Posts Tagged ‘trekking’

Hiking to Goodwin Lake

Posted on: September 2nd, 2019 by thcAdmin No Comments

Level: Moderate

Distance: 2.5 miles, 5 miles round trip

Goodwin Lake is a classic Jackson Hole hike, providing some beautiful views of the Tetons. Goodwin Lake is located on the eastern side of the valley and its trail head is accessed via the National Elk Refuge. Getting to the trail head provides a scenic drive through the refuge.

The trail begins with a few climbs and then undulates for most the remaining hike. Its nice to get the elevation gain out of the way early, it warms you up fast and gets the painful part out of the way quickly. At the end you will be at Goodwin wake, which can provide for an exhilarating swim. Jackson Peak is the mountain that dominates most of your Southerly views. You will see a considerable amount of beetle kill in this area, a sad problem plaguing forests in the Rockies.

The hike can be lengthened by adding in the summit of Jackson Peak, which rewards the hiker beautiful views of the valley.

Directions:

The drive will take about 30 minutes from the Jackson Town Square. From the town square follow Broadway to its eastern terminus, which is a few blocks past the hospital. Take the Left out onto the National Elk Refuge, it is 10 miles to the trail head from this point. Follow this road for 3.6 miles then take a Left, do not continue straight over the cattle guard. At 4.7 miles go Right proceeding past the Curtis Canyon Campground (7.3 miles in) until you reach the trailhead parking area. Follow the road. The drive does not require four wheel drive, just a little clearance.


General Information

Water, sunscreen and supportive footwear are recommended. You can always make it a picnic hike. Enjoy!

String Lake

Posted on: September 26th, 2017 by thcAdmin No Comments

String Lake is located in Grand Teton National Park. The trail head is accessed at the south end of String Lake via the String Lake parking area. The trail provides access to Jenny, Leigh & String lakes, Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, Cascade and Paintbrush canyons. The lake is located at the base of Mount Saint John, and connects Leigh Lake to Jenny Lake. You can branch out, if you want, and create various loops by linking different segments of trail to thoroughly explore the area’s entire trail network.

string lake mount moran

Circling String Lake itself provides a hike of just less than 3.5 miles with just under 600′ in elevation gain. The trail’s elevation gain occurs along the backside of the lake. As the trail meanders west along the very base of the Tetons, wonderful views of the area abound. The water tends to be fairly warm due to the lake’s shallowness. Bring a swim suit and a towel so you can take a dip. The water’s clarity is unsurpassed. The lake is quite shallow.

String Lake has always been a great place to kayak or canoe on calm waters. In recent years the lake has become quite popular with Stand Up Paddle Boarders. You can rent watercraft at at Dornan’s, located near the Moose visitors center. Inner tubes are fun to take out as well. On the weekends it can get a little crowded, locals come out in good numbers.

string lake

To get there, turn west off the Teton Park Road at the North Jenny Lake Junction and continue roughly 1.5 miles to the String Lake Trailhead. There is a large parking area, it will fill up at mid afternoon during peak season.

Phelps Lake

Posted on: August 5th, 2016 by thcAdmin No Comments

Phelps Lake in Grand Teton national Park can provide for excellent day hiking. Many will choose to only go to the overlook and return to the comfort of their vehicles and touring of the park. Those looking for a little more can choose to circumnavigate the lake or explore Death Canyon. Phelps Lake serves at the gateway to Death Canyon.

The area is beautiful. Once you get beyond the overlook the crowds will disappear. Pack some lunch, making it a day hike up Death Canyon provides dramatic contrast.  The canyon walls tower above you. At the top of the hike there are sweet views of the Teton Shelf.

Trails lead to the lake from the Laurence Rockefeller Center as well. You can add a couple miles to your adventure and see the center as well.