Grand Teton NP – established in 1929 – owes its existence to John D. Rockefeller, Jr.  Rockefeller visited Jackson Hole in the 20’s and was dismayed by the haphazard development marring the landscape.  With a vision to protect the spectacular Teton scenery, he began buying land – later donating over 32,000 acres of the Jackson Hole valley to the federal government.  Thus the Grand Teton NP, where the majestic Teton Range rises impressively along the western edge of the scenic valley creating striking, magnificent views that provoke wonder and welcome the visitor – –

This landscape was born out of geologic forces.  The 2.7 billion year old rocks found in the core of the range are some of the oldest in North America.  It’s story begins 100 million years ago with the collision of tectonic plates that caused mountains to rise and the valley floor to drop.  Then starting 2 million years ago, massive glaciers began sculpting the mountains and creating the landscape that is quite picturesque today.

The peaks of the Teton Range stand nearly 7,000 feet above the valley floor.  Unencumbered by foothills, they rise through steep coniferous forest into alpine meadows strewn with wildflowers, past blue and white glaciers to naked granite pinnacles.  The Snake River, having begun its journey in southern Yellowstone NP, winds leisurely past the Tetons on its way to Idaho (lunch yesterday;-)  ).  The braided sections of the river create wetlands that support moose, elk, deer, beavers, cranes and geese and ducks.

The glaciers carved out areas that now serve as beautiful lakes fed by the mountain  streams.  They provide wonderful areas for all forms of recreation – including the perfect hiking trails around their shores.

The Jenny Lake Loop Trail was the perfect hike for this day.  A little misting during the first portion of the hike through the forest – so a bit of a canopy to protect us.  Then the Jenny Lake Lodge appeared about half way around the lake – just in time for lunch;-)

With stomachs full it was time to continue around the lake – –

Last stop – Hidden Falls at the mouth of Cascade Canyon – –

 

Boy – what a wonderful, beautiful, exhilarating day!  The only thing to make it better is to end with a drink and dinner on the patio at The Blue Heron Lounge at the Jackson Lake Lodge watching for moose –

The stay here in the Grand Teton NP was way too short.  Colter Bay (the best RV park in the park) – we will be back!!  But, Yellowstone NP is calling.  So we are off again.

The drive to our next stop, West Yellowstone, was diverse.  The Continental Divide was crossed not once – BUT THREE times!!

Then we descended into the Geyser Basin, where we found another one of those fantastic stops for lunch.

Now Magic is parked in the Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone at another wonderful spot and E & G are off to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone tomorrow;-)

E & G saying – There is nothing better than a National Park!