Grand Tetons
Hello fellow travelers, in this blog post, we'll share our experience and tips for exploring the Grand Tetons National Park with your little ones. During our road trip the Grand Tetons ended up being one of our favorites. I’m not sure if that’s because we had the lowest expectations/had done the least amount of research or because it is just truly stellar
Campground at Colter Bay:
Despite having our trusty RV with us, we decided to stay at the Colter Bay Campground on the campsite side (not the RV side). We loved the entire Colter Bay Campground and reservations were relatively easy. We found that the campsites were more spacious and further apart, providing a cozy, outdoorsy atmosphere that we truly enjoyed. While there wasn't an abundance of wildlife at this particular campground, our kids were delighted to spot some deer and squirrels during our stay.
Colter Bay Village
Colter Bay Village was just a 10-minute walk away from our campsite, although if you have one of the farther loops it may add on an extra 5-10 minutes. It's a bustling hub with a well-stocked grocery store, complete with an attached retail area for your camping needs. Stroll closer to the lake, and you'll find a restaurant and the ranger station. You can even walk down to the marina if you fancy renting kayaks or other watercraft. The only downside we experienced at the ranger station was that they didn't have junior ranger stickers, but don't worry, you can still complete the booklet to earn a junior ranger badge. Click here for more information on the Junior Ranger program. Maxi (our 4 year old) couldn’t quite focus enough to complete the junior ranger booklet but I feel like if you have a more studious child around the same age it would be a lot of fun and get them more involved in the camping/hiking environment.
Lakeshore Trail
During our stay at Colter Bay, we ventured out on part of the Lakeshore Trail. You can find some reviews of the trail here. We had brought the kids scooters and the road going along part of the lake was nicely paved, wide, and without traffic. So the kids got to scooter around part of the lake which they loved. However, we ended up spending most of the day around the campsite, exploring the serene surroundings and enjoying the tranquility.
Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls Adventure
Mini patiently waiting for the shuttle to return to the otherside of Jenny Lake
On the following day, we set out to explore Jenny Lake. We do recommend getting there early because parking can be a bit of a hassle if you arrive later in the day. We got there a bit late and hubby had to park outside the parking lot on the side of the road, which was a tad bit tricky with the Class A RV we had rented. Once you've secured your parking spot, take a boat ride across Jenny Lake to access the trail to Hidden Falls. For a round trip it cost $20 per adult and $12 per child. The shuttles are supposed to run every 10-15 minutes although we found that they actually ran a bit more often.
Our kids absolutely loved the boat ride, and the hike to Hidden Falls was a hit, even with our 4 and 2-year-olds. The hike is a bit hilly, but it's manageable for children. We took a short break on the rocks, enjoying a snack while observing the playful chipmunks darting about. The sight of Hidden Falls at the end of the trail is a breathtaking reward for the whole family. Coming back they had markers to state how long the wait for a return shuttle boat. Looks like if you come in the summer during peak times you could be waiting up to 45+ minutes (most of which is in the sun).
Grand Teton National Park is a fantastic destination for families with young children. The combination of outdoor adventures and wildlife encounters makes it an unforgettable experience. We hope our tips and insights help you plan your own family adventure in this beautiful national park. Happy travels!
