Days of Rose, Amber, and Gold

— Find a Subject and Capitalize on the Rich Morning Colors!

Wildfires are a late summer reality across the West. It seems there is at least one wildfire pumping smoke and ash into Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. Sometimes there are half a dozen! A light morning wind can sweep the smoke out of the valley, but when we are surrounded by fires, our chances of a clear morning drop to almost none.

Still…smokey mornings offer possibilities! You can complain, which does no good, or go out and take advantage of the opportunities. Filtered, altered light is often beautiful and captivating. On this particular morning, early sun light had to pass through this intertwined layer of smoke and haze. Continue reading “Days of Rose, Amber, and Gold”

August 23, 2016February 12, 2017

Mary’s Nipple and Peak 9943

Elevation profile for Mary’s Nipple
Elevation and route courtesy of Route Scout

Mary’s Nipple and Peak 9943 are perfect if you’ve ever wanted to climb a peak in the Tetons, but didn’t want to go more than a few miles. The top of the Dreamcatcher Lift at Grand Targhee provides access to a trail that brings you to Mary’s Saddle, where you have the option to climb both peaks from there. The trailhead can be accessed by either taking the Dreamcatcher Lift up, or by hiking up the Bannock Trail. Continue reading “Mary’s Nipple and Peak 9943”

August 18, 2016February 12, 2017

Upper Escalante River Alcove

Elevation profile for the Escalante River Alcove
Elevation and route courtesy of Route Scout

Distance: 3 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time of year: Fall, Spring

The Upper Escalante River Alcove is a great alternative to the increasingly popular Hole-in-the-Rock Road. The out-of-the-way trail brings you into a landscape like something right out of Zion National Park. You follow a healthy desert river through an enormous sandstone canyon with massive golden cliffs. Though you could theoretically follow the Escalante River for dozens of miles all the way down to the destructive waters of Lake Powell, a great half-day hike brings you down the wild river to a giant eroded alcove, larger than a mansion, complete with ancient art that’s unfortunately been damaged by simpler minded people. Regardless, it’s still well worth the trip. Continue reading “Upper Escalante River Alcove”

August 16, 2016February 12, 2017

Bannock Trail

Elevation profile for the Bannock Trail
Elevation and route courtesy of Route Scout

Distance: 3 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best time of year: Spring, Summer, Fall

The Bannock Trail is a great way to experience all the dramatic elevation change that Grand Targhee has to offer. The trail brings you through stunning aspen groves and up to rocky ledges that overlook massive canyons and basins in the Teton Mountains. Continue reading “Bannock Trail”