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Wildlife – Grand Teton has such an abundance of wildlife, and it’s a real treat to see them in their natural habitat. The best time to spot wildlife is often early in the morning or late evening (it’s still light at 9:00pm in summer). Along Gros Vente Rd. which winds along the river, look for moose, find bison, elk and Pronghorn at Antelope Flats Rd., beaver at Oxbow Bend, bald eagles in the trees along the Snake River. |
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We found it well-worthwhile to take a guided wildlife expedition, about four hours. Our guide took us around the valley, we learned all sorts of cool stuff about wildlife, geology and history of the Jackson Hole valley, and really got to see the animals. (As it turns out, it isn’t always easy to see a moose in the willows). Our favorite was the pronghorn (like an antelope) – it can run up to 50 – 60mph, is the fastest land mammal in North America, and has been around since the Pleistocene era. |
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Float trips – Float trips down the Snake River are fun for everyone in the family. Ours was a combination cookout and float trip at sunset. Our guide did all the rowing, all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the marvelous scenery and wildlife along the river (great blue herons, bald eagles, osprey, bison, elk, beaver lodges). Older kids will also enjoy two hour white water rafting trips down the river. |
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Go camping – There are five campgrounds in the park, available on a first come, first serve basis (no reservations). Jenny Lake campground is tents only, Colter Bay has tent cabin sites and an RV park. In summer there are campfire and junior ranger programs and ranger-led hikes. Click here for more information on campgrounds in Grand Teton. |
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Tips for enjoying Grand Teton National Park |
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Bring binoculars – This is one place where everyone in the family will want to binoculars to see the wildlife. Plan on bringing inexpensive binoculars for everyone in the family. Seeing a pronghorn bounding through the sagebrush far in the distance, or a close up look at velvet-covered antlers on a moose is only possible with binoculars. |
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Insect repellent – Even in mid July, the meadows can be wet and the mosquitoes annoying. Mosquitoes also come out at twilight, so be sure to bring along a good mosquito repellent. |
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Drinking water – Even on a short hike, bring water bottles with you. It's easy to get dehydrated, so drink plenty of water. The streams in Grand Teton look pristine, but don't drink directly from the streams. |
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Footwear – Don't short change yourself; make sure everyone has comfortable shoes. Closed toed shoes are best. Flip flops and plastic sandals are okay on paved paths, but not on dirt trails. |
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Changeable weather – In summer, the weather can be variable, from warm days, but evenings can be chilly, especially if you’re out on the water. Thunderstorms can come up in the summer, so have a light jacket along. |
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Hikes – Get an early start. Parking lots for popular hikes such as the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Jenny Lake can get filled up, and you don’t want to drive around looking for a parking place. Bring along a picnic lunch for your hike. |
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Don't feed the animals – The ground squirrels know they're cute, and will even pose for you, but don't feed them. Chips and snacks are bad for many of the animals here – feed them people food and they can end up dead. |
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Don’t get too close to the wildlife – A mother moose and her calf grazing by the side of the river is an amazing sight, but don’t get too close; a mother moose that thinks her calf is threatened is a dangerous animal and moose can kick and charge. Use your binoculars instead and stay at a safe distance. |
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Fabulous photos of young animals in Grand Teton National Park – bison calves rubbing noses, fuzzy brown moose calf, foxes playing, grizzly cubs following their mom, mule deer fawns in the meadows, and more. (Picture book)
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When you see the pronghorn running through the sagebrush, it's something you'll never forget. Follow the year long migration of a pronghorn herd through Wyoming to spend the summer in Grand Teton. Beautifully photographed. (Picture book)
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Find out about animals that live in Grand Teton National Park, by following their tracks and scat (poop) – grizzly bear, mule deer, elk, moose, bison, gray wolf, mountain lion and badger. (Picture book)
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Moose
Anthony D. Fredericks
Before you start searching for moose in Yellowstone, find out about these odd-looking animals. Moose have a short tail, large ears, skinny legs, can weigh up to 1,800 pounds, eat only plants, run very fast, are good swimmers, and more. (Illustrated chapter book)
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An orphan girl, Carrie Hill, comes to live with the Leigh family, a trapper “Beaver Dick,” his Shoshone wife Jenny, and children. Based on real people and events (Jenny Lake is named after Jenny Leigh), the novel captures life in an earlier century, living by the lakes at the foot of the snowy Teton mountains. (Chapter book)
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More children's books on other Wyoming pages |
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