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Hiking Guide
Grand Teton Day Hikes
Although it is perhaps not the best known national park, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is one of the most beautiful areas in the world with glorious rivers and vast plains surrounding a high jagged mountain which is simply breathtaking. It is not surprising therefore that Grand Teton day hikes are some of the most memorable hikes you will ever experience.
The park boasts over 200 miles of hiking trails and no matter what your age, level of fitness or experience you will find a number of trails which are just right for you. And, no matter which trail you select, the scenery will be stunning. For example, if you are backpacking through the Teton Crest you can cover almost 40 miles along the southern border of the park to end up at Paintbrush Canyon and this is a wonderful hike which will involve camping out overnight for a couple of days along the way.
There are too many wonderful sights to describe them all here but one of my favorites is the wildflower covered Alaska Basin and, as you head through the Grand Teton Peaks you will eventually reach Cascade Canyon from where you must head on over to Lake Solitude before you get so entranced by the countryside around you that you decide to make it your permanent home.
If you would like a break from hiking then take a rafting trip down the Snake River which, with little whitewater, is an easy voyage. You will still however get a good workout paddling as you to navigate the many twists and turns of the river and avoid logjams. In fact, if you paddle far enough you will get to Yellowstone National Park and can visit two national parks in the one trip.
If you find yourself visiting the area during the winter then head for Jackson Hole. Here the cross-country skiing is unmatched and Flagg Canyon on the north side is a favorite with both locals and visitors from around the world.
In the summer you can hike along the Phelps Lake Overlook Trail where, climbing southward through forests filled with lodge pole pine, you reach an area which overlooks Phelps Lake and, framed by Douglas fir, you will feel just as if you are in a Hollywood movie.
Also do not forget to hike over to Colter Bay and see the native wildlife including everything from martens and snowshoe hares to deer and marmots. You will also see the odd muskrat or beaver if you are lucky and, if you are patient enough, you might even catch a glimpse of a river otter. Moose and elk are also common sights here.
Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 and today covers almost 500 square miles of spectacular scenery. For the hiker, Grand Teton day hikes are one of the real treats of hiking.
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