Is mountain biking exhilarating or mellow? Is rafting a rush or scenic? Do tours include wildlife or lessons in geology? The answer to these questions, of course, is, “both.” When we started planning a trip to Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming, we found the destination, halfway between Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, to serve up just the right amount of variety for adventure and exploration.
This story was created in partnership with Grand Targhee Resort.
Mountain Biking
Summer experiences in Grand Targhee are probably known best for mountain biking. Hundreds of miles of trails stretch through the area in the resort and beyond, and that means you can find the best trails for your skills and preferences. You may choose to hit the bike park’s downhill tracks, which have earned Grand Targhee #2 in the Top 5 Best Bike Parks in the Northwest region on MTBparks.com three years running.
You might spend some time in bike school to develop your skills in the most stunning classroom in the world. Then take your skills—from beginning to expert, to the multi-use trails that wind, cruise, drop, twist, climb, drop or roll for miles and miles and days and days.
Hiking
On the subject of those multi-use trails, you don’t only have to explore them on knobby tires. Lace up your hiking boots and explore at a slower pace. Keep a sharp eye out for wildlife and wildflowers, scenic vistas, and more.
Of course, there are many trails to choose from, and you can opt to enjoy nature in solitude or with your friends or family. Or, you can join an expert for your explorations. Go on a guided hike with a knowledgeable naturalist to learn about the flora and fauna of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
National Parks Tours
Tours are always a great way to get to know a destination while supporting local businesses, so at Visit USA Parks we try to incorporate tours and local knowledge into our travel plans whenever possible. That’s easy at Grand Targhee Resort. In addition to the aforementioned hiking tour, there are a number of modalities and subjects to check out with guides.
Given the proximity of Grand Targhee to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, you’d be remiss not to visit these national gems. Of course, you can make the drive and explore on your own, or you can load up with a guide who knows the best places to see bison, the stories and facts surrounding the local geology, and, of course, the best place to grab lunch during your explorations.
Downriver and Up Walls
You can also take the tour experience to the water. Float through Grand Teton National Park with a family business that is rooted in respectful, careful fun in the national park. Or, speed things up as you move downriver through rapids and waves! Rafting in Jackson is a classic experience. This Snake River Whitewater trip will take you down the Grand Canyon of the Snake River, one of the deepest gorges on the Snake River in Wyoming.
Thrills and giggles don’t only lie beyond the hub of the resort. Bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, mining, and fossil searches will delight the whole family, with lots of options for fun to choose from.
This or that? Basing your summer adventures at Grand Targhee is a great way to escape the crowds of summer travelers, slow down and soak up time in the great outdoors, and tailor whatever you do—hike, bike, tour, or raft—to exactly your style.
