Whether you visit with the bustling crowds of spring and summer, bask in the glow of warm autumn colors, or take in the silent beauty of winter, America's national parks embody the American spirit and create a connection between its people and the land.
Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872 when early settlers realized the importance of preserving an area marked with mysterious bubbling ponds, geysers, deep canyons, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Once established, the park system grew to include historical, cultural, geological and educational programs that encouraged a nation of preservationists.
Grand Teton National Park was created 57 years later and is located directly south of Yellowstone. The Teton Mountain Range is the most prominent feature with the largest peak, the Grand Teton, rising 7,000 feet from the valley floor and 13,770 feet above sea level. Located in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, this park has become a conservational feat that protects migration patterns and allows animals to roam freely throughout both national parks as well as nearby national forests and wilderness areas.
Park services, such as visitor centers, restrict hours or close during the winter. Visitors should check the official websites to find out about service availability starting in late September.
National parks continue to be windows to our past, homes to some of our rarest plants and animal species, and places where every American can go to find inspiration, peace, and open space. We encourage you to venture off the beaten paths to truly understand and appreciate the significance of nature in its purest form.