Trail Thursday: Grand Teton National Park

I've been fortunate enough to visit the Grand Teton National Park twice. The first time was in 2015 when we did an impromptu trip to Yellowstone and drove through the Tetons enroute to Yellowstone. The second time we did get to spend a bit more time in the Tetons (last Summer, 2017), but still never quite enough time (in my point of view). I always feel as though Yellowstone's close proximity to the Tetons overshadows it.

The Tetons are absolutely spectacular and I'd really love to plan an entire trip just visiting it (without Yellowstone).  We've driven through several of the side roads in the National Park (one was just before my Jackson Hole Half Marathon start and it was zero dark thirty...yeah I don't recommend doing that) and there is just so much to see. 

I really do not think that the photos do it justice. I'd also really love to backpack in the park. I know that there are several backcountry options to hike to and that sounds amazing. With having Stella (our pup), it's always a little challenging planning these types of trips (dogs aren't allowed in the backcountry in both Grand Teton & Yellowstone Nat'l Parks), so we aren't able to do them as often as we would prefer. 

Jenny Lake is absolutely beautiful and I'd recommend planning to spend a day just admiring her beauty (if you have the time)! 

Also plan to camp directly in the park. We ended up camping just outside of the park last Summer (we stayed here) because we arrived later over Labor Day weekend and all of the campsites were previously booked. Still a beautiful site and only ~25 minutes outside of the Park/ Jackson Hole Ski Resort area, but I wish we could have gotten a site in the actual park. 

Ever been to Grand Teton National Park?

Camping or backpacking?