Snowshoe Canyon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Snowshoe Canyon
Snowshoe Canyon at left below Eagles Rest Peak at center
Geography
Country	United States
State	Wyoming
County	Teton
Lake	Jackson Lake

Snowshoe Canyon is a beautiful valley located in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, United States. This amazing canyon was shaped by giant sheets of ice called glaciers. These glaciers moved through the area about 15,000 years ago. When they melted, they left behind a special U-shaped valley.

Snowshoe Canyon is a great place to explore. It has tall mountains, clear lakes, and lots of wildlife. It's a perfect example of how nature can create incredible landscapes over thousands of years.

Snowshoe Canyon: A Glacier's Masterpiece

Snowshoe Canyon is a stunning natural feature. It is found within the famous Grand Teton National Park. This park is known for its dramatic mountain peaks. The canyon itself is a long, deep valley. It stretches through the landscape of Wyoming.

How Glaciers Carved the Canyon

Imagine a huge, slow-moving river of ice. That's what a glacier is! About 15,000 years ago, during the last glacial maximum, massive glaciers covered this area. As these glaciers slowly moved, they scraped away at the land. They acted like giant bulldozers.

This powerful scraping created the unique shape of Snowshoe Canyon. Instead of a V-shape, which rivers usually make, glaciers carve out a wide, flat-bottomed U-shape. This "U-shaped valley" is a clear sign that glaciers were once here. When the ice melted, it left behind this impressive canyon.

Exploring Snowshoe Canyon's Features

Snowshoe Canyon isn't just one long valley. It actually splits into two main parts: an upper canyon and a lower canyon. Each part has its own interesting features.

• Upper Canyon: The very top of the upper canyon is close to Talus Lake. This lake sits at a high elevation of about 9,670 feet (2,947 meters). It's a beautiful, clear mountain lake.
• Lower Canyon: The lower part of the canyon is nestled between several tall mountains. To the north, you'll find Rolling Thunder Mountain. To the south, there are Raynolds Peak, Traverse Peak, and Bivouac Peak. These peaks reach heights of around 9,600 feet (2,926 meters).

Near where the upper and lower canyons meet, you'll discover Dudley Lake. This lake is another sparkling gem in the canyon. The canyon eventually ends at Moran Bay. Moran Bay is located on the southwest side of Jackson Lake. It sits right below the impressive Eagles Rest Peak.

Wildlife and Nature in the Canyon

Snowshoe Canyon is part of a rich ecosystem. This means it's home to many different plants and animals. The forests around the canyon are filled with pine trees and other evergreens. These trees provide shelter and food for wildlife.

You might spot some amazing animals if you visit the canyon. Large mammals like moose and elk often roam the area. You might also see smaller creatures like marmots or various types of birds. It's important to remember that this is their home. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.

Visiting Snowshoe Canyon

Snowshoe Canyon offers incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hikers can explore trails that wind through the valley. The views of the U-shaped canyon and surrounding peaks are breathtaking. It's a great place for photography and enjoying nature.

When visiting any part of Grand Teton National Park, it's important to be prepared. Always carry water and wear appropriate clothing. Be aware of your surroundings and respect the natural environment. Following park rules helps keep both visitors and wildlife safe.