Top things to do in Grand Teton National Park

The state of Wyoming is nature lover’s heaven. It is the home to two most iconic national parks of USA which are also world famous – Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

After exploring the natural wonder of Colorado – Garden of the Gods, we were on a 10-hour drive to Grand Teton National Park.

The first impression of Grand Teton is just Wow!!
I have never seen such mesmerizing, massive and jagged mountain peaks in the entire state of USA.
The Teton range rising above the Jackson Hole is a treat to eyes, especially when they are covered in snow. They provide breathtaking backdrop to wildlife viewing or historical sites and amazing reflection in lakes, which are like dream come true for photographers.

Teton range is not the only thing to see here, there are also scenic drives, beautiful lakes, abundant wildlife, historical sites, boat hours, fishing and great hiking trails.
In short, Grand Teton National Park has something for everyone and it is also one of our favorite national parks. Sometimes, it gets overshadowed by its neighbor, the first national park of USA - Yellowstone National Park, but believe me it will fascinate you just like it did us.

Finally coming to the best part of the post, here are the top things to do in this iconic national park of USA.

Major attractions in Grand Teton National Park:

1. See the iconic T.A. Moulton Barn on Marmon Row

In 1890, several Mormon families settled in the Jackson Hole area and established these historic barns.
Today these barns are quite popular among the photographers and the iconic shot of the barns with Tetons in the background is like a dream photo. 

2. Drive the 42-mile scenic loop

The 42-mile scenic loop is one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park, as park’s major overlooks and sights are located on this loop. It takes you through the heart of the park and you can drive through the entire Teton range.

The loop starts at Craig Thomas Visitor Center and then ventures north to Jackson Lake on the Jackson Hole Highway. Along the way you have option to detour to Jenny Lake scenic drive, Signal mountain and other popular sights and trails.

 

3. Schwabacher Landing

I think this was my favorite spot to get the most scenic views of the Teton range. It is calm, less crowded than other overlook points and at the right time of the day, you can get the reflection of the Tetons in the Snake river.

To get to this viewpoint, you will have to take a small detour from the highway to a dirt road which is around 1-mile drive.

 

4. Snake River Overlook

In 1942, famous photographer – Ansel Adams snapped an iconic photo of the Tetons with the Snake River and today that photography location is popularly known as Snake River Overlook.

Though we can’t get the same shot as the trees have grown considerably, but this is still one of my favorite viewpoints of the park as we get to see Teton range from a different perspective.

 

5. Oxbow Bend

Oxbow Bend is a popular spot for wildlife lovers and photographers. There are good chances to spot moose, bears and other wildlife here. Sunrise and Sunset are the best times for photography.

If the water is calm, you can get the iconic view of Mount Moran in the bend of Snake River.

 

6. Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls

One of the most popular hikes in the Grand Teton National Park is Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. As these two spots fall on the same trail, you can combine them into one hike.
Hidden falls is one of the most famous falls in Grand Teton National Park and Inspiration Point at an elevation of 7200 feet provides breathtaking views over Jenny Lake.

There are two ways to reach the trailhead:

By Boat – As these points are located on the western side of the Jenny Lake, you can’t drive to the trailhead, so taking a shuttle boat is a good option. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. You get option to pick either round trip or one-way shuttle.
Cost per adult for round trip is $18 and that for one way is $10.
The Hidden falls is 0.5 mile from trailhead and Inspiration is 1 mile, so total hike is 2 miles roundtrip from the trailhead.

Hike the way – If you are looking for a longer hike, you can hike 2.4 miles taking the Jenny Lake Trail around the south end of Jenny Lake and reach the trailhead. After exploring Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, you can take the same trail back to the boat dock parking area or take a shuttle boat.

 

7. Signal Mountain and Jackson Lake Overlook

Driving up to the top of the Signal Mountain and taking in the scenic views over the park from the summit is one of the best things to do in Grand Teton. The overlook point is around 7720 feet from sea level. You need to take the Signal Mountain road to reach the top which is 4.4 miles long.

You also have Jackson Lake Overlook just in the vicinity, so don’t miss out on it as it provides scenic views over Jackson Lake.

Do remember to use your binoculars or zoom lens here as these viewpoints provide great opportunity to watch herd of Bison, Elk or other wildlife.

 

8. Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is a one-way road which is 3 miles long and provides spectacular views of the Jenny Lake and the peaks.
The speed limit is 25 m/h, but it is advised to go slow and take in the views. Especially, stop at Jenny Lake Overlook for great views of the lake.

 

9. Get on the trails

One of the best ways to explore the park is to hit the trails. There are lot of amazing and scenic hikes here ranging from easy smaller hikes to strenuous multi day treks through the mountains.
You can plan for overnight camping also if you like.

Some of the famous ones are listed below:

- Leigh Lake Hike
This hike takes you along String Lake to Leigh Lake. It is a 3.7 miles roundtrip hike, but we did only the 1.8-miles roundtrip to Leigh Lake. At 1.8 miles, there is a wooden bridge from where we turned back toward the trailhead. If you keep walking along the eastern shore of Leigh Lake, the hike becomes 3.7 miles roundtrip.
This hike is easy and good for people of all ages. You get to see scenic views of the lake and stunning reflections of the mountains.

- Taggart Lake Hike
This is a short and easy to moderate 3 miles roundtrip hike which takes you through meadows and aspen forest area, finally to the Taggart Lake. The water of the lake is crystal clear with amazing reflection of the mountains.

Credit - Here

- Phelps Lake Hike

This is one of the most scenic lake hikes in the park. It starts at Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve off Moose-Wilson Road and is 7 miles loop trail.

                                                                        Credit - Here

- Cascade Canyon Hike
You can combine this hike with your Inspiration Point hike as per time availability.  Once at Inspiration Point, continue to follow the trail into Teton range. This hike leads to stunning views of amazing canyons. It is roughly 10 miles hike and of moderate level.
                                                                            Credit - Here

- Lake Solitude
If you wish to continue ahead of Cascade Canyon, the trail offers you stunning views of Solitude Lake. It is additional 6 miles roundtrip from Cascade Canyon and a total of 15-16 miles roundtrip.
This hike is for seasoned hikers as it is long and physically demanding.

                                                                          Credit - Here

10. Spot Wildlife

One of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park is to observe variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. You can see Grizzly bears, black bears, brown bears, Moose, Elks, Pronghorns, Bison, Fox, Eagles and other variety of birds.
For us, spotting a Moose and Grizzly bear was the highlight of the trip, as we don’t get to see them often in other parts of USA. We saw Grizzly bear in the grasslands near to Oxbow Bend and spotted Moose in the meadows opposite to Jenny Lake parking.

If you are trying your luck in spotting a moose, few suggested areas are:

- Moose Ponds
It is near to the Jenny Lake Trail and is worth checking out for an opportunity to view a moose from close.

- Moose Wilson Road
This road is famous for wildlife viewing, especially moose and bears. A great spot is near the beaver ponds at the northern end of the road. Just keep in mind that it is a narrow and rough road, so driving a SUV or 4X4 is a good choice.

- Oxbow Bend
This is a good place to spot wildlife, especially during sunrise or sunset.

 

11. Go Canoeing or Kayaking

Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most scenic lakes and mountains in USA and one of the best ways to explore them is through Canoeing or Kayaking.
You can rent kayaks and canoes from Grand Teton Kayaking & Canoeing per hour with a minimum of 2 hours.

Whitewater rafting is also available in Jackson Hole area.

 

12. Explore Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is great mountain destination and a beautiful town to spend any season. It is a great mountain biking destination and also heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. It is also home to National Elk Refuge where you can get close to the magnificent elks. There are also tons of amazing things to do in this beautiful town, so if you are not short on time, do plan to explore this amazing place.

Tips from our experience and learning

1. If you are just planning to cover the overlooks, viewpoints and short hikes, then 2 days are enough, but if you love hiking and are planning to see Teton range up close, then 3 days or more are better.
2. Make sure to keep proper distance from the wildlife, especially while viewing elk, grizzly and moose.
3. Best time to visit the park is from mid-May to October when all the roads of the park are open.
4. The best time for wildlife sighting is dawn and dusk.
5. It really gets chilly with the increase in altitude and Grand Teton is already at a higher altitude, so if you are planning on taking the longer hikes in the Teton range, make sure you have the proper gear, food and other important stuff.
6. It can snow in the Summer season too, so make sure to take proper precautions and gear.

Grand Teton National Park is great place for people of all ages, especially photographers, hikers, wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, so enjoy your visit and let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Continue Reading..

Hidden Gem of Maine - Baxter State Park

Whenever we talk or listen about Maine, it is all about Acadia National Park and Lighthouses, but there is much more to it. As you go up North, you enter the more wild, untapped and pristine terrains of Maine which are stunningly beautiful, serene and full of wildlife (especially the Iconic Moose).

One of such large wilderness areas which was permanently preserved as state park is famously known as Baxter State Park. It is home to the largest mountain in Maine – Mt Katahdin, which is also the northern terminus of Appalachian Trail. If you are a hiker, it is like a dream to climb to the top of Mt Katahdin along the Knife’s Edge. If you are a wildlife photographer, it is a like a dream to capture the Bull Moose in its natural habitat. And if you are a nature lover, this is the place to get off from the hustle bustle of the city life and get peace of mind amid the mother nature.

We were only on a 4-day trip to Maine from New Jersey and were short of time, hence we couldn’t explore it completely. Also, amid the Covid 19, we decided to stay in Marriott rather than in a cabin at the Baxter State Park, which was not a wise decision.
From our experience and whatever we got to know from the locals, here is the list of activities that you should definitely do here.

1. Hike Mt Katahdin
Hiking Mt Katahdin is unlike hiking any other mountain, as you need a reservation for the same. Those who are camping the night prior in the park don’t need one, but others need to reserve a day use parking spot at one of the Katahdin trailheads. If you don’t get a reservation, try to get as early as 5:00 a.m. at the Togue Pond Gate so that you might get lucky if there are no-shows. If you have a reservation make sure you reach the park before 7:00 a.m., as that is the max time till the park officials hold your reservation for.
There are 6 different trails to get to the summit :
- Abol Trail (4.3 miles from base to the summit)
- Hunt Trail (5.2 miles from base to the summit)
- Helon Taylor Trail (3.2 miles from base to the summit)
- Chimney Pond Trail + Saddle Trail (3.3 miles to Chimney Pond and from there 2.5 miles to Baxter Peak)
- Chimney Pond Trail + Cathedral Trail (3.3 miles to Chimney Pond & from there 2 miles to Baxter Peak)
- Chimney Pond Trail + Dudley Trail (3.3 miles to Chimney Pond, 1.4 miles to Pamola Peak and from there via Knife Edge to Baxter Peak).

As we were not camping in Baxter State Park, we missed our chance to get to the top of Mt Katahdin.
The entire hike of Mt Katahdin is around 10-12 hours, so make sure you carry ample of food and other resources with you and come prepared.

2. Spot a Moose and other wildlife
Moose is the largest and the heaviest species in the deer family. The bull Moose can be of 10 feet height and weigh around 1500 lbs. Watching the tallest mammal of North America is a treat. Maine has the largest Moose population in USA and Baxter State Park is one of their prime homes.
There are many beautiful ponds like Sandy Stream Pond, South Branch Pond, Grassy Pond, Daisey Pond, Elbow Pond and Tracy Pond, where you may get lucky to spot a moose.
The moose are mainly seen during the dusk and dawn hours. May -July and then the fall season is the best time to spot them.

                                           

3. Kayak or Canoe
There are many ponds in Baxter State Park where you can experience the beauty of the park from the waters. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at $1/hr at every lakeside campground in the park.

4. Enjoy the Baxter State Park Scenic Drive
Baxter State Park Scenic Drive is a 44-mile drive which goes between the North and South gate of the park and is also known as Tote Road. In case you are not camping at Baxter State Park and don’t get any parking reservations, you can hit this scenic road for some great views of the Park and Mt Katahdin. The speed limit is 20 miles/hr

Finally, some useful tip before planning your visit to Baxter State Park:
1. Get to the park early if you are hoping to see a wildlife or getting a daily use parking spot.
2. Be prepared for slow and bumpy rides, as the roads are not paved. The speed limit in Baxter State Park is 20 miles/hr.
3. The park is remote in every sense. There are no facilities or services, which means no gas station, no ATM, no mobile service, no restaurants and no restrooms, so come prepared.
4. Look for wetlands for the best opportunities for spotting moose. Best times are during Dusk and Dawn.
5. The entrance fee of the park is $15 in cash and is not covered in “America The Beautiful” pass which can be used at National Parks across USA. So, carry some cash with you.

Exploring Baxter State Park is one of the unique experiences which you won’t get at any National Parks in USA, so highly recommended!!

Continue Reading..