Standing in Awe

Our Family Adventure in Grand Teton National Park

There are some places you dream about visiting for years.

Then there are places that somehow exceed every expectation you had.

Grand Teton National Park was one of those places.

After spending a few wonderful days with lifelong friends in Fort Collins, we loaded up the motorhome before sunrise and pointed it north toward Wyoming. The kids didn't stay awake for very long. Before we knew it, all three of them were sound asleep, giving Jessie and me several quiet hours to enjoy the drive and reflect on everything we had experienced over the past few weeks.

As we crossed into Wyoming, we smiled knowing we had checked another state off our family's adventure.

Little did we know, one of our favorite destinations of the entire trip was waiting just a few hours ahead.

The drive itself was beautiful as we made our way through mountain valleys and winding passes, but nothing prepared us for what happened as we crested Togwotee Pass and began descending toward Jackson Hole.

Then we saw them.

The Teton Range.

Neither of us expected our first view to be so dramatic.

Jagged granite peaks seemed to shoot straight out of the valley floor, rising thousands of feet into the Wyoming sky with almost no foothills to soften their appearance. They looked bigger, steeper, and far more breathtaking than any photograph had ever captured.

For a few moments, neither of us said much.

We simply stared.

And then Hudson looked at us and said, “ Are those the Tetons?”

We all agreed they must be.

It was one of those rare moments where the beauty in front of you leaves you speechless.

Every picture we had ever seen of Grand Teton National Park suddenly made sense.

But none of them truly prepared us for standing there in person.

Before heading to our campground, we made one stop we couldn't pass up.

The iconic Grand Teton National Park entrance sign.

Like every new national park we visited on this journey, it deserved a family picture. It has become one of our favorite traditions—one more photo marking another incredible chapter of our adventure together.

A short time later, we arrived at Colter Bay Campground, our home for the next five nights.

The moment we pulled into camp, something immediately felt familiar.

The towering lodgepole pines.

The cool mountain air.

The smell of the forest.

For the first time in months, it reminded us of home in the Pacific Northwest.

After spending weeks camping among the deserts, red rocks, and wide-open landscapes of the Southwest, being surrounded by tall evergreen trees again felt comforting. It was a little piece of home tucked beneath one of the most beautiful mountain ranges we'd ever seen.

The kids noticed something else right away.

"Can we have a campfire tonight?"

For the first time in what felt like forever, the answer was yes.

Their excitement said it all.

After getting settled into camp, we made dinner together before tossing a football around the campground and enjoying our first peaceful evening beneath the pines.

As the evening cooled down, we decided there was still time for one more adventure.

Fishing.

We loaded into the 4Runner and made the short drive to the Snake River, determined to catch a fish in yet another new state.

The river was stunning.

Crystal-clear water flowed through the valley while the Tetons stood quietly in the distance, glowing in the soft evening light.

Before long, Jessie hooked into a fish.

It turned out to be a river sucker, giving us another new species to add to our family's growing fishing list.

But the fish wasn't the highlight of the evening.

As we stood along the river making a few final casts before dark, a beautiful red fox quietly appeared along the shoreline. We watched as it wandered through the grass before disappearing back into the trees just as quickly as it had arrived.

It felt like Grand Teton National Park was welcoming us.

We stayed until the last bit of daylight disappeared behind the mountains, making cast after cast and simply enjoying being together.

As we drove back to Colter Bay Campground that evening, we couldn't stop talking about everything we had already experienced.

The Tetons had already taken our breath away.

The campground already felt like home.

And somehow...

This was only our first day.

If Grand Teton had already amazed us this much, we couldn't wait to see what the rest of the week had in store.

Wednesday | Our First Evening in the Tetons

After an incredible first glimpse of the Tetons and settling into Colter Bay Campground, it finally felt like we could relax.

We unpacked the motorhome, settled into our campsite beneath the towering lodgepole pines, and took a few minutes to simply enjoy our new home for the week.

The campground immediately became one of our favorites.

After spending the past several months camping throughout the Southwest, Colter Bay felt surprisingly familiar. The tall evergreen trees, cool mountain air, and quiet forest reminded us so much of home in the Pacific Northwest. It was a refreshing change from the deserts and red rock landscapes we had been exploring.

The kids loved it immediately.

When they found out campfires were allowed, they were beyond excited.

It had been quite a while since we'd been able to enjoy an evening around a real campfire, and knowing we'd have that opportunity throughout the week made Colter Bay feel even more special.

After getting everything set up, we made dinner together around camp.

There was no rush.

No itinerary to follow.

Just the excitement of finally being in Grand Teton National Park.

Once dinner was finished, we grabbed a football and headed out into one of the open areas near our campsite.

The kids laughed as we tossed the ball back and forth, enjoying the cool evening air after a long day on the road.

It was the perfect way to unwind after traveling from Fort Collins.

As the evening continued, we looked at each other and realized there was still plenty of daylight left.

There was only one thing left to do.

Go fishing.

We loaded into the 4Runner and made the short drive to the Snake River, determined to catch our first fish in Wyoming.

The river itself was breathtaking.

Crystal-clear water flowed quietly through the valley while the towering Teton Range stood in the distance. Even though we had only been in the park a few hours, it already felt different from anywhere else we had visited.

Before long, Jessie hooked into a fish.

It wasn't a trout like we had hoped.

Instead, he landed a river sucker, giving us another new species to add to our family's ever-growing fishing list.

The fish was exciting.

But something even better was waiting.

As we continued casting into the river, a beautiful red fox quietly appeared along the shoreline.

For several moments we simply watched as it wandered through the grass, occasionally stopping to look around before disappearing back into the trees.

It was one of those wildlife encounters that happens unexpectedly and somehow becomes one of the most memorable parts of the day.

As the sun slowly disappeared behind the Tetons, we made a few final casts before packing up our gear.

Driving back toward Colter Bay Campground, the mountains glowed with the last light of the evening while the forest around us grew quiet.

It was peaceful.

The kind of peaceful that seems harder and harder to find.

As we settled in for the night around our first campfire, we couldn't stop talking about everything we had already experienced.

The Tetons had completely exceeded our expectations.

The campground already felt like home.

We had caught our first Wyoming fish.

Seen our first Grand Teton fox.

And this was only the beginning.

Lying in bed that night, I couldn't help but smile.

If our first evening was any indication of what was ahead, we knew we were in for a very special week.

Thursday | Jenny Lake and the Beauty of Plan B

We knew if we wanted to experience one of Grand Teton National Park's most popular areas, we'd have to get an early start.

Peak summer season brings thousands of visitors to the park each day, so after breakfast we packed our hiking backpacks and set out on the famous 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive, making our way toward Jenny Lake.

Even the drive there was breathtaking.

Every few miles we found ourselves pulling over at another turnout to admire Jackson Lake, Mount Moran, and the incredible Teton Range rising straight from the valley floor.

No matter how many times we looked up, the mountains never seemed real.

By the time we arrived at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center around 8:45 that morning, the parking lot was already completely full.

Thankfully, we found a parking spot about a quarter mile down the road, grabbed our gear, and walked back to the visitor center.

Honestly...

After reading how busy Jenny Lake becomes during the summer, we weren't surprised.

We spent a little time exploring the visitor center, picking up Junior Ranger books for the kids, browsing the exhibits, and talking with the park rangers before making our way to the boat shuttle.

That's when our plans changed.

The line stretched farther than we expected.

A ranger estimated the wait would be close to an hour and a half.

We looked at each other for a moment.

Then shrugged.

Sometimes you just have to pivot.

Instead of waiting in line, we decided to hike the entire trail around Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

The kids...

Let's just say they weren't immediately thrilled with the idea.

When they heard we were adding several miles to the day, there were a few dramatic sighs and more than one eye roll.

Hudson was more thrilled than anyone. Hudson is always up for hiking. He is like a gazelle, he will hike for hours and just glide across the mountains. Macie is up for the hike if you can distract her with the wildflowers and water flowers. Lincoln can be up for anything. He is a go getter. With lots of snacks and talking he is up for anything!

After a little encouragement—and maybe the promise of ice cream later—we laced up our hiking shoes and started walking.

Looking back...

I'm so glad we did.

The trail around Jenny Lake is one of the most beautiful hikes we've ever experienced.

The path gently winds through towering pine forests while offering incredible views of the crystal-clear lake below. Every few minutes another opening in the trees revealed a different perspective of the Tetons reflecting off the water.

It was impossible to stop taking pictures.

The farther we hiked, the quieter everything became.

The crowds slowly disappeared.

Birds sang overhead.

The breeze rustled through the trees.

It was one of those hikes that reminded us to slow down and simply enjoy where we were.

One of the unexpected highlights came near Moose Pond.

As we quietly walked along the trail, we looked across the water and couldn't believe what we were seeing.

A moose.

Standing peacefully near the edge of the pond.

Everyone immediately stopped talking.

We watched quietly for several minutes, taking pictures and simply appreciating how incredible it was to see such an iconic animal in its natural habitat.

It was one of those moments that reminded us wildlife isn't something you schedule.

Sometimes it's simply a gift.

Eventually we arrived at Hidden Falls, one of the park's most popular waterfalls.

Fed by snowmelt high in the Tetons, Hidden Falls drops nearly one hundred feet through a narrow granite canyon before continuing toward Jenny Lake below.

The sound of rushing water echoed through the trees as we stood on the viewing platform taking it all in.

It was every bit as beautiful as we'd hoped.

After enjoying the falls and grabbing a quick snack, we continued climbing another half mile toward Inspiration Point.

The trail became steeper, but the kids kept pushing forward.

When we finally reached the overlook, the climb was immediately worth it.

Far below us, Jenny Lake sparkled in the morning sun while the valley stretched for miles into the distance.

It truly felt like we had earned the view.

I couldn't have been prouder of the kids.

Not only had they hiked farther than they originally wanted to, but they had done it with great attitudes and were rewarded with one of the most incredible views in Grand Teton National Park.

Sometimes the hardest part of the adventure ends up becoming everyone's favorite memory.

After taking plenty of family photos, we made our way back down to Jenny Lake and found a quiet spot along the shoreline for lunch.

Sitting beside the crystal-clear water with the Tetons towering above us felt almost surreal.

The water was unbelievably clear.

Looking into the lake, we could easily see smooth rocks resting on the bottom several feet below the surface. Combined with the deep blue water and towering mountain backdrop, it almost looked tropical—if tropical beaches happened to have snow-capped mountains surrounding them.

It was one of the prettiest lakes we had ever seen.

With full stomachs and tired legs, we climbed back into the 4Runner and continued exploring the park.

Our scenic drive took us to the Cathedral Group Turnout, where some of the tallest and most recognizable peaks in the Tetons rise dramatically above the valley floor.

Next we stopped at Teton Glacier Turnout, where we learned more about the glaciers that carved this incredible landscape thousands of years ago.

Then we made the climb up Signal Mountain Summit Road.

From the top, we were rewarded with sweeping views of Jackson Lake, the Snake River Valley, and the endless mountain ranges stretching toward the horizon.

Each stop somehow managed to outdo the one before it.

Just when we thought the day couldn't get any better, we made one final stop.

Jackson Lake Lodge.

The massive windows inside the historic lodge perfectly frame the Teton Range, creating one of the most iconic views in the entire national park.

We wandered through the beautiful lobby before deciding to celebrate an incredible day with ice cream.

Hudson chose chocolate.

Macie picked huckleberry.

Lincoln proudly ordered strawberry.

Jessie also went with huckleberry, wanting to try one of Wyoming's signature flavors.

As for me...

I couldn't resist the huckleberry milkshake.

It was absolutely delicious.

We sat together overlooking the mountains, enjoying our treats and reflecting on everything we'd experienced throughout the day.

As we drove back to Colter Bay Campground that evening, none of us could stop talking about the day.

What started as a disappointment because of a long boat line had turned into one of the best days of our entire trip.

Sometimes God's plans are even better than our own.

And sometimes...

Plan B becomes the memory you'll treasure forever.

Friday | Hidden Lakes and Historic Homesteads

After an unforgettable day exploring Jenny Lake, we decided to slow the pace down a little and discover a different side of Grand Teton National Park.

Instead of chasing the park's most famous viewpoints, we wanted to enjoy some of the quieter places that often get overlooked.

Our morning began at the Colter Bay Visitor Center.

One of the things we have really come to appreciate during our travels is taking time to visit each park's visitor center. They offer so much more than maps and souvenirs—they tell the story behind the place you're exploring.

The kids eagerly grabbed their Junior Ranger books while we explored the exhibits about the park's wildlife, geology, and history. One of my favorite parts was the Indian Arts Museum, where beautiful Native American artwork and displays helped us better understand the cultures that have called this area home for generations.

Outside, we wandered through the collection of historic cabins, imagining what life must have been like for the early settlers who built homes beneath the shadow of the Tetons.

It was a wonderful way to begin the day.

From there, we headed to one of our favorite hikes of the entire trip.

String Lake.

If Jenny Lake is the park's famous destination, String Lake feels like its peaceful little sister.

The easy trail follows the shoreline through towering pines with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Every few minutes we found ourselves stopping just to admire the scenery.

The water was unbelievable.

I've seen clear lakes before...

But nothing quite like this.

The water was so crystal clear that we could see every rock resting on the bottom, even several feet from shore. Shades of turquoise and deep blue changed with the sunlight, making it hard to believe we were standing in the middle of Wyoming.

The kids couldn't resist walking along the shoreline, tossing rocks into the water, and dipping their feet into the icy mountain lake.

It was one of those places where nobody was in a hurry.

After enjoying String Lake, we continued on to Leigh Lake.

The trail was equally peaceful and far less crowded than Jenny Lake had been the day before.

As we walked through the forest, occasional openings revealed stunning views of Mount Moran, one of the park's most recognizable peaks.

By the time we reached the lake, we found the perfect spot for lunch.

We spread out our picnic beside the water and simply enjoyed the afternoon together.

Looking across the lake toward the towering mountains, it almost didn't seem real.

The combination of crystal-clear water, evergreen forests, and rugged granite peaks created one of the most beautiful settings we had experienced on our trip.

Sometimes the best memories aren't made while rushing from one attraction to another.

Sometimes they're made while eating sandwiches beside an alpine lake with the people you love most.

That afternoon, we made our way south through the park to one of the most photographed locations in Wyoming.

Mormon Row Historic District.

In the late 1800s, Mormon settlers built small homesteads across this valley, hoping to make a life beneath the towering Tetons.

Today, the historic buildings remain, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the families who once called this valley home.

Standing there, it's easy to understand why photographers from around the world travel here.

The weathered wooden buildings set against the dramatic backdrop of the Teton Range create one of the most iconic scenes in the American West.

Of course, we couldn't leave without stopping at the famous John Moulton Barn.

Seeing it in person was every bit as beautiful as the photographs we'd seen over the years.

From there, we continued to the Snake River Overlook, another location made famous by legendary photographer Ansel Adams.

Looking out across the winding Snake River with the Tetons rising in the distance, it was easy to understand why this viewpoint has inspired photographers for generations.

It was another reminder that no matter where we stopped in Grand Teton National Park, the scenery never stopped amazing us.

As we made our way back to Colter Bay Campground that evening, wildlife once again became part of our drive.

Elk grazed peacefully in the meadows.

Deer wandered through the campground as if they owned the place.

Every evening seemed to bring another reminder that we weren't simply visiting this place.

For a few days...

We were living in it.

That night, after dinner, Jessie, Hudson, and Lincoln once again grabbed their fishing rods and headed down to the Snake River.

Fishing had become one of the highlights of our stay.

As they cast into the river one last time before sunset, we spotted another incredible surprise.

A beaver quietly swimming along the shoreline.

Watching it disappear beneath the water while the boys continued fishing felt like the perfect ending to another unforgettable day.

By the time we gathered around the campfire that evening, I found myself reflecting on how much wildlife had become part of our everyday life.

A moose near Moose Pond.

A red fox on our very first evening.

Elk grazing at sunset.

Deer wandering through camp.

Now a beaver swimming quietly through the Snake River.

It never felt like we were searching for wildlife.

It simply shared this beautiful place with us.

As the campfire crackled beneath the tall pines and the stars slowly appeared overhead, I couldn't help but thank God for allowing us to experience a place as beautiful as this.

Every mountain.

Every lake.

Every animal.

Every sunset.

Each one was another reminder of the incredible beauty of His creation.

Grand Teton National Park wasn't just a place we visited.

It was a place that continually reminded us to slow down, look around, and stand in awe.

Saturday | A Taste of the Old West

It was hard to believe our last full day in Grand Teton National Park had already arrived.

The week had gone by faster than any of us expected, but we still had a few more places we wanted to explore before making our way to Yellowstone.

We started the morning with a stop at one of the most unique churches we've ever visited.

The Chapel of the Transfiguration.

Built in 1925, this small log chapel sits quietly in the community of Moose and has become one of the most photographed churches in the country.

At first glance, it seems like a simple little mountain church.

But once you step inside, you immediately understand why so many people visit.

Behind the altar is a large picture window that perfectly frames the towering Teton Range.

Instead of stained-glass windows, you're looking directly at one of God's most incredible creations.

It was breathtaking.

The chapel was peaceful and quiet, inviting visitors to slow down for a few moments and simply appreciate the beauty surrounding them.

Standing inside, I couldn't help but think about how perfectly the mountains seemed to fit into the sanctuary.

It felt like a reminder that God's creation itself is a place of worship.

After spending a little time there, we made our way into Jackson.

If Estes Park felt like a charming mountain town, Jackson felt like stepping into the Old West.

Wooden sidewalks.

Historic brick buildings.

Western outfitters.

Art galleries.

Local boutiques.

Cowboy hats everywhere you looked.

The entire town has a welcoming western charm while still feeling clean, vibrant, and full of life.

One of our first stops was the famous elk antler arches in Town Square.

Made from thousands of naturally shed elk antlers collected each year from the nearby National Elk Refuge, the arches have become one of Jackson's most recognizable landmarks.

Of course, we had to stop for the traditional family photo beneath them.

From there, we wandered through the streets, popping into local shops and simply enjoying the atmosphere.

There was no rush.

No schedule.

Just a fun afternoon exploring one of the most unique mountain towns we've ever visited.

Before long, we found ourselves in need of coffee.

After hearing so many great things, we stopped at Cowboy Coffee Co.

It quickly became one of my favorite coffee shops of the trip.

The cozy western atmosphere fit perfectly with the town, and the coffee was every bit as good as everyone had said.

It was the perfect excuse to sit for a little while, enjoy a drink, and soak in everything around us before continuing our afternoon.

The rest of the day was spent doing one of my favorite vacation activities.

Shopping.

We wandered through outdoor stores, gift shops, bookstores, and little boutiques, taking our time and enjoying the slower pace.

Every store seemed to have something unique, from locally made artwork and handcrafted gifts to western clothing and outdoor gear.

There was something around every corner that made us stop and look.

What I loved most about Jackson wasn't any one attraction.

It was the feeling.

The whole town somehow manages to feel adventurous, relaxed, and welcoming all at the same time.

It's the kind of place where people linger.

Where conversations happen over coffee.

Where nobody seems to be in a hurry.

By late afternoon we found ourselves making our way back toward Colter Bay.

One last drive beneath the Tetons.

One last evening around camp.

One last chance to enjoy the peaceful rhythm we'd grown to love throughout the week.

That evening, as the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains, we built one final campfire.

The kids laughed around the fire while Jessie and the boys talked about all the fish they had caught during the week.

Looking back over the past five days, it was hard to believe how much we had experienced.

Towering mountains.

Crystal-clear lakes.

Wildlife around nearly every corner.

Campfires beneath the pines.

Fishing on the Snake River.

Hiking to waterfalls.

Quiet mornings.

Beautiful sunsets.

Grand Teton National Park had given us so much more than incredible scenery.

It had given us time together.

As we watched the last of the fire burn down to glowing coals, I found myself feeling incredibly thankful.

Thankful for another week of adventures.

Thankful for friendships that had brought us here.

Thankful for healthy kids who happily tackled every trail we asked them to hike.

And thankful for a Creator whose handiwork surrounded us everywhere we looked.

Tomorrow we would leave Grand Teton behind and begin another adventure in Yellowstone National Park.

But I already knew something.

The Tetons had left a mark on our hearts.

And someday...

We'll be back.

What We'll Remember

As we packed up the motorhome Sunday morning and pulled out of Colter Bay Campground, I found myself looking back one last time at the towering peaks rising above the trees.

It was hard to believe our five days in Grand Teton National Park had already come to an end.

When we first drove over Togwotee Pass and caught our very first glimpse of the Tetons, we were completely speechless.

Five days later...

That feeling hadn't changed.

I'll remember waking up every morning surrounded by towering pine trees that reminded us so much of home.

I'll remember evening campfires beneath the stars and how excited the kids were to finally roast marshmallows again.

I'll remember the crystal-clear lakes that looked almost too beautiful to be real.

Jenny Lake.

String Lake.

Leigh Lake.

Each one had its own personality, yet all of them reflected the incredible mountains that surrounded them.

I'll remember watching Hudson continue to grow as a fisherman, always eager to make one more cast in another new river or lake.

I'll remember Lincoln's excitement every time we spotted another animal or found another place to explore.

I'll remember Macie quietly taking in the beauty around her, never passing up the opportunity to dip her feet into another mountain lake or simply sit and enjoy the view.

I'll remember the wildlife that made this park feel so alive.

The moose quietly feeding near Moose Pond.

The red fox that welcomed us on our very first evening.

The beaver swimming along the Snake River while we fished.

The elk grazing peacefully in the evenings.

The deer wandering through our campground as if we weren't even there.

It never felt like we were searching for wildlife.

It simply shared this beautiful place with us.

But more than anything...

I'll remember the mountains.

Not because they were the tallest mountains we've ever seen.

But because of the way they rise so suddenly from the valley floor.

Every time we rounded another corner, they demanded our attention.

Every overlook.

Every trail.

Every lake.

Every drive.

No matter where we were, the Tetons seemed to remind us just how incredible God's creation truly is.

There were so many moments throughout the week when all we could do was stop, look around, and quietly take it all in.

It's difficult to explain that feeling unless you've experienced it yourself.

Places like Grand Teton National Park have a way of slowing you down.

They remind you that the world is far bigger than your daily routine, your calendar, or your to-do list.

They invite you to look up.

To breathe deeply.

To notice the details.

To appreciate the beauty that God has placed all around us.

Grand Teton gave us unforgettable hikes.

Peaceful campfires.

Wildlife we'll never forget.

Fishing in some of the most beautiful places we've ever cast a line.

Quiet mornings.

Laughter with our family.

And memories that will stay with us long after this road trip comes to an end.

As we drove north toward Yellowstone National Park, excitement for the next adventure filled the motorhome.

But a part of our hearts remained behind.

Tucked beneath the towering pines of Colter Bay.

Standing beside the crystal-clear waters of Jenny Lake.

Watching the sun set over the Snake River.

Grand Teton National Park wasn't just another stop on our seven-month journey.

It became one of our favorite places we've ever experienced as a family.

And I have a feeling...

This won't be the last time we stand in awe beneath the Tetons.

-Kayla

Grand Tetons