This summer it will be increasingly obvious to Jenny Lake visitors that Inspiring Journeys—the multimillion dollar renewal effort at Jenny Lake for the NPS centennial in 2016—is well underway. The second of four construction seasons started in May and, as with last year, the primary focus is on backcountry trail work. In September, physical changes in the frontcountry will also start to become apparent and will impact late season visitors.
What to Expect
* The lakeshore trail on the southwest segment of the Jenny Lake trail system is now open for public use. Thanks to Grand Teton National Park trail crew members, the trail has improved substantially and was raised by 2 feet, making it easier to maintain and more enjoyable for hikers.
* The trail segment from Hidden Falls to Inspiration Point will be closed all summer while crews reconstruct bridges, rock walls, and trail tread. Inspiration Point will be accessed via the horse trail, a forested route that connects Cascade Canyon to the lakeshore trail. To access Hidden Falls, hikers will follow the classic route from the west boat dock and walk about one half of a mile to the falls. Combining these two destinations into one hike will require more time and distance than usual due to the temporary trail closure. Signs are posted along the trails to notify visitors of reroutes, be sure to check-in at a visitor center for current trail updates.
Below are before and after photos highlighting work completed along the Cascade Canyon Trail last fall:
* After Labor Day, underground infrastructure and utility work will begin in the visitor plaza and campground areas. A temporary visitor center will be moved to the south Jenny parking lot and will be readied to serve the public beginning spring 2016. The parking lot will be restriped to accommodate vehicular traffic and maximize parking efficiency in the condensed parking lots.
Get Involved
$12 million has been raised toward our $14 million goal. Grand Teton National Park will contribute $3 million to the project. Gifts of $25,000 and above will be recognized in the Jenny Lake visitor plaza. Campaign ends August 25, 2016.
Join the Effort to improve the Jenny Lake area for millions who will visit. You can give on the donation page of our website, contact us at (307) 732-0629, or text JENNY to 20222 to contribute $10.
Be Social Tag your park photos with #ILoveJennyLake or #ILoveGrandTeton. Each month we will choose our favorite photo and share on Instagram. The winners will receive an annual park pass.
Grand Teton’s Lakeshore Excursions
Want to avoid the construction this summer? Jenny Lake is not the only option for day hiking in Grand Teton National Park—below are a few of our other favorite destinations.
Phelps Lake
There are multiple ways to reach Phelps Lake, hikers can start at the Death Canyon trailhead or the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve. Once on the trail, visitors will hike through forested moraines to reach the lake, travelling between 3 and 4 miles round trip. Learn more: http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/phelps-lake.htm
Leigh Lake
Leigh Lake is a great spot to bring a picnic and enjoy the water on a hot summer day. The 3.7 mile hike starts at the Leigh Lake trailhead. Learn more: http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/leigh-lake.htm
Taggart Lake-Bradley Lake Loop
To visit two lakes in one day, take the 5.5 mile Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop. Hikers will gain about 585 feet of elevation which makes for a moderately strenuous hike. Learn more: http://www.tetonhikingtrails.com/bradley-lake.htm
For more details about the extensive trail system in the park visit: www.tetonhikingtrails.com
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
No comments:
Post a Comment