Grand Teton National Park


As you drive out of Jackson toward Grand Teton National Park, you quickly realize what a special place this is and what magnificent views are in store.  The Teton Range has no foothills to obstruct your view.  They rise abruptly from the valley.  At 13770 feet Grand Teton is the centerpiece.  By no means is it the only snow covered ‘wonder’ of the area.

We were able to hike up to the base of Grand Teton today.  It was a relatively difficult hike up through a pine forest to a beautiful lake.  All the time Teton’s peaks were in front of us…stunning!

If there was a downside to today’s visit it would be the people.  Like the Parks in Utah, Grand Teton was a zoo.  People were parking everywhere.  We were early enough to not have a problem but when we returned to the parking lot, it was chaos.

Speaking of chaos, we were even more surprised by the crowds in the town of Jackson.  We knew that this was a ski resort…but this is July.  This town has turned itself into a high end year round destination.  All morning while hiking, commercial jets were taking off and landing.  Hotel rooms range from $300 a night for a crummy Motel 6 to $2000 a night for some of the lodges.  Why anyone would pay that kind of money to come to Jackson we are unsure.  Some will visit the park but I’m guessing these ‘well healed’ people would not be found fighting for space in Grand Teton National Park.

Distance Traveled = 120 km.  Wildlife Sightings = Pink sided Dark-eyed Junco, Robin, Chipping Sparrow, Mountain Bluebird, Squirrel, Chipmunk, Coyote.


Grand Teton


Teton Glacier...quickly disappearing!


Taggart Lake


Taggart Lake


Mountain Stream


Coyote

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