some wonderful hiking trails. We hiked through thick woods with occasional lake views to Hidden Falls, a pretty waterfall where white water crashes down the mountainside. From there we hiked to Inspiration Point, which has vast views across the lake. There are dozens of hiking trails all through the park, each more thrilling than the last. Free Music Concerts! But perhaps the biggest surprise was when we bumped into a free outdoor classical music concert on the front porch at Murie Ranch. A chamber music group performed outside in the late afternoon for a small audience seated in folding chairs as birds in the trees sang goodnight to the sinking sun. This turned out to be one of the “On the Road” concerts that are part of the annual summer-long Grand Teton Music Festival. In addition to heavenly music, there was an elegant—and free—wine and cheese party to boot. And this wasn’t Velveeta on a Ritz snacks. We were served stuffed grape leaves and a Chardonnay that really impressed a French couple next to me. After the concert ended, the musicians took questions from the audience. Their answers were delightful. When someone asked how they travel on airplanes with their instruments, cellist answered, “My cello gets its own seat.” Whether your love is hiking, biking, paddling, music, sunbathing, or photography, Grand Teton National Park has something special waiting for you. Our simple advice: spend as many days there as you can.
Dog posing on the shores of Jackson Lake
family came to the beach with small children. They laid out beach towels and had a picnic lunch. The adults sunbathed while the kids played and swam in the water. What fun. We looked up from this classic family summer vacation scene when we heard the faint whir of an outboard motor. Far in the distance a water skier carved sweeping turns across the glassy lake with the stunning mountains as a backdrop. What a place. We swore we would never get tired of the mountain views at the Tetons, and we never have. While we haven’t tried a dinner cruise or kayak rental yet, we thoroughly enjoyed a shuttle boat ride from the marina at Jenny Lake to the opposite shore to
The shoreline of Jackson Lake
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE FALL 2025 | 26
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