Grand Teton National Park (Part 1)

From Swan Valley, we decide to avoid the Teton Pass and instead follow the Snake River south past the Palisades Reservoir, into Wyoming and all the way up to Grand Teton National Park.

Along the way we see many pullouts for our viewing pleasure as well as several groups rafting down the Snake River; but we’re intent on reaching our destination and don’t stop for any of it. We’ll save that for when we explore Wyoming. This is a detour from our planned summer, to spend a few days with family.

However, before the family arrives, we have a few days on our own… Part 1.

Coulter Bay

After having lunch and settling into our campsite at Coulter Bay we head out for a walk to stretch our legs. Once we pass through Coulter Bay Village, we head down to the marina and get our first really good look at Jackson Lake with the majestic Teton Mountain Range beyond.

Lakeshore Trail

Wanting a little more exercise, we decide to do the short Lakeshore Trail around a peninsula in Jackson Lake; which offers some incredible, unobstructed views of the Tetons and their many glaciers.

This view highlights one of things that makes the Teton Mountain Range unique… there are no foothills obscuring these mountains.

Campground Visitors

As you’d expect in one of the most popular national parks, the campgrounds are extremely busy, loud, and smoke filled in the evenings. So, we didn’t see many animals wandering around; but we did get a visit from some Mule Deer one evening.

Scenic Drive

Our plan today is to ride the bike paths through to park, but it’s overcast and windy and there’s a good chance of rain. So we quickly pivot, and head out to do the 40 mile scenic drive instead.

Willow Flats Overlook

This is a very popular place for spotting animals at dawn and dusk. The only animal we saw was a Great Blue Heron on the shore of Christian Pond.

Jackson Lake Dam

Here we decide to walk along the Snake River east of the dam, to see if we could find any animals in the marshlands.

Again, nothing but a heron to be found.

Signal Mountain Overlooks

Next we head up the narrow, winding road to the Signal Mountain summit.

Summit Overlook

We have lunch here before checking out the views from the overlook.

Jackson Point Overlook

We bypassed this stop on the way up due to lack of parking; but manage to secure a spot on the way down.

After traversing the short trail we arrive at the overlook where we’re greeted by a mule deer as well as the views.

Jackson Lake Overlook

This overlook is so overgrown, we didn’t even realize it was an overlook on the way up. We can see more wildflowers than lake.

Mountain View Turnout

As the name suggests, there’s nothing here but incredible views of the Mountains.

Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area

Next, we stop briefly at Cottonwood Creek Picnic Atea. As we exit the truck, we’re greeted with the heavenly smell of wildflowers in full bloom. We can also see the promised rain clouds moving over where we just were.

Chapel of Transfiguration

This 1925 chapel has beautiful stained glass windows and an incredible view of the Tetons behind the pulpit. And best of all, it’s still used for services today.

Menor’s Ferry Historic District

At this stop we come up a ranger led tour in progress and are able to actually go inside the general store.

It’s worth noting that on July 26, 1923 a meeting took place in this cabin that ultimately let to the creation of Grand Teton National Park.

National Elk Refuge

We passed by this refuge on several occasions while in the area and never saw an Elk. However, we did learn that this is where all the antlers come from to build the famous antler arches in downtown Jackson.

Downtown – Jackson, WY

This small town has the would famous antler arches, boardwalks lining the streets, art galleries everywhere, and enough restaurants to satisfy everyone. They also have a really good, locally made, ice cream shop.

Mormon Row Historic District

Of course, a trip to this park would not be complete without visiting the Mormon Row and taking the iconic barn photo. One of the most visited sites in the park, these are the remains of a 1895 Latter-day Saints settlement. They are currently undergoing renovation, so this is as close as we could get.

Snake River Overlook

This is the spot where Ansel Adams took his famous 1942 photograph “The Tetons and the Snake River”. The trees have grown since then, and we can only see a slice of the river now, vs the whole bend.

Elk Ranch Flats Turnout

As we near our final stop for the day, we see a herd of bison at the Elk Ranch Flats turnout and a few Pronghorn laying in the grass along the road.

Not what we’d planned for the day; but still an incredible experience.

Grand Teton Village

For our final day before the family arrives we decide to explore Grand Teton Village and ride the gondolas.

Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Mountain Summit

Top of the World Waffles

We’ve been hearing rave reviews regarding the “Top of the World Waffles” from Corbet’s Cabin, so we decide to experience breakfast at 10,404 feet. Which means the Aerial Tram is our first ride this morning. Twelve exhilarating minutes and 4,139 vertical feet later, we’re exiting the tram and heading to a very unique breakfast.

They were OK, but we would have preferred our usual breakfast. As a side note… to keep down waste, they’re served on a piece tin foil and you’re expected to eat them with your fingers. Utensils are not available; but they do provide plenty of wet wipes.

Views from the top

After breakfast, we head out to see the views and walk around the summit.

Panorama looking west (away from the park) from the Grand Teton Skywalk

Views on the way Down

Bridger Gondola

Next, we head to the Bridger Gondola; which peaks at 9,114 feet. This is the gondola you can ride at sunset and if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, have dinner at the Piste Mountain Bistro.

At the Top

View from the Top

Heading Down

Sweetwater Gondola

Our final ride for the day is the Sweetwater Gondola which has passenger gondolas alternating with bike carriers for the mountain bikers who wish to test their mettle riding down the mountain. For those who can’t bring or don’t have their own equipment, it can be rented at Teton Village.

Given this is our last ride up the mountain for the day (terminating at 7,625 feet), we decide to walk down the mountain via the Wildflower Trail. It’s a beautiful walk through many blooming wildflowers and provides incredible views of the bike path as well as the valley below.

Panorama of Teton Village and beyond from about half way down the trail.

Teton Village

After finishing the hike we’re completely out of water, so we pop into the Tram Dock Bar for something to drink. It’s the middle of the afternoon and not very busy, so we end up chatting with the bartender for a while.

Next we walk around Teton Village before heading into Jackson, WY for dinner. It’s your typical resort village with hotels, stores, and restaurants. But we did get a great picture looking up the hills to where we just were.

What an amazing experience! I would recommend this to anyone not afraid of heights (just skip the waffles).

Coulter Bay’s – Swan Lake & Heron Pond Loop

This was an unexpected addition to our time on our own. The family arrived in the early afternoon; but decided to head out to see some of what we’d already explored before joining us for dinner at our campsite.

Jackson Lake

This hike begins just south of the marina and traverses along Jackson Lake before veering off. As we pass by we see some beautiful wildflowers along the shore on the way out and…

…see a sailboat heading into Coulter Bay on the way back.

Swan Lake

As part of the loop that connects from and back to Jackson lake, we catch an incredible reflection on the glass like surface of Swan Lake.

Heron Pond

Further along the loop, we pass by Heron Pond displaying another incredible reflection on the water that’s not covered by lily pads.

Next… Grand Teton National Park (Part 2) – exploring with family