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Connie Jun 29th, 2003 04:13 AM

Grand Teton hiking
 
I've done a search and surprisingly can't find much info here on good hikes.

We saw a ranger program once with a slide show on a hike that goes pretty far up on one of the mountains but could be done by people in fairly good physical condition--not just technical climbers.

Any suggestions? Thanks


HowardR Jun 29th, 2003 04:28 AM

Here are a couple websites which have some info on Grand Teton hikes:
http://www.grand.teton.national-park.com/falls.htm (includes info on hikes to some of the Teton waterfalls)
http://www.jacksonholenet.com/grandteton
(includes a list of about 25 hikes, with the distances of each)
You also should try a google search for "Hikes in the Grand Teton" or similar words.

bob_brown Jun 29th, 2003 10:00 AM

I think Amphitheater Lake might fit that requirement for you. The lake itself is directly below the summit of the Grand itself. The trail up is fairly steep, and you need to be in good condition to make the hike without being nearly exhausted when you return.
the climb to the lake is more than 3,000 vertical feet, which should give you a fair workout.


Photodog Jun 29th, 2003 12:29 PM

If you are looking for a spectacular backpacking trip would highly recommend parking at String Lake. Take the Paintbrush Canyon Trail to Lake Solitude then down Cascade Canyon 19.2 miles. If you want a longer trip instead of coming down Cascade Canyon continue behind the largest peaks (Grand, Middle and South Tetons) to Alaska Basin and come down the Alaska Basin Trail to the jct with Death Canyon Trail (don't let the name scare you). Then walk in front of the same peaks, through the valley so you get different perspective back to your car. The loop will take you three days and 2 nights. The day hike up Cascade Canyon to Lake Solitude is about 8 miles. If you turn left instead of right (Lake Solitude)at the junction you can get behind the above peaks in about the same distance. Flowers in late July are unbelievable. Other nice hikes are 2.8 miles from String Lake to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls (or .9m if you take the boat ride). Loop around Jenny Lake is 7 miles (or cut in half with boat ride. If you want to start out high take the tram in Teton Village. Good luck.

Connie Jul 1st, 2003 11:50 AM

Thanks, HowardR, bob_brown and Photodog. Sounds like just the ideas I needed. We leave in 10 days.

bob_brown Jul 1st, 2003 12:40 PM

My advice is to go until you cannot go. I did my share of it when I was younger, but now, at 70, my mobility is less than it was and my climbing days are behind me. So in looking back over it, I have one regret: I wish I had done more when I was able.
I used to figure I would be back soon.
Well, soon did not come soon enough.
So do it while you can and don't let a little fatigue stop you. A lot of fatigue, yes listen to your body, but keep at it and do all you can while you can. You will not regret it.
Just be very careful, and don't push it when you are really tired, because one injury spoils the whole trip.

Connie Jul 2nd, 2003 09:33 AM

You are right bob_brown.

My perspective is that I have cancer and although I have lived with it for 23 years, every few years it pops back up and I have to go through treatments that stops my life for about six months. I never know when I won't be able to go anymore. So, even though I have medical bills, I choose to travel when possible. (Yes, I am paying them off)

When I am dying, I know that memories from my trips will be some of my fondest memories.

The last few years I've made a point of going places and doing things I've always wanted to do--not later. Alaska, snowmobiling Yellowstone, staying in Yellowstone Inn, hiking more are some things we've made a point of doing.

We have visited Yellowstone, Tetons, and Glacier several times but haven't taken the time to do much hiking. It seems like we always have a first-timer that we have to show the usual sights to.

This year, I want to get away from the roads and really hike.


diazkris Jul 2nd, 2003 01:10 PM

There are some beautiful hikes off to top of the ski lift that runs throughout the summer. In July the wild flowers are beautiful. We've backpacked and done day trips off the top. Have fun!


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