Day 206 - North to Jackson Hole - Part 3

Day 206 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Granite Canyon Trail

With Sunday morning, came another hike in Grand Teton National Park. This time Max and I took the Granite Canyon Trail where we followed the Snake River, raging with whitewater, through meadows of wildflowers and forests of pines and aspens. I found the hike intriguing simply due to the different greenery found here compared to most mountainous areas. It feels unusual to pass by ferns beneath a pine tree.

After our hike, Max and I found a shaded patio for lunch at a café in town. Petey happily got to join us. In mid-afternoon, we said our goodbye’s to Carrie’s family and headed north to Colter Bay Village, one of several places to camp inside of Grand Teton National Park. I wasn’t looking at my watch, but it probably took at least an hour to make it to the northern part of the park.

On our way we passed by several turnouts that provided fantastic views of Grand Teton, Mount Moran, and Jackson Lake. Our campgrounds at Colter Bay are situated beneath shady pines about half a mile from the Colter Bay Marina, a general store, two restaurants, a laundry and shower area, as well as a visitor center. The Park has three or four villages like this! For a National Park, the campgrounds are very nice – shade and running water.

Max and I started walking with Petey around Colter Bay, as the path was wide enough for a vehicle, paved, and was not marked with a “no dog” picture, but on second thought since the path was named Lake Shore “Trail” and dogs weren’t allowed on trails, but were in paved parking lots, we double checked. Petey didn’t get to go, but he did get a good view of the lake.

To my surprise, the lettuce wraps, fried cheese, and cheese burger were all good at the Village restaurant. We will probably try it again tomorrow night. ETB