“The mountains are calling and I must go.”
– John Muir
Off to Grand Teton Wyoming
Cliche John Muir quote? I know.
But after three months of quarantine, John Muir’s words have never rang so clear. Travel has been on hold for many of us these past months, so this was my first time leaving Colorado (okay.. more accurately… my house!) since the start of the pandemic.
The mountains were calling indeed… The Tetons were calling!
How to get here:
Grand Teton National Park is less than 10 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming. From Denver, Colorado it is an easy 7.75 hour drive northwest. (Traysay’s Tip: Beware of deer! I advise driving mostly during daylight hours.) If you’d like to fly, Jackson Hole has an airport (JAC) smack dab in the middle of Jackson and Grand Teton. Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA) has a larger airport as well that is only 1.75 hours away.
The Sights:
There is so much to see and do in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming! This is what I got into while I was there:
- Mormon Row: Drive down Antelope Flats Road to the perfect sunrise spot! This is where the historic T.A. Moulton barn can be found. This is one of the most iconic photo spots in Grand Teton National Park. Looks familiar, huh:
- Taggart Lake: Small compared to Jenny Lake but oh so mighty! The 3.9 roundtrip hike is easy/moderate offering some of the best views of the secluded Taggart Lake with close up views of the Tetons. This hike is not to be missed!
- Leigh Lake: Leigh and String Lakes Trailhead will take you on a 1.8 mile hike where you see the spectacular Mount Moran right up against the lake. This is the perfect spot to kayak, float, swim, fish… Anything that requires water this is your chance to do it! Its stunning and the water is calm. This is the summer spot!
- Snake River Overlook: This is the picturesque spot made famous by the late Ansel Adams (photographer). While nature has morphed the landscape of his famous original photograph, it is still one of the most iconic views of the Tetons.
- Jenny Lake Scenic Drive: a 4 mile scenic, one-way road along the pristine glacial lake. There is a nice spot to get out with an amazing view of the lake and Tetons.
- Oxbow Bend: The perfect sunset spot!
- Schwabacher Landing: Another great spot to catch the sunrise. This is a great spot to view wildlife as well. Moose like to hang around the marshy areas during dawn/dusk!
- Elk Ranch Flats Turnout: Expansive grasslands with panoramic views of the Tetons. This is where the bison roam free! I saw HUNDREDS of bison every time I drove by. One of the times they caused a traffic jam by running into the road to get to the other side. It’s worth driving by multiple times to see what they are up to! They are SO cute… and massive! Don’t miss this spot!
Yep, only took a few days for me to realize I’m IN LOVE with Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. It is now my number one national park! The Tetons are breathtaking and the wildlife roam free. It’s my kind of place! It’s not the closest to Denver, but hey, the drive was pretty nice so I’ll be back as soon as I can. Summertime in the Tetons is pure magic!
Recommendations
National Park Pass
You have two options: The entrance fee for a seven-day pass is $35.00 per vehicle. The National Park Service Annual Passes are $80.00 and valid for one year through the month of purchase. The annual pass grants entrance to all parks in the U.S. So if you plan on attending any other national park within the year, I definitely advise the annual pass. (Traysay’s Tip: If you buy the annual pass check out my second favorite National Park in Moab, Utah.)
Jackson, Wyoming
Downtown Jackson is 10 minutes away from the Moose Entrance (southern entrance to GTNP). There are tons of great shops and restaurants. Take a little break from roughing it and grab a pizza and beer!
Dispersed (free) Camping
Lower Teton View– Spacious campsites for tents, RV’s or classic car camping. (Traysay’s Tip: drive to the very end of the forest road and it opens up where there’s magical views of the Tetons to wake up to!)
Check out these spots too:
Safety
Grand Teton National Park is full of wildlife, with bears and moose roaming the mountains and forests. I highly recommend carrying bear spray and/or making noise while you are hiking to avoid surprising any animal. Be smart!
HEY! We are still amid a pandemic. I’m grateful national parks are open again but please look out for one another by practicing safe habits and social distancing. Stay updated with the CDC guidelines to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19.
