Teton National Park – The Gros Ventre And Sleeping Indian
At the south boundary of Grand Teton National Park extending east of Highway 26/89 is a small river named the Gros Ventre (Gro-Vaunt). Its tributary waters flow from the Gros Ventre Wilderness in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and extend about 74 miles to the Snake River through prime moose, buffalo and Elk habitat.
THE RIVER
The river got its name from a federally recognized Native American tribe located in north central Montana that is one of two tribes that split in the early 18th century (the other tribe that split was the Arapaho). This area is referred to by locals as merely “The Gros Ventre” extending east of the highway to the tops of the mountains opposite The Grand Teton. It is abundant in fish and offers great fishing holes because of its relatively small size and gentle terrain.
SLEEPING INDIAN
An interesting feature of this area is found in the rock mountain directly east of town of Kelly known as “Sleeping Indian.” This natural carving of solid volcanic rock forms the profile of an ancient Indian chief complete with ceremonial headdress, dominant forehead, nose, neck and folded arms on his chest.
It appears as if he is asleep, lying down with his head to the south and body extending along the mountain peaks toward the north.
The best viewing of this natural wonder is at the intersection of US 89 and the road to Kelly known as the Gros Ventre Junction. Looking east from this point, one can easily identify the final resting place of this ancient stone native. Viewing can only be on a clear day (most summer days are clear in this area) because clouds below about 10,000 feet obscure the mountain peaks that make the profile of the sleeping Indian.
CAMPGROUND
Another less-known feature of this area is the Gros Ventre Campground run by the National Park Service located about 4 miles east of US 89. This is a campground used mostly for peak season overflow of other park campgrounds in the area. What most visitors don’t know is that it is possibly the best campground for viewing wildlife at a close distance of any in the park!
Due to the river flowing next to the campground, one can observe moose from the door of ones tent. Also, one of the biggest and most viewable buffalo herds of the park roam the grassy plain of Antelope Flats which is immediately north of the campground. It is not unusual to see buffalo walk right through the campground on their way to the river!
If you have a yearning for adventure and a love of the outdoors, you would be well-served by stopping for a moment to see Sleeping Indian and The Gros Ventre as you head north into Grand Teton National Park.
Remember, sometimes half the fun of arriving at your destination is getting there!