Climbing in Grand Tetons National Park

Our family of 7 understood that climbing with our Exum Adventure guides was going to push us beyond out limits. We were soon to find out just how far that push would be. Our guides, Brenton and Tim set us up with our gear - climbing ropes, helmets and harnesses. The sun is strong and sun screen is a must, The weather can change and heavy clothing and rain gear have to be packed in your back pack along with water and lunch. The experience was not only about climbing, but how to survive on the mountain. 

                                          

Gear in tow, we set off by ferry across Jenny Lake where we hiked a short distance uphill to our climbing point. All geared up, we learned that climbing is all about trusting the strength in your legs.  The mountain doesn't always provide a hand grip. 

      

Zoey and Jesse 1st tier

 We set out on the first of four tiers in two teams. There was no rush as we got the feel for the mountain, a two-hundred foot slab of rock. It was all about completing each segment. The further up we went, the more we understood how far we could push ourselves. Everyone admitted to having that one point where they had to dig deep to keep going. For me, the last ten feet were one of those just do it  moments.  Adam, the last climber on my team exhausted his cell battery taking these great pictures of us climbing.  

                                          

                         

At the top - almost.  The 4th tier completed, we stopped to eat again. Fueling your body is as important as staying hydrated.

                                                                                        

It was our choice if we wanted to go further. Reluctantly, I joined Zoey, Jesse, Adam and Michael while Ben and Melissa waited for us to repel over the overhang.

       

We hiked down a rocky trail alongside Hidden Falls back to the ferry.

                                         

 Later that evening we celebrated with a well deserved dinner at The Blue Lion and dessert at Moo's Ice Cream.





  

It was the best family adventure ever and 5/7 of us would definitely do it again.

                                                             

  

Sunrise Tour Grand Tetons

Our day started early. Sunrise is 5:44 in Jackson Hole and sunset is 9:08. That's about fifteen hours of daylight. At promptly 6am our guide, Mike picked up our party of 7 from the front of our hotel.

      

         

It was well worth getting up so early. Mike was knowledgeable about the history, wildlife and geology of the park and local area. Only 3% of land is publicly owned in Jackson Hole. There are very few privately owned lands left in the park. Most were donated to the National Park Service.
Having a guide gives you an in to wildlife hot spots. However, there's no guarantee that the animals will cooperate. Grisly bear 399 and her cub had been spotted the day before, but we had no luck. We did see deer, bison and beaver which was on the top of Jesse's list.  Our first attempt at finding beaver was not successful, but on our way back they we got to see a beaver floating around his dam.

  

 

Smaller animals can be harder to find. The kids, big and small, loved using the high definition binoculars and viewing scope provided by the tour. They came in handy when viewing a moose and her calf from a distance. 

View from the top hatch was also fun.

                 



We were lucky to have a clear morning. The reflection off the lake was amazing.

                                     

If you've never been to the park before, seeing the Tetons with a guide is well worth the money.

http://www.jacksonholewildlifetours.com

 

    It was all about the total experience and not the individual sightings.

Day 1- Jackson Hole, Wy

Cowboy Coaster

Started the day early with a visit to Snow King Mountain and a ride on the Cowboy Coaster. After their 1st ride the kids convinced Melissa and me that it was like riding Space Mountain in the wide open. Okay, we agreed to give it a try.  The track is a mile long with twists and fast hairpin turns. The back rider can control the brake, but Jesse suggested we just let it go. Would I go again? Absolutely. 

  

Phil Baux Park

A short walk down the road from the Snow King Sports Center is a great playground. Everyone took a turn at the free challenging rock walls.

There's also a play area for smaller children. 

                   

National Museum of Wildlife Art

Located 2.5 miles from the town of Jackson is a hidden gem. The entire visit is 60-90 minutes. Just long enough not to bore younger children. There are hands on interactive exhibits for kids. The colorful Andy Warhol endangered species exhibit and the National Geographic photo exhibit  bring awareness to the importance of animal conservation. There are indoor and outdoor scopes for looking out at the Elk Refuge and opportunities for young artist to draw and leave their work or # a selfie.  

 

      

  

   

And this was just the first day...