After rapidly climbing over 9658 feet through the Continental Divide at Togwotee Pass, we descended down to the Grand Teton National Park and one of our new favourite places, Jackson Hole.

Apart from visiting yet another scenic wonder, the town of Jackson was earmarked as an R&R destination – the most upmarket town on our route west of Chicago.  Neither the Tetons or the town disappointed!

Grand Teton National park includes the Teton mountain range which is a spectacular series of granite peaks thrust upward by the push of the Teton Fault, the valley below (Jackson “Hole”) and the Snake River that winds its way through it.  Whilst nearby Yellowstone was created in two years, this park took more than 50 years to incorporate due to local resistance, overcome in the end and with support (and pressure!) from John D. Rockefeller who had bought up land for the park.

We saw some great wildlife – a distant but very large Grizzly on top of a bison carcass, a lone wolf and a couple of black bear (the one below is chewing on what looks like a deer). One of the highlights was finally seeing Moose – both a bull early in the valley, and best of all a mother and calf that wandered into our resort one evening.  These members of the deer family are gentle giants, just beautiful to see up close like this.

Moose and calf in our resort at dusk

Mule deer in the valley

Pronghorn on Antelope Flats

Black bear chewing something delicious

Bull Moose, early morning

This area was settled by mountain men trapping for fur; braving a hostile environment – remote, with poor soil, bears, wolves and of course the bitter winters.  Today’s Jackson bears little resemblance to this pioneer environment.  It’s a great town – attractive, classy and friendly; we enjoyed great restaurants and some good shopping.  It’s joined Queenstown and Cape Town in our short list of favourite escape destinations.

We explored Jackson Hole Mountain resort – 4,100 vertical feet of nearly all advanced and intermediate skiing, the largest (continuous) rise in the U.S.  No snow for us in September, but the views were expansive, and down below we tested ourselves on the Ropes course and the vertical Bungy, plus some relaxing in the beautiful village.  One of the trip highlights so far was going to the Rodeo – an awesome experience with a party atmosphere, a shot of adrenaline and a lot of skill.

Ana on the Bungee

Excited for the Rodeo

Pleased with her Rope climbing

Bucking Bronco

Storm over The Rustic Inn

This is one town we will definitely visit again.  All photos of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton here – next stop, the inspiring Yellowstone National Park.