September 20th: First day in the Tetons
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On our first morning in Grand Teton National Park, an early morning view of Mt. Moran from our room at Signal Mountain Lodge.
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On our way to the first hike, we stop for this classic view of the Tetons.
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Finishing up a three mile warm-up hike. Later, we drive to the nearby town of Jackson to stock up on food and eat dinner at Gun Barrel restaurant. We have a five star meal: a combination of Idaho Trout, Buffalo, Elk and Venison.
September 21st: Jackson Lake and Swan Lake hike
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Another day to acclimatize, with a pleasant three mile hike near Coulter Bay.
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View of the Tetons, which were named by lonely French trappers "Les Trois Tetons". At restaurants in Jackson, you can order a "Chicken Teton Sandwich" (really!).
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On the trail to Swan Lake.
September 22nd: Cascade Canyon hike
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Our first big hike is up Cascade Canyon, at the base of Grand Teton. We took a boat ride across Jenny Lake to the trail head.
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During a rest stop in a small glen, we see these rather tame deer.
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Hiking in early afternoon on a 70 degree day at 7500 foot elevation.
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View from the Cascade Canyon trail.
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Another view.
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Late afternoon in the shadows of Cascade Canyon. We miss the last boat back to our car, so we hike along Jenny Lake. Total miles hiked that day: 11.5.
September 23rd: Taggart and Bradley Lakes hike
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The beginning of a six mile hike to see two lakes.
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Alpine view in the northern Rockies.
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View of Taggart Lake.
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Above Taggart Lake, we see our first fall foliage of the year.
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Breathtaking Aspens.
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On the trail from Taggart Lake to Bradley Lake.
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View of Bradley Lake.
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Another view.
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We find this pristine spot to sunbathe and sleep on a warm autumn afternoon.
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A tempting trail.
September 24th: Signal Mountain area hikes
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On our final day, we drive up to the top of Signal Mountain (and avoid a 7 mile hike!).
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We spend the rest of the day on leisurely hikes near the Snake River.
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Autumn colors are near their peak along the river.
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We hike cross-country up a small hill to get this view.
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The end of an incredibly scenic vacation.