Sunday, August 28, 2011

Taggart Lake & Horseback Ride!

Tuesday was our last full day in the Jackson area before we headed up to Colter Bay (at the north end of the park) for the rest of the week. The weather was perfect for one last day of adventure in Grand Teton National Park. We chose to start the day with a four-mile hike on a loop trail to Taggart Lake. This was a new trail for us, and Scott and I agreed that the scenery on this hike was some of the best we have experienced. Below Scott and the kids are hiking across the sagebrush meadows towards the base of the mountains. Notice how clear the bright blue skies are. Gorgeous!
Part of the trail ran alongside a creek. Of course all of the water in the creek and lake is melted snow from the mountains above.
During our hike we saw this marmot as well as a few chipmunks.
About half way through the hike we arrived at the lake. The sign states that the elevation of the lake is 6,902 feet. We stopped at the lake for water and snacks. At this point the kids were starting to complain about how long we had been hiking and how tired and hungry they were, but the rest helped to give them some energy for the rest of the trip back to the trailhead.
The views of the lake and mountains were beautiful. Notice the large rock on the bottom right below. Our family will be out on the rock in the next photo.
After the hike we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the park and then drove south towards Teton Village. The kids were allowed to choose our afternoon activity, where the selections included whitewater rafting or horseback riding. Guess what they selected?
Horses it was! Of course "horse happy" Amelia pushed hard for the horses and her brother agreed. Amelia is posing here with my horse, Silverado.
Scott rode on "Big Al".John's horse was "Molasses".We were part of a group of 11 riders and two guides, on a one-hour trail ride. We started off from the horse corral in Teton Village and headed towards the hills.
Much to my surprise, we headed up the hills and into the woods. We walked the horses in a single-file line up and down narrow switchbacks in the woods. It was interesting to experience how my horse handled his footing on the steep and rocky trail, and the elevation provided for some beautiful views of the valley below.Amelia's horse was "Wax".After the horseback ride we rode the Bridger gondola from Teton village to a restaurant at the top of one of the mountains. The gondola ride is free, and of course we were more than ready to treat ourselves to cold beverages after such a busy day.The patio deck was packed less than a half hour after the start of happy hour. What a popular place! Scott and I were interested in taking the gondola up to enjoy the view, but we were pleasantly surprised to discover that fresh Snake River draught beer was only $2.50 a pint during happy hour! What an amazing value, especially considering the view and free gondola ride. Of course what is ironic is that the kids' drinks cost more than our beer. The view from the patio deck (9,900 feet) was incredible!



This was an amazing day! We spent eight hours enjoying activities outside in the beautiful mountain sunshine. The weather was great and the scenery was fantastic. Good memories for our family!


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