthroat trout or whitefish in the Snake River. The park also boasts a diverse range of flora, including 900 species of flowering plants.
From November to April, snow covers the park. Winters can be harsh, as annual snowfall averages 190 inches (about 490 cm). Temperatures in the winter can reach extremes of -46 degrees F (about -43 degrees C). The lowest temperature ever documented in the park was -63 degrees F (about -53 degrees C). During the winter, visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing.
The mountainous region of the park was formed millions of years ago by geological disturbances, glacier retreat and erosion. The mountain ranges are composed of sandstone, limestone and volcanic debris. Research indicates that Native Americans began occupying the area more than 12,000 years ago; hunters and explorers arrived in the area in the early 1820s.
When the park was created in 1929 to preserve the natural beauty of the area, only the Teton Range and six glacial lakes were included. In 1950 the park reached its current size. Congress added national forests, other federal properties, and 35,000 acres (141.6 sq km) of land owned by John D. Rockefeller to the national park.
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