Grand Teton National Park is in the northwest of the U.S state of Wyoming. It encompasses the Teton mountain range, the 4,000-meter Grand Teton peak, and the valley known as Jackson Hole. It’s a popular destination in summer for mountaineering, hiking, backcountry camping and fishing, linked to nearby Yellowstone National Park by the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.
Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands as a monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River, and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.
Few landscapes in the world are as striking and memorable as that of Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton has a lot to offer, whatever your interests. Mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, and skies are home to diverse and abundant forests, wildflowers and wildlife. The park also has a rich cultural history with old homesteads and cattle ranches to explore and photograph. Walk on a trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps or one that American Indians or fur trappers might have used in the 1820s. Ride a bike or paddle a canoe. There is something for everyone.
Explore Jenny Lake
Grand Teton National Park is expected to reopen early this summer. And although the rugged Teton Range occupies a good slice of the 310,000-acre park, there’s also an ample selection of accessible trails, attractions and scenic drives for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to enjoy.
Jenny Lake tops the list of scenic spots to explore, and the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive offers visitors some excellent lake views. This one-way drive begins near Jenny Lake Lodge and follows the east shore of the lake. About halfway along the tree-lined road, you’ll spot Jenny Lake Overlook on the right — don’t pass it up, as the view is magnificent.
Near the end of the drive, there’s also a pullout on the right with an accessible parking space. If you’d fancy an accessible walk through the forest, then follow this half-mile paved service road to the campground, then make a right on the .16-mile dirt path to the ranger station. From there, you can connect to the accessible portion of the Jenny Lake Trail. This wide level paved path leads out to an overlook on Jenny Lake, with a short spur over to an additional accessible overlook. The half-mile trail then follows the lakeshore, and loops around past the visitor center and back to the ranger station.
Finally, for a different perspective of the lake, hop aboard a Jenny Lake Cruise. Jenny Lake Boating offers one-hour scenic cruises, which depart from the recently renovated accessible dock. The boats feature ramp access, and they each have four sets of tie downs; although most folks opt not to use them as the lake is extremely calm. As an added bonus, the wheelchair seating is located in an elevated stern area, which offers an excellent view of the lake.
