Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park
They call it GRAND Teton for a reason and if you’ve ever been… you know. The Teton mountains are unique and that’s after seeing the entire western ranges. All are majestic and impressive in their own way but the sheer vertical rise from the plains below and the pointed peaks really stands out and makes for postcard quality views for miles through the Jackson Hole Valley. US 89 runs south from Yellowstone South Gate down and around Jackson Lake until it joins US 26 and then follows the Snake River south to Moose and then Jackson. Jackson is the jewel of the Jackson Hole Valley or at least the major tourist stop with a fun western/outdoors themed town and historical town square. Nettled between the Teton and Gross Ventre Ranges you have mountains in every direction and many of the Jackson restaurants are situated on rooftops or with balconies to admire the view. Jackson also boasts some world class winter skiing but summer still keeps the lifts running to bring gawkers up for a view and some elevated dining. We didn’t ride up at $58/person but were tempted, it did look like a fun ride and assuredly amazing views. We did see a hot air balloon ride out early the morning of departure, which we might have paid for if we knew it was an option, so we have something to bring us back someday. It is the views and vistas that stood out and here are a few!
View from 26 heading south through the Jackson Hole Valley.
Ample turnouts to stop and admire the moutain range.
Taking the rig through Jackson to Wilson where we found a few nights to park.
Jackson Town Square has an antler stake on each corner. The National Elk Refuge is just north of town so lots of antlers are gathered after the shed each year.
Sunset from the R Park foot bridge over the Snake River.
With only 1 full day to explore sandwiched by travel days we made the most of it and caught up with Danielle, Michele’s Niece, who has been working at one of the resort ranches in the valley this summer. Had a great chuckwagon style breakfast at Dornan’s just outside the National Park Visitor Center in Moose. We recommend it for the food and views!
Never caught the history but Dornan’s is a stop just outside the Craig Thomas entry. Its got a wagon camp feel but has gas, breakfast chuckwagon and a more brick/mortar pizza bar. Can’t beat the view!
Michele is standing by Danielle, her niece, who took a leap and came to Wyoming for the summer season to teach yoga and work at one of the luxury ranches along the Jackson Hole Valley. Great seeing you Danielle!
We didn’t have time for a float but rafting down the river seems a common fun way to see the river and mountains.
The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center was one of the nicest we’ve seen and… what a view! Got our Jr Ranger Badges and saw pelicans soaring over the fields (yes there are pelicans in Wyoming 🤯). We also made a run up to Jenny Lake for a spectacular view of the mountains over the lake… and some rock tossing of course. Passed tons of cyclists throughout the park and we can testify to Teton’s bike friendly status, tons of nice paved and off road trails! After some more scenic viewing we caught a mouse and her calf on the Moose-Wilson Rd heading south out of the park. Didn’t get too close but got a few pictures of our first moose sighting of the trip 😊 Dad and the boys spent the evening sunset at Emily Steven’s Park on the Snake River splashing in the river and moving as many rocks from one side of the river to the other 🤪 A short but fun and beautiful stop before heading east-southeast to Estes Park, CO and the Rocky Mountain National Park.
A rare view of the middle aged bull elk in Teton National!
Young bull moose with… teenage attitude :)
Jr Ranger Program complete and we learned a few things.
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Overlook.
Boys and Dad had to hike down to get our feet wet and throw some rocks in this glacial fed lake. Beautiful!
20+ mph winds kept the water moving but also cleared the air for a beautiful sky.
Jayden’s best Ace Ventura impression. Vince is modeling the face of Ace’s teenage dad :oP
Caught a mamma moose and her calf on the south end of the park. Look just right of center… 2 brown dots heading into the bush.
Best rooftopper in Jackson!
Boys, Rocks and River!
Camera limitations but caught a black bear on a mornign drive in the south end of the park close to where we saw the moose.
Headed south out of Jackson to cross the plains of Wyoming. The drive through the Bridger-Teton National Forest was a good drive and then things flattened out… a lot!
Overnight at the Albany County Fairground in Laramie. Great sunset!
Wyoming is a long, mostly flat drive through rolling hills and canyons. We had multiple warnings to exit highway for vehicles under 20,000lb due to 40 and 50 mph crosswinds. YES we are over 35k lbs so we kept on but a 40 ft long and 13 ft tall RV is like driving a windsail across the plains and some gusts had us snaking on a straight road a few times. Makes us appreciate the plains settlers and cowboys crossing on horseback and wagon… Crazy but we mad it safe and remain thankful for God’s continued provision and protection!
