Day 1: Phelps Lake, Mormon Row and Snake River Brewery
We took our time waking up, eating breakfast and getting a little more settled into the condo before venturing out. It happened to be Public Lands Day so entrance in to the park was free. Not that it really mattered for us since we'd eventually need to buy a week pass anyway, but my only hope was that the park wouldn't be too crowded. Patti also had an after thought we should have used today to go up to Yellowstone since we were so close! We decided to do a hike to Phelps Lake so we made our way to the Laurance S Rockefeller Preserve where the trailhead was located. It was a little over 2 miles to the lake where we stopped for a quick snack. Carson was fascinated with a chipmunk that that tried very hard to get a bite of his "cookie bar." Cooper also decided he was hungry so Patti and I found a spot on the lakeshore to hang out while Reid and Mark decided to continue around the lake which was about 5 miles. Carson passed the time by throwing rocks in to the water, a favorite activity of his. And once Cooper was content, we decided to walk around the lake to catch up with Mark (as Reid trail-ran in the opposite direction). On our way back up to the main trail, we encountered a fox who came about 10ft in front of us! Good thing they are timid around humans!! From this point on Carson hiked almost the whole way back to the car. We were out and about at nap time, so we had a meltdown towards the end, but thankfully got him to continue on by offering some snacks. So proud of him for hiking almost 2 miles. And as for wildlife spotting, unfortunately the fox and chipmunk were the extent of that for everyone but Reid who saw a moose on his run. (full album)
After our hike we drove through the park to the historic Mormon Row for me to take some pictures of the famous barn. The scenery was beautiful!
Next we headed in to Jackson for an early dinner at Snake River Brewing Company. I had a delicious pulled pork sandwich with one of the best side salads a stout. But Reid hit the jackpot with his IPA he ordered. Our past favorite IPA was brewed by Red Hook in Woodinville, WA but this one tops it no questions asked! YUM! So good we got a growler ;)
Day 2: Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls
Day 2 started with a breakfast BUST! We planned to go in to Jackson and eat at the Bunnery since Reid had been raving about this place for weeks. Well it was busy and we didn't want to wait so we walked around Jackson to a few other places, that were also busy, and finally settled on breakfast (at 11am) at The Post which was at Snow King Mountain, the local ski resort. I LOVE going out for breakfast and let me tell you this was the worst breakfast I've had :( So sad we wasted our time running around Jackson only to settle on a crappy breakfast. But now on to hiking. We headed to Jenny Lake (recommended by many people). It was pretty, but nothing spectacular. You can either take a boat or hike back to Hidden Falls, so we opted for the hike. On our hike out we passed some people who told us there was a moose close-by but unfortunately we didn't see him. At least we got a little more glimpse of fall foliage on this hike. (full album)
Day 3: Colter Bay and Scenic Photos
On our last day for sight-seeing Reid and I woke up early to head up to Jackson Lake Lodge where I heard there were some huckleberry pancakes to try! Jackson Lodge was also at the north end of the park and I'm glad we ventured up here because the views were AMAZING and there was more fall colors to be seen. If you ever make your way to the Tetons do yourself a favor and take a trip to Jackson Lodge. The views of Mt Moran from the lobby area are breathtaking!! And while you are there you might as well go get some huckleberry pancakes at the Pioneer Grill because they were delish! After breakfast we met up with Patti and Mark at our first scenic pull out at Willow Flats. While taking in the beauty of the Teton Range, we spotted some elk making his mating calls. Oh and then that was ruined by a tired 2 year old who decided to throw a tantrum (and himself in the dirt). Sorry for ruining the peace!
Next was a drive over to Coulter Bay (full album) to hike at Jackson Lake. This was probably my favorite hike of the trip, even though it was the shortest. Guess I just need to move back to where there is water!
After Colter Bay, Reid and I headed back to the condo with the boys and stopped for a few more scenic photos on the way (and to let the boys nap). First we stopped at Oxbow Bend which had amazing fall foliage against the Snake River and Teton Range. Next was a stop at the Snake River Overlook which is the location of the famous Ansel Adams photo, and lastly we stopped for a family photo at the Grand Teton National Park sign. This might be the best photo of our trip because it sums everything up perfectly when traveling with a baby and toddler. Mom and Dad are making the best of it, the toddler is just doing his own thing, and the baby is crying because he is clearly just over the trip, ha!
Overall we had a wonderful time. Jackson is great as everything you would want to do visiting there was no more than 1hr 30m away (aside from making a trip to Yellowstone). Thankfully our trip home only took 11hrs and both boys really did travel so well. The next big trip like this will not be planned until I'm done breastfeeding and maybe Cooper is walking. I'm glad we ventured out with the boys, but it is hard work!! (full album)
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