GTNP Bike Trip

During the month of April Grand Teton National Park opens a long portion of road to non-motorized traffic. We first enjoyed this opportunity 4 years ago on our mountain bikes. Then 3 years ago we both had road bikes and I did my longest ride to date, 50 miles! The last 2 years we missed out, so this year we couldn't wait to have some decent weather. April is a little touch and go weather wise, especially riding at almost 7000 feet elevation and so close to impressive mountains. Storms can move in quickly, and even on semi-pleasant days the wind can be gusty and cold.

So we have been watching the weather carefully, paying close attention to the weekends. We were hoping to take some friends with us this year. At the last minute we realized that this Friday looked much better than Saturday or Sunday, so we decided to just go for it. The weather could not have been better and we had so much fun!

It takes about an hour and a half to drive there from our home, we are so lucky to have so much breathtaking beauty so close! We started out at the park visitor center to run off some steam. It was brand new last year (or maybe the year before) and has great displays, lots to touch, and amazing views of the Tetons. After some snacks and getting the bikes all set up we were off. It was mostly sunny, mid-sixties, and with hardly any breeze. The trailer hooks up to my bike the easiest, so I had the good fortune of towing Emmett and our stuff.

Fortunately the trailer is almost effortless to pull, except for up hills. The roads in the park are fairly flat, so we did great. The sun was warm on our backs and the views are unbeatable. There were hardly any other people out, we often had the road to ourselves. We did meet a couple guys riding back to their cars with skis strapped to their backs.

We didn't see much in the way of wildlife either. Seeing a moose from afar would have been nice, but a close up when you are on your bike is a little too exciting. We once had a run-in with a buffalo while on our bikes, and that was too close for comfort.

We went about 9 miles and then stopped for a parking lot picnic with a great view. There is still 2-4 feet of snow along the road, and Emmett loved to throw handfulls of it. He also loved to drink out of the water bottles.

We wound our way back along a scenic road that overlooks Jenny Lake. The lake is still frozen and covered with snow. Emmett took a catnap in the trailer as we muscled back to the car. It ended up being just over 17 miles, and the only thing sore today is my sunburn! My shirt kept riding up in the back, and I have a pretty bad burn to show for it. Both Jim and I are a little red in the face and neck from the sun too, fortunately Emmett was well shaded in the trailer.

After the ride we went to our two favorite outdoor shops and shoe shop in Jackson, played at a really fun park, and went to dinner. Emmett did great and was so much fun to have along, this trip ranks up with my favorite day trips! Here's to many more fun day trips this spring and summer!