We picked out a 3 day, 2 day trip that started off with the boat ride across Jenny Lake (elevation 6780 feet) and then a mile of switchbacks up to Inspiration Point (elevation 7200 feet). From there we slowly meandered up the Cascade Canyon, past Valhalla Canyon, always with the sound of rushing water in the background. (This is the quintessential Grand Teton hike and so we had lots of company on the trail.)
At the Forks (elevation 7800) we turned south. And really started the climb. It is hard to describe the hike -- exquisite trees, steep canyon walls, snow packs, a bear on the trail (we scrambled down into the meadow while banging our poles), rushing & gurgling water. The South Fork Canyon has several hardened campsites and we found one in the early afternoon--pitched the tent and flopped down exhausted. It was all we could do to beat off the mosquitos that are as big as all Wyoming!
The next day we left our site and did a day hike further up the South Fork Canyon. The sky was so blue; the water sound so loud, melting snow, lush meadows. And the trail kept climbing. Our decision point: do we go to Hurricane Pass or Avalanche Divide? I'm not sure what the theme of natural disasters is here -- but we opted for Avalanche Divide. The trail was supposedly a bit longer, a bit higher, and led back into the heart of the Tetons. Sure. And I wanted to hike on snow.
UP UP UP. Avalanche Divide trail ends at the top -- 10,680 feet! With views of the snow covered Wind River Mountains to the east and the plains in Idaho (through Hurricane Gap) to the west. And glaciers and the Teton Peaks and hidden alpine lakes. Oh, it was so beautiful and so welcome a reward.
Then back down to the campsite for another night swatting bugs. Out the Canyon today.
The trip so exceeded our expectations!!
Off to Idaho Falls. A shower!
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| Jenny Lake in the background...the fun begins |
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| Packing Heat -- they really push carrying bear spray on hikes and a ranger loaned Alan a can. We did point it at the black bear along the trail. But he was SO NOT interested in us! Thank goodness! |
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| Avalanche Divide. Kit and Snowdrift Lake -- they feed Avalanche Creek and then Taggart Lake. |
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| View of Backsides of the Grand Tetons. |
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| View across to Hurricane Pass and over Schoolroom Glacier |
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| Waterfalls and Rocks and Trees. Run the faucet in the background for full effect. |
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| The Wall (see Alan?) |
Oh yeah. Tell that bear you are standing your ground. Let's see. Bear vs can o' spray? I don't care what the ranger in his cabin told you.
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