Fall 2018 marked the end of the fifth and final year of major construction associated with our Inspiring Journeys campaign, an effort to renew Grand Teton’s most popular destination—Jenny Lake. Although a handful of areas will require further attention in spring 2019, crews have finished significant projects that will be open to the public next year.
In the frontcountry, the West Entry, Gateway Plaza, and Interpretive Plaza are nearly complete. The ADA trail system throughout the area is finished and provides access to visitors of all abilities to experience Jenny Lake. These upgrades earned Grand Teton National Park the 2018 National Architectural Design Accessibility Achievement Award.
GTNP staff, NPS officials, and Foundation staff member Mark Berry accept the National Architectural Design Accessibility Achievement Award near Rock Beach at Jenny Lake. The award recognizes superior accomplishments advancing park opportunities for people with disabilities.
The original entrance kiosk to Grand Teton now welcomes visitors to the West Entry of Jenny Lake. This was designed to greet visitors and serves as an introduction to the newly-enhanced visitor experience at this popular spot. The photo above was taken mid-summer prior to completion.
The Gateway Plaza near the east shore boat dock is complete with interpretive signs that provide information on travel in the backcountry and safe etiquette for wildlife viewing.
Grand Teton’s trail crew completed significant work in the backcountry this summer. The new Chasm Bridge was finished in October and provides a breath-taking overlook above Cascade Creek. The project site includes extensive dry-stack masonry approaches to the bridge, which display the intricate detail involved in construction of these trail structures.
Jenny Lake Chasm Bridge from GTNP Foundation on Vimeo.
Inspiration Point has been transformed into tiered viewing platforms above the lake. The battered stone walls were constructed to eliminate erosion while providing areas free of tripping hazards for visitors to take-in this iconic viewpoint.
View looking west across Jenny Lake from the renewed Inspiration Point.
We are pleased to share that work at Jenny Lake will wrap-up next spring. Stay tuned for updates—we can’t wait for visitors to experience all of the renewed areas and enhancements in 2019!