by Zach Bigalke

Created on: June 04, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Under the shadow of one of the most picturesque mountain ranges in the world, Grand Teton National Park is both a tourist destination and a sanctuary for thousands of species. Located south of Yellowstone National Park in the northwest corner of Wyoming, the park draws over four million visitors each summer with its serenity and unmatched views. Visitors can enjoy scenic river float trips, fantastic fly fishing on the Snake River, hiking and backpacking throughout the park's vast trail system, mountain climbing in the challenging Teton Range, fishing and sightseeing excursions on Jackson Lake, horseback riding...and more!

I moved to Grand Teton National Park when I was five years old. My father took a job as the Information Technology chief at Jackson Lake Lodge. This 385-room resort is the flagship resort of the park. Situated on a peninsula approximately one mile from the eastern shore of Jackson Lake, the hotel offers sweeping panoramas of the Teton Range and Signal Mountain. With spectacular dining in the world-renouned Mural Room, shopping opportunities in its three gift shops, guided activities, and a comprehensive conference facility, the resort draws hundreds of thousands of guests from May through October. Lunchtree Hill, located just outside the doors of the resort, is a beautiful picnic spot which was frequented by Rockefeller during his time in the park. Recently purchased by Vail Resorts, Jackson Lake Lodge continues to provide a full-service getaway for travelers to Grand Teton National Park.

Colter Bay Village, a sister resort, is located five miles north of Jackson Lake Lodge along U.S. Highway 89. Located on Colter Bay, an inlet of Jackson Lake, the resort offers more rustic accommodations in the form of cabins and tent cabins as well as a full-service RV park and campground. A Native American museum with many artifacts of local tribes is also located here. Boat and canoe rentals are offered as well as scenic guided lake cruises. For the hungry, Colter Bay Village offers two restaurants: the quick-service Cafe Court and the sit-down Chuckwagon steakhouse. There is also a grocery store and full gift shop for those seeking to take their dining experiences outside.

Jenny Lake Lodge, another sister resort under the Vail umbrella, is the most elegant of the three. With secluded cabins located east of Jenny Lake, this resort is a high-class destination for the well-pampered traveler. The dining room offers a prix fixe menu with local and international

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