We had 5 full days in the Yellowstone/ Jackson Hole/ Teton area before we rounded out our trip in Idaho (my husband had a conference there; otherwise, we would have stayed in Wyoming). We only spent one day in Yellowstone (someplace that we definitely want to visit again), and the rest of our time in and around the Tetons and the Snake River.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
(Feels like stepping back in time to the wild west)
We spent one afternoon leisurely strolling around Jackson Hole eating, visiting art galleries, and stopping by local tourist attractions. We even attended a rodeo one evening - something that my family and I personally do not ever have to do again - but now we know.
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The Grand Tetons
With 4 days to explore the Tetons, Jackson Hole, and the Snake River, we divided up our time in order to cram everything in that we wanted to experience, and quite honestly, it worked.
We spent a half-day fishing on the Snake River - I personally dislike fishing, but I agreed to this excursion for my husband and son. My husband used a fly reel while the kids and I used spinners. I told our guide on the outset that I did not want to catch anything nor did I want to "touch" anything :). He graciously told me that we would "unload" my hook if I did catch anything, so I decided to cast a few times. Ironically, I ended up catching something almost every time I cast the rod - much to the chagrin of my husband and kids. I can't remember our exact totals, but I think I caught about 15 fish, my daughter caught about 3, my son 2, and my husband 1 with his fly rod - I have to say that it was raining that day which makes fly fishing difficult because of the raindrops on the water distract the fish from the fly reel.
The Tetons
Driving in and around the Tetons along Moose Road, you see many beautiful sites and prolific wildlife. I think my husband could have driven this road 100 more times. We used it every day - it is the route from Teton Village towards hiking in the Tetons and towards Yellowstone. We saw a Great Grey Owl, Osprey, Moose, Mule Deer, Beavers all along this route.
Mule Deer - Dirt roads around Grand Tetons.
Rafting the Snake River
Another excursion that we thoroughly enjoyed was a rafting trip. We booked a float and rafting combo. If we were to do it again, I think we would skip the float portion - solely because we got to see much of the same things while fishing. The weather was cold and wet - we used the company's full rain gear and wetsuits - these items are technically optional, but I would recommend using them! (Otherwise, you will freeze :) Remember, we were there in the height of the summer (August) and I believe the temperature was in the 50s and you get soaked!
It started out slow and calm :) got to take photos of animals along the way!
We had our regular camera with us on this portion of the trip. You stop mid-way down the river, and the guides prepare breakfast. It was actually really good - pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, and hot chocolate. From there, they "dock" the rafts and allow you to put gear that needs to stay dry back on the bus that meets the raft at a "pull-off" along the road. This is where we dumped our camera and changed into full wetsuits.
Two Adult Eagles and One Juvenile
And then...
The peace and quite of the "float" portion comes to an end - paddle, paddle, paddle.
(Class 2 and 3 Rapids) - You must not mind getting SOAKED and I would recommend that you are a little adventurous - we lost one rafter at one point, but recovered her fairly quickly - I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that she was a little "shaken" about going overboard in the rapids.) You can see in the images captured below that there are some precarious moments.
Sarah and Will are in the front "nook" of the raft - Kaveh is positioned right behind Sarah - I am in the back closest to the guide (the kids had been back with me and the guide and had recently moved up front - just in time for the Class 3 section).
As we crested one wave, we immediately plunged down into the next. As the raft lunged forward, the frigid water washed over the top of my husband and children. I wasn't sure if they were still in the boat – they were completely buried under the wave that engulfed the front of the raft. This is when the young lady immediately behind Kaveh lost her foothold and went overboard.
Rescue and recovery - picking up our passenger that was thrown overboard.
Hiking in and around the Tetons!
This image does not capture the true essence of the moose, but we were lucky to catch this image - there is actually a little baby moose laying in the brush behind it's mother.
Working on the Dam!
Black Bear -
After a brisk cool rain, we spotted this guy eating huckleberries along a ridge on Signal Mountain.
Our kiddos with our Sunset Tour Guide (Eco-Tours http://www.jhecotouradventures.com/index.php)
I cannot say enough about hiring a guide that knows the area (this was our 2nd private guide).
We experienced so many wonderful things in just 5 short day.
Mule Deer
Menor's Ferry
On our final day - we took time to attend a Ranger walk at Menor's Ferry - it was very informative, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We learned about the acquisition of this land by the government under the auspice of private purchases - the local landowners did not want the government buying the land out here, so the government used private individuals as a "front" to acquire the property. One of which was a lady from the east coast - she was quite adventurous to be out here on her own during the early 1900s! (I am completely drawing a blank on her name right now - will have to get back with you :).
On our final day - we took time to attend a Ranger walk at Menor's Ferry - it was very informative, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We learned about the acquisition of this land by the government under the auspice of private purchases - the local landowners did not want the government buying the land out here, so the government used private individuals as a "front" to acquire the property. One of which was a lady from the east coast - she was quite adventurous to be out here on her own during the early 1900s! (I am completely drawing a blank on her name right now - will have to get back with you :).
From Teton Village, you can take a Gondola ride to the top of the mountain - we enjoyed the view 3/4 of the way up - when we got to the top, we were literally in the clouds. The kids thought that that was so "cool." At the top of the mountain is a small restaurant / gift shop that makes fresh, homemade waffles. They are spectacular. We tried the Lemon, Brown Sugar, and Nutella - they were all delicious. My favorite was the Lemon!
Our last hike, before leaving the area was at Jenny Lake. It is a great family hike - it is a moderate - you hike up a vertical trail to a little over 8,000 feet - you return on the same path. There are beautiful waterfalls and viewing vistas - There is an observation area that provides a great view of the surrounding landscape!
Jenny Lake and the Tetons from the shuttle boat.
We had one 'heck' of a trip and we hope that you do as well!
Jenny Lake and the Tetons from the shuttle boat.
We had one 'heck' of a trip and we hope that you do as well!
