Grand Teton National Park (July 2009)
Arrival in Jackson Hole
After a long day of travel, I arrived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming the evening before my big day at Grand Teton National Park. Even in the fading light, I could feel the mountains calling. This was my first time in this part of the Rockies, and I was full of excitement (and maybe a little awe). I prepped my gear and rested up, eager to see what the morning would bring.
A Morning with the Mountains
Driving into the park early that morning, I had to stop just to take it all in. The Tetons rise dramatically—jagged, snow-tipped, and raw—straight out of the Jackson Hole valley floor. Unlike most mountain ranges, there’s no foothill buffer. Just flat land, then BAM—peaks.
My day began with a ranger-led hike around the base of the mountains. The rangers shared incredible insights about how the Tetons formed (spoiler: it involved a 40-million-year-old fault line) and the wildlife that calls this place home. Moose, elk, bears—oh my!
After the hike, I grabbed lunch at the visitor center and spent time soaking in the exhibits and panoramic views from the deck. I couldn’t get enough of the scenery.
Signal Mountain Summit Views
In the early afternoon, I drove up to the top of Signal Mountain. It offers one of the best panoramic overlooks in the park, and it did not disappoint. From the summit, you get a commanding view of the entire Teton Range, as well as Jackson Lake spread out below like a mirror to the sky. I snapped tons of photos—it felt like standing on top of the world.
Jenny Lake Ferry and Hike
That afternoon I boarded the Jenny Lake ferry, which cuts across the glacial waters to the base of Cascade Canyon. The short boat ride saved me several miles and gave me more time for hiking.
I took on a 4-mile roundtrip hike up the trail, surrounded by alpine beauty and serenity. The weather was perfect—clear skies, crisp air, and sunlight dancing on the cliffs and evergreens. Every step felt like a postcard come to life.
A Cozy Night at Colter Bay
That evening, I settled into a tent cabin at Colter Bay Village—simple accommodations but surrounded by the sounds of nature. I grabbed a quick bite to eat at the camp diner, then curled up inside my canvas-walled cabin as the cool mountain air swept in. I slept well that night, feeling both grateful and humbled.
Trip Photos
Final Thoughts
Grand Teton National Park left a deep impression on me. The sharp peaks, clear lakes, and quiet forests felt both ancient and alive. This trip ignited something in me—a thirst for more wild places and unforgettable views. For any adventurer dreaming of the mountains, the Tetons are a must.
See you on the trail.