GLAMPING IN THE GRAND TETONS
The Grand Teton National Park is home to one of the largest and richest swathes of pristine wildlife left in the continental United States. A visit to the area is a chance to experience Earth as nature intended it, unadulterated and raw. It is a stage where dramatic scenes of survival play out amongst the creatures who are fortunate enough to call it home. Humans may visit but only wild animals have the privilege of living here. President Calvin Coolidge designated it as a National Park in 1929. The best way to experience the mystique of the Grand Tetons is by surrounding yourself with nature day and night. Camping is the answer.
Camping facilitates incredible connection and experiences with the natural world, but it comes with intense challenges that aren’t always appealing to travelers. Lengthy preparation is necessary, as well as the sacrifice of important creature comforts. But a few modern conveniences can go a long way toward making your camping experience more comfortable, like having a hardwood floor, hygiene facilities, and a pre-built tent.
Campers are turning to all-inclusive glamping camps to find the perfect balance between an outdoor adventure and modern lifestyle comforts. These camps eliminate the need for preparing meals, setting up or taking down camp equipment, and extensive packing. Without these distractions, campers can enjoy their stay to the fullest potential. Just pack your personal necessities, gather your family, friends, or colleagues, and bask in the glory of the picturesque Bridger-Teton mountain range.
The Grand Teton mountain range formed less than 10 million years ago on a normal fault with a base of metamorphic rock. It is relatively newer than other mountain ranges in North America, especially when compared to the Appalachian Mountains, which formed about 300 million years ago. In this light, the Grand Teton range is an infant. It is the relative age and lack of erosion that gives the Tetons their extreme altitude.
These mountains and their valleys are home to an immense assortment of animals like elk, deer, wolves, bears, foxes, and more than 300 different species of birds. Hundreds of rivers teem with fish, especially the native fine-spotted cutthroat trout. The Grand Tetons are blanketed in snow for six months out of the year, so most animals in the forest are migratory but some have adapted to survive the harsh winter conditions.
Grand Teton National Park is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming in Teton County, just north of Jackson Hole. Grand Teton National Park encompasses 310,000 acres of peaks and valleys, all filled with wildlife and untouched land. After its establishment in 1929, conservationists, led by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., have continually added protections against impending commercial development. The park is accessible from both Montana and Wyoming, though the majority of the eastern side falls within Wyoming’s borders.
The peak of Grand Teton, the forest’s namesake, measures 13,770 feet above sea level. This is a close second to Wyoming’s highest mountain, Gannett Peak, which sits at 13,810 feet. This staggering elevation brings the intense snow that covers the Grand Tetons at least six months of the year. Snowpile can reach over 40 feet in a single season. A group of the largest and most recognizable mountains in the Teton range are called the cathedral group, which includes Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Middle Teton, South Teton, and Teewinot. Mount Moran, Buck Mountain, Static Peak and Mount Wister are other impressive peaks with elevations between 11,000 and 13,000 feet located in other parts of the park.
There are about 65 miles between Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. From the north gate of Grand Teton National Park to the south gate of Yellowstone, drivers only travel about seven miles along J D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway.
Glamping is an unbeatable way to explore the Grand Tetons. It enables a camper to completely immerse in the majestic beauty of the space. There are hotels in the area that offer distant views of the mountain range, but none are actually nestled inside. The range also does not hold any stores, restaurants, or information centers. Campers hoping to stay in the mountains must trek into the woods with all food, maps, and other important equipment. Glamping sites, however, provide necessities like food and supplies without removing the campers from the natural environment.
At Glamping on the Greys, our guests sleep in warm, soft, raised, and appropriately sized beds, then wake up to the sound of chirping birds and babbling creeks. They interact with friendly wildlife, find trailheads steps from their showers, and stargaze by a campfire before falling asleep. Best of all, they have a private space and a staff who is fully focused on their crew. These conveniences are available, along with the amenities of a full-service kitchen, bathhouse, and sleeping space. There is no need to plan out a trip to the mountains. Just arrive and find everything you need!
When camping in an area as rural as Grand Teton National Park, all-inclusive outfits are a smart choice for travelers. Vacations should be restorative and relaxing experiences, not focused on maintaining a comfortable camp and preparing meals. All-inclusive glamping provides a distraction-free way for you to maximize your time out in the Grand Tetons.
Grand Teton National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a huge range of activities, including:
There are over 250 miles of hiking trails winding through the Grand Tetons. Among the most popular are the Leigh Lake trail and the Jenny Lake trail, both about seven miles out and back. A more challenging route is the Lake Solitude trail, which is 16.6 miles out and back. The most adventurous of folks may desire to do some through-hiking. During the wintertime, there are superb backcountry ski runs, with Teton Pass on Highway 22 being among the most popular starting points.
As with exploring all national parks, leaving no trace of your presence is crucial to preserving the park’s pristine nature.
Our secluded camp offers limited-to-no cell reception and only provides Wi-Fi upon request. It is the perfect place to build deeper connections with your companions, be in the present moment, and dial into the things that matter most. Treat your group to an experience they will never forget in the Bridger-Teton mountain range. Enjoy all of the perks of camping without the headaches or extra work at Glamping on the Greys. Check our availability and book your next vacation here.