If you have not been to The Grand Tetons, you need to add this destination to your bucket list asap. I absolutely fell in love with this national park and cannot wait to go back. In fact, I have to say that I actually *gasp* like it a little bit more than Yellowstone. The mountains are just so awe-inspiring and it is a lot less crowded.
If you are planning a trip here and don’t know what to see or do, here are my top 6 favorites:
The Grand Tetons are by far one of the most incredible places to go kayaking. You simply cannot beat the spectacular backdrop of those mountains; they are breathtaking!
I love Oregon’s mountains (my home state), but there is just something so special about Wyoming’s mountain range. I mean, you can enjoy Mount Hood’s peak from afar, but you can never get that close to it unless you are actually on it. But with the Tetons, you can almost get to the base of the mountains! You’re right there, so close it feels as though you could reach up and grab a peak. Hence, if you enjoy being on the water, kayaking here is an absolute must!
There are 10 Lakes you can kayak on in the Grand Teton National Park: Jackson, Jenny, Phelps, Emma Matilda, Two Ocean, Taggart, Bradley, Bearpaw, Leigh and String lakes. For the majority of these you do have to bring your own kayaks. So if you don’t own a kayak or didn’t bring it with you, then Jackson or Jenny are the lakes for you.
I rented a kayaking at Jackson lake, from the Colter Bay resort; it was a really nice kayak and I had an easy time with it. Jenny Lake looked like it had great equipment too, though, and they were less crowded, so I would check them out as well.
Is there a better place to go horseback riding than in the Grand Tetons? I can’t think of any. Nothing beats riding through wildflower filled valleys and enjoying the expanse of the mountains. Wyoming is absolutely picturesque and the perfect place to get some use out of your cowgirl boots.
Definitely keep your camera handy when horseback riding as well (as if you’d put it away 😉 ). We were told by our guides that they have never seen bears while riding, but in the couple hours we rode we saw a grizzly bear a couple hundred yards away and had a black bear walk in front of us! So you never know, you just might get to take some amazing shots of some bears!
(I didn’t get any good footage because my guide freaked out, screamed, and scared the bears; but hey, you might be luckier 🙂 )
Hiking in The Grand Tetons is also a must. Wyoming has some of the most breathtaking trails in the US and you simply do not want to miss out on trying at least one of them. During my stay, I enjoyed hiking around Jenny Lake. It was supposed to be a quick hike, but if you are addicted to taking pictures like me, you should be prepared to take half a day. No really. There is beauty everywhere and its impossible to stop taking pictures. At every corner there is a new view or animal to capture and time just flies. For instance, pictured above is a Yellow Bellied Marmot that I spent at least 20 minutes watching and photographing… You get the idea.
One thing to remember when hiking in Wyoming is to bring bear spray with you. Most likely you won’t get anywhere near a bear if on a busy trail (so don’t let the thought of bears scare you away from hiking!), but it is always essential to stay prepared. So keep an eye out, make noise, and carry bear spray. But above all else, have fun!
Moreover, don’t let your level of fitness keep you from hitting up trails. The Grand Tetons has hundreds of different hiking trails, ranging from easy – extremely difficult. There really is something for everyone, no matter how big of a hiker you are!
A few hikes I would recommend checking out are: String Lake Loop, Cascade Canyon, and Garnet Canyon.
Another fun way to enjoy the Tetons is taking the Aerial Tram in Jackson Hole. For just $42 (adult price), you get to enjoy a 12 minute ride up 4,139 vertical feet to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. The 360 view during the ride is fun and there are always possible animal sightings. Up top, you can get out and walk around (it is super cold though!) and really take in the breathtaking view of the Tetons. Now you really are on top of the mountains!
There is also a cafe up top and, since the tram runs every 15 minutes, you can easily catch a ride down later. I didn’t check it out, but I heard they have good pancakes. So that would be a really fun place to spend a meal!
The Moulton barn is one of the most iconic barns in America. I have admired countless photographs and paintings of it over the years, so I knew I had to see this when visiting The Grand Tetons. Not only is it beautiful, but it is one of the best preserved barns in the Northwest. Built over a span of 30 years in the early 1900s by T. A. Moulton, it is happily situated in a valley called Antelope Flats with a breathtaking view of the Tetons serving as its backdrop. It is extremely secluded and a visit here makes you feel like you have taken a step back in time. So if you enjoy history and old barns, this is a place you should definitely visit while on your trip.
The sunsets at Jackson Lake are by far some of the prettiest I have ever seen. There’s something so magical about watching the sky decorated with multiple colors, illuminating the mountain and glistening upon the water. The Tetons look absolutely majestic in the evening and each night I spent there was one of my favorites from the entire trip. I cannot recommend the experience enough. My favorite spot to photograph (pictured above) and the place I strongly suggest watching the sunset at was the Jackson hole lake swim area.
If you have not been to The Grand Tetons, you need to add this destination to your bucket list asap. I absolutely fell in love with this national park and cannot wait to go back. In fact, I have to say that I actually *gasp* like it a little bit more than Yellowstone. The mountains are just so awe-inspiring and it is a lot less crowded.
If you are planning a trip here and don’t know what to see or do, here are my top 6 favorites:
The Grand Tetons are by far one of the most incredible places to go kayaking. You simply cannot beat the spectacular backdrop of those mountains; they are breathtaking!
I love Oregon’s mountains (my home state), but there is just something so special about Wyoming’s mountain range. I mean, you can enjoy Mount Hood’s peak from afar, but you can never get that close to it unless you are actually on it. But with the Tetons, you can almost get to the base of the mountains! You’re right there, so close it feels as though you could reach up and grab a peak. Hence, if you enjoy being on the water, kayaking here is an absolute must!
There are 10 Lakes you can kayak on in the Grand Teton National Park: Jackson, Jenny, Phelps, Emma Matilda, Two Ocean, Taggart, Bradley, Bearpaw, Leigh and String lakes. For the majority of these you do have to bring your own kayaks. So if you don’t own a kayak or didn’t bring it with you, then Jackson or Jenny are the lakes for you.
I rented a kayaking at Jackson lake, from the Colter Bay resort; it was a really nice kayak and I had an easy time with it. Jenny Lake looked like it had great equipment too, though, and they were less crowded, so I would check them out as well.
Is there a better place to go horseback riding than in the Grand Tetons? I can’t think of any. Nothing beats riding through wildflower filled valleys and enjoying the expanse of the mountains. Wyoming is absolutely picturesque and the perfect place to get some use out of your cowgirl boots.
Definitely keep your camera handy when horseback riding as well (as if you’d put it away 😉 ). We were told by our guides that they have never seen bears while riding, but in the couple hours we rode we saw a grizzly bear a couple hundred yards away and had a black bear walk in front of us! So you never know, you just might get to take some amazing shots of some bears!
(I didn’t get any good footage because my guide freaked out, screamed, and scared the bears; but hey, you might be luckier 🙂 )
Hiking in The Grand Tetons is also a must. Wyoming has some of the most breathtaking trails in the US and you simply do not want to miss out on trying at least one of them. During my stay, I enjoyed hiking around Jenny Lake. It was supposed to be a quick hike, but if you are addicted to taking pictures like me, you should be prepared to take half a day. No really. There is beauty everywhere and its impossible to stop taking pictures. At every corner there is a new view or animal to capture and time just flies. For instance, pictured above is a Yellow Bellied Marmot that I spent at least 20 minutes watching and photographing… You get the idea.
One thing to remember when hiking in Wyoming is to bring bear spray with you. Most likely you won’t get anywhere near a bear if on a busy trail (so don’t let the thought of bears scare you away from hiking!), but it is always essential to stay prepared. So keep an eye out, make noise, and carry bear spray. But above all else, have fun!
Moreover, don’t let your level of fitness keep you from hitting up trails. The Grand Tetons has hundreds of different hiking trails, ranging from easy – extremely difficult. There really is something for everyone, no matter how big of a hiker you are!
A few hikes I would recommend checking out are: String Lake Loop, Cascade Canyon, and Garnet Canyon.
Another fun way to enjoy the Tetons is taking the Aerial Tram in Jackson Hole. For just $42 (adult price), you get to enjoy a 12 minute ride up 4,139 vertical feet to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. The 360 view during the ride is fun and there are always possible animal sightings. Up top, you can get out and walk around (it is super cold though!) and really take in the breathtaking view of the Tetons. Now you really are on top of the mountains!
There is also a cafe up top and, since the tram runs every 15 minutes, you can easily catch a ride down later. I didn’t check it out, but I heard they have good pancakes. So that would be a really fun place to spend a meal!
The Moulton barn is one of the most iconic barns in America. I have admired countless photographs and paintings of it over the years, so I knew I had to see this when visiting The Grand Tetons. Not only is it beautiful, but it is one of the best preserved barns in the Northwest. Built over a span of 30 years in the early 1900s by T. A. Moulton, it is happily situated in a valley called Antelope Flats with a breathtaking view of the Tetons serving as its backdrop. It is extremely secluded and a visit here makes you feel like you have taken a step back in time. So if you enjoy history and old barns, this is a place you should definitely visit while on your trip.
The sunsets at Jackson Lake are by far some of the prettiest I have ever seen. There’s something so magical about watching the sky decorated with multiple colors, illuminating the mountain and glistening upon the water. The Tetons look absolutely majestic in the evening and each night I spent there was one of my favorites from the entire trip. I cannot recommend the experience enough. My favorite spot to photograph (pictured above) and the place I strongly suggest watching the sunset at was the Jackson hole lake swim area.
Such gorgeous photos! The views are breath taking. Thanks for sharing. Xo, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
Thanks Ellese! xo
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous! You are giving me serious wanderlust!
Renee | Life After Lux
Isn’t it?! Definitely one of my favorite places to be!
Wow, it looks so pretty! I’ve never heard of The Grand Tetons, so it’s definitely an eye-opener! That barn is gorgeous, and the surroundings look amazing. Now I’m wishing I were near mountains, haha 🙂
Erin | Explore, Refresh
Well I’m glad you read this post then! I hope you can visit someday 🙂
Wow Grand Tetons looks stunning! Reminds me so much of the PNW!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Yes, it is definitely similar to parts of Oregon and Washington 🙂
You do the most exciting things. Love a good adventure. X
Mich
michjosephblog.wordpress.com
I try 😉 xox
That is such a beautiful place! And so much wildlife too!
It really is gorgeous 🙂
Awesome recommendations!
You photos are amazing! 🙂
LifeOfArdor.com
Thank you! xo
What amazing photos! I want to go!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks Amy!
Gorgeous pictures! Such a beautiful place.
Thank you!
Holy fudge these are some gorgeous photos! I love mountains and I feel I really need to visit this place!
http://www.saarasofia.com | Bloglovin’
Thank you! And you really do! You’d love it here 🙂
Girl your photos are just getting better and better. The one of the mountain is outstanding as is the one of the barn. You should do a post on photo tips and tricks!
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Thanks so much Yasmin! That means a lot to me; I always love reading your comments. 🙂 I’ll try and do some of those kinds of posts soon!
Taking a hike sounds like a wonderful option, especially with views like that! Beautiful photos. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Thanks Carmen!
I’ve been dying to go to grand teton! So fun!
Xx
Molly
http://www.trendychickadee.com
I hope you can go soon! Its a blast for sure!
Wow the scenery there is so beautiful
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
It certainly is! xo
the views are stunning and kayaking on the lake sounds amazing indeed!
Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
Its my favorite thing to do there – I’m addicted to kayaking haha.
I am constantly dreaming of a USA road trip and your beautiful photos are making me want to just up and go. So stunning.
fourcatsplusus.co.uk | Amy x
Thanks Amy!
OMG, these photos are amazing. What a beautiful place … 🙂
Nati xx
http://www.simplyartdicted.com
Thanks Nati!
Holy….! What a gorgeous place!!! this is exactly the kind of landscape I love the most: lakes, woods, snowy mountains. It all looks so idilliac and perfect. I’d LOVE to watch a sunset at that lake and visit the Moulton Barn. Thanks for sharing, dear!
xx
http://www.stylebydeb.com
Thanks for reading! 😉 xox
What a gorgeous place! Horseback riding would be AWESOME!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
You definitely need to visit Wyoming then 😉
This place is insanely beautiful, it deserves its own hallelujah chorus! It looks like you did a lot of cool things too! The tram sounds like a rush
Rachel xxx
The Daily Luxe // Bloglovin
Haha it definitely does 🙂
I haven’t visited it yet, but it sounds and looks amazing!
xo
http://www.carinavardie.com
I hope you get to! xo
Looks really great place. Lovely post!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks Gemma!
Ok, this looks amazing! Need to add this to my list!
xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com
Yes, you definitely have to visit Leah!
Such a beautiful place, the mountains setting is just amazing. I definitely need to try kayaking and horse riding in the near future. Oh and sunset by a lake sounds absolutely dreamy x
Beauty with charm
Yes! Kayaking is the best! Definitely one of my favorite things to do 🙂
Beautiful photos <3 lovely place 🙂
Thank you!
fantastic!! 😀 that place looks amazing to visit.
Have a great day!
Animated Confessions
Thanks, you too!
This is so inspiring! I love the post:)
irenethayer.com
Thank you!
Wow this sounds amazing and your photos are absolutely stunning!!! I hope to visit someday!!
xoxo Emily
ditchtheheels.com