Colter Bay Village

Trail Guide: Jackson, Wyoming

Early 19th-century fur trappers called high mountain valleys “holes”; in the case of Jackson Hole, they nailed the description, as the valley block has dropped down about four times more than the corresponding mountain block has risen. The only town in the valley is simply called Jackson, Wyoming, and the surrounding national park is Grand Teton. Between the three, there’s plenty to make this former fur trapper’s dream a destination in and of itself, no road trip required.

One of the most recently accessible jewels in Grand Teton National Park is the 1,106-acre Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, which opened to the public in 2007. The eight miles of woodland trails are open year-round, and the interpretive center — the first platinum-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building to be constructed in the National Park System — provides insight into the park’s geography, geology, and biology.

A moderate, mostly flat two-mile hike around the south end of Jenny Lake leads to the popular Hidden Falls. But if you continue your hike up Cascade Canyon, the scenery becomes unbelievably stunning. From the falls, the trail climbs steeply for about a mile to the mouth of Cascade Canyon proper. Then the route flattens and once again offers easier hiking for the next several miles. Park at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station on the lake’s east side.

For the more adventurous, the trail to Phelps Lake and into Death Canyon can be challenging. Start at the parking area near Whitegrass Ranch, which is south from the Moose Visitor Center. About a mile in, the trail affords a great view of Phelps Lake. The trail drops steeply via switchbacks toward the lake; a fork after about three-quarters of a mile will either take you down to the lake via the left branch or into Death Canyon to the right. The trail into Death Canyon ultimately climbs more strenuously on a trail perched partway up the canyon’s steep side. After four miles, hikers reach more flat terrain and the Death Canyon patrol cabin.

Organics rule in the Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge , which is blessed by a stunning view from its 100-foot windows. The butter is shaped like a moose; the meat’s unbelievably tender. For a change of pace, try the crab cakes followed by a vegetable-laden tart (mushrooms and wilted spinach, topped with arugula). 307.543.3100, www.gtlc.com/dinejac.aspx .

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