Grand View Point Hike with Jen and Eric, July 9th, 2023

Jen and Eric arrived on Friday the 7th of July. The next day we had our last show of the year at the Barn so while we were busy, they took a short hike up Cedar Canyon. Sunday the 9th our plan was for all of us to hike up Grand View Point Trail, as Eric had never been on it. The next morning we rode in two separate cars and then met at the headquarters at Grand Teton National Park. Taking the Park Road we told them of the locations where we had seen bears but none were visible. Arriving at Grand View Trailhead we made sure everyone had bear spray and then started our trek. Knowing that we would slow the youngsters down we quickly fell behind their fast pace.

However, they stopped and waited for us after each uphill climb. Renita and I only stopped for about six times to rest before we caught up to them. Wildflowers were everywhere, always a good reason to stop, and at last we saw Eric standing on the point. Reaching them we took pictures of all four of us. Jen was able to set up her cell phone by resting it on a rock.

We were just below the real summit, and we quickly reached the high point for more pics. From that point we could see both Two Ocean and Emma Matilda Lakes.

The youngsters had talked it over an decided to hike down to Two Ocean Lake. From there they would hike to the east side of the lake and we would descend the way we had come. The plan was for us to then drive and pick them up at the Two Ocean Lake Trailhead.

Knowing it would take them awhile we took our time descending to our car. Along the way Renita and I both took images of all the wildflowers, and talked with several families as they passed us. One family had not taken any water with them or bear spray, (they were from overseas and did not understand how many bears, especially grizzlies, frequented this area/trail). Reaching the car, we headed south past Jackson Lake Lodge and the Oxbow before arriving at the Pacific Creek Road. It was a short drive up the road until we reached the turnoff to Two Ocean Lake. The road got progressively worse before we reached the trailhead. Jen and Eric had finished the hike about five minutes before we arrived. They had taken the longer trail, about four point three miles. It was mostly an easy grade, but they had felt nervous as they walked past numerous bear scats. There were also sections with high willows which could always hold a bear! No bear ever bothered them, and they were both armed with bear spray. Living and hiking in the Bitterroot’s and Sapphire Mountains they know to make noise and to keep their bear spray handy. We had planed on eating lunch at the lake, but the mosquitoes had hatched and it was impossible to sit still, so we drove to the beach at Colter Bay, found a table and enjoyed our lunch. It was a great day with lots of flowers, a fun family hike, and beautiful blue skies. Thanks Eric and Jen for making sure we would safely reach the top! Clear skies