We are pleased to share that we have not only completed but exceeded our $14 million Inspiring Journeys fundraising campaign to renew Grand Teton’s most iconic destination in honor of the National Park Service centennial. This $18 million public-private effort is transforming backcountry trails and frontcountry visitor facilities at Jenny Lake to ensure this incredible resource inspires visitors for the next 100 years in Grand Teton. The National Park Service contributed $4 million to the project.
Construction is underway at Jenny Lake and this NPS centennial summer marks the third year of construction. Backcountry trails leading to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point were heavily eroded and worn by the millions of hikers visiting the park’s famous destinations. The trails had become unsafe for visitors and unsustainable for the park to maintain. Grand Teton crews are improving more than five miles of trail as part of this project of which 3.5 miles have been reconstructed to date. Crews are using long-lasting methods and materials such as dry-stone masonry techniques to honor the timeless craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps who built the original path in the 1930s.
Stairs completed this summer by Grand Teton’s trail crews. Photo courtesy NPS.
Work in the frontcountry began this past spring. After decades of use by visitors, the area at South Jenny Lake was full of social trails and generally caused confusion for visitors. Crews are working to create an intuitive trail system, sustainable lake overlooks, and engaging interpretive areas that will give a wide range of visitors the opportunity to truly enjoy Jenny Lake and expand their understanding of the area. Construction is projected to be complete by summer 2018.
This season alone, crews have moved over 900,000 pounds of material to build over 207 stone steps, 20 stone drains, 338 linear feet of single-tier wall, 704 square feet of multi-tier wall, and 550 cubic feet of causeway. An average of 25 workers per day have been completing dry-stone masonry work, each responsible for moving 36,000 pounds or 18 tons of rock since the beginning of the summer season.
Thank to you the incredible generosity of many individuals, foundations, and organizations whose support made our centennial gift to Grand Teton National Park a reality!
Learn more about how this centennial project is benefiting Grand Teton National Park.
Trail improvements from this summer to help minimize erosion. Photo courtesy NPS.