Earthquakes over millions of years help create the mountain range
In the northwest corner of Wyoming, at the southern end of Grand Teton National Park is picturesque Taggart Lake. It is accessible via a short hike. There is a “Taggart Lake Loop Trail” that takes a couple hours to complete if you are taking your time. If you have the time, you can take a trail that connects you to the adjacent Bradley Lake.
When I asked what makes the Tetons unique, aside from their undeniable beauty, I was told it was the way in which the surrounding area is relatively flat all the way up to the mountain range. The roughly 40-mile-long mountain range sits on a fault line. Earthquakes over millions of years help create the mountain range, as the western landmass rose upward from the eastern landmass. Over many years, glaciers helped sculpt the area. This created the stunning jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons, a truly unique beauty.
Although there is snowfall covering the peaks in the background, I think it adds to the beauty of this photo. If it were not snowing, you would see the series of peaks leading to Grand Teton. If you guessed that Grand Teton is the highest mountain in the park you would be correct. It is 13,775 feet above sea level.
I did this hike in April. April in Grand Teton National Park is very much winter, and snow shoes are a good idea. I did not bring snow shoes; however, we were fortunate to have started early when the trails were still frozen. As we finished our hiking, the snow was softening and there were areas you would fall through the snow up to your knee or waist, what we call “post-holing”. When you post-hole, bad things can happen. Your feet can get wet, a very bad thing in the winter. Post-holing also causes you to work harder and move slowly. Fortunately, this was a short hike and something we considered before starting.
April in Grand Teton National Park is very much winter, and snow shoes are a good idea
Did you know?
- Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 by President Calvin Coolidge. It was later enlarged in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- The first evidence of human activity in the Grand Tetons dates back ~11,000 years.
- There are eight peaks in Grand Teton National Park that are over 12,000 feet in elevation.
- The primary topography in Grand Teton National Park includes Lakes and Ponds, Wet Meadows, Sagebrush Flats, Forests, and Alpine.
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