the hardscrabble lives the early settlers lived in this inhospitable yet intensely charismatic land.
The 6-mile section next to the Teton Park Road is absolutely exquisite. Whether you ride or walk, the scenery, fresh mountain air, and grins on all the faces of the people you meet will make your heart sing. There are bike stands along the way to lock your bike while exploring on foot. For cyclists who want to go further afield, you can ride the shoulder of Teton Park Road and US-26 to Jackson Lake and the northern portions of the park. At the other end, the paved path extends from the town of Jackson out into Teton County for many miles. Another unusual way to experience the Tetons is by boat. Scenic cruises are available on both Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake and some outings offer dinner and even breakfast as you sail. Lots of people also paddle around in rented kayaks and canoes. We were astonished to find an unexpected and gorgeous beach on Jackson Lake. We had the place to ourselves one morning, and we walked along the pebbly shore admiring the colorful rounded stones submerged in the crystal clear water. Suddenly, a group of kayakers came down to the water’s edge with a guide, and they stood in a circle receiving instructions on kayaking. In no time they were paddling across the lake. A while later we watched them land on a distant shore. Then a
In contrast to the simple antique buildings that dot the park, the Jackson Lake Lodge was constructed in 1955 just after the park first opened in 1950, and built with concrete, glass, and steel in a post-World War II style that embraces modernism. Designed to bring the outside in, one of the most eye-popping views in the whole park is of the Teton Mountain Range through a wall of windows in the gracious lobby. It is well worth a stop just to gaze through those windows or splurge on a meal in the Mural Dining Room, which features another spellbinding view through another wall of windows. Another spot to enjoy a multi-million-dollar view over a meal is on top of a mountain at Jackson Hole resort just outside the park. Panoramic views surrounded us as we rode the Bridger Gondola up the mountain. A beer and burger outside on The Deck at the top capped off a sensational afternoon. Biking, Hiking, and Boating The opportunities for immersion in all this natural beauty are endless. The Grand Teton Pathway is a 21-mile-long paved trail along the base of the mountains between Jackson and Jenny Lake.
Cyclists on the Grand Teton Pathway
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
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