Day 4: Jenny Lake

On Tuesday of our vacation, we decided to spend the entire day in Grand Tetons park. We decided to go on a quick and popular hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point across Jenny Lake. We took a ferry across the lake to start off our adventure. 

Me at Jenny Lake!

It was a little over a mile to Hidden Falls, and I had to represent Wade Hampton!

Us at Hidden Falls

Another mile or so up fairly steep rocks was Inspiration Point, where you could look out across Jenny Lake to the mountain range across the valley.

It was such a beautiful hike. 

One of the great things about this hike was that on the way back down, you got some awesome views of the Tetons. 

One of my favorite pics

Jenny Lake is so clear and beautiful.

Waiting on our ferry to take us back across the lake. 

View from the ferry.

When in Jackson, you have to get a picture under the elk antler arches, right?

The wildflowers had just started to bloom! We caught this on our evening drive. 

Field of bison

That night, we decided to watch the sunset at Oxbow Bend. 

Us at Oxbow. 

A stranger actually pulled off the road to stop and take a picture of us. Thanks stranger!

One of my favorite places in the whole park.

My man at the Tetons

I love this man!

I love this view too :)

Tetons at sunset :)

Day 3: Part 2 - Mount Washburn Hike

We got several recommendations from friends to check out the Mount Washburn hike in Yellowstone. So, around mid-day, we hit the trail!

Most of the trail is a fairly wide, well cut access road that gives you some great views of the surrounding mountain ranges. 

When we started, about half of the trail was covered in snow. 

Just one of the incredible views along this hike.

So glad to be able to enjoy the great outdoors with this man!

After a while, the whole trail was covered in about 3 feet of snow! It certainly made the hike a little more interesting.

About halfway up, the weather was getting more and more overcast, so we decided to head back down the mountain so we could see more of Yellowstone. If we ever go back, I would love to try the whole thing again, maybe with less snow this time!

Heading back down the mountain. 

Then, it started snowing on us!

But one of the coolest things that we saw was this fox when we came upon a clearing. We watched it for a few minutes. 

Then, all of the sudden, it took off!

And caught and ate a chipmunk!

We watched it enjoy it's lunch. 

As Will said, it felt like we were in the middle of National Geographic or the Animal Planet! It was amazing!

At the end of the hike, we needed to show just how much snow there was here in places. I think that is more than SC has seen in my whole life!

Day 3, Part 1: Yellowstone!

The first full day we were in Jackson Hole, we decided to beat the road construction and head up to Yellowstone early. Sorry in advance for the photo overload!

The advantage of getting up early - sunrise in the Grand Tetons!

And, the elk are out!

Will and I overlooking Yellowstone Lake!

After a big breakfast at one of the restaurants, we decided to wait on Old Faithful. You have to do it in Yellowstone, but it certainly wasn't the best thing in the park. I have a video of the whole thing if you want the experience :)

Hey! A buffalo!

Sapphire Pool, one of the prettiest hot springs.

Hubby at the hot springs. 

And me!

Note the abundance of clothes. It was way too cold for this Southern girl in June! After a hike (more on that later) we made it down to the Upper and Lower Falls at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It was gorgeous!

 

View from the overlook at the top of the Lower Falls

Water rushing over the falls. It was actually a little scary standing on this overlook. The water was so powerful and the wind was too, and as you can see in future pictures, it's a long drop to the bottom!

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone! So beautiful!

Us at the top of the Lower Falls

Lower Falls

The entire Lower Falls!

Yellowstone was amazing and I can't wait to go back someday!