Grand Teton National Park
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My time spent in Grand Teton National Park was unfortunately cut
short by the weather, but I enjoyed my short time in this park so
much that it still to this day sits in my top ten favorite national
parks of all time. I cannot wait to go back and spend more time
in this exceptionally beautiful park and I highly recommend
you make a trip there as well!
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I entered Grand Teton National Park through the Jackson Hole, Wyoming
entrance as I had spent the day before at Yellowstone National Park.
(These two parks are conveniently quite close to one another.)
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The famous antler arch in Jackson, Wyoming. Sitting right outside of Grand Teton National Park, this little resort town looked like a neat little place to explore, get some food, or even stay in when visiting Grand Teton. When I went I didn’t take the time to walk around the town, but when I go back that is definitely something I plan to do.
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My first stop in the park was at Mormon Row.
In the late 1890s Mormon settlers from Utah and Idaho established
this community which is known today as Mormon Row.
One of the most famous barns in Mormon Row is the T.A. (Thomas Alma)
Moulton Barn. It took T.A. over 30 years to build this barn, but
photographers and tourists have been enjoying it’s beauty ever since.
The infamous Grand Teton scene.
Can you imagine having those mountains be your view every day? I'm moving y'all.
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After Mormon Row I made my way to the Craig Thomas Discovery and
Visitor Center because a visitor center is always a must for me!
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From there I made my way to Jenny Lake to do some hiking! However, the
closer I got to Jenny Lake the darker the sky overhead became. With
no cell service and chance to check the local radar I walked into the
Jenny Lake visitor center to talk with a ranger on the status of the storm.
Unfortunately, the news he had for me was not the news I was hoping for.
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According to the ranger, a big thunderstorm was fast approaching and
he recommended that I don't go out onto the Jenny Lake Loop as
I had planned. :'( However, I decided since I was here I would at least
walk out to the lakeshore so I strolled around, sat and looked out onto
the water, and even met a little critter friend.
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Trail Name - Jenny Lake Loop
Length: 7.6 miles roundtrip
Estimated Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
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I was at the shore for about 15 minutes before it really started storming
and pouring rain so I was forced to head back to my car, drenched. With
no end to the rain in sight I headed out of the park to Lander, Wyoming where
I would be staying for the night. (If you are ever in Lander there is an AMAZING
gastropub there called Cowfish that I highly recommend you eat at!)
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Even though my time in Grand Teton was shorter than I initially planned
or wanted (thanks Mother Nature) the time I did get to spend there
was incredible and I can't wait to return to hike and explore as much as I can.
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Have you been to Grand Teton National Park? What is a national park
you can't wait to return to?
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