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During September, I’ll work on two pages simultaneously. This September Foliage 2016 post will contain more specific information about the ever changing foliage status in the area. The September 2016 Daily Journal of Photos & Comments for Grand Teton National Park & JH Page will contain some foliage information, but will focus more on wildlife and landscapes. You’ll want to go to both regularly. Continue reading “Foliage Reports September/October 2016 :”
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”
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”
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”