Cirque Lake (Teton County, Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cirque Lake |
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 Cirque Lake
Location in Wyoming
Cirque Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, US |
| Coordinates | 43°49′47″N 110°50′10″W / 43.82972°N 110.83611°W |
| Lake type | Glacial Lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | .45 mi (0.72 km) |
| Max. width | .30 mi (0.48 km) |
| Surface elevation | 9,605 ft (2,928 m) |
Cirque Lake is a beautiful lake located in Grand Teton National Park in the state of Wyoming, United States. It sits just east of two mountains called Cleaver Peak and Maidenform Peak. Cirque Lake is a glacial lake, which means it was formed by ancient glaciers.
Contents
What is a Glacial Lake?
A glacial lake is a lake that was created by the movement of huge sheets of ice called glaciers. When glaciers move, they carve out hollows and valleys in the land. As the glaciers melt, these hollows fill up with water, forming a lake.
How Cirque Lakes are Formed
Cirque lakes are a special type of glacial lake. They form in a bowl-shaped hollow called a "cirque."
- A cirque is like a natural amphitheater carved into the side of a mountain.
- Glaciers scoop out these cirques as they slowly slide down the mountain.
- When the glacier melts, the cirque fills with water, creating a cirque lake.
- Cirque lakes are often found high up in mountains, like Cirque Lake in the Teton Range.
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
Cirque Lake is part of the amazing Grand Teton National Park. This park is famous for its stunning mountains, clear lakes, and diverse wildlife.
Park Highlights
- Mountains: The park is dominated by the Teton Range, which includes some of the tallest peaks in Wyoming.
- Lakes: Besides Cirque Lake, the park has many other beautiful lakes, like Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake.
- Wildlife: You might see animals like moose, elk, bison, and even bears in the park.
- Activities: Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Location of Cirque Lake
Cirque Lake is located high up in the Teton Range. It sits at an elevation of about 9,605 feet (2,928 meters) above sea level. This high elevation means the lake is often surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain.
Visiting Cirque Lake
Reaching Cirque Lake usually involves a challenging hike. It's a popular spot for experienced hikers who want to see incredible mountain views and a pristine alpine lake.
What to Expect
- Scenery: The lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Peace and Quiet: Because it's a bit harder to reach, Cirque Lake is often a peaceful place to visit.
- Nature: It's a great spot to experience the wild beauty of the Teton wilderness.
Remember to always be prepared when hiking in national parks. This includes carrying enough water, wearing appropriate clothing, and knowing how to stay safe in the wilderness.
