From Salt Lake City to Grand Teton NP

09.09.-10.09.24

We set off again early in the morning from SLC towards Teton National Park. The breakfast, as expected, is more than meager, but there is coffee and the initial hunger is satisfied. We drive east into the mountains through Park City and the Olympic region.

We are back at an altitude of 3,000 m.

The first stop is at Bear Lake around noon, which is located on the border of the US-states Idaho and Utah.

The lake is also at an altitude of 1,800 m.

After coffee and cheese sandwiches, we drive across a plateau through Alpine and Jackson to the highly rated Heart 6 Ranch. Unfortunately, there were no other accommodations available near the NP that would have been affordable. The reviews say, “Ranch booked, ranch received.”

On the way to the ranch, a few bison cross the road, completely unbothered by traffic, and we catch our first glimpses of the Grand Teton range.

The first impression of the ranch is, well, not great, but the room is clean and considerably nicer than in Salt Lake City.

Moreover, we have a great terrace with a fantastic view right outside our room, allowing us to enjoy the sunset in our rocking chairs in the evening.

In sight, there is a forest fire; let’s hope it doesn’t come closer.

The next morning, we head towards Jenny Lake to go for a hike. We get an annual pass for $80 at the entrance, which allows us to enter all national parks. The first stop is already breathtaking.

At Jenny Lake, we start our hike and first pass by Moose Point. Hikers coming towards us tell us that there are moose there. And indeed, it’s worth the detour; we see a pair of moose standing peacefully in the lake. Unbelievable, our first moose.

We continue on the 4-hour Jenny Trail around the lake. 

We see bald eagles, at least we think they are, and the views of the lake are breathtaking time and again. 

Everyone here is carrying bear spray, and we are glad not to encounter a grizzly. 

Since we've been living on cheese sandwiches for days, we decide to have burgers at Trapper Grill, right by the lake.

On the way back, we see a few white pelicans at the Jackson Lake Dam.

On the way back to the ranch, the smell of smoke becomes more pronounced; the wind isn’t in our favor today, but we are not getting evacuated yet.