grandteton — blog — Jun Baniqued Images

Bob loves the mountains; and I love them too. I couldn’t get more excited when he started planning a trip to Wyoming. The last for this year he said.

Top Photo: Obligatory shot of the welcome to Grand Teton National Park Sign
Bottom: Descending at Delta Lake hike; dinner at Hatchet Resort with Christian

After the many months of waiting, we finally made it to the Tetons. We had a smooth flight from Orlando to Dallas to Jackson Hole. Both were on time and with no out of the ordinary issues. But somehow, the weather forecast in Jackson Hole was not what I anticipated. It was overcast, alternating with rain when we arrived. So much with arranging a window seat for that million dollar scenic view of the mountains while still at miles high. Not to mention- it was cold and dreary when we walked to the parking lot. 😂

After we retrieved the car from the rental place and picked up some hiking essentials (a bear spray that cost 50$! And a bug spray that TSA confiscated on our way home- still lucky to NOT use both though), we hit the road for our day one of five adventure.

The rain limited our sightseeing for our first day, but it allowed us to go through the sites we wanted to visit. Kind of like we’re on the track still. The first stop we went to was the Mormon Rows with the view of the John Moulton Barn. With the thick clouds that were covering the mountain, I felt a bit disappointed- still pretty, but would have been nice to see the mountains for the backdraft. After which we went to the Glacier Look Out, JP Cunningham’s Cabin, and the Chapel of Transfiguration- but all were just covered with overcast clouds and rain. By then we decided to drive to and check in and have dinner at Hatchet Resort.

different shots of Mt Moran. L sunrise at Oxbow Bend
Top R- sunrise at Schwabacher Landing Bottom R: sunrise at Snake River

It wasn’t until our second day that we had the glimpse of the mighty Teton; atleast briefly in the morning- before sunrise. We went early to Oxbow Bend for the sunrise and the reflection of Mt Moran at the bend in the Snake River. It didn’t surprise me to see a lot of serious photographers shooting when we arrived. I played one too. It’s surreal to watch the clouds and cover and uncover the mountains. And for a brief moment saw how the sunrise lit up the peak of the mountain and brought out cotton candy colors. Added bonus were the reflections of the moon and the mountains and seeing flocks of ducks enjoying their morning swim too…magical. When the clouds totally covered the mountain, it was time for us to leave. 😉

Delta Lake Trail. Part of our itinerary is to hike the Delta Lake Trail. It is a 7.4 miles trail that starts at Lupine Meadows, classified as difficult trail, it is made of flat inclined which turn to many switchbacks. Not to mention the wildlife (we only saw a bear cub on our way up). It has a difficult 2400ft elevation gain; up over 9,000 ft. The last half mile after more than two hours on the trail, turned to be so difficult; reminded me of the hike in the Andes- rocky. This time I decided not to proceed and Bob followed suit. Christian did. So he got the reward of seeing the pristine water of Delta Lake. The sky had started to clear while we were retracing our steps down; it was then when we finally appreciate the beautiful trail we’re hiking.

Instead of hiking another trail that same day (I was beat- am sure both Bob and Christian too), we just decided to go have early dinner at Dornan’s where we had the full view of the mountains. This time, all elements included: the massive rows of the mountains, some clouds and blue sky, and the yellow colors of trees signifying that fall has begun.

I was taking in the grandiose of the Grand Tetons while enjoying my pasta. I was silently admiring this natural canvass in front of me. The last I had this imagery was when we were in Patagonia in 2022. This experience by far, is second to that.

Everyday view of the Tetons: Top: Highway 287 our main drive through;
Bottom: Dornan's the only grocery and restaurant accessible to the park;

Once done eating we stayed for a few more and finally started to head back to the resort. We made one stop at the visitor center, even here the pompous presence of the Grand Teton is so visible. Next to Arches Visitor Center in Moab, Utah, this one I can say is my next favorite. 🙂

We were tired and beat so we decided to rest early on our second night as we have an early trek to YNP in the next two days (see separate blog: ).

Day 5 is when we have a full day appreciation of The Grand Tetons. It was our date with this majestic park. Our schedule was loaded. 😂

We were up and by the road at 530AM to catch the sunrise at 628AM at John Moulton Barn by the Mormon Rows (again). Gauging from the amount of cars at the parking lot, I knew there were many people and photographers already awaiting for the sunrise when we got there. We parked by the street safely, and I bolted right away to have the glimpse of the most iconic sunrise shot of the Grand Teton. At one point, there were two spectators that tried to ruin the perfect shot for everyone so I have to yell at them “to cover up” at the top of my lungs; luckily they didn’t look back or else, it will be a blood bath (joke)😂😂.

sunrise at the John Moulton Barn at Mormon Rows.

When I thought I got the perfect shot, we left and moved to Teton Turn Point; which gave me another perspective of a sunrise of the mighty Teton. Quick clicks then off to Swchabacher Landing. This one change my composition too; with the sagebrush on the foreground, it gave me another beautiful landscape.

Animals we saw on our hikes. Moose; herds of bisons; and a bear cub;

We did a couple of stops along Highway 287E to take photos of the wildlife. A herd of hundred bisons on our right side and the horses on the left side. Both sceneries were beautiful. Different in their own ways. I was in awe looking and taking photos of them. the horses are by far my favorite photo.

After hundreds of shots😂, we decided to go back to the hotel resort to have breakfast. While we waited 45 mins to be served, we were planning strategically our day. When we’re done eating, we were off to another adventure.

Taggart Lake Trailhead. This wasn’t an original part of the itinerary. But since our attempt to do Delta Lake on Day 2 was challenging; we chose an easy to moderate trail to hike so all could enjoy. The weather was perfect- and with clear blue sky, it allowed us to really see the views. This time I was enjoying the constant presence of one of the peaks of the Grand Tetons. When we finally reach the lake, it was such a view! We rested on one of the rocks and eat some snacks while enjoying its beauty. When its time, we headed down. It was a beautiful easy three hour hike.

It’s so nice to know someone that lives local. A fellow Cape Codder and landscape photo enthusiast @christinewalshandersphoto who is based in Jackson Hole for now messaged and told me to go to The Moose Ponds around 5PM to see a bull moose. I told this to both Bob and Christian and glad we all agreed to check it out. Boy, It did not disappoint! A 20 minute trek at Lupine Meadows to the pond gave us not one, nor two, but three moose which were quietly enjoying their dinner. That was wonderful to watch! I would like to think that it was actually a family, which was an added bonus.

We watch them for sometime until we decided to finally go back to the car. While still inside the park, we went one more time to the Chapel of Transfiguration, enjoyed some serenity, uttered a little prayer, took photos and decided to get some dinner at Dornan’s. And for the last time, enjoyed the sun setting behind the grandiose of the mighty Tetons.