Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located in the U.S. state of Wyoming, near the border with Idaho. Established as a nature preserve in 1929 it encompasses the Teton mountain range, the 13,775 feet (4,199 m) Grand Teton peak, and the valley known as Jackson Hole which sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet (2,100 m). The park is open year-round and the entrance gates do not close, but hours vary for park amenities and many facilities close for the winter season; the outer highway 26/89/191 is open year-round. The park features six developed campgrounds and also allows backcountry camping, but permits are required. With some of the darkest skies in the western United States, Grand Teton averages class 2 in the Bortle scale, with surrounding areas to the north reaching into class 1. A stargazer told EarthSky that its “high altitudes and minimal light pollution” make it a great site for stargazing.