Monday, Sept 4, 2017

On Labor Day Monday I leave Granite Creek early and drive thru Jackson to Gros Ventre Campground in Grand Teton National Park. I had thought I would spend a couple days here.  But after my trip into town last Friday, when I saw how smoky it is, I decide to only stay one day.  I get to Gros Ventre in the morning so that gives me enough time today to go around the park.

This is the view from the back of my campsite.  You can see how much more smoke there is now compared to Friday.  The outline of the Tetons is barely visible only about ten miles away.

From back of my campsite at Gros Ventre CG

This park is all about the mountains.  So with the poor visibility the views are going to be pretty bad.  After setting up, I drive to the visitors center for maps, info etc.  Then I drive the “inside” park road, as the locals call it.  The main highway is the “outside” road.  There are several historical buildings and viewpoint stops along the way.

Ferry used to cross Snake River

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake

As you can see the smoke is awful.  I feel bad for the folks who have one week or two week vacations a year and have come to the Tetons.

I have been mulling over whether to go to Yellowstone National Park.  One plus for Yellowstone is that it is more about the geothermal features and the wildlife than the mountain views.  Thus, the smoke doesn’t have quite as much impact on the enjoyment of the park.  After studying the map and looking at other options, I decide to drive to Yellowstone and see if I can get into a campground.