Another of Jackson Hole’s “Hidden Gems”.
Well…it’s not really that hidden! Instead, you might suggest the 40 acre park is hiding in plain sight along the Snake River at the junction of US Highway 22 and the Moose/Wilson Road (State Road 390). The R Park is nestled next to the Wilson Snake River Boat launch and the bike path.
Rendezvous Park (R Park) is a program of the Jackson Hole Land Trust. Owned by a nonprofit, the R Park is made possible through private donations. The park features a variety of ponds, trails, picnic tables, and artsy features.
A portion of the trail covers the old Levee Road and connects with the pedestrian bridge over the Snake River, seen below.
The R Park seems to have two different faces. Get there very early when things are quiet and still. Dew is often still on the flowers and leaves, the water is calm, and have a good chance of seeing wildlife. Go later in the day and you’ll likely see people at the picnic tables, kids playing, and paddle boarders in the ponds. At times you’ll see a few fishermen working the wind ruffled water.
The parks hours are Dawn to Dusk, but they occasionally offer special night time star viewing events. Check out the Park’s web site at Rendezvous Park.
The “West Bank” is home to quite a few Moose. They roam the wooded and aquatic areas along the river—occasionally through the R Park. They are not always there, but frequent the area enough to make me look when I go by. Several of the bulls are large and well worth the time and effort.
The bull Moose above and below was photographed from the bike path passing through the Park.
This younger bull was photographed only a few feet from the R Park entrance sign. Interestingly, hundreds of vehicles passed by while I was taking the photos. They were totally oblivious to the photographic opportunities as they whizzed by.
As I mentioned before, if you want to see wildlife, go early! I’ve seen Hawks, Herons, Warblers, Robins, Geese, Ducks, Red-winged Blackbirds, and other bird species. Also, watch for Raccoons, Squirrels, Foxes, and other small mammals.
Wildflowers are common at the Rendezvous Park, especially in early Summer.
The larger mound on the left, in the image above, has a trail to the flag pole at top. The same hill is often used for young sledders in the Winter.
This rock bridge across the main pond is an example of the charming nature of the R Park.
Art and function go hand in hand at the R Park. You will be pleasantly surprised how well the designers integrated artsy elements next to the trails.
I’d hate to “oversell” the Rendezvous Park but I still suggest you check it out! I’ve been there lots of times. I can easily say that some days are better, or more photographically productive than others. I usually go there for the smaller opportunities, but am sometimes pleasantly surprised when a Moose or other larger mammal is in the area. I usually go early, check it out, then head on up the Moose-Wilson Road into Grand Teton National Park at the Granite entrance station.
Please, if you like this post, SHARE it on social media! MJ