A Patchwork of Habitats

• Stop 4 (Jackson Lake Overlook): What effects do repeated fires have on a landscape, and why is that important for forests and wildlife? Explore our Fire History page to see a map of fires in the park over the last several decades, including the ones Diane and Ron discuss.

A Slower Pace of Life

• Many Bar BC guests of the 1920s and 30s came on vacation to Jackson Hole seeking some of the same things that visitors hope to find today-the peace of being in nature, the splendor of the mountain scenery, and the appreciation of a slower pace of life. Struthers Burt and Horace Carncross selected this site for its beautiful views, its gentle breezes that ruffle the aspen trees, and its solitude, provided by the river valley.

AMK Ranch

• The AMK Ranch represents the initial phase of vacation homes in Jackson Hole. Homesteaded by John Sargent in 1890, little remains of his lodge and store that served travelers on the road to Yellowstone. All current buildings date to the W. Lewis Johnson era (1926-1936) and the Alfred Berol era (1936-1976). Both Johnson and Berol built large log vacation homes representing two distinct periods of rustic architecture as well as various other cabins and outbuildings.Berol, presi

Albright View Turnout

• Facing west, the southern Teton Range-dominated by Buck Mountain, Static Peak and Albright Peak-towers over the valley of Jackson Hole. Death Canyon slices deep into the range to the south of these peaks. To the east, Blacktail Butte seems a minor hill but it still over 1,000 feet above the highway. The lack of trees on the south facing slopes of Blacktail Butte suggest past logging by settlers. The lack of trees, however, reflects the well-drained soils and exposure to the s

Andrew Chambers Barn

• Andy Chambers homesteaded on Mormon Row in 1912. By 1916, the homestead consisted of a log house and stable. In addition to homesteading, early settlers trapped to help earn a living. Andy Chambers trapped along the Snake River from 1918 to 1928. The hardships of ranching caused farmers to switch from livestock to farming and back. Chambers homestead lacked water so he dry farmed raising oats and wheat until 1927.

Approaching the Bar BC

• The Bar BC was one of the first dude ranches in Jackson Hole, and perhaps the most iconic. Today, it's the oldest one still standing. It was founded in 1912 by Struthers Burt and Harold Carncross, Easterners who emigrated to Wyoming. Burt and his wife, Katharine Newlin Burt, were prolific writers, so their ranch attracted a more artistic and literary set. The clientele tended to be wealthy Easterners who wanted a rustic vacation experience, away from the constraints of high s

Arizona Island Picnic Area

• Arizona Island picnic area consists of just a few tables in a meadow with mature forests surrounding. Have a snack and enjoy the view when traveling to or from Yellowstone National Park.

Arizona Meadows Turnout

• This wet meadow turns blue violet in the early summer when blue camas blooms. Shoshone Indians harvested the bulbs once the flowers bloomed so that they did not confuse the plant with death camas that could be a very deadly mistake! The roasted bulbs formed an important part of their diet. Today, the meadow is an oasis surrounded by lodgepole pine forest.

Aspen Knoll

• Aspen Knoll offers minimally obstructed views of Jenny Lake and the Teton Range.

Backcountry Trip Planning

Bar BC Overlook

• The Bar BC Ranch was the second dude ranch in the valley. Started by Struthers Burt and Horace Carncross in 1912, their ranch attracted Eastern Dudes who wanted to experience life in the Old West. Situated on the west bank of the Snake River, the ranch had a swimming hole from water diverted from the river. Today, the park has stabilized many of the cabins. Visitors may wander through the ranch and enjoy a glimpse of early tourist life, but for your safety please do not enter

Blacktail Butte Trailhead

• Access the Blacktail Butte Trailhead from US 26/89/191. The parking lot is one mile north of Moose Junction on the east side of the highway. There are no facilities at this trailhead-remember to bring water and use a restroom before you arrive. Bears may be active any place and at any time-travel in groups, make noise and carry bear spray. Hikers cannot access backcountry camping from this trailhead.

Blacktail Ponds Overlook

• From this vantage point, the park's natural communities stretch out before you. The ponds and wet meadows along the Snake River are home to the wetland community. Terraces step up from the Snake River to the sagebrush community covering much of the valley floor. Islands of lodgepole pines take root on glacial moraines that ring glacial lakes. The lower slopes of the mountains support aspen and conifer forest communities.

Cascade Canyon Turnout

• Most visitors find it challenging to reach the alpine community in the park, but the view from Cascade Canyon turnout provides a glimpse. The canyon climbs through the forest community where many conifers thrive-lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir and subalpine fir. Cascade Creek flows near the trail providing islands of wetland community. In the upper part of the canyon, the alpine community thrives-a harsh environment buried in snow most of the year.

Cathedral Group Turnout

• The Cathedral Group refers to three peaks: Teewinot Mountain, the Grand Teton and Mount Owen. These spires tower above Cascade Canyon casting long shadows during a summer sunset. Looking west, the Teton fault breaks the lower slope on Rockchuck Peak recording the last several large earthquakes on the fault. This turnout captures both the beauty of the Teton Range and the power of earthquakes to change the landscape.

Catholic Bay Picnic Area

• Enjoy a picnic with views of Jackson Lake.

Cattlemans Bridge

• Once a crossing for cattle, this primitive spot now provides scenic views of the Snake River.

Chapel of the Sacred Heart

• The Chapel of the Sacred Heart is on Catholic Bay of Jackson Lake. The beautiful chapel was built in 1937 and is recognized by the Teton County Historic Preservation Board as being more than 50 years old. The Catholic Church owns the chapel and usually offers Sunday services during the summer. A picnic area is next to the chapel and offers views of Jackson Lake. "http://olmcatholic.org/about-the-parish/location/" Visit the Chapel of the Sacred Heart website to learn more.

Chapel of the Transfiguration

• The Chapel of the Transfiguration is next to the Menors Ferry Historic District. Maud Noble donated the land to St. John's Episcopal Church in 1925. The chapel served employees and guests from the nearby dude ranches. Today, one of the park's classic views is through the altar window framing the Grand Teton beyond. The chapel usually offers Sunday services during the summer. Visit "http://stjohnsjackson.diowy.org/Worship/chapel-of-the-transfiguration.html" to learn more.

Charles Wort's Boathouse

• Constructed in 1932 by the National Park Service, the Charles Wort Boathouse was used for winter storage of boats by Jenny Lake boat concessioners. Boat concession operations have existed at Jenny Lake since the 1920’s. This building is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Christian Pond Trailhead

• <b>Location</b> : Access the Christian Pond trail from the east edge of the parking lot next to the corrals at the Jackson Lake Lodge. <br /><br /> <b>Notes</b> : There are minimal facilities and limited parking at this trailhead-remember to bring water and use a restroom before you arrive. Bears may be active any place and at any time-travel in groups, make noise and carry bear spray. Hikers cannot access backcountry camping from this trailhead.

Clark & Veda Moulton Homestead

• In the early 1900s, Mormon settlers established the community of Grovont along today's Mormon Row. These settlers built homesteads close together to assist with communal efforts. Clark Moulton was TA Moulton's son. He dry-land farmed on Mormon Row until the 1970s when he sold his property. Dry-land farming was unusually by this time. Most farmers used irrigation to support their crops.

Climbers Ranch

• The Climbers Ranch offers affordable and accessible lodging for climbers visiting the Grand Teton National Park. The accommodations are primitive co-ed dormitory-style lodging in a communal setting. Guests are housed in open, one-room cabins with other guests, sleeping on wooden bunks. Minimal facilities include bunkhouses, restrooms with showers and a covered cook shelter. The ranch opened in 1970 re-occupying the Double Diamond Dude Ranch that opened in 1924.

Colter Bay Amphitheater

• Enjoy a variety of ranger programs offered at the Colter Bay Amphitheater. This open-air facility provides a fantastic setting for ranger-led evening programs during the summer. Special programs also occur throughout the season. Check at a visitor center for a current schedule of events.

Colter Bay Cabins

• The Colter Bay Cabins and Tent Cabins provide rustic accommodations in Colter Bay Village. Enjoy Jackson Lake, the marina, restaurants, corrals, grocery store and the visitor center all within a short distance. Many of the cabins were part of the Sheffield lodging operation once located below the Jackson Lake Dam. The park service and the Teton Lodge Company moved these cabins to Colter Bay in 1955.

Colter Bay Convenience Store

• At the corner of US 89/191/287 and the road into Colter Bay Village, is a large convenience store and gasoline station. Whether you visit the Village or continue on your way, the store and gas station offer a break along the way.

Colter Bay Corral

• Enjoy a one or two hour horseback ride along the trails south of Colter Bay. The corrals also offer breakfast and dinner horseback or wagon rides. See and feel the park from a different perspective in truly western style! "http://www.gtlc.com/activities/horseback-riding" Visit the Grand Teton Lodge Co. website for more information.

Colter Bay General Store & Launderette

• The one stop place for many of your traveling needs! Buy groceries, gifts or sporting goods in the main store. Schedule an activity such as rafting, horseback riding or taking a cruise through the Grand Teton Lodge Company's activities desk. Clean your clothes for the remainder of your trip or take a hot shower if you have been camping for days. "http://www.gtlc.com/dining/the-general-store-colter-bay-village" Visit the Grand Teton Lodge Co. website for more information

Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail

• Access the paved Colter Bay Lakeshore trail northwest of the visitor center. Visitor services include a visitor center, restrooms, water, stores, restaurants, laundromat, showers, cabins, corrals, campground and an RV park. Bears may be active any place and at any time-travel in groups, make noise and carry bear spray. Backcountry camping requires a permit-pick one up at a backcountry permits office.

Colter Bay Marina & Boat Launch

• <b>Location: </b> Colter Bay Village is located west of US 89/191/287 about 10 miles north of Moran Junction. The Village offers a complete complement of visitor services including a visitor center, lodging, restaurants, camping, RV park, groceries, laundry, showers, and more. The marina is full service with boat launch, store, fuel and boat rentals.<br /><br /> <b>Notes: </b> The ramp is paved and accesses a sheltered bay. During low water summers, the boat ramp may become inoperable since Colter Bay is an artificial body of water.<br /> <a href="http://www.gtlc.com/activities"><br />Visit the Grand Teton Lodge Co. website for more information.</a> <br />

Colter Bay Picnic Area & Swim Beach

• Colter Bay picnic area and swim beach is a wonderful place to relax along the shores of Jackson Lake. The largest picnic area in the park has facilities for nearly everyone. There are even tables on the lakeshore hidden back in the trees! Buoys mark off the swimming area to remind boats to remain out of the area. Lodgepole pines shade many of the tables, but some enjoy the sunshine and lake breeze.

Colter Bay Visitor Center

• One of the surviving Mission 66 visitor centers, the Colter Bay Visitor Center sits above the shores of Jackson Lake. Enjoy a view of the lake and Teton Range from the back deck. Wander down to the lakeshore for a swim or picnic lunch, or hike to Swan Lake or Heron Pond from the Hermitage Point Trailhead.The visitor center exhibits 35 artifacts from the David T. Vernon Indian Arts Collection never before displayed .

Cottonwood Creek Overlook

• A popular fall photograph captures the Jimmy Manges cabin, the park stock used by the summer trial crew, the aspens turning golden and the Grand Teton towering above. A corral is a classic buck and rail fence used by the early homesteaders. Enjoy the view of the horses and mules, but please do not feed them or touch them. Manges' cabin is thought to be the first two story cabin in the valley. The turnout also includes the Cottonwood Creek Picnic area and a vault toilet.

Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area

• Cottonwood Creek picnic area is the first picnic area north of the Moose Entrance Gate. Five tables cluster near cottonwood trees above the creek. Across the Teton Park Road is a fenced meadow where the park houses its pack animals during the summer when they are not in the backcountry. Behind the meadow is the James "Jimmy" Manges cabin thought to be the first two-story cabin in the valley. During fall the aspens that grow on the moraine above the cabin.

Cunningham Cabin

• J. Pierce Cunningham established the Bar Flying U Ranch in the 1880s. Today, his "dogtrot" style cabin is one of the few remaining homestead cabins in Jackson Hole. This style cabin was common in eastern states, consisting of two small cabins joined with an open, covered breezeway. Cunningham chose this land because silt sediments deposited from an ancient glacial formed soil that retained moisture and provided better nutrients for raising lush grasses and forbs.

Deadmans Bar

• Location: Access from US 26/98/191 a half-mile north of the Snake River Overlook. The road, partially paved, continues northwest for about one mile to the boat ramp and parking. One section of the road is very steep. Notes: The classic Snake River float through the park launches at Deadmans Bar. The river is home to moose, bald eagles, osprey and many other species. Enjoy sweeping views of the Teton Range as you float down the river to Moose. Remember to bring water with y

Death Canyon Trailhead

• Location: Access the Death Canyon trailhead from the Moose-Wilson Road. Travel three miles south from Moose and turn north on a spur road. The last mile leading to the trailhead is a narrow, rough dirt road recommended for high-clearance vehicles. Notes: Facilities include a small dirt parking lot, a vault toilet and a seasonally-occupied patrol cabin. Remember to bring water with you. Bears may be active any place and at any time-travel in groups, make noise and carry bear

Discovery Spot: Black Bear

• Welcome to the Discovery Trail. As you travel down this path, use all of your senses to detect the plants and animals that make this place their home. Observe all that you discover, inducing clues to animal presence such as tracks and burrows. Linger at each of the benches along the path and try to unravel the stories of plant and animal interconnections.

Discovery Spot: Gopher/Marten

• Welcome to the Discovery Trail. As you travel down this path, use all of your senses to detect the plants and animals that make this place their home. Observe all that you discover, inducing clues to animal presence such as tracks and burrows. Linger at each of the benches along the path and try to unravel the stories of plant and animal interconnections.

Discovery Spot: Moose

• Welcome to the Discovery Trail. As you travel down this path, use all of your senses to detect the plants and animals that make this place their home. Observe all that you discover, inducing clues to animal presence such as tracks and burrows. Linger at each of the benches along the path and try to unravel the stories of plant and animal interconnections.

Discovery Spot: Woodpecker/Beetle

• Welcome to the Discovery Trail. As you travel down this path, use all of your senses to detect the plants and animals that make this place their home. Observe all that you discover, inducing clues to animal presence such as tracks and burrows. Linger at each of the benches along the path and try to unravel the stories of plant and animal interconnections.

Ditch Creek Pathway Access

• The pathway section from Moose Junction to the Antelope Flats Road is the most recent addition to the multi-use pathway system. This section allows bicyclists to complete a loop on the secondary roads from Antelope Flats to Kelly and return to Gros Ventre Junction without riding on the main highway. There is parking available at the small lot on the north end Blacktail Butte just south of Antelope Flats Road. ADA compliant.

Dornans

• The Dornans complex has a long history of providing services to park visitors. This family owned business is actually a park inholding dating back to the 1920s. During summer, visitors may enjoy two restaurants, a wine shoppe, grocery and deli, gasoline, ATM, coffee stand, ice cream cart, gifts, lodging, and adventure sports equipment rental and sales.

Dornans Pathway Access

• Leave from Dornans in Moose to access the multi-use pathway. A short spur connects to the main pathway allowing non-motorized users access to the paved trail system that extends from Jackson to Moose and on to Jenny Lake. Hop on your bike or pull on your shoes to enjoy the park at a slower pace. ADA compliant.

East Boundary Turnout

• Approaching Grand Teton National Park from Togwotee Pass and Dubois brings visitors along the Buffalo Fork River to the East Gate. On a clear day, the length of the Teton Range stretches to the south. Study the orientation map and learn a bit about your options to explore the park.

Elk Ranch Flats Turnout

• Elk Ranch flats is the park's last operating irrigated cattle and hay ranch. In the early 1900s, David (Si) Ferrin consolidated several homesteads to establish one of the valley's largest cattle ranches. After an agricultural depression in the 1920s, Ferrin sold his land to the Snake River Land Company. These lands became part of the park in 1950. Today, livestock, bison, elk and pronghorn graze in the fields and a few cabins remain.

Exum Mountain Guides

• Glen Exum first climbed the Grand Teton with Paul Petzoldt in 1929. Together they established the Petzoldt-Exum School of American Mountaineering. They believed that clients should learn the skills necessary to participate actively while climbing to the summits of the high Teton peaks. Today, skilled guides train clients of all ages to experience the mountains. "http://exumguides.com/">Visit the Exum website for more information.

Fire Exclusion

• Stop 2 (north of Colter Bay Visitor Center): Learn about how Europeans managed fire when they arrived in this area, and how the government shaped fire management in the early 1900s.

Fire Just Is

• Stop 8 (Flagg Canyon Picnic Area): "Fire isn't good or bad-it just is." Fire managers from Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest reflect on the progress of the last 50 years, and what we need to think about for the future.

Fires and Forest Ecology

• Stop 1 (Colter Bay Visitor Center): Learn about the role fire plays in our forests and its importance to this ecosystem.

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