Do you want to meet your fitness step goals while being seduced by breath-taking views of the Teton Mountains in Wyoming? It’s possible!
The National Park Service in partnership with the National Park Foundation and Subaru launched findyourpark.com to help you create your own park adventure that caters to your goals and interests. If you’re heading to Grand Teton National Park, one of the best things you can do is go hiking.
Hiking may be the ultimate step challenge for any fitness enthusiast. Here are a few ways to get 10,000 steps no matter if you are a beginning hiker or a frequent hiker looking for an enjoyable trail in Grand Teton National Park.
Easy To Moderate Level Hiking Trails
Start with the Lakeshore Trail if you want to get your feet wet in the hiking world. This hike begins behind the Colter Bay Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park. You’ll be exposed to two miles of scenery (roundtrip) and 100 feet of climbing along the Colter Bay shoreline. Take in views of Jackson Lake and the Teton Range to keep you moving forward on your first hiking adventure. Allocate an hour of your day to navigate the Lakeshore Trail.
If you want to step up your hiking game, check out the Heron Pond and Swan Lake Loop trail. Start this hike at the Hermitage Point Trailhead which is also located by the Colter Bay Visitor Center. You’ll have a chance to admire scenic lake views and wildlife on a three-mile round trip hiking adventure that includes 200 feet of total climbing.
It’s estimated that this hiking trail will take about two hours to conquer. On your journey around Colter Bay, you may have a chance to see bears, elk, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, mule deer, or other wildlife in the area.
Moderate Level Hiking Trails
If this isn’t your first time at the hiking rodeo, you may want to push yourself with a moderate level hiking experience at the Phelps Lake Overlook. This consists of two miles of hiking that begins from the Death Canyon Trailhead. During your 1.5- hour journey, you’ll have a chance to enjoy a moderate climb through a forest that is surrounded by lodgepole pines while you navigate your way through a few aspen groves.
Once you reach the Valley Trail junction, turn left to continue on your journey towards the Phelps Lake Overlook. You’ll get an elevated view of the most beautiful clear waters of Phelps Lake, the sixth largest lake in Grand Teton National Park.
Phelps Lake Loop and Jenny Lake Loop are also good moderate level hiking experiences if you’re trying to breathe in over 6 hours of life’s most beautiful sights. Just make sure you allocate at least four hours towards these activities.
Strenuous Hiking Trails
This is for the hiking pro who knows what they want and has the stamina to take their step count to the next level. Inspiration Point, one of the most visited hiking destinations in Grand Teton National Park, is six miles roundtrip with 700 feet of total climbing. Allocate at least 4 hours for this trail. You’ll walk away with the most gorgeous panoramic views of Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole, and Gros Ventre Range.
The Death Canyon-Static Peak Trail is a longer hiking experience, giving you 7.9 miles of panoramic views and wildflowers and 2100 feet of climbing. You may need to allocate an entire day for this adventure because you’ll need at least 6 hours to complete this mission.
Be prepared for your hiking journey by having drinking water, snacks, rain gear, and extra clothing on hand. You may see wildlife during your hike so have some bear spray on hand and learn bear safety protocol. For your safety, hike in a group with other people who can help you navigate the hiking paths.
After you’ve completed this journey, you’ll be able to see that you met your 10,000 step goal hiking in Grand Teton National Park. Another item off your bucket list! What’s next? Find your next hiking challenge at findyourpark.com.
Charlene Rhinehart is an award-winning speaker, consultant, and coach who uses digital technologies to share inspiring stories with the world. She helps others live their best life as a Financial Coach at Wealthy Women Daily, Founder of the Career Goddess Academy, and Travel & Lifestyle Writer at BlackCoupleTravels.com. Charlene recently published her first book, “Dividends Are a Queen’s Best Friend” on Amazon.