Tetonia, Idaho

Ah...the Observatory. This is not its actual name, but the nickname it has earned over many years of use by the seasonal employees. This is an amazing site to camp at, just on the edge of the Bridger-Teton forest right outside of the park. This area overlooks the entire valley and Teton range. Th...

This hike has it all and at 10 miles round-trip, is not difficult depending on the conditions. I hiked it the last weekend of October in tennis shoes and shorts (albeit with leggings) and was dressed adequately for about 2/3 of the hike. The last 1.5 miles on the way to the fire tower was through...

Back in college I was a rafting guide for the daily section of the Green River in Utah. I spent many a weekend in the summer sleeping out under the stars by night and navigating the rapids by day. Naturally I've been anxious to introduce my kids to rafting and this summer we were able to do just ...

Winter is a special time in Grand Teton National Park.  The landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland, and there is a stillness and quiet that you won't find in the busier tourist seasons.  It is also a prime time for spotting wildlife as many species move down from the surrounding mounta...

This is a great spot to camp if the park campgrounds are full (particularly in the summertime). There is a designated camping area at Gros Ventre Campground, but if you're a little too late on the reservations or, like me, would prefer to get away from the crowds, head out into the National Fores...

Enjoy a leisurely drive through the National Elk Refuge as you leave Jackson, Wyoming for Curtis Canyon Campground. A short walk from the campground provides epic views of the Teton Range and the National Elk Refuge. Pour a cup of coffee and enjoy! Curtis Canyon Campground is part of the Bridger-...

When two waterfalls have their own scenic byway, you know it is worth the additional stop. Lower Mesa Falls and Upper Mesa Falls are spectacular waterfalls along the Henrys Fork River, deep in the Grand Targhee Forest. The winding scenic byway yields some spectacular views of the Grand Targhee Fo...

The Mesa Nature Trail begins on the dirt road to the Upper Mesa Falls overflow parking lot. The first mile of the trail is wide and smooth. Pause a half mile in to admire the Henry's Fork from the top of a lava field. The trail terminates at a flat bluff overlooking the top of Upper Mesa Falls. ...

The Palisades Creek Nature Trail is a fun little hike with many photographic opportunities. You can make the hike as short or long as you want, so once you're done taking photos, turn back around and head to your vehicle. The trail does eventually lead to Lower and Upper Palisades Lake, but this ...

This trail is moderately rated and is primarily used for hiking, walking, and exploring. The beginning of the trail is rather steep. Stretches of elevation gain can be quite challenging, but the views are well worth the exertion and the trail does level off after the initial incline. There are so...

Just an hour outside of Jackson Hole, this waterfall is very easy to access. This is also a great spot to camp overnight if you are heading to the Grand Tetons National Park from the West Coast. Look for a sign at the turn out that says “Fall Creek Falls.” If you find yourself on the bridge over ...

If you're heading to Grand Teton National Park from Idaho Falls and are looking to take the most scenic route, make sure to take US 26 E through Palisades Reservoir. The fall colors light up the mountain sides for 20 miles as you drive along the windy road. There are multiple pull offs to capture...

The Signal Mountain campground is my personal favorite campground in Grand Teton National Park as it is exceptionally scenic. It is right on Jackson Lake and has sites located on the lakeshore. Even if you don't score one of these sites, many of the others have great views of the Teton range. Mos...

If you are coming into Yellowstone National Park from the South Entrance Road (also known as Highway 89) be prepared to stop minutes before Lewis Lake to hike to this waterfall. After crossing the bridge over the Lewis River pull over on the right hand side of the road, there should be plenty of ...

It is something fantastic if you know how to use a standup paddle board. Being able to paddle from one lake to another where no roads can reach via a small channel with natural geysers going off and trout rising to morning and afternoon flies. The water being, in some parts, very warm because of...

Harriman State Park offers two yurts that are tucked just inside of the park entrance: Cygnet and Wyethia. With the exception of ADA accessibility, they are both identical in size and amenities. Cygnet is the first Yurt on your right side as you pull down the drive, and Wyethia is a few hundred f...