Landing at Jackson Hole Airport in Wyoming in the western United States is quite impressive. It must be said that it is the only airport in the country located in a national park, that of Grand Teton. On disembarking the plane, the view of these imposing mountains, the Teton Range, is spectacular, some of which can reach peaks between 3500 and 4107 meters. This escapade in the heart of incredible landscapes, natural treasures and exceptional wildlife promises many surprises.
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Departure from Jackson
The night was short-lived in Jackson, a small tourist town with a far-western feel, some of whose buildings date from the early 20th century, 38 km from Grand Teton (name given to French trappers in the 18 of the female breast).
It is better to get up early when visiting the region. Eventually, the animals (about 60 mammals, including cougars, grizzly bears, and wolves) come out of hiding when not disturbed by humans.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
Grizzly Bear 399 with one of her four offspring born in 2020.
Admission to this 1254 square kilometer park is $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). The various observation points strategically installed along the road allow you to admire the stunning scenery. Although the fog obscures part of the snow-capped mountain peaks, the panorama is sublime. In this rich setting of valleys, lakes and rivers, including the famous Serpentine Snake River, it feels like an enchanting scene from The Sound of Music.
Like on a safari
After more than an hour of admiring nature, you have to brake abruptly, in front of the car comes a huge herd of elk with their large, very wide antlers. Fascinating to watch closely, they are fast, agile and so elegant. The little fine snow that just fell adds a magical touch.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
The way goes on. It is not uncommon to encounter elk, roe deer, antelope and several other deer. Bison are ubiquitous and can even block the road. It happens that some of them graze the cars. It’s best to keep the windows closed as they are unpredictable and their horns could be deadly. In addition, despite their weight, these animals can move at 56 km/h. Sometimes there are attacks. There are one to two bison attacks in the region each year. This is mainly due to the carelessness of the visitors who thirst for unforgettable photos.
Photo Marie Poupart
In 2021, Grand Teton National Park welcomed nearly 4 million visitors and is the seventh largest national park in the United States.
Then the traffic is suddenly less fluid. Several cars are parked at the intersection of Pilgrim Creek Rd, not far from Yellowstone’s south entrance. Many visitors and nature photographers stop at the narrow road. In minutes, the star of the park, grizzly bear 399 (the name scientists have given her), should be approaching the scene accompanied by her four cubs. As she walks slowly, several people squeal with excitement! Finally, 399, who has his own Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts, is the most popular grizzly bear in Grand Teton, but also around the world.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
The peaks of the Teton Range can range from 3658 to 4198 meters above sea level.
The star of the park is not a woman like the others. At the ripe age of 26 (grizzlies typically live to 25-30) she should be retired (females typically stop mating by 20-25). But in 2020, the one who wasn’t in her first litter gave birth to four cubs. A feat, say biologists, not only because of its age, but also because of the number of cubs from its last litter (4), when a litter of grizzly bears usually contains no more than 2-3 offspring.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
The bears are now only about a hundred yards from the curious. Nervous people go back to their cars. While others, reckless or reckless, watch them in utter amazement. Volunteers and park rangers ensure the safety of the site for both the animals and their admirers.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
One of 399 grizzly bear offspring crossing the main road in Grand Teton National Park. The cubs usually stay with their mother until they are three years old.
The giant beast, weighing 180 kg and standing at 7 feet in leg length, finally crosses the path with its little ones hot on its heels. But whoops, there’s a little latecomer. The situation is stressful. The mother turns around several times to make sure her little one goes with her… He moves forwards, backwards, he doesn’t particularly like crowds. Luckily, after hesitating for a few minutes, he rushed on and finally joined his little family. What an unforgettable moment!
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
26-year-old grizzly bear “399” gave birth to 4 cubs in Grand Teton National Park in 2020.
Though 399 seemed unperturbed by the human presence, we must remain vigilant. In 2007, she attacked a human who sustained minor injuries when he unknowingly approached an animal carcass that she and her young were feeding on.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
The grizzly bear gave birth to four cubs, usually 2 to 3 offspring.
The authorities gave her a chance and did not kill her, believing she had acted in self-defense to protect her cubs.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
Morning crossing of a herd of moose. The most numerous animal species in the park.
There have been no further grizzly bear attacks in Grand Teton since that event. On the Yellowstone National Park side, the number of attacks is estimated at one per year. Since its inception in 1872, eight people have died as a result.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
Bison are plentiful in Grand Teton. If you see them you must keep a distance of about twenty meters as they can be unpredictable.
It was a lucky day. Grizzlies aren’t always around, and you can go hours or even days without ever seeing one. This day ended in the most beautiful way with a magnificent sunset over the mountains.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
These moose can weigh up to 1000 pounds. Its height is about 7 feet, it is the tallest of the deer.
In addition to admiring the splendor and spotting the wildlife of this park, you can practice mountaineering, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hiking on its 200 miles of trails. Even wild camping is allowed. For a future trip, you will need to plan a longer stay to fully enjoy so much beauty.
Photo courtesy of Michael Patrick O’Neill
Several luxury ranches are located in the Jackson City area of the Jackson Hole Valley. The likes of Harrison Ford and Sandra Bullock have residences in the area.
Good to know
Geographical location
Grand Teton National Park is located in northwest Wyoming, 36 km north of the city of Jackson and 49 km south of Yellowstone National Park.
reservation
No reservation is required to enter the park. Admission, valid for 7 days, is $35 per vehicle. At that price, it may be worth getting the $80 America The Beautiful pass, valid for one year in all national parks in the United States
Where to sleep
The park has seven “lodges” that vary in price. The Jackson Lake Lodge is the most luxurious. (Reservation for these “lodges”, 6 months to 1 year in advance)
Grand Teton offers six campgrounds. (Reservation six months to one year in advance via website: entertainment.gov). It is possible to wild camp after obtaining a permit, for more details: nps.gov
Please note that the lodges and campsites are not open all year round.
The city of Jackson has several hotels, including many American chains.
Covid-19
Wearing a mask is not mandatory in the state of Wyoming, but private businesses may require it. Wyoming is among the top 10 least vaccinated states in the country, according to the Wyoming Department of Health, with a 46% immunization rate.