Day 10 Teton Pass and Grand Teton National Park

Yesterday we drove through the Teton Pass into the Bridger-Teton National Forest.  The views from the summit (‘8431) were spectacular.  You could see all of Jackson Hole and the surrounding mountains. We checked out the trails in the area and locations of the trail heads, as we decided which hike is next on our itinerary.  So many choices and factors to consider, especially weather conditions, and body conditions…..

We then drove to the Teton Village explored a bit before continuing on to our next stop. If you are not into hiking, there is a tram that runs during the summer and fall for about $35 PP that takes you to the top of the mountain.  There are also a number of bike rental shops in the village and a great bike trail that runs for miles through the valley.

Nest stop Grand Teton National Park where Steve officially bought his lifetime “Senior Pass” he was so excited.  The park itself was quite busy; surprisingly number of tourists for this time of the year. Most of the Park is a dirt road since it’s a wilderness area. It was funny how when one car spots wildlife everyone immediately pulls over in both directions for viewing causing a major traffic jam and line-up of cars and everyone starring into the woods looking for the moose or bear.

Our destination was “Moose” but saw a turn off for the Laurance S. Rockefeller preserve so decided to check it out.  A little history…..

With a generous donation from Laurance S. Rockefeller, visitors to Grand Teton National Park have access to over 1,100 acres of pristine land located on the shores of Phelps Lake. Now known as the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, the former JY Ranch property originally had been purchased by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1932, and served as the Rockefeller family's summer retreat for nearly 70 years. To create the preserve, 30 log buildings and two roads were removed from the property, the land was returned to its natural state, a trail system was created and a visitor center built. Mirroring the vision of its donor, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve opened to the public in June of 2008.

The preserve center serves as a starting point for the eight-mile network of trails that leads visitors on self-directed hikes to scenic and ecologically significant areas of the preserve, including Lake Creek, Phelps Lake and the adjacent ridges. A 2.5-mile primary loop provides views of Phelps Lake and the Teton Range from a series of rest areas along the trail. The network also includes a handicapped accessible trail a third of a mile long near Lake Creek. You can get further information on their website at: http://www.nps.gov/partnerships/snapshots_grandteton.htm.

Now for the good part while at the park, we saw a huge black bear feeding on the berry bushes just off the trail from the restrooms.  We waited it out snapping away pictures and then the bear left the comforts of the bushes and crossed in front of us.  On our way out of the park the Ranger stopped us and asked us to send her the pictures that we took. Nice!  Total wildlife count= 1 moose, 2 elk, lots of mountain sheep, and one Large Black Bear.