Archive for the ‘Grand Teton National Park’ Category

Managing the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park

Monday, August 25th, 2014
The History of Grand Teton National Park

The history of Grand Teton National Park comes alive through vintage photographs.
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As an avid visitor and author of a book on the history of Grand Teton National Park, the question of how to best manage the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park has been at the forefront of my thoughts lately. I have read through the “Moose-Wilson Corridor Preliminary Alternatives Newsletter” several times. The National Park Service is presenting these alternative proposals for public input through September 15, 2014.

As stated above, I am a visitor to Grand Teton National Park. As a tourist, my first instinct is that it would be really nice to have more access in this area. Wider, paved roads with more pullouts and a separate bicycle path sound like wonderful ideas to my tourist self. However, I have to step outside of myself and ask “What is best for the preservation of wildlife and their habitat in this tranquil forest?” The answer is not necessarily what is best for people.

One of the things that makes Grand Teton National Park so special is how under developed it really is in respect to many other national parks. One can not drive their car to Hidden Falls or Taggart Lake. No road has been constructed up into the mountains cutting back and forth on the Grand Teton or any of the other peaks in the range. If you want to experience the back country in the park, you must get out of your car and use your feet to immerse yourself in the wilderness. The vehicle is best used for magnificent views from a distance. And yes, it is also used by locals to get from Point A to Point B.  (more…)

Day Trip to Yellowstone from Grand Teton National Park

Thursday, April 10th, 2014
Lower Falls, Yellowstone

View of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and Lower Falls from Artist Point.

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If you have never been to Yellowstone National Park, it is only about a 40 minute drive away from Grand Teton National Park and I highly recommend taking a day to hit some of the highlights there. This is definitely a day trip as you do not get anywhere fast in Yellowstone (why would you want to?) due to the traffic and the massive size of the park. As in Grand Teton National Park, spring and fall are definitely less crowded.  (more…)

Dreaming of Springtime in Grand Teton National Park

Saturday, March 22nd, 2014
Taggart Creek Footbridge, Grand Teton National Park

Water rushing under the footbridge on Taggart Creek from the spring snow melt along the Taggart Lake Trail, mid-May.

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As the weather is beginning to warm here in the Midwest, my mind can not help but wander to Grand Teton National Park. I told my husband this morning, “I don’t think I can stand it if we don’t make it out to the Tetons this year.”

Springtime in Grand Teton National Park is glorious as the mountains and wildlife emerge from their winter hibernation. Mountain and valley streams and rivers are running full with the snow melt. Newborn leaves shimmer in brilliant contrast to their still exposed branches. When most of us think of spring, we think March, April, and May. Spring in Grand Teton National Park does not follow the norm. For the most part it emerges at some point in May and lasts into June. (more…)

Grand Teton National Park Available for Pre-Order

Saturday, February 8th, 2014
The History of Grand Teton National Park

The majestic beauty of Grand Teton National Park has moved people throughout time. Yet, the formation of Grand Teton National Park as we know it today spanned the course of nearly seventy years. More
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It has been a very exciting week. As a first time author, the journey of writing this book has been full of many different milestones and feelings of accomplishment.

The first over the top moment of excitement came when I was asked to write the manuscript for this book by Arcadia Publishing. I remember thinking to myself, “It just doesn’t happen this way.” When I decided to focus on my writing career, I anticipated sending out manuscripts and receiving rejection after rejection because that is how it works (according to everything I have heard). If I had not put up my website, this opportunity would not have landed in my lap. Many people have asked how this book came to be. The publisher was looking for a writer on this topic, they found an article on my website, and contacted me. So for all aspiring writers out there, even if you have not published yet, start working on your author platform now by going live with your website.

I have no idea how many hours I spent researching and looking for just the right photos for the book. There were definitely times when I thought I would never finish by my deadline even though I knew I would never let that happen. I can not describe to you the tremendous sense of accomplishment when the manuscript was completed and I sent it to the publisher.

As I was dinking about on the web the other day, I just happened to stumble upon an Amazon link in a Google search that had my name on it. I was like, “What? What? Could it be?” My book was live on Amazon and Barnes & Noble! I was over the moon with excitement. The only thing I can imagine which will bring this much excitement again is when I receive my physical copy of the book. Holding my baby in my hands for the first time should feel pretty surreal. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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Destination Relaxation: Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Thursday, February 6th, 2014
Grand Teton National Park
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Moose, Wyoming – Located in the Northwest corner of Wyoming lies a beauty that rises majestically above the valley floor – Grand Teton National Park. If you’re looking for a place to take your summer vacation or planning a family reunion destination, Grand Teton National Park is the perfect Destination Relaxation. You’ll enjoy the peaceful tranquility of majestic mountain views, crystal clear lakes and mild summer climate. In addition to fishing, hiking, river rafting and abundant wildlife, you’ll enjoy fine dining, spa treatments and more. (more…)

Grand Teton National Park Easy Hikes with Big Rewards

Monday, January 20th, 2014
Easy Hikes with Big Rewards, Grand Teton National Park

Click to print or save for a quick reference when you’re planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park.

By , @Writing2Day

No matter what your fitness level, there are many hikes to be enjoyed in Grand Teton National Park. Best of all, you do not have to be a mountain climber to enjoy the beautiful vistas, canyons, and waterfalls in the park.

Be Prepared
Weather can and does change rapidly in the mountains. Take along extra clothing when hiking into the higher elevations, wear sunscreen, and take plenty of water and high energy snacks. If you are planning a long hike, start in the morning and keep your eye on the time. You do not want to be caught on the trail after dark.

Be Bear Aware
You will notice these signs everywhere in the park. Take them seriously. At certain times of the year, some trails may be closed due to increased bear activity. Park rangers put on bear safety presentations which you should consider attending. Whenever you are hiking in the park always take along bear spray, know how to use it, have it immediately available, and talk or make noise while you hike. Never hike alone.

Lakeshore Trail Hike at Colter Bay, Jackson Lake
This flat, 2.0 mile loop trail follows the shoreline along a peninsula in Colter Bay. You will enjoy beautiful views of Mount Moran across Jackson Lake and reflections in Colter Bay. The trail begins on a paved service road near the boat docks at the Colter Bay Marina.

Heron Pond and Swan Lake Hike
If you enjoy waterfowl, wildlife, and water lily covered ponds, this hike is for you. Look for trumpeter swans, beaver, moose, and bears. This relatively flat hike starts at Colter Bay Village and is a 3.0 mile loop.

Willow Flats Shuttle or Loop Hike
When snow still covers the mountain trails in the spring, the Willow Flats area west of Jackson Lake will be snow free and ready for hiking. The willows and marshes are prime habitat for a variety of wildlife. Look for moose, sandhill cranes, beaver, bears, and other wildlife. The area is, as the name suggests, flat and it can get rather warm trekking through the flats and open meadows due to the lack of shade trees so you may want to choose a cooler day for this hike. (more…)

Plan Your Trip to Grand Teton National Park

Saturday, January 11th, 2014
Click to print or save as a quick reference for planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park.

Click to print or save as a quick reference for planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park.

, @Writing2Day

I have truly lost track of how many times I have vacationed in Grand Teton National Park. I think it might be six? As we climb towards Togwotee Pass after leaving Dubois and entering the Shoshone National Forest, I am on the edge of my seat with each new bend in the road thinking this will be the one that finally reveals the Tetons in all their majesty.

It is a wondrous site to behold. It never fails that I find myself wondering what it must have been like to be a fur trapper or explorer who had just climbed this far only to see the massive Tetons looming before them across the valley floor of Jackson Hole. I think I would have decided this is where the journey ends and taken out a claim at the base of the Tetons.

I have vacationed many places throughout my lifetime but I always have to fight with myself not to return to Grand Teton National Park. If it wasn’t so far away from family and friends, I very well may have moved here by now. Fair warning – Grand Teton National Park is a hard place to leave. But a vacation here is the trip of a lifetime. (more…)

Grand Teton National Park Photo Gallery

Sunday, December 22nd, 2013
By , @Writing2Day

When I was asked to write the manuscript for the History of Grand Teton National Park, one of my first thoughts was, “That means I will get to take some working vacations there to research. Sign me up!” Since I was a young girl, the park has called my name. I love it so much, I have to force myself to go other places on vacation. I thought I’d share some of my favorite photographs from my “research” trips. I hope you enjoy!
Viewing Tip: If you do not see the arrows on screen to navigate the gallery, use the arrow keys on your keyboard.

See Related Posts: #GrandTetons #GrandTetonNationalPark #Travel