Teton mountain range at sunrise, WY
Located in Wyoming, this mountain range began forming 6-9 million years ago. The Tetons are the youngest mountains in the Rocky Mountain range.
It is a unique mountain range due to its formation, and we had a mountain experience of an unusual nature.
A series of geological processes over millennium eventually led to the uplift of the region. Situated on the Teton Fault, approximately two million years ago earthquakes displaced the range.
Fault block formation of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. Courtesy Wikipedia.
The western side moved upward while the eastern side moved downward creating the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley, respectively.
Most mountain ranges have foothills which often obscure much of the mountain. But here the eastern side arose so quickly and sharply that there are no foothills. In addition, the older the range is, the more eroded the peaks become.
But this range has no foothills, and is relatively young, creating high, craggy peaks that are prominent and stunning.
Moose, Grand Teton NP
More info here.
The highest peak is Grand Teton at 13,775 feet high (4,199 m). Nine more peaks are over 12,000 feet high in this towering mountain range.
Visiting the Grand Tetons, only ten miles south of Yellowstone National Park, is an unforgettable experience because the mountains are always looming in your presence.
Great Spangled Fritillary (female), Grand Teton NP
The geological mysteries one encounters while hiking or even driving in the valley are endless.
Mountain climbing is a favorite sport where 4,000 climbers a year attempt to summit the highest peak.
Grant Teton National Park combines with several other parks forming the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This ecosystem covers nearly 18,000,000 acres (7,300,00 ha) of land.
Jackson Lake, Grand Tetons
Jackson Lake and Tetons
Although I enjoyed lovely hikes and wildlife adventures here, the most unique moment was when we got caught in a thunderstorm.
Halfway through dinner at the Jackson Lake Lodge, gusting winds and angry dark clouds began brewing. By the time we finished, a thunderstorm was close to erupting.
Jackson Lake Lodge lobby
It had not started raining, so we decided to walk back to the cabin ahead of the storm.
Outside it was so windy that fir trees were bent over sideways and pine cones had turned into horizontally flying missives.
We ran.
A few sprinkles came down and then a CLAP of thunder exploded just as lightning hit, and our entire universe turned opaque white. I remember seeing my shoe reach the steps…and then it disappeared.
Mountain Bluebird, Grand Tetons NP
We had been caught in a lightning strike.
How strange it was to be on earth with eyes wide open, and yet not seeing anything. White out.
Fortunately it didn’t hit us directly. We looked around in disbelief; no one had been injured. No fires either.
It rained for about ten minutes and then the storm vanished, as quickly as it had arrived.
Whenever I am in the presence of a foreign mountain range, it is fascinating to see the weather system that each individual range produces. That day the Grand Tetons showed their grandeur.
Photo credit: Athena Alexander unless otherwise noted
Snake River and Tetons. Photo by Ansel Adams. Courtesy Wikipedia.
Jet Eliot 
Whew…that lightning bolt must have been frightening!Beautiful pictures and info about this place.Thank you very much.I enjoyed it!
The lightning bolt was quite an experience, I’m glad you enjoyed the Tetons post, Dina. Thank you very much for your visit. I also enjoyed reading about your Kazungula Ferry ride, brought back fun memories.
Could you understand my post?
I use Google to translate, and then yes, I do. It’s one of my favorite tools. 🙂
So happy that I can be understood by anyone,even when I write in my own language.Communication is a wonderful thing!!
It’s wonderful, isn’t it Dina? Google translate connects me all over the world.
Thanks for the geology info that explains why the Tetons look so grand. I also enjoyed your brush with lightening but glad it didn’t get any closer. Brick
Hi Brick–I’m delighted you enjoyed the Tetons post today. I learned more about the geology in researching for this post, and found it very interesting, so I am glad you did too.
Traumatic storm experience, that’s for sure and what a relief for you to reach shelter. Your adventures while in the G.T. park remind me of the time we visited the park for several days. We hiked the trail around beautiful Jenny Lake to the small lodge, saw a few marmots but my big concern was meeting up with a moose on its way to the lake; that area is noted more for Grizzly bears than moose but that didn’t seem to bother me.
Thank you so much for the interesting geographic info on the mountain range in the park. My spouse and I feel it’s one of the most beautiful parks in the U.S. We love it there.
How wonderful that you have had the pleasure of the Grand Tetons, SWI. It was easy to imagine your walk and adventure around Jenny Lake; and I, too, get a little nervous about moose because they’re so big. Thanks so much for your kind words today.
Gorgeous captures of one of my favorite places! Storm sounds impressive. I’ve been here in the winter to ski and know how intense the weather can be,
I can imagine it is so very gorgeous in the winter too. Thanks very much, Cindy. 🙂
Thanks for the info, Jet. I am so glad that you guys weren’t hurt!
Grant Tetons is one of my favorites. I remember the mountain were purple. I couldn’t take my eyes of them. Thanks for bringing back a good memory.
Have a great day.
You know what I’m talking about, Helen, with the deep passion those mountains stir up, especially when you are in their presence. And yes, they did look purple at times. My thanks for your visit and comments today.
Many of my greatest summer camping memories are of the Grand Tetons. Did you know a French trapper “discovered” and named them? I’ll let you use your imagination as to what he was referring to. 😉
The area of Jackson Hole might sound like an unusual name. A hole is a high elevation valley between to Mountain Ranges; the Wind River Range and The Grand Tetons. On our last camping trip we had brought our small fishing boat to Jackson Lake. We actually made it to the other side and picked up a volunteer ranger waiting for a ride and brought him back to the camping area.
Jenny Lake is also a very beautiful lake. No motorized vehicles are allowed so the rowing is extremely peaceful.
Thank you for bringing back those wonderful memories Jet.
Thanks so much for your contribution to the Tetons post, Carol Mae. I love hearing about your adventures. The name, which the french trapper likened to a woman’s breasts, is also credited to the Shoshone word “teewinot” which translates to “many pinnacles.” Re Jenny Lake. On the day we had devoted to hiking around here and taking a boat ride, when we got to the trailhead at 10am, it was so crowded we had to use the overflow parking lot. I am a bird counter and used my skills to observe there were roughly 500 people at the parking lot/trailhead area. The crowds (in Sept.) were so immense, that we went elsewhere that day. I don’t do crowds in wilderness. Fortunately we had a great day, just didn’t get up close to Jenny Lake. Thanks so much Carol Mae.
Thanks for the extra info. We camped in the early ’80s and the crowds were nothing like that. Yellowstone was getting more crowded. It’s unfortunate I haven’t gotten around to scanning by photos of our vacations.
Mountains always have their own weather personalities, don’t they? Sounds like the younger, the more unpredictable. Gorgeous place….never been.
Yes, it’s an amazing thing about mountains. I’ve noticed it espec. at Mt. Rainier in WA and Mt. McKinley in Alaska, they create their own weather patterns. I’m very glad I could share the Tetons with you today, Jan. Thank you.
The Grand Tetons Range is to my personal opinion one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I was in total awe for a while (most likely with an open mouth) standing in front of the jagged peaks! I will never forget that instance, I treasure memories like that one! Thanks my dear friend for you bring me back to the past for a double take. 🙂
I’m with you, HJ, it’s astounding to see these mountains, and “total awe” is what we feel. Thanks so much for your visit and warm comment.
Such a scary experience, Jet! You have been very lucky. Now looking back it is a really special, probably ‘once in a lifetime’ event 🙂 I wish everybody could see and appreciate the glory and beauty of the nature.
What a pleasure it is to share the beauty of nature with you, Inese. Thanks very much for all of your visits and comments.
It is definitely a beautiful and unique place – gorgeous photos and good memories. Thanks, Jett.
I am delighted to know you have had the joy of visiting the Grand Tetons, Big Sow. Thanks so much for your visit today!
Oh my! Grand indeed Jet 😀
That’s a fun comment, Val — thank you!
Wow, you were lucky. My father had a similar experience in his own backyard once. It didn’t hit him, but he had white vision for several minutes.
Craig I am really happy to hear of someone else having this experience. It was crazy. And we definitely felt lucky. Thanks so much.
Reblogged this on Art, animals, and the earth.
Thank you for the reblog Sharon — much appreciated. 🙂
What a grand place! Love to stay at that lodge. I experienced a similar lightning storm many years ago in the Catskills. Felt like we were in the clouds and about to get toasted. Very scary. I cant resist an addition to the geology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geology_of_the_Grand_Teton_area this article includes descriptions of the plate movements and a more in depth description of the orogenic events. I would love to go there because I am a geologist.
That lightning experience did feel like being instantly zapped into clouds. Thanks for the geology article, Sherry. It is one of the most fascinating places for geology, and the article gave a deeper understanding. Those black diabase dikes were incredible to see, something I had never seen before. I hope you do get a chance to visit the Tetons, espec. since you are a geologist. Many thanks.
What a beautiful trip Jet, thank you for sharing your adventure.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Sharon. I’m glad you enjoyed the Tetons. And I was happy to see you after your vacation hiatus. I hope your week is going well….
Thank you Jet, it’s good to back participating in the wonderful blogging family we have.
Jet are you both all right?! Caught in a lightening strike? I have been in many thunderstorms as we get them almost daily here in the summer months but never that close. What a fright!
The Tetons look spectacular. We have not explored them but definitely will be part of future road trips.
We were pretty scared. Later we saw people standing outside watching the storm and said to ourselves, “No way.” Thanks so much, Sue, for your visit, as always. When you and Dave get to the Tetons you will be in awe. I know you’ve seen a lot of the Canadian Rockies (I never have), but there is never too much beauty.
Oh my I can see why you didn’t want to stand outside! Yes never too much beauty that is for certain. Each range of mountains has a different magical spell to cast. We will look forward to the Tetons!
Gorgeous photographs of the region Jet. The storm had to be something else, especially the lightening – a little too close for comfort.
We were fortunate there was nothing more. Thanks so much, Mary, I’m glad you enjoyed the Tetons.
Beautiful place…need to add that to my list!! You are very lucky on the lightening bolt…very lucky!! Glad no one got hurt!! Great post!
Isn’t it so that the more we travel, Kirt, the more we want to see? I know you would enjoy the Tetons, and am glad I could share them with you here. I’m glad no one got hurt too. 🙂
Oh gosh, I can’t imagine being outside during the thunderstorms! Glad that you did not get hurt!
A wonderful place to explore nature – the mountains looks so beautiful!
It was a wild event, Indah — thank you for visiting the Tetons with us, I’m glad you liked it.
Fascinating post. The photos are just incredible — though not unusual for Athena, of course. Your lightning experience was beautifully written. You thoroughly relayed the terror and frightening emotions of the experience, but also captured the beauty and magnificence of all of nature, as only you can do, Jet. Blessings to you both.
Thank you very much, Nan, for your kind words. I am glad the writing and photos captured the experience, and that we could share it with you. Many thanks for your frequent visits and comments, they are much appreciated.
thank you so much for featuring the Grand Tetons, Jet! Athena took spectacular photos of this majestic mountain range! it is in my bucket list 🙂 and what a scary lightning experience!
Thanks so much Lola. I am really glad we could bring the Tetons to you! 🙂
Magical vistas, captivating critters… and the lodge is lovely. This post is a treat, Jet. Hugs.
And what a treat it is to have you visit, Teagan. I am glad you enjoyed the visit to the Tetons.
Love the photo of the moose. Gorgeous landscape. Wish the photos were larger!!!
Peta
Glad you enjoyed the moose, Peta.
Wow, Jet! The lightning story, the photographs, all of it. What a great post, and a reminder that we should spend more time in Wyoming – it’s beautiful!
I am delighted you enjoyed the Tetons, pc. I have always enjoyed your many treks and adventures through the Canadian Rockies. What a spectacular mountain range this is. My thanks to you for your enthusiasm and kindness.
One of my many favorite places. Last time I was there was early 80s. It’s a bit sad to hear that these are overrun with tourists, though I surely can’t blame them for wanting to visit this gem. I suppose I should just consider myself extremely lucky to have seen many of our parks before the were “discovered”. 🙂
The Tetons are indeed a gem, Gunta — I’m glad you have had the pleasure of visiting them. Thank you for your visit, as I send you a smile.
Love your pics. the moose, great shot! I just took a drive though Yellow Stone from Montana down to Jackson hole. If you ever get a chance, go check out the Beehive Basin hike located out of Gallatin National Forest. I can see you would get some great pics there!
Thank you pourtravelers — great to hear you’re adventuring through this area.
What a scare it must have been to have lightning strike so close. I am happy nobody was injured. Thanks for a greatly informative post, Jet!
It was an odd sensation, and one that ended happily, so we were glad. Thank you so much, Tiny, for your visit — it is much appreciated.
Your lightning strike was frightening to say the least! SO glad no one was injured. Hubby and I were in the Grand Tetons the last week of July. Simply beautiful as you said!!
I am happy you had the recent pleasure of visiting the Tetons, Donna. Thank you for your visits here.
Stunning photos of the area Jet. So glad you were safe after that lightning strike. 🙂
That is so so high. Looks really imposing and mighty. I’d be happy just seeing from afar. Amazingly captured beauty of the place, Jet.
My thanks to you, Rommel. I am glad you could enjoy the grand majesty of the Tetons, and appreciate your comment.
Very exciting!!! Best is, you’re alive to tell.
I will have to agree with you there, Resa; the best is being alive to tell the story. lol. Many thanks~~
The Teton’s are truly impressive, it’s been too many years since I’ve seen them. The closest I’ve ever been to a lightning strike was when a jet I was in got hit. Flash like a very bright strobe and a bang like something big fell from an overhead bin, but nothing as intense as what you describe. Lucky no one was hurt.
Lightning keeps us on our toes, doesn’t it, Dave? Thanks so much for your visit and comment, I’m glad you enjoyed the Tetons post.
Great post and harrowing adventure ta boot! You make me salivate over mountains and lakes. It has been a couple of years since we’ve been there, and we long to return. One of our favorite places to be as a family! Perhaps I should put a Teton post together now…
What a treat it is to romp around the Grand Tetons, I can see why you would want to return to this wonderful place, Shannon. I always enjoy your visits and comments here, thanks so very much.
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Thank you for the re-blog, Travis.