Some lovely day hikes

These photos are some highlights from several different day hikes in May. We had a lot less snow this past winter which opened up the backcountry earlier than usual and I'm okay with a longer hiking season! 

This photo was taken June 3rd. All north facing slopes hang onto winter snow the longest.

Snow Way!

In the seven years that I've lived in Teton Valley and skied/snowboarded at Grand Targhee--this is the lowest snow fall season yet. Apparently, it hasn't been this bad since the 1930's! We can only hope for a rainy spring and summer to make up for the winter drought. Here is a photograph of me standing in the same place comparing the snowpack from last March 2014 to this years March 2015. Notice the dramatic lack of snow on the right. 

Brrrrr Rabbit!

I never get tired of cross country skiing in Teton Valley. It's a great way to get outside, ski with the dogs and get in a good workout to keep those holiday pounds from sneaking in. We are lucky to have front door access to so many beautiful places to ski. It never gets old.

A "New to me" Trail

This is the unmapped North Darby Trail. I have been wanting to hike this trail for years but I always forget about it until the snow flies and by then I have to wait an entire Teton winter before I can even attempt to hike it. So, FINALLY this year I did it! It was a nice 10 mile round trip day. With a nice steep start leading into beautiful canyon views all around. Not a shabby way to spend your Birthday!

Grand Targhee Summer

My Old Office

Green Mountain Lakes Trail

We hiked this trail a week ago on what was the hottest day of the summer. The thermostat reached a high of 92 degrees that day. I used to live in Tennessee where the temps stay in the (always humid) upper 90's and go into triple digits throughout the summer. So a high of 92 degrees is NOTHING compared to the South! However, when hiking 16+ miles at 7-10,000 ft, 92 degrees runs pretty hot! Luckily, a dip in a newly thawed mountain lake was our reward at the end of the trail!

Alaska Basin Trail (2 weeks ago)

Two weeks ago we hiked 7 miles in just barely reaching the Alaska Basin. We had to stop and turn around since the rest of the hike would be entirely on top of about 5+ feet of snow. In the lower elevations the trails are lush and green but as we climbed higher we hit mud, high water and then snow. In a matter of just 2 weeks all of that snow has melted and the ground is turning a vibrant green as the alpine grasses and plants begin to sprout.