This year continued with Hubs back living on “job-site”. Instead of residing in Uruguay, like he did for 3 months last year, Hubs has been staying 8 hours away in Jackson Hole, WY. I wasn’t waiting 6 weeks to see my man – ever again – so we flew up for 2 visits this summer. (8hour drive from Denver or 1hour flight & if you watch prices enough you can snag a round trip flight for less than $120 – I’m assuming that’s only for off season)
Jackson Hole is one of my favorite places to visit. You have Grand Teton smack dab in the landscape. Unlike where we live in Colorado, we do not have to drive 2 hours through foothills and front range to see massive mountains! Also, it’s full of wildlife. Moose, elk, deer, fox, weasels and chipmunks are seen daily. DAILY!
I think everyone should visit Yellowstone National Park at least once. But I also think it’s worth the time to discover some other gems within one-hour driving distance.
Phelps Lake Overlook
Grand Teton National Park is absolutely lovely. You’re closest to “The Grand” and still have views of bison and elk. We took our first hike to Phelps Lake Overlook this year and it was not a disappointment! In May Death Canyon Trail was closed so it was very exciting to see access to the trailhead open in June. Let me say, the drive to the parking area is sketchy. As if Moose-Wilson Road wasn’t exciting enough. There are many rocks and a ridiculous uneven driving surface (4wheel drive recommended). We pulled off early and walked to the trailhead.
The hike is about a mile, and it’s lovely. We arrived later in the day, 6:30pm, so it wasn’t nearly as warm for early June. Flowers were in bloom and we heard running water pretty much the entire time hiking. I greatly appreciate how much care and maintenance go into this path!
I couldn’t help but feel like we were walking up through a fairy garden. The large stone steps, and white flowers hugging the sides of the path, wood bridges – all the protective trees. I was too busy enjoying myself forgetting to take more photos. You are in a cocoon of nature and it’s worth it to be in the moment! When you reach the overview – wow – it’s unexpected and utterly breathtaking!
The short hike is 100% worth the time. You’re looking down upon the lake & Death Canyon – which is just a cool name. I suggest packing a nice little beverage (other than water) or snack. Pop-a-squat on the large rock across from the view. We sat there for at least 30 minutes having the entire place to ourselves. We were the last ones down the path that day. We did not make the entire Phelps Lake Loop – because of time we just had enough to get up to the overlook and back to the car before it got too dark.
From an old lady hiker: The stairs are not terribly steep. I’ve hiked some waterfalls and the steps are so steep they are another hike all together. This isn’t the case. I did not need my hiking poles. We did not have problems with bugs since it was still a bit cooler in early June. No sit-down bathrooms. The path is narrow – so if you’re trying to avoid people, it’s not possible.
Funny, people were flying past us on the way down and I was starting to feel out of shape. Our pace was also quick coming down – I didn’t realize the almost 1k feet elevation change.