H and I returned on Saturday from a dreamy week-long stay in Jackson Hole, Wyoming – and, surprise, we are having a baby! We had this trip planned before knowing I was pregnant, and thankfully, I was 14 weeks along and comfortably in the second trimester, feeling quite good. I have a fear of flying and was nervous to travel so far and to a high altitude, particularly without being able to take my usual anti-anxiety medication for flights, but my doctor encouraged me to take the trip and assured me it was totally safe. And I’m so grateful — I actually did great (having a good book helps)!
This was a beautiful trip, with sunny, lovely weather, gorgeous views of the Tetons, and special new experiences. I am so glad that H and I took this trip just the two of us, while celebrating the little one to come. I had been to Jackson Hole with H and his family once before, during the winter — and while that was beautiful, I loved it in the warm sunshine with all the green and wildflowers.
Saturday, June 7
Day 1 – Travel & getting settled
We traveled via American Airlines from Nashville to Dallas and then Dallas to Jackson Hole, arriving at 2:40 pm local time. This worked out perfectly as we had plenty of time to rent our car and go straight to Albertsons to load up on groceries for the week, as our plan was to eat breakfast and lunch as well as some dinners in the condo, which came equipped with a full kitchen.
We then drove to the Four Seasons Jackson Hole and got checked in and settled. We took a short stroll around Teton Village to stretch our legs, then unpacked our belongings in the room. As is common when arriving in a high altitude (when you live at sea level), we both felt pretty tired and simply hung out on the sunny deck (view above) and had dinner in the condo this first evening.
Sunday, June 8
Day 2 – H’s bday, pool, & an evening drive
Our first full day was H’s birthday! We were still adjusting to the altitude, so we took things pretty easy and spent some time relaxing and reading at the pool (in the winter, it was the hot tubs). I also treated myself to a prenatal massage at the spa! After having the full day to be leisurely, we went to a fun and casual dinner at Stagecoach where they have live music every Sunday night.
We sat at a picnic table outside and ate, and after, went for a drive into Grand Teton National Park, which was conveniently minutes away from our hotel. I loved being immersed in the quiet nature with the windows down. The rolling hills with sagebrush, arrowleaf balsamroot (the yellow flowers), Indian paintbrush (red), and silky lupine (purple) – all seen in more photos to come – with the mountains as the backdrop, were all so enchanting.
We drove to Chapel of the Transfiguration, a sweet Episcopal log cabin church built in 1925 that still holds services and events; it was simply breathtaking.
On our way out of the park, we spotted some elk, grazing against the pink sky and near-full moon, a magical sight to behold.
Monday, June 9
Day 3 – Hike at Jenny Lake
I started out Monday morning back at the pool while H did some work. After lunch in the condo, we set back out to Grand Teton National Park, where we purchased a week pass for $35 (each time we drove into the park, we showed our pass at the entrance).
We drove to Jenny Lake, a popular spot for hiking and the most crowded area we encountered on this trip. They have a visitors center, gift shop, and restrooms, plus a ferry to take across the lake and access a different hiking area and waterfalls.
We did not do this or venture far, but walked around the lake and took some photos, and leisurely explored. I thought it was so gorgeous and loved seeing this slice of the park.
Between still adjusting to the altitude and being pregnant, I was pretty tired after this fun outing, and we stayed in the rest of the evening.
Tuesday, June 10
Day 4 – Dornans & kayaking at String Lake
On Tuesday morning, we set out for Dornans, a charming family-owned establishment with a convenience store, gift shop, rentals, eats, and more. We rented a two-person kayak, which they were able to safely secure onto the roof of our rental car. We then drove into the park, stopping at the watercraft inspection area on the way, which is a requirement to use any equipment on the park’s lakes.
Once we were approved, we drove past Jenny Lake to String Lake, a calm and picturesque spot that is perfect for relaxed kayaking in shallow water, as well as swimming or a picnic.
Kayaking on String Lake offered a very peaceful experience. We made sure to apply plenty of sunscreen beforehand (as well as before any outdoor activity; the sun is stronger due to the higher elevation).
Fairly soon after we began to paddle, I spotted a moose on the shore! We paused to quietly observe it for a while; this was the first moose I’ve ever seen, and it was truly amazing.
After a dreamy hour on the water, we rowed to shore; H was able to secure the kayak back on the car, and we returned it to Dornans. Then we grabbed a bite to eat at their Pizza & Pasta Co, where we sat on the upper deck with a gorgeous view.
Every drive through the park featured more exquisite wildflowers (silky lupine above). Upon returning to the hotel, we took a little walk around Teton Village and popped in a few shops, but I was feeling very tired and soon headed back to the room to rest. That evening, we headed just downstairs for a cozy dinner at The Handle Bar, followed by a chocolate chip cookie skillet dessert at Ascent Lounge, where we sat outside by a fire.
Wednesday, June 11
Day 5 – Rainy day & rodeo
Wednesday started sunny as every other day had been, and I had a pedicure scheduled back at the spa. After that and lunch, we had an hour to enjoy at the pool before the storms rolled in, so I spent the rest of the afternoon taking it easy in the condo while H got some work done. At last, by dinner time the weather cleared, just in time for the rodeo.
We went to the Jackson Hole Rodeo, which occurs every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night at 8 p.m. I did not really know what to expect, but it felt like a cultural experience to attend! We did buy tickets a few weeks in advance. It was very easy to park and find an open seat in the stands, and there were restrooms and concessions as well. The rodeo was very silly, with the clown/host entertaining the crowd, and singing songs together between events. There was bull riding (a tad scary to watch!), bareback riding, barrel racing, and more. It ended a little after 9:30 p.m. which felt like the perfect length of time.
Thursday, June 12
Day 6 – Scenic park drive & Jackson Lake Lodge dinner
On the previous day’s rainy afternoon, I read the informational materials that we were given upon buying the week-long access pass to Grand Teton National Park. I took note of a road in the park where we had not yet driven, with recommendations of scenic stops. On Thursday, with the weather clear again, H and I decided to drive to these four spots we had not yet visited.
First, we drove to Mormon Row Historic District, which features historic barns and homesteads that are in the process of being restored. I especially loved the “pink house.”
From there, we went to the next stop, Snake River Overlook, which has truly spectacular views of the Teton Range. Everything was so green with dense trees.
Next, we parked at Elk Ranch Flats Turnout, where we could see a large herd of bison across the street. I was so excited for another new wildlife spotting!
We then noticed a few mule deer as well.
Our final stop was Oxbow Bend Turnout, which was a particularly popular place with a lovely calmer stretch of the Snake River, wildflowers, and more gorgeous mountain views.
After returning to the hotel and relaxing more by the pool, we drove an hour through the park to Jackson Lake Lodge for dinner at the Mural Room with the most beautiful view of the Tetons.
It was a special evening, and it’s where we took our pregnancy announcement photos with my camera and travel tripod (similar ones here)! The whole evening was extra sweet.
After dinner, we strolled up a nearby hill with more of the dreamy wildflowers we had been enjoying that whole week.
Friday, June 13
Day 7 – Hike at Granite Canyon
I woke up on our last day feeling so grateful for the stunning, sunny week with just H and me and our little one growing, as well as sad for the trip to end. I just loved Jackson Hole so much!
We started the day with a hike at Granite Canyon, where we had snowshoed previously! This time, instead of a winter wonderland, Granite Canyon was a spectacular wildflower green dream.
We took things easy once again and walked two miles total (in addition to pregnancy/altitude, I was feeling a little afraid of seeing a bear!), and everywhere I looked was indescribable beauty.
The rest of the day, we relaxed by the pool and soaked up the sun, and that evening, felt like taking it easy and simply packed, organized, and stayed in.
Saturday, June 14
Day 8 – Flight home
On Saturday, I savored a final morning drinking my tea and eating my breakfast in the living room, looking out the window at the view of the mountains.
We drove to the airport mid-morning, and it turns out that the best way to get to the airport (given the traffic) was through the park! We loved driving through Grand Teton National Park one last time – definitely the prettiest drive to an airport I’ve ever had. We flew back the way we came, Jackson Hole to Dallas, and Dallas to Nashville, and had easy travels.
I highly recommend visiting Jackson Hole in June. We enjoyed warm 70s days and cool pleasant evenings, dry sunny weather, colorful wildflowers, and the most magnificent mountain views. We were there before the busy season in July and August, so most places did not feel very crowded.
I will always remember and treasure this special trip!
P.S. Jackson Hole in the winter and packing for a winter trip there, plus more fun trips around the U.S.
