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Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkwaypurple harebells
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Grand Teton National Park & John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway
Wildflowers
 
Glacier lilies in Cascade Canyon

The wildflowers of Grand Teton National Park usually bloom May through September. There are only about 60 frost-free days a year in Jackson Hole, so the growing season is very short and the dominant blooming flowers change quickly from week to week.

Grand Teton National Park can be separated into three distinct zones: the sagebrush valley, the forest floor, and the alpine zone. Skyrocket gilia, larkspur, and indian paintbrush bloom in the valley as temperatures rise. Flowers like fireweed, columbine, monkshood, and the rare calypso orchid enjoy the moist environments found in forests. The flowers of the alpine zone grow close to the ground and the flowers are very small; examples include moss campion, alpine forget-me-not, and sky pilot.

A number of field guides to the area wildflowers are available at the bookstores in the park. Remember that observing and photographing wildflowers is achieved by bringing your eye to the wildflower and not the wildflower to your eye. Wildflowers within the national park are not to be picked so that they may be enjoyed by future visitors and provide habitat and food to wildlife.

three visitors at the snake river overlook
Trip Planning Guide
Resources for planning your trip to Grand Teton.
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View of Mt. Moran turnout with cathedral group in background, photo by Erin Himmel
Things to know before you visit
Trip planning suggestions, lodging, safety information, weather, accessibility, and pet safety.
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kayak on Jackson Lake
Outdoor Activities
There is something for everyone at Grand Teton--explore outdoor opportunities in the park.
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Tetons from the north, photo by Erin Himmel  

Did You Know?
Did you know that a large fault lies at the base of the Teton Range? Every few thousand years earthquakes up to a magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter Scale signal movement on the Teton fault, lifting the mountains skyward and hinging the valley floor downward.

Last Updated: December 01, 2008 at 12:37 EST