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| 6/20/18-6/24/18 |
We set off shortly after noon on Wednesday, for a grueling but scenic 8.5 hour drive. The landscape gradually morphed from desert to alpine. After an impromptu stop at Wind River Brewing Company in Pinedale, we continued the rest of the way with a marvelous sunset backdrop against the looming mountains. We also saw our first moose! A mother and her baby were munching on foliage by a stream off the side of the road. At last, we pulled into our Airbnb condo in Teton Village, which lies at the base of the ski resort.
Day 2: Jackson Hole
On Thursday, Anna and I booked a half-day Via Ferrata adventure. Originating in the European Alps, Via Ferrata is a mountain route equipped with steel cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors. The assisted climbing activity allows inexperienced climbers to hike on ledges, climb vertical walls, and reach mountain peaks.
We took the Bridger Gondola from Teton Village to the "Deck," which offers spectacular views of the valley floor from 9,095'. There we met our guides, picked up our climbing gear, and set off to scale the granite walls.
I was initially nervous to "learn the ropes," but quickly got the hang of the technique. The basic idea is to continually move the carabiners attached to your harness along the next section of cable as you navigate the route, all the while using as little aid as possible.
The weather was absolutely idyllic. While June is the start of high season in Jackson, fear of rains and storms keep most crowds away until July and August.
One of the highlights of the adventure was crossing a 120' suspension bridge. Seeing as International Yoga Day coincided with the Summer Solstice, I saw fit to honor the practice with a (somewhat) graceful tree pose.
Our laidback and comical guides, Mash and Mike, made the experience truly memorable. Mash is a free-spirited Yosemite "stone monkey" that shares many of my passions and philosophies related to holistic living. Mike, by enormous coincidence, graduated from my high school just one year after I did! I was deeply inspired by the manner in which both Mash and Mike lead their lives, courageously leaping at various opportunities that present themselves.
Afterwards, Anna and I enjoyed a beer on the Deck in order to celebrate our mountaineering accomplishment.
From the Deck, we mustered our energy to hike the Cirque Trail--a steep 2-mile climb to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain.
En route, we gawked at legendary Corbet's Couloir--the most challenging ski chute in North America, attracting skiers from across the globe.
We treaded carefully on the upper part of the trail, which was still packed with snow.
Finally at 10,450', we were surrounded by the high peaks of the Southern Tetons.
Hikers that make it to the top of the mountain are rewarded not only by the views, but also with the option to take a free ride to the base on the Aerial Tram, descending 4,139' in just 12 minutes.
Later that evening, Anna and I made the 20-minute drive into Jackson. We strolled through the country-western shops surrounding Town Square--the bare slopes of Snow King Mountain Resort placed elegantly in the background--eventually refueling at Snake River Brewing and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. On the longest day of the year, the sun did not set until well after 9pm. Though a great place for stargazing, Anna and I were never out late enough to take advantage!
Day 3: Grand Teton National Park
On Friday morning, Anna and I made our first journey along scenic Moose Wilson Road to GTNP. We arrived to the Jenny Lake District under cool and eery cloud coverage. The popular district allows access to some of the best hiking in the park. Our limbs were quite sore from the previous day's exertions, but we managed to complete the 8-mile hike around Jenny Lake.
The relatively mellow trail provided outstanding mountain views.
Across the lake are Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, which can also be reached by shuttle boat for those not wishing to hike.
Continuing on towards String Lake, we eventually completed the loop.
We spent the afternoon exploring the park by car, driving first to the northernmost entrance--a mere miles south of Yellowstone. The magnificent mountains dominate the landscape of the park, as seen from Jackson Lake. Extending for 40 miles within the Rocky Mountains, the Teton Range began rising about 10 million years ago resulting from numerous earthquakes. The Grand Teton towers at 13,770'. Native populations originally called the range Teewinot, meaning "many pinnacles." Early 19th century French fur trappers then re-named the range Les Trois Tétons ("the three nipples") after the distinct breast-like shapes of its peaks. The rugged terrain and lack of foothills allures outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
Climbing 800', Signal Mountain Summit Road offers panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Lake, and Jackson Hole valley.
We pulled off several times to witness the rapidly-changing weather patterns moving through the park. Also of note was a siting of two brown bears playing in the distance!
Back in Teton Village, Anna and I shared a delicious dinner at Spur, and drinks at The Handle Bar.
Day 4: Grand Teton National Park
Saturday was our second day at the park. Starting off on the right foot, we spotted another moose and her baby next to a pond.
Luckily, we had a number of hikes to choose from. According to the park rangers, however, the route to pristine Delta Lake was currently covered in snow and ice. Also of interest was the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve located at the southern end of the park. Here a network of trails leads to Phelps Lake, providing an opportunity to connect with nature in an environment designed to reduce congestion.
Ultimately, though, we opted for the more highly-trafficked Taggart Lake-Bradley Lake duo: a moderately difficult 6-mile loop that visits two lakes dammed by glacial moraines. The scenery was superb, nicely complementing the terrain of our hike the day before.
Nevertheless, on the way out of the park, we got up close and personal with a male moose! Both exhausted, we called it a night after dinner at Teton Village's Mangy Moose.
Day 5: Jackson to Denver
Anna and I hit the road early on Sunday, stopping first at famous Pearl St. Bagels on our way out of town.
I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to visit Wyoming during my time in Colorado. Despite my many adventures in the Colorado Rockies, there is something extra special about the Grand Tetons that inspire a unique sense of wonder. I would be excited to return to explore more of the area, including Yellowstone.
