Canyons of the Teton Range facts for kids
The canyons of the Teton Range are amazing natural wonders. Most of these deep valleys are found inside Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, USA. These canyons can be up to 9 miles (14.5 km) long and over 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) deep!
Giant glaciers carved these canyons over the past 250,000 years. As the glaciers moved, they slowly shaped the mountains. Many canyons have beautiful lakes at their ends. These lakes formed when melting glaciers left piles of rock and dirt, called terminal moraines, which blocked the water.
Some canyons still have small glaciers. These formed mostly during the Little Ice Age (1550-1850). For example, the tiny Schoolroom Glacier is found in South Cascade Canyon. Most canyons also have streams and waterfalls. Rain and melting snow flow down these streams towards the Jackson Hole valley. The steep slopes create many stunning waterfalls. These canyons also provide the easiest ways to go hiking in the Teton Range.
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Exploring Canyons in Grand Teton National Park
Most of the Teton Range canyons are located within Grand Teton National Park. Each one offers unique sights and experiences.
Northern Canyons
- Webb Canyon is about 9 miles (14.5 km) long. It starts at several high-up lakes. Moose Creek flows through it and into Jackson Lake.
- Colter Canyon is 3 miles (4.8 km) long. It begins north of Ranger Peak.
- Waterfalls Canyon is also 3 miles (4.8 km) long. It has several cascades (small waterfalls) near its start.
- Snowshoe Canyon has two main branches. This 5-mile (8 km) long canyon sits between several peaks. These include Eagles Rest Peak and Rolling Thunder Mountain to the north. To the south are Raynolds Peak, Traverse Peak, and Bivouac Peak.
- Moran Canyon is 6 miles (9.7 km) long. It is located south of Raynolds Peak and north of Mount Moran. The canyon opens up at Moran Bay on Jackson Lake.
- Leigh Canyon is 6 miles (9.7 km) long. It lies between Mount Moran to the north and Mount Woodring to the south. The canyon leads to Leigh Lake.
- Paintbrush Canyon is 3 miles (4.8 km) long. Its opening is near Leigh Lake. A popular but challenging hike, the Paintbrush-Cascade Loop, goes through this canyon.
- Hanging Canyon is a 2-mile (3.2 km) long canyon. It is right next to Mount Saint John on its south side.
Central Canyons
- Cascade Canyon is 7 miles (11.3 km) long. It splits into North Cascade and South Cascade canyons. This split happens about 4 miles (6.4 km) from its start at Jenny Lake. The canyon is very deep, over 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) in some places. The north slopes of Mount Owen and Grand Teton rise high above it. It's one of the most visited canyons in the park. You can reach it by hiking around Jenny Lake. Or, you can take a boat shuttle for easier access to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. Hidden Falls is a nearly 200-foot (61-meter) waterfall. Schoolroom Glacier is at the end of South Cascade Canyon. Lake Solitude is at the end of North Cascade Canyon.
- Valhalla Canyon stretches 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north. It starts from the northwestern slopes of Grand Teton. It eventually ends within Cascade Canyon.
- Garnet Canyon is 2.5 miles (4 km) long. It's the most common canyon used by mountain climbers. They use it to reach the higher parts of Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and other peaks. A lake called Bradley Lake is held back by the glacier's moraine at the canyon's opening.
- Avalanche Canyon is 2.5 miles (4 km) long. Both Snowdrift Lake and Lake Taminah are found inside this canyon. South Teton and Cloudveil Dome are to the north. Mount Wister is to the south. Taggart Lake is held back by the moraine at the canyon's opening.
Southern Canyons
- Death Canyon is a very popular place for hiking. It is over 6 miles (9.7 km) long. This canyon provides a way to get from Phelps Lake into the Teton backcountry.
- Open Canyon is 2.5 miles (4 km) long. It stretches from Mount Hunt to Phelps Lake.
- Granite Canyon is the southernmost canyon in Grand Teton National Park. It is almost 6 miles (9.7 km) long. Rendezvous Mountain is located to its south.
Canyons Outside Grand Teton National Park
Some canyons in the Teton Range are found outside the national park.
- Jensen Canyon is south of Grand Teton National Park. It is located in Bridger-Teton National Forest.
- Phillips Canyon is also south of Grand Teton National Park. It is in Bridger-Teton National Forest.
- Teton Canyon is on the western slopes of the Teton Range. It is part of Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
- Darby Canyon is also on the western slopes of the Teton Range. It is within Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
