Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton Grandeur

Grand Teton National Park is a 40-mile-long mountain range accessible from the south through Jackson, WY, and from the north through Yellowstone National Park. 
Unfortunately, our first trip to the Tetons was cut short when we caught the flu on our last day in Yellowstone. Sadly, we had to reduce our visit from two days to one. It took a little over an hour and a half to drive south from Yellowstone to the park. Our first glimpse of the Tetons did not disappoint, and it was truly breathtaking. Upon rounding the bend, the Tetons came into view, revealing their almost 14,000-foot peaks. The grandeur of these mountains evokes a sense of humility and insignificance. Videos and photographs fail to capture their full magnificence and splendor, but we tried anyway!

Jackson Lake

Our adventure kicked off at Grand Teton Jackson Lake, a stunning oasis nestled high in the mountains. Fed by the mighty Snake River, this enormous lake sits at an impressive elevation of 6,772 feet and stretches 15 miles. Ever wondered what it’s like to stand beside one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the United States? It’s truly a sight to behold! We experienced a serene moment at the lake, with its crystal-clear waters mirroring the jagged peaks around us. Not another tourist in sight, it felt like our own secluded paradise.

Jenny Lake

Our next stop was the stunning Grand Teton Jenny Lake. Despite the bustling crowd, we finally managed to snag a spot after 20 minutes of circling the packed parking lot. The anticipation was worth every second! This impressive alpine lake, with its crystal-clear waters, owes its name to Jenny Leigh, a brave Shoshone woman who guided early explorers through the rugged terrain. We took a ferry across the lake and hiked through the woods to Hidden Falls, a 100-foot waterfall. The 1-mile round trip was easy but exhausting. The trail extended further to Inspiration Point; however, due to our unwell condition, we were unable to continue the additional mile. Regrettably, we decided to turn back and return to the ferry.

Mormon Row

After lunch, we made our way to Mormon Row, a historic site renowned for its charming rustic barns and homesteads. Although it’s usually a hotspot for photographers, we had the pleasure of exploring it without the usual crowds today. The beautiful mountains provided a perfect backdrop for capturing some stunning photos.

Jackson Hole

Flu fatigue was setting in, so we headed out to our hotel in Jackson Hole. Although we weren’t particularly hungry, we couldn’t resist indulging in some local homemade Huckleberry ice cream. After all, who can say no to a delightful scoop of ice cream?

We relaxed in the bustling town square, savoring our treats. Each corner of this square boasts stunning arches intricately crafted from elk antlers, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. No, the elk are not killed for their antlers! Every spring, they shed their antlers, and it is a local tradition for Jackson Hole’s Boy Scout troops to harvest the shed antlers from the National Elk Refuge.