Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Moose-Wilson Road
Moose-Wilson Rd is a partially paved 15-mile route (its southernmost 3 miles are gravel)
that connects Teton Village to Moose. RVs and trailers are not allowed on this road inside
the park, which is quite narrow in sections.
LAURANCE S ROCKEFELLER PRESERVE
For solitude coupled with the most stunning views that don't include the Grand, visitors
should definitely check out this newer section of Grand Teton National Park. Once the JY
Ranch, an exclusive Rockefeller family retreat, these 3100 acres around Phelps Lake were
donated in full in 2001 by Laurance S Rockefeller. His grandfather John D Rockefeller
had been an early park advocate, purchasing the first tracts of land to donate in 1927. Des-
pite strong local opposition, by 1949 he had donated some 33,000 acres of former ranch-
land to Grand Teton National Park.
With this sector, Laurance Rockefeller's vision was to create a space of refuge and re-
newal. In contrast to other visitor centers, the beautiful
Laurance S Rockefeller Preserve
Center
( 307-739-3654; 9am-6pm May 22-Jun 4, 8am-6pm Jun 5-Sep 5)
is a med-
itative experience. Sparely furnished and LEED-certified, it features quotes from natural-
ists and writers etched into walls, giant picture windows to admire the views and a library
with leather armchairs and books on conservation and nature to browse. The center also
hosts a full range of ranger programs.
Little trace is left of the ranch. Homes and cabins have been torn down, roads left to re-
vegetate and an 8-mile network of nature trails were created. By design, the preserve pro-
motes an intimate experience. To prevent overcrowding, there is no parking allowed
nearby on the shoulder of the Moose-Wilson road and the parking lot only accommodates
40 vehicles - come before 10am or after 3pm in summer to insure a spot. It's 4 miles
south of Moose Junction.
