Death Canyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Death Canyon |
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Death Canyon from Jackson Hole
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| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming |
| County | Teton |
| Lake | Phelps Lake |
Death Canyon is a beautiful valley found in Grand Teton National Park. This park is located in the U.S. state of Wyoming. The canyon is famous for its stunning scenery and challenging hiking trails. It's a great place to explore nature and learn about how glaciers shaped the land.
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Discovering Death Canyon
Death Canyon is a popular spot for visitors to Grand Teton National Park. It offers amazing views and a chance to see unique plants and animals. The canyon is a true natural wonder.
How Death Canyon Was Formed
Death Canyon was created by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. These glaciers moved slowly across the land. They carved out the valley over many thousands of years. About 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, the glaciers melted away. They left behind a valley shaped like a "U". This U-shape is a clear sign of glacial power.
Starting Your Adventure: The Trailhead
To begin your journey into Death Canyon, you'll find a special starting point called a trailhead. This trailhead is located on a small road. This road branches off the main Moose-Wilson Road. It's about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the park's main office in Moose, Wyoming. This makes it easy to find and start your hike.
Exploring the Canyon's Wonders
Once you enter Death Canyon, you'll discover many interesting features. From a beautiful lake to a long hiking trail, there's a lot to see. The canyon is full of natural beauty.
Phelps Lake: A Glacial Gem
At the very bottom of Death Canyon lies Phelps Lake. This lake was also formed by the ancient glaciers. As the glaciers moved, they dug out a deep basin. When they melted, this basin filled with water, creating the lake we see today. It's a peaceful and clear body of water.
The Death Canyon Trail
The main path through the canyon is called the Death Canyon Trail. This trail stretches all the way through the valley. It leads to a place called Fox Creek Pass. From there, you can reach the Death Canyon Shelf. This "shelf" is a flat, narrow area high up in the canyon. It offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Plants and Wildlife
Death Canyon is home to many different kinds of plants. You'll find many stands of Whitebark Pine trees here. These trees are especially common near the tree line. The tree line is the elevation where trees stop growing because it's too cold or windy. These trees are an important part of the canyon's ecosystem.
A Glimpse into History
Besides its natural beauty, Death Canyon also holds a piece of history. A special building stands as a reminder of the past.
The Historic Death Canyon Barn
At the spot where the Death Canyon Trail meets the Alaska Basin trails, you'll find the historic Death Canyon Barn. This old barn has been carefully preserved. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This means it's an important historical site. It tells a story about the early days of the park.
