Autumn foliage adds a splash of color to the park's landscape09-83
To celebrate the special nature of autumn in Grand Teton National Park, a variety of programs will be offered beginning Tuesday, September 8. These ranger-led activities provide visitors with opportunities to learn about geology, history, and wildlife while enjoying fall colors and the seasonal antics of park animals. The 2009 fall schedule includes:
- Inspiration Point Hike, a 2.5-hour hike to Hidden Falls and a scenic overlook above Jenny Lake, 9:30 a.m. daily. Check in at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Boat ride costs $10.00 for adults (roundtrip).
- Explore the Preserve Hike, a 2.5-hour hike to Phelps Lake to experience the pristine setting of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, 9:30 a.m. daily. Reservations recommended. Call 307.739.3654.
- Map Chat, a 30-minute talk about geology, park wildlife, and the stories behind the scenery, 11:30 a.m. daily at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center fireplace. Wheelchair accessible.
- Teton Highlights, a 30-minute travel planner, 11 a.m. daily in Colter Bay Visitor Center auditorium. Wheelchair accessible.
- Autumn at the Preserve, a chat about fall changes for wildlife and plants, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily on the porch of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center. Wheelchair accessible.
- Walk into the Past, a 45-minute stroll around Menor's Ferry historic district near park headquarters at Moose, 1:30 p.m. daily through September 15 from Menor’s Ferry General Store. Wheelchair accessible.
- Building Green, a 30-minute talk about the innovative design and sustainable features of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, 3 p.m. daily at the LSR Preserve Center. Wheelchair accessible.
- Museum Grand Tour, a 45-minute tour of the David T. Vernon Indian Arts collection, 3 p.m. daily in the Colter Bay Visitor Center and Indian Arts Museum.
- Wildlife Caravan, a 3-hour wildlife auto-tour, 5-8 p.m. daily from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Limited to 10 vehicles. Reservations are required; call 739.3399 or stop by a visitor center to secure a spot. Dress warmly and bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes.
- Wildlife Watch at Oxbow Bend, a 90-minute wildlife watch offered at 6 p.m. daily through September 25 at Oxbow Bend Scenic Turnout. Bring binoculars, cameras and questions. Wheelchair accessible.
- Jenny Lake Twilight Talk, 45-minute ranger talk, 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Jenny Lake Campground Circle.
- Signal Mountain Campfire Program, 45-minute ranger talk, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Signal Mountain Campground Amphitheater.
Most of the fall programs will be offered through September 27; however, the schedule is subject to change. For weekly updates on programs, or further information on any of the listed activities—as well as information on special programs being offered throughout September—please call the Craig Thomas Discovery Center at 307.739.3399, the Colter Bay Visitor Center at 307.739.3594 or the LSR Preserve Center at 307.739.3654.
The Craig Thomas, Colter Bay, Jenny Lake and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve visitor centers are open daily during the month of September. The Jenny Lake and Rockefeller Preserve visitor centers both close for the 2009 season on September 27, and the Colter Bay Visitor Center closes on October 12. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is open year-round.
