Our Family's First Encounter with Grand Teton and Yellowstone

Grand Teton is a stunning mountain located in northwestern Wyoming, within Grand Teton National Park. The peak rises to an elevation of 13,775 feet (4,199 meters), which is higher than Japan’s Mount Fuji, standing at 12,388 feet (3,776 meters). While Grand Teton is known for its rugged beauty and sharp profile, Mount Fuji, an active volcano, has a much broader base and a more symmetrical, conical shape.

Grand Teton National Park is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts, offering dramatic alpine scenery. The park is home to diverse wildlife and offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to Yellowstone National Park further enhances its appeal, making Grand Teton a key feature of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

The park is open year-round, but visitor numbers surge during the summer and fall seasons. To protect the natural environment and manage crowds, certain areas of the park, such as Jenny Lake, require permits or advance reservations during peak times. These measures help reduce overcrowding, safeguard wildlife habitats, and maintain park facilities. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, especially if they intend to engage in activities that may require reservations during busy periods​ The Adventure Travel Network, SW National Parks.

Our family visited Grand Teton during the summer. We came from Tokyo and stayed in Morton Grove, a suburb of Chicago, at my mother’s place. From there, we took a small propeller plane for the first time in our lives to the park. When we arrived at Jackson Hole Airport (which serves Grand Teton National Park), we were thrilled. The environment was completely different from anything we had experienced before—fresh mountain breezes, the natural fragrance of pine trees—it was a perfect first impression.

One of the most surprising things we encountered was a sign about bear spray, which I hadn’t expected. Since the park is a protected natural area, with the possibility of encountering wildlife like bears, the airport offered bear spray rentals for a small fee during our stay. I felt a little nervous, while my wife was much more relaxed about it. Eventually, we rented a spray just in case, and I took responsibility for carrying it throughout the trip. I never let it out of my sight, but thankfully, we never had to use it!

Jackson Hole Airport (which serves Grand Teton National Park) is a bit of a distance from Johnson Town, and typically, visitors traveling between the two locations would either take a shuttle, bus, or other ground transportation. Jackson Hole Airport is about 10 miles (16 km) north of the town of Jackson (sometimes referred to as Jackson Town), and depending on where you're staying or going, a car rental or shuttle ride is necessary to reach further destinations within the park or surrounding areas. We rented a car upon arriving in Johnson Town and then drove to our destination.

It's been a while since I last drove, so I wasn't very comfortable with the speed and drove slowly. Upon arriving at the National Park, we encountered a gate where we had to show our accommodation details. If we hadn't provided this information, we would have had to pay the entrance fees.

On the way to our destination, we passed many exciting natural sights, including deep valleys. One bridge, set at a very high elevation, offered breathtaking views as we looked down into the valleys with water rushing below. The scenery was truly amazing.

A Night at Our Cozy Log Cabin in Grand Teton

Once we entered the park, I reduced my speed further because I was aware that wildlife might cross the road. I was particularly cautious, having seen various animals near the road, and wanted to avoid any accidents. This made me quite nervous, but I focused on driving carefully to ensure I didn’t accidentally hit any animals. It seemed like I was the only one driving so slowly, and many cars were behind me. To avoid causing any inconvenience, I pulled over to let them pass and continued driving cautiously.

We stayed in a detached log cabin made from natural wood. The restaurants were within walking distance. After checking in, we parked in front of our cabin and took a walk around the area with bear spray, as the reception had mentioned that a guest had encountered a bear at the lake the previous day. The lake was very peaceful at dusk. We had dinner nearby and then returned to our cabin with wine and snacks.

At night, the views were the most stunning we had ever encountered. I had previously admired the Wisconsin sky for its clarity and the occasional meteoroids streaking across, but here, the stars appeared even larger, and their brightness was so intense, it felt like seeing a light bulb right above your ceiling. My wife, my daughter, and I marveled at the night sky, reflecting on how ancient people might have looked up at the stars and created stories based on their observations. Many constellations were clearly recognizable, and we discussed their shapes and the stories behind them, appreciating how these celestial patterns have inspired human imagination and storytelling throughout history.

A Scenic Breakfast and Canoe Adventure

The following morning, we had an outdoor breakfast reservation. We drove to the lake, parked the car, and then boarded a boat arranged as part of the reservation. The staff provided us with instructions and explanations about the surroundings while we were on the boat. Upon arrival, we walked a short distance to where tables were set up in front of the lake. The breakfast was a delicious American-style buffet with live cooking, complemented by the fresh air and natural surroundings. We started our meal with freshly brewed coffee and a selection of pastries. There were also savory items such as scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage. For those who preferred something lighter, there were fresh fruits, yogurt, and granola available.

We enjoyed the company of a Japanese couple and a family from Europe, which made the meal even more enjoyable. After breakfast, we had the opportunity to explore the nearby areas. My entire family was amazed by the natural environment, especially since we are accustomed to traveling in man-made facilities with full services in cities or resorts with all-inclusive programs.

 

After breakfast, we returned to our original destination and went for a canoe ride on the lake. From there, we could see tall mountains, taller than Mount Fuji, but they didn’t seem as imposing because we were already at a high elevation and the mountains weren’t as widespread, making them appear smaller.

 

The water was icy and refreshing, having melted from the mountains, which felt incredibly good during the hot summer. We paddled around, stopping at various spots to explore, and then raced back to the starting point. The entire day was filled with fun and left us feeling refreshed.

Glide across the serene waters of Jenny Lake or String Lake, where the majestic Teton Range provides a dramatic backdrop. As you paddle, you’ll be treated to stunning reflections of the rugged peaks on the calm lake surfaces, and you might spot wildlife such as moose, beavers, and majestic birds soaring above. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a novice, the gentle waters and picturesque surroundings make this an accessible and peaceful experience. When the weather is most favorable, a canoe ride here offers a unique and serene way to connect with nature and enjoy the park’s awe-inspiring landscapes.

Under the Stars and Among the Wildlife

We were exhausted by nightfall but took one last look at the stars before going to sleep. The next day, we went to an area known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. This region is renowned for its expansive, open fields where you can observe bison herds from afar. The area offers sweeping views of the landscape, with the animals often seen grazing against the backdrop of majestic mountains or rolling plains.

This spot is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, drawing both tourists and photographers eager to capture the natural splendor and diverse wildlife of the park. Along the scenic routes, several designated viewing points and pull-outs provide safe vantage spots for observing animals without causing disturbance. The expansive open fields and meadows often host impressive herds of American bison and majestic elk, while mule deer are frequently spotted in lower elevations and forested areas. Grizzly and black bears, though more elusive, can be found in the park's remote regions, and visitors are reminded to exercise caution. Moose are commonly seen near water sources, contributing to the park’s rich wildlife tapestry. Coyotes and the rare mountain lions add an element of excitement to wildlife spotting, while bald eagles and ospreys are frequently seen near lakes and rivers, highlighting the area's vibrant avian population. These parks provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and experience the remarkable variety of animals that inhabit these iconic American landscapes.

Nearby, you'll find a range of lodging options and visitor services that offer convenient access to this prime wildlife observation area and other parts of the park. The combination of expansive open spaces, the opportunity to view wildlife up close, and the park's breathtaking scenery makes this area a truly memorable destination. During our visit, we explored a hotel's lounge area, where we saw a large, intricately crafted taxidermy bear displayed. This unique feature added a charming and fitting touch to our experience.

 

We also had the opportunity to enjoy a horse ride for over two hours, which was a request from my daughter. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience. However, my horse was quite a character—it didn’t seem very interested in following directions. Instead, it would stop to graze and then gallop to catch up with the group, seemingly doing whatever it pleased. After a while, I decided to let it have its way and focused on enjoying the ride despite the unpredictability.

After the ride, we stopped by some local shops where a seasonal worker informed us that many part-time employees work in the area temporarily for the season, including those who staff the horse-riding excursions. These workers come from various parts of the country and sometimes from other countries, including foreign students residing in the U.S.

The Vibrant Geothermal Wonders of Yellowstone National Park

Our exploration of Yellowstone National Park revealed a stunning array of geothermal features, each with its unique colors and characteristics. The well-paved paths made navigation easy as we visited notable spots like the Grand Prismatic Spring.

 

This iconic feature is renowned for its vibrant hues, ranging from deep blue to bright orange and yellow. The cyan hues are prominently visible in the spring’s center, which is surrounded by colorful microbial mats, creating a mesmerizing visual display.

We also explored the Norris Geyser Basin, where the hot springs and geysers showcased a diverse range of colors due to the various minerals and microbial life present. The unique palette of this area highlighted the dynamic nature of Yellowstone's geothermal activity. Another striking site was the Mammoth Hot Springs, known for its terraces of white and gray mineral deposits. Here, the colors ranged from pale white to rust, adding to the park’s diverse geological wonders.

In addition to these famous locations, the Black Sand Basin and Yellowstone Lake offered further examples of colorful geothermal features, with springs exhibiting striking shades of blue and cyan. One surprising observation was the presence of insects living in the hot springs, a rare phenomenon given the extreme conditions. Unlike hot springs in Japan, these geothermal features are too acidic for bathing and are protected as part of the natural environment.

Walking through these breathtaking areas was a captivating experience, filled with continuous discoveries. We even ventured to the remote Lamar Valley, which was not part of our original plan but proved too tempting to resist. This detour allowed us to further appreciate the park's expansive and varied landscapes.

Exploring Jackson’s Western Heritage

It was time for us to return to Chicago. Before returning our rental car in Jackson, we explored the town, which exuded a distinct Western charm. Jackson is renowned for its traditional Western-style architecture and its quaint, picturesque streets. The town’s design reflects its rich history and its role as a gateway to the nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

As we wandered around, we discovered a variety of unique souvenirs and local crafts. The town is famous for its Western-themed shops, art galleries, and specialty stores offering everything from handmade jewelry to rustic home décor. We also enjoyed a meal at a local restaurant, sampling regional cuisine that showcased local ingredients and flavors.

Jackson’s atmosphere felt quite different from other parts of the U.S. we’ve visited. Its blend of Western heritage, small-town friendliness, and natural beauty creates a unique and inviting environment. The town’s iconic features, such as the elk antler arches in the town square and the charming historic buildings, added to its distinctive character.

A Journey of Discovery and Wonder

Our family's journey through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks was an unforgettable adventure, blending dramatic landscapes, vibrant geothermal features, and charming local culture. Grand Teton’s majestic peaks and serene log cabin stay, coupled with awe-inspiring night skies and invigorating canoe rides, set a stunning backdrop for our exploration. Yellowstone's colorful geothermal wonders, from the Grand Prismatic Spring to the diverse wildlife, captivated us with their natural beauty. Concluding our trip in Jackson, the town’s Western charm and local crafts offered a delightful end to our adventure. This trip was a profound connection with nature, leaving us with cherished memories of the great outdoors.