The Grand Teton National Park sits between the desert wonderland of Utah and the America’s most famous National Park – Yellowstone. Its great mountain range is nothing short of spectacular, with deep pine forests, icy glaciers and wildflower-sprinkled meadows.
We spent just four days in the KOA near Jackson, and wish we could’ve stayed a week or more. The park and the famous Snake River aren’t just pretty spots, they are also fantastic for outdoors fun and family adventure. The National Park has over 200 miles of trails, leading you through its forests and dramatic mountain range, and of course, the crystal clear lakes. There are grizzly bears roaming around the park, so you may even get to spot one or two during your hike – we spotted none, boo!
We were staying right on the the banks of Snake River, which has plenty going for it too. The white waters are renowned for rafting, and you can see people doing it everywhere, often a dozen boats on the river at a time. Unfortunately, C is still too young so we couldn’t go, which is just another great reason to come back.
I’d love to tell you we hiked our way around the park, saw some bears and got some cuts and bruises, but in reality we were so tired and overheated from Moab, that we spent a couple of days lazing about on the banks of Jenny Lake, its waters so overwhelmingly clear and sparkly blue with the monumental mountain range sitting as the background – we were just drawn back over and over.
We ended up at the lake on the first day after doing the Jenny Lake Drive, a small road that takes you around the water. We stopped at the visitor centre, and wanting to see a bit more went on the little trail that leads you to the lake’s shores. We were so impressed by it all, and annoyed by not bringing swimsuits, that we decided to return next day.
The water was surprisingly warm enough that we could splash about and swim all day long, and the shore was secluded enough for us to relax in peace. It was absolute bliss.
If you’re passing through on your way to Yellowstone, please make sure you stop at Jenny Lake – even for a few minutes’ as this is a view difficult to match.
We’re linking up with Coombe Mill for #CountryKids, Life Unexpected for #whatevertheweather and My Travel Monkey & Packing My Suitcase for #MondayEscapes.
