2014 - Grand Tetons National Park
The destiny in 2014 was the backcountry of Grand Tetons National Park. The backcountry routes were submitted by January 5 in order to get our favored routes. All the options had amazing scenery. But with much study and careful conversations with the Rangers, Marne Renn & Lisa Elliott were able to secure the group's favored route which started with taking a tram up 4,000 feet - google “Jackson Hole Tram”.
The Grand Tetons are more accommodating to backpacking as they allow slightly larger groups and have camping areas rather than specific sites.
Pastor Check researched and considered a “Day Hike Group”. A major problem was that motels in the Jackson Hole area are cost prohibitive and fill very early. However, Grand Tetons do have six different campgrounds with varying amenities. Plus the variety of campsites and nearness of Yellowstone makes this intriguing though different from previous times.
The group left on Saturday afternoon, July 19 and returned Sunday evening, July 27. After examining several options and quotes the group rented one 15-passenger van and took a couple private pickups.
Since the Grand Tetons are a longer drive, the plan included interesting stops to make the travel itself fun and interesting:
The Grand Tetons are more accommodating to backpacking as they allow slightly larger groups and have camping areas rather than specific sites.
Pastor Check researched and considered a “Day Hike Group”. A major problem was that motels in the Jackson Hole area are cost prohibitive and fill very early. However, Grand Tetons do have six different campgrounds with varying amenities. Plus the variety of campsites and nearness of Yellowstone makes this intriguing though different from previous times.
The group left on Saturday afternoon, July 19 and returned Sunday evening, July 27. After examining several options and quotes the group rented one 15-passenger van and took a couple private pickups.
Since the Grand Tetons are a longer drive, the plan included interesting stops to make the travel itself fun and interesting:
- Saturday, July 19 Gustavus Adolphus College - tour by Brian Konkol, Gustavus Chaplain
- Sunday, July 20 Custer State Park & Mt. Rushmore night show
- M-F, July 21-25 Grand Tetons Group Campsite & backcountry time
- Saturday, July 26 Badlands National Park - sunset & sunrise in the Badlands
- Sunday, July 27 return to Tomahawk