Jackson Point Viewpoint - Wyoming
Posted by: 
Volcanoguy
N 43° 50.755 W 110° 34.532
12T E 534119 N 4854846
The Jackson Point Viewpoint on Signal Mountain in Grand Teton National Park.
Waymark Code: WME3KD
Location: Wyoming, United States
Date Posted: 03/30/2012
Views: 6
The Jackson Point viewpoint is located along the Signal Mountain Road, four miles from the junction with the Teton Park Road. The overlook is located at the low western end of the summit ridge and has views of the Tetons and the Jackson Hole valley. There are two interpretive signs at this location, titled: “Early Photographs” and “Valley View”.
Text of Valley View sign:
Note the different colors and patterns of vegetation in the valley. Glaciers in ages past greatly influenced the landscape.
The Sagebrush Plain
Enormous glaciers periodically surrounded this mountaintop. As the glaciers retreated, they covered the valley with rock debris. Meltwaters spread cobbles, gravel, and coarse sand, which hold little moisture. Rain and snow percolate rapidly and water is unavailable to the overlying soil. Grey-green sagebrush identifies this outwash plain.
The River’s Course
Glacial meltwaters sporadically changed the course of the ancient Snake River. Today, the constant supply of water supports a variety of vegetation, marking the course of the Snake River and its tributaries. Cottonwoods, spruces, and willows thrive along the banks.
The Kettles
As glaciers retreated, large chunks of glacial ice broke off and were covered or surrounded by rock material carried by meltwater. In time these blocks of ice melted, leaving large depressions called kettles, known locally as the Potholes.
The Forested Moraines
Where flow equalled melting, glaciers acted like conveyor belts, forming glacial moraines by depositing rock material at their fronts and sides. Moraines contain cobbly silts and loams which hold moisture, making it available to the overlying soil. Compared to soil of the outwash plain, morainal soil formed from mountain rocks richer in nutrients. Dark green lodgepole pine forests identify these moraines.
Describe - Highway or Road number: Signal Mountain Road
Closest town or city: Jackson, Wyoming
Number of parking spots available: 20
Winter View: no
Summer View: yes
Year around access ?: no
Comfort station on site: no
Is a photo of an "Information Sign"included?: Yes
Name if a website describes this location.: Not listed
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