Hiking in the Tetons

After rafting in the morning, we set out to explore 2 miles of the Lakeshore trail. This trail actually connects to a small island via a dyke. The views of Jackson Lake and the Teton range were spectacular. We also saw lots of birds and wildflowers. Just as we were returning to the picnic area and the trail head, we finally saw one! The elusive moose! A solo female was crunching away in the trees near the shoreline. She eyed us, and we eyed her, and she mostly just kept crunching away. We were thrilled!

The next day it rained all morning, and we suspected hiking was going to be out of the question. We headed down to Jenny Lake just after lunch anyway, and sure enough it did clear up. While Mikaela and Madeline went on a ranger led (parent free) Jr Ranger hike, DH and the twins and I took the boat across the lake to the Hidden Falls trail head. We hiked a mile up and back on the moderate trail, right in the shadow of Grand Teton to the fantastic waterfall. Then we headed back across the Lake on the boat to meet up with Mikaela and Madeline again to hike another 2.6 miles around Moose Ponds. e didn't see moose there, but much to Mikaela's delight, we saw LOTS of snakes, and saw evidence of both moose and bears. Hiking in the shadow of Grand Teton Peak was very picturesque, and this was my favorite hike so far.

As we approached the trailhead, the clouds became dark and ominous, and a strong cold wind began to blow. Just as our feet found the parking lot, it began to hail! We ran for the car, and headed down to Moose, WY for dinner.

The next morning, we packed up to leave, and although we had hoped to sunrise photos of the mountains, the entire Jackson Hole Valley was socked in with fog. Oh Well! On to Salt Lake City, and then Zion!