Rising abruptly from flatland meadows and glacial lakes, the Grand Tetons boast some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The Rocky Mountain range lacks any typical rolling foothills at its base; the crags and peaks rise above Jackson Hole as if they burst forth straight from the earth.
Grand Teton National Park
The path to the creation of Grand Teton National Park was not a smooth one; in fact, it took over 50 years to create and define the borders of the present-day park. In contrast, the same process took only 2 years in the case of Yellowstone.
The formation of the park began as a suggestion around the turn of the 20th century to extend Yellowstone’s borders southward into Jackson Hole for the protection of migrating elk herds. The idea was kicked around for a couple of decades but never quite came to fruition – in 1919, the bill made it all the way to the Senate before it was defeated by a narrow margin.
The local folk, including ranchers and residents of the Jackson Hole area, were primarily against the infusion of government control over what they deemed to be their valley, and worried about the degradation of the region in the name of commercial interests. Horace Albright, the superintendent of Yellowstone at the time, held a meeting with in which he and the local citizenry devised the “Jackson Hole Plan” – the intention of the plan focused on raising enough money to buy land and protect the overall integrity of the area.
In 1929, the United States Congress passed a bill into law that would protect the Teton Range and the lakes at the base of the mountains. It was to be the first version of Grand Teton National Park – yet its borders did not encompass the valley floor, and the increasingly appreciated ecosystems around the town of Jackson Hole itself. It looked as though independently wealthy environmentalists would have to take care of the lower regions.
One such magnate came in the form of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. – who, in conjunction with Albright, began purchasing up land through an anonymous and private purchasing agent. In all, he bought over 35,000 acres around Jackson Hole, with the intention of expanding the park by donating land to the federal government.
Unfortunately, when the locals learned of Rockefeller’s intent they revolted with an onslaught of hostility, and effectively stalled the expansion through debate and public outcry. After 15 years of contention had passed, Rockefeller threatened to relieve himself of the responsibility of land ownership, and President Roosevelt answered the call by creating the 221,000 acre “Jackson Hole National Monument”.
Soon the economic benefits of tourists became evident to the local population, and after World War II opposition to the federal intervention died down considerably. In 1950, Congress merged the park and the monument to create Grand Teton National Park - with the borders we are familiar with today.
A memorial parkway, in the name of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., was established in 1972 to honor his efforts in the formation of the park. The parkway consists of over 23,000 acres that connect the Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks.
Despite a rocky (no pun intended) start, the formation of the park resulted in the ensured protection of the area around Jackson Hole and has created one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Visit us and stay in one of our vacation rentals near the mountains. You’ll quickly see what all of the fuss was about.
Location:
Wyoming
Grand Teton Animals and Wildlife
If we listed all of the Grand Teton animals and wildlife here it would use up the rest of our website! The area around Jackson Hole is truly blessed with that much natural diversity, and our rental properties put you right in the thick of it!
So instead of listing all of the specific living things you may see when you visit the park, let’s take a look at some of the major habitats and number of species that call the Grand Tetons their home:
Habitats:
Alpine: This habitat is defined as being above treeline (10,000 feet in altitude). Few plants and animals have adapted to live in such harsh conditions. Examples of some that have made the adjustment are bighorn sheep and some marmot species.
Aquatic: There are a plethora of lakes, rivers, and streams within the park’s borders. Over 16 species of fish can be found in its waters, and a number of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians regularly visit the aquatic regions of the park.
Forests: Aspen and conifer forests are spread throughout the area and provide cover and food for a variety of animals and birds. Bears, deer, and elk are some of the larger animal species that take advantage of being able to hide among the trees.
Flats: The sagebrush flats around Jackson, Wyoming are the most common and widespread of the region’s natural landscapes. Larger animals tend to avoid the flats because of the openness and lack of cover, but antelope, coyotes, and badgers are among the wildlife that spend a lot of time in the flats.
Type & Number of Species
Carnivores
Hoofed Mammals
Rabbits/Hares
Rodents
Bats
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
Birds
Coniferous Trees
Flowering Plants
