Grand Teton National Park
We traveled through Yellowstone NP and 2 hrs south to Grand Teton NP and stayed at Headwaters Campground for a quick, but eventful, trip full of amazing views and lots of animal sightings, which included 2 bear, 6 moose, a heard of elk, yellow-marmots, deer, grouse, and bald eagles. This is our second trip to GTNP.
The biggest shocker was the temperatures! We couldn't believe that while there were record breaking temperatures back home, we had below freezing temperatures and snow in the Grand Tetons! Friends once told us "there isn't bad weather, just bad gear." So, we bundled up and made the best of it!
Day One
Colter Bay
We planned on arriving early and hiking in the Colter Bay area in the northern part of the park. It was windy, cold, and rainy so we switched plans and ended up taking a scenic boat cruise instead. This was a nice 1.5 hour trip on Jackson Lake that included up close views of Mt. Moran, Skillet Glacier, and Elk Island.
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| Headed into the park |
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| Elk on the side of the road |
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| Bundled up at Colter Bay |
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| On scenic boat tour |
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| The sun came out for a moment |
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| Mt. Moran |
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Skillet Glacier is the big white area
with the black almost circle in the middle |
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| Bald Eagle |
Day Two
We woke up to snow! Thank goodness the camper has heat.
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| On our way to Jenny Lake we saw our first bear of the day! |
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| Crossed the road in front of our truck |
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| Much clearer skies today |
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| Herd of Elk |
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| Swans |
Cascade Canyon Trail
This was the hike that we were most looking forward to. We started out mid-morning and drove 1 hr from the camp site through the park to Jenny Lake. Here we picked up the ferry that took us across the lake to the Cascade Canyon Trail Head. This trail takes you into the back country of Grand Teton NP, in between the Teewinot and Mt. St. John peaks. We also had views of Grand Teton and Mt. Owen peaks.
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Before we even got out of the parking lot we saw
a mama moose and her baby |
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| Making our way across Jenny Lake on the ferry. |
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| Current temperature was 32 F |
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| The trail starts with about an 1100 foot increase in elevation |
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Inspiration Point. Elevation 7200 Feet
We already lost one layer because the climb was a workout! |
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| 3rd moose of the day, across a creek in the shrubs |
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There was still snow along the way and a couple times we had
snow flurries fall on us. |
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This very docile black bear was taking a hike on the trail too.
We just moved off the path and let it walk by. |
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Moose #4 and #5, mom and baby
She is nursing |
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We hiked the 4.5 miles to the point where the trail splits
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It was here that we had lunch and then started to make our way back.
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| Deer on the trail |
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| Moose #6 right off the trail |
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| Yellow-bellied marmot |
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| Hidden Falls |
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| Another marmot |
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| 9.46 miles in 5 hrs, with stops for pictures and lunch |
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Highest elevation was 7,932 ft
Lowest was 6,781 ft |
We left here and headed north into Montana for a layover before leaving for Idaho. Next stop, Hells Gate State Park, Lewiston, ID.
6/20/24
Total miles traveled: 3,177
Total campgrounds: 9
Total Miles hiked: 31.5
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