Posts Tagged ‘hiking’

Hiking to Goodwin Lake

Posted on: September 2nd, 2019 by thcAdmin No Comments

Level: Moderate

Distance: 2.5 miles, 5 miles round trip

Goodwin Lake is a classic Jackson Hole hike, providing some beautiful views of the Tetons. Goodwin Lake is located on the eastern side of the valley and its trail head is accessed via the National Elk Refuge. Getting to the trail head provides a scenic drive through the refuge.

The trail begins with a few climbs and then undulates for most the remaining hike. Its nice to get the elevation gain out of the way early, it warms you up fast and gets the painful part out of the way quickly. At the end you will be at Goodwin wake, which can provide for an exhilarating swim. Jackson Peak is the mountain that dominates most of your Southerly views. You will see a considerable amount of beetle kill in this area, a sad problem plaguing forests in the Rockies.

The hike can be lengthened by adding in the summit of Jackson Peak, which rewards the hiker beautiful views of the valley.

Directions:

The drive will take about 30 minutes from the Jackson Town Square. From the town square follow Broadway to its eastern terminus, which is a few blocks past the hospital. Take the Left out onto the National Elk Refuge, it is 10 miles to the trail head from this point. Follow this road for 3.6 miles then take a Left, do not continue straight over the cattle guard. At 4.7 miles go Right proceeding past the Curtis Canyon Campground (7.3 miles in) until you reach the trailhead parking area. Follow the road. The drive does not require four wheel drive, just a little clearance.


General Information

Water, sunscreen and supportive footwear are recommended. You can always make it a picnic hike. Enjoy!

Wildflowers are Blooming!!!

Posted on: July 22nd, 2019 by thcAdmin No Comments

The wildflowers are starting to pop all over the valley. Southern exposures in particular are showing color. Soon the bloom will be working its way North into Yellowstone. Truly amplifying the overall Park experience. The majority of the bloom is currently in the Southern end of the valley.  For optimal viewing I would suggest hiking or biking in the Munger Mountain,  Cache Creek, Game Creek or Snow King Mountain areas. All of these areas are starting to gain good color with a wide variety of species in bloom. The lower to mid elevations of  Teton Pass have been delightful to explore over the last week as the flowers have begun to show  their colors there as well.

Going into late June and early July the bloom should begin to work its way well into both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. It looks like it should be a good year for those seeking to take in the Western wildflower bloom while touring the area. Guided tours are a great way to gain some in depth knowledge of the area and can make it a pleasure to explore our vast ecosystem. Horseback riding, hiking and biking tours will allow a deeper immersion into this special time of year with a bit more solitude. Slow it down and enjoy what Mother Nature is sharing.

wildflowers jackson hole

Shadow Mountain

Posted on: September 18th, 2018 by thcAdmin No Comments

Explore Shadow Mountain for beautiful views of the Teton Range. Shadow Mountain provides a nice getaway. Without travelling too far for a little solitude. Dramatic views of the Tetons can be obtained. Be prepared for a bumpy dirt road to access the area.

Mountain biking and ATV’s are permitted in this area, as it is National Forest. A trail network runs through the mountain area. Not overly crowded, yet virtually within Grand Teton National Park. Maps can be obtained at the Visitor’s Center in Jackson. They are located at 532 N. Cache. Their number is (307) 733-3316.

Shadow Mountain

If you are hungry and in need of a drink stop by Dornan’s. You can also rent a bicycle from them. Stop into Moosely Mountaineering for your gear needs.

ATV rentals are available through Jackson Hole Adventure Rentals.

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Posted on: July 3rd, 2018 by thcAdmin No Comments

Sponsored by the Jackson Hole Historic Society and Museum, immerse yourself in the Old West. These tours are of no cost and will visit the buildings that helped sculpt the face of Jackson. Tour guides will provide an in depth background on the town of Jackson and its influence on the valley of Jackson Hole and the National Parks. Many a colorful character has graced the valley with his or her presence. These tours provide terrific insight into what Jackson was like during the days of the Wild West.

These free tours begin at the statue at the center of the Town Square and end at the Historic Society Museum.

Tours take place from Memorial Day to Late September.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday tours begin at 10:30 a.m. at the center of the town square.

For further information click.

String Lake

Posted on: September 26th, 2017 by thcAdmin No Comments

String Lake is located in Grand Teton National Park. The trail head is accessed at the south end of String Lake via the String Lake parking area. The trail provides access to Jenny, Leigh & String lakes, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade and Paintbrush canyons. The lake is located at the base of Mount Saint John, and connects Leigh Lake to Jenny Lake. You can branch out, if you want, and create various loops by linking different segments of trail to thoroughly explore the area’s entire trail network.

string lake mount moran

Circling String Lake itself provides a hike of just less than 3.5 miles with just under 600′ in elevation gain. The trail’s elevation gain occurs along the backside of the lake. As the trail meanders west along the very base of the Tetons, wonderful views of the area abound. The water tends to be fairly warm due to the lake’s shallowness. Bring a swim suit and a towel so you can take a dip. The water’s clarity is unsurpassed. The lake is quite shallow.

String Lake has always been a great place to kayak or canoe on calm waters. In recent years the lake has become quite popular with Stand Up Paddle Boarders. You can rent watercraft at at Dornan’s, located near the Moose visitors center. Inner tubes are fun to take out as well. On the weekends it can get a little crowded, locals come out in good numbers.

string lake

To get there, turn west off the Teton Park Road at the North Jenny Lake Junction and continue roughly 1.5 miles to the String Lake Trailhead. There is a large parking area, it will fill up at mid afternoon during peak season.

Hiking the King

Posted on: September 9th, 2017 by thcAdmin No Comments

Get a quick and easy workout right on the edge of town. Hiking Snow King will provide dramatic views of the valley, glimpses of wildlife and a great workout. By the time you summit your worries will be left behind. Bring some water along so you don’t get dehydrated. Many locals take advantage of the mountain being “in their backyard.” During seasons of operation, one can download utilizing the Summit Chair for $2 and enjoy sweeping views of the valley while descending in comfort. The hike takes from 40 minutes to an hour depending upon individual fitness level.

Take advantage of the picnic tables on the deck of the summit house and pack a snack, lunch or dinner. During the long days of summer the Summit Chair operates until 8pm. If you simply want to take in the view and forgo the workout, $15 is the price to ride. There is a short nature trail to tour at the top. The chairlift ride takes roughly 15 minutes. Your ride can be captured on film, there is a company that offers photos of your chair as you summit the mountain, quite a nice shot.

There are a few different ways to go up and/or down the mountain. Consulting staff or obtaining a map will help you select the best route for your hike.

Phelps Lake

Posted on: August 5th, 2016 by thcAdmin No Comments

Phelps Lake in Grand Teton national Park can provide for excellent day hiking. Many will choose to only go to the overlook and return to the comfort of their vehicles and touring of the park. Those looking for a little more can choose to circumnavigate the lake or explore Death Canyon. Phelps Lake serves at the gateway to Death Canyon.

The area is beautiful. Once you get beyond the overlook the crowds will disappear. Pack some lunch, making it a day hike up Death Canyon provides dramatic contrast.  The canyon walls tower above you. At the top of the hike there are sweet views of the Teton Shelf.

Trails lead to the lake from the Laurence Rockefeller Center as well. You can add a couple miles to your adventure and see the center as well.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone Open

Posted on: May 4th, 2015 by thcAdmin No Comments

The South entrance to Yellowstone National Park, which is the nearest to Jackson Hole, is ready to accept visitors. Spring is an adventurous time of year to visit the area. Weather can be unpredictable, but wildlife is on the move! The melting snowpack provides a beautiful contrast to the local mountains.

elk refuge sleigh ride jackson hole wy

Most animals in the area will follow the receding snow  line into the high country surrounding the valley. Elk in particular migrate in large number in and out of Yellowstone, wintering here on the National Elk Refuge. You may see large numbers of animals still on the refuge or just a few stragglers, depending upon the snowpack.

yellowstone national park bison

 

Jackson Hole Mountain Games

Posted on: May 28th, 2014 by thcAdmin No Comments

June 20-22, 2014

The Jackson Hole Mountain Games will make Jackson Hole the epicenter of an adventure athlete’s dream weekend. Running, bouldering, mountain biking, paragliding, SUP, product demos, clinics, food, DJs and free concerts. This events intends to be an exceptional celebration of the adventure lifestyle that thrives in the heart of America’s quintessential mountain town. Check out this event!!!

Previously hosted under the name of Outer Local Summer Games, the event has been rebranded.

For more information and to register, visit: www.jhmountaingames.com.

Its An Early Spring 2012

Posted on: May 12th, 2012 by The Hole Concierge No Comments

We are curently being blessed with fabulous Spring weather. The warmer temperatures this season have melted out the lower elevations. Hiking and biking trails are accessible throughout the valley. Take advantage of these conditions and get out there and enjoy the day! As the photo illustrates, the lower slopes of the peaks in Grand Teton National Park are now melting out and should provide for some earlier than usual access to many higher alpine areas. It has been a few years since the Jackson Hole area has had weather like this. Locals and visitors can be heard commenting on the good weather and inviting conditions to getting out and exploring the area.

Rent a bike or take a hike, the community pathways system is clear. Trails in Cache Creek are clean of snow and mud.  Soon the Cache-Game divide should be clear of snow. Other near town trails should be go to go by mid-may. On Teton Pass only the lower trails should be explored, below Phillips. Snow King is pretty clear as one can tell just by looking. In Grand Teton National Park the trail from Moose to Jenny Lake is ready to go, this is a paved trail parralleling the Teton Range at its base.

Getting out on the river would be another good way to spend the day. A whitewater or scenic float down the Snake River.  Enjoy the sunshine and take in some wildlife. The river corridor is an excellent place to see wildlife. Rivers are still cloudy with spring runoff. Contact a local fishing outfitter if you’d like to get into some trout. Just over the border in daho local waterways are coming on line.