For those who want a real western-style adventure, a vacation in the Grand Tetons will most certainly fit the bill. Amid these spectacular craggy, cloud-high peaks, which seem to erupt from out of nowhere into the wide Wyoming sky, are many opportunities to fish, hike, ride horses, visit rodeos, and see some of the wild animals that today's children usually know only from books, including elk, cow, moose, bison, bald eagles, and white pelicans.
The Tetons offer spectacular hiking for all abilities, and despite the fact that nearly four million people visit the park each year, you really won't notice the crowds—even in the height of summer—if you venture out of your car and onto the trails. A popular hike is to Hidden Falls, an easy four-mile round-trip walk along the lakeshore. There is a wonderful picnic site along the way at String Lake where you can spend the afternoon swimming and fishing.
Trail rides lasting from one hour ($ 18) to half a day ($45) are available at Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Corrals. Reasonably priced hearty cowboy breakfast rides or dinner rides on horseback or by wagon are great fun for kids eight and older. Check with the activities and attractions desk at Jack-son Lake Lodge. Bar-T Ranch (307—733—5386) in Jackson leads a chuck wagon ride to a Cowboy Cookout complete with "Indians" pursuing the wagons. For those planning a longer stay, the Grand Teton Science School, headquartered in the park, offers a range of outdoor science programs for children and adults.
Narrated cruises on Jackson Lake cost $10.50 for adults and $6 for children; check with activities and attractions desk at Jackson Lake Lodge about the breakfast or evening steak-fry cruises. Motorboats ($15 per hour) and canoes ($8 per hour) are for rent at the Colter Bay Marina. Try Teton Boating Company at 307—733—2703 for boat rides on Jenny Lake. Fishing on the park's clear, cold lakes and streams draw countless aficionados. Guided lake and fly-fishing trips can be arranged at the lodge.
The Grand Teton Lodge Company also leads river float trips down the Snake River in rubber rafts—a scenic, not white water, expedition. Their ten-mile trips cost $16 for kids six to sixteen and $31 for adults; there are also luncheon and evening supper trips. Ask for details at Jenny Lake Lodge or Colter Bay Village. More extended family float trips on the mild-flat waters of the Snake River and on Jackson Lake and white water rafting trips on the lower section of the Snake (suitable for older children) are offered June through September by experienced guides. The Chamber of Commerce (307—733—3316 PO Box E, Jackson, Wyoming 83001) can send you a list.
Summertime alpine slide toboggans, a thrill for older kids, run down the slopes of Snow King Resort (307—733—5200) Just outside the park, kids love taking the tram ride in Teton Village or poking around the town of Jackson. There's an afternoon "shoot-out" in the town square and a twice-week1y town rodeo in the summer. The Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club near the park's southern boundary is open to day guests and is renowned for its scenic and challenging eighteen-hole championship golf course and tennis facilities.
Inexpensive publications to help you get acquainted with the park include the Grand Teton official Handbook, Short Hikes and Easy Walks in Grand Teton, and the Discover Grand Teton activity book for kids; all can be ordered from the Grand Teton National History Association before your visit. Call 307—739—3403.
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