Grand Teton National Park
There is nothing more overwhelming than first seeing the landscape of Grand Teton National Park, where mountain ranges capture hearts, not just the old, but even the young. Adventures abound when the winter rolls in, making it one of the top place for winter vacations and snowbound activities. The very geology and layout of the park provides incredible places for many miles of trails for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and even tours with the ever popular snowcoaches.
Grand Teton National Park Listings: (add your listing)
Triangle X Winter Cabins - Grand Teton Park
Offering the most spectacular view of the Grand Teton Mountain Range of any lodging facility in the Park. Prime access to snowshoe, X-C ski and snowmobile terrain.
(888) 860-0005
As many lovers of winter sports and recreation will attest to, Grand Teton National Park, near Jackson Hole, is a winter wonderland that should not be missed. It has a loyal following of repeat visitors and the numbers continue to climb, which is no surprise considering the stunningly beautiful scenery that has something for young and old alike. Activities in the winter provide for vacations that are filled with excitement. The park's contours and geological makeup has created the perfect venue for snowcoach enthusiasts, cross country skiers, snowshoers and even snowmobilers.
There are five sections to depart from within Grand Teton to use the many miles of snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails, including Taggart Lake Parking Area, the Moose (Wilson Road area), Colter Bay, Signal Mountain and Flagg Ranch. Taggart Lake Parking Area is located four and a half miles to northwest of nearby Moose Junction, at the end of the Teton Park Road. The Moose is located at the opposite end of Wilson Road from Teton Village, but the paved area ends just a mile outside of the village. In order to reach the two main trails it is necessary to drive along a dirt track either three miles southwest by taking the northern access entrance or for the other trail, which begins six miles to the south, the route in is via the unpaved section of Wilson Road just north of the village. Colter Bay is about ten miles outside of Moran Junction to the north, about three hundred feet away from the Colter Bay Ranger Station. Signal Mountain is twenty six miles north of nearby Moose Junction or eight miles the west of local Moran Junction. The trails are accessed by taking Highways 191/28/26 first to Moran Junction and then driving another five miles to Jackson Lake, with a final stretch of three miles along Teton Park Road. Signal Mountain can be found eight miles outside of Moran Junction and twenty-six miles away from Moose Junction, with trails reachable via the same route as for Colter Bay. Finally, the Flagg Ranch Area is in the same general vicinity with the trailhead situated at the northwest end of the parking area.
Taggart Lake Parking Area has two trails, the Jenny Lake (easy – 7.6 miles roundtrip – snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing) and the Taggart Lake - Beaver Creek Loop (hard - 3.2 to 4 miles – cross country skiing and snowshoeing). The Moose has two trails, including the Moose – Wilson (easy – 4 miles – snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling) and the Phelps Lake Overlook (medium – 5.2 miles – mainly cross country skiing). Colter Bay has one trail called the Swan Lake - Heron Pond Loop (easy – 2.6 miles – cross country skiing and snowshoeing). Signal Mountain has the Signal Mountain Summit Road Trail which is a very easy route covering 12 miles (roundtrip – snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing). Flagg Ranch has three trails, including the Polecat Creek Loop (easy – 2.5 miles – snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing), Flagg Canyon Trail North (hard – 4 miles – cross country skiing and snowshoeing) and the Flagg Canyon Trail South (easy – 4 miles – cross country skiing and snowshoeing).
Snowmobiling can be done on a few select cross country and snowshoeing trails, but the main trails are specifically groomed or selected to avoid accidents. Usually, once the snow is deep enough, the trails include the CDST (Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail) open, though the unplowed versions open only from the middle of December to the middle of March. However, snowmobilers are advised to avoid driving across Jackson Lake as the hazards are numerous and there are no guarantees that the ice will be thick enough to support the weight.
The CDST Trail is travels from the main highway (26-287) at the eastern entrance of the park towards Moran Junction, finally following highway 89 to the south and onwards to Yellowstone National Park. The first section is found on the highway's northern side until it reached the Jackson Lake Junction, then it crosses to the west side of the highway and follows along an old road towards Christian Creek. It crosses over Christian Creek, passing underneath the highway's bridge and finally continuing onwards on the eastern side of the road to Flagg Ranch. There are other trails, but these can share space with regular vehicles, so caution is recommended. These trails can be found running along Teton Park Road to the local Jackson Lake Dam and onwards to Signal Mountain and Taggart Lake.
Finally, visitors also can partake in less vigorous activities, including the world renowned snowcoaching, which allows tourists to enjoy the pleasure of the winter wonderland of Grand Teton without the cold chill in their bones. Guests are able to ride in the comfort of converted vans that have been adapted for snow travel. Varied local operators offer different tours within the park and further information and tickets can be obtained from the Visitor Center in Teton Village.
Grand Teton National Park
P.O. Drawer 170
Moose, WY 83012-0170
Information
(307) 739-3300
Information (TDD)
(307) 739-3400
By Fax
(307) 739-3438
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