Trip Planning: Grand Teton

Who

What

When

Where

Why

Getting the maps and studying the terrain

Once I identified where to spend the trip, I went ahead and got the National Geographic  Topographic Map and Grand Teton National Park Hiking Map from Amazon (affiliate linked references below).  I like to have topo maps for every location I go for a few reasons:

1. They will be with me the entire trip, including my hikes, for geographical references and navigation purposes.
2. It allows me to scout out and learn the topography and trail system without having to rely on the Internet (I’m not going to have Internet in the backcountry so it best to not rely on).
3. They help me to focus my efforts on hiking and taking in the views rather than wondering what is what along the way. 
4. I’m able assist others along the trail when I am familiar with the routes and terrain.

I supplement my map explorations with information and content on the Internet based more on deliberate searches of my findings from my topo maps.  I also explore the imagery on Google Maps and use their 3D perspectives to recon the areas for an enhanced understanding of the terrain, features and generally what to expect visually.

After my trip, I’ll provide a review of the Nat Geo topo map and Larson’s  Hiking Map to determine which was best for the trip.

My next step was to scout out what National Parks Service (NPS) site had available.  I was very pleased that they had a great site to start the initial planning for the trip:

• Plan Your Visit to Grand Teton (NPS site)
• NPS Grand Teton Facebook Page

Here is a site to scout out trails in the area:

• Hiking Project: Grand Teton National Park
  
• All Trails: Grand Teton National Park

Here is a blog site to get some various trail/route conditions, though it has more of a climber orientation to it. Still valuable for gear and conditions planning.

• http://tetonclimbing.blogspot.com/

I’m going to head out after work on Wednesday and drive to somewhere near Boise, ID  where Ill likely sleep in my truck at a rest stop then proceed on to Grand Teton NP in the morning.  It is roughly a 13.5hr drive from my starting point, which is cake compared to my  WA-VA road-trips.

I-5S > I-90E > I-82E > I-84E > I-86E > I-15N > US-26E > ID-31E > WY-22E and then US-191 to Moose, WY. 

NPS Provided Directions here

I would prefer to camp out in the backcountry so I’ll continue working and scouting out campsites along possible hiking routes.  The backup plan would be to post up at one of the designated campgrounds, unless I can campout in my truck at one of the trailheads.  My goal would be to minimize costs, while being relatively close to the trailheads for ease of access.

I’ll be at the Park during the off-season so the chances of getting a campsite will be improved, especially as a first-come first-serve walk-up.  My chances are even better since I’ll arrive during the week rather than the weekend as well.  Ill be sure to comment about this aspect during my daily and/or final trip report. Additional information here,

For backcountry camping, I’ll use the walk-up option, which will vary when or if I do my backcountry camping.  The permits are $35/trip.  I’ll have to stop at the Moose Visitor Center(also called Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center on the NPS website) to get the associated backcountry permit(s) and find out trail conditions. Normally for this proposed trip I would use the Jenny Lake Ranger Station, but that will be closed after 2-September.  I’ll plan a couple hiking route contingencies if I can get a permit where I stay out for 2-3nights to optimize the permit fee.  Here is more information:

• General Backcountry Info(PDF)
• Reservations
• Camping Zones

My primary camping area would be around Jenny Lake.  The campsites are $29/night.  They only take cash or check.  Refer to the website for more info.

Signal Mountain campsites would be my backup.  Those campsites are $30/night.  Refer to the website for more info.

Based on their cash only preferences/accommodations, I’ll likely carry about $300 on the trip, which will be an overestimate of what I will need.  I tend to only use/carry credit cards (track spending with ease and rewards hacking) so this is a planning consideration as well for others that do the same.

These are hikes that I am looking to do while on my trip.  They may change during the trip for whatever reason, but I’ll document it along the way.

Table Mountain

Lake Solitude

Amphitheater Lake

Signal Mountain

I plan to prepare and bring all of my food, unless something happens. Morning and evening meals will likely be something that utilizes my camp stove.  I’ll carry most of my meals into the backcountry if all goes well on the permitting. I’ll keep my heavier camping food in the car if things don’t work for backcountry camping.  During the day, my food will be mostly various trail mixes and granolas. 

If I do a backcountry trip, I will need to get or borrow an approved Bear Canister of some sort (has to be Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved).  I’ll do a separate write-up detailing the food choices and mixtures.

Water

For water, I’ll depart home with about 5 gallons in my truck so I can easily refill between hikes in case something is wrong.  I will carry my water filter while on my hikes so I can top up as needed along the way.  If I am backcountry camping, this will be most relevant and useful because Ill only carry 3L at a time, though Ill carry an additional 2L ultralight collapsible reservoir for filling and using for overnight consumption.

Since I’ll also be at higher altitudes, I’ll need to make sure I drink more than what I would normally. I’m currently working on a separate write-up about the importance of hydration, which will be released soon. I’ll post the link back to that here when its published.

Northwestern Wyoming is definitely bear country so I’ll be more conscientious of my loadouts and scents, especially for backcountry camping.  If you are unfamiliar with hiking in bear country, please reference the link provided below courtesy of the NPS. It is important to remember that I am a visitor in the environment so I want to reduce my impact and exposure on the plant and wildlife ecosystem as much as possible.

Additional Bear Safety Information (NPS Link)

As part of the planning process of my trip, I am factoring in the Leave No Trace principles. This will ensure I that I plan and pack accordingly. I will pack out what I bring in to the backcountry as well as to reduce my impact on the surrounding environment. I have also reviewed the Parks guidelines for reducing impact on the trails, wildlife and general environment via the backcountry information PDF. This is important to do for any location in order to make sure best practices are being employed respective of the area.

This is certainly a factor to consider, especially given Grand Teton National Park’s location and elevation (6400-12600ft).  I will likely encounter rain, snow and dry weather so I will have to pack accordingly.  The weekend before setting out on my trip, I’ll start checking up on the weather and environmental conditions daily to ensure my loadout is adequate.  Since I’ll be taking my truck, Ill have plenty of space for contingency gear and wont have to carry everything all the time so my hiking loadouts will be tailored to the hike profiles.

I found this weather summary table (below) in the backcountry camping PDF I referenced above.  I’ll be referencing this as I pack and plan my gear loadouts appropriately for the seasonal temperatures and precipitation.  Since I’ll be there in mid to late September I should expect much cooler conditions during the nights and mornings. Having the proper sleeping bag will also be important for having a good night sleep so I can perform each following day.

I’ll also accompany this planning post with my gear loadout as I get closer to my trip. In that I will cover which pack, what clothing items and other gear I will be taking on this trip.