Park in Your Pocket: Grand Teton National Park

Located in western Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. The ecosystem contains flora and fauna that date to prehistoric times and some rocks have been dated at nearly 2.7 billion years, the oldest of any national park.

Grand Teton National Park is home to NPS Academy, a joint program by SCA and the National Park Service, aimed at building “a 21st century workforce for America’s national parks: highly motivated, contemporarily skilled and ethnically diverse.”

In 1957, SCA crews reported for volunteer work in Grand Teton, marking the beginning of the Student Conservation Association.

Things to do

• Visit the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center to learn about Rockefeller’s vision for conservation and hike 5 or so miles of relatively flat and easy trails giving fantastic views
  of mountains.
  

• The most popular scenic overlooks include Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, Teton Glacier & Signal Mountain.
  
  
  
  
• Take Cascade Canyon trail to see Hidden Falls and then Inspiration Point. SCA crews are working this trail in
  Summer 2014. This is the classic day hike.
  

• For a less crowded but strenuous and beautiful hike, take an out-and-back hike on Paintbrush Canyon to Holly Lake.
  
• Join a national park ranger for an evening talk starting at 7pm at the Colter Bay Amphitheater.
  
• Menors Ferry Historical Trail offers a great day hike for beginners and Menors Ferry Historic District provides a look into the early settlers of Jackson Hole Valley.
  
• Inside the park about 1.5 miles from Moose Visitor Center is the Murie Ranch. The Wilderness Act and the modern conservation movement were essentially born here.
  
• Scenic Loop Drive provides 42 miles of amazing mountain and wildlife views.

Hours & Seasons

Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, although winter weather or other conditions may force the closure of visitor facilities, roads, and campgrounds.
SCA recommends calling the park’s visitor center or check the park website for the most current information: (307) 739-3300.

Park Highlights:

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Mountain Climbing
• Guided Tours
• Wildlife
• Skiing and Snowshoeing (winter)