For Teton Springs guests, a trip to neighboring Yellowstone National Park almost always tops the list of places one absolutely has to visit while enjoying time in Teton Valley. Naturally most visitors contemplating a vacation in this glorious northern rocky region think a Yellowstone excursion is most certainly a summer adventure. And while it’s a fact that the vast number of folks entering the park gates arrive during the peak summer months, each year the park sees a greater number of guests filing into Yellowstone’s five gates during the shoulder season; April, May, September & October. Springtime in particular is a big draw, a chance to watch animals emerging from their winter dens with babies in tow.
And you can’t rush Yellowstone. It’s always prudent to allot ample time as there’s approximately 3,500 square miles of rugged land in this park. It’s a massive swath of territory filled with not just the best wildlife viewing but all of the other natural wonders guaranteed to fill viewers with a sense of awe. Yellowstone’s attractions are unique, a slice of nature one will only experience here in the country’s first national park. Ironically, what will inevitably turn out to be the season of choice for many to visit Yellowstone is when the park is blanketed with deep snow, the landscape stark and almost haunting but undoubtedly strikingly beautiful. Yes, winter in Yellowstone is the most magical time.
Teton Springs Lodge guests can easily book a day trip into America’s first national park via a guided snowmobile or snow coach tour. It’s an adventure that should always be considered in conjunction with a ski trip to Grand Targhee or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
West Yellowstone in particular, considered by many to be the snowmobile capital of the west, is a most popular entrance during the winter season. West Yellowstone, Montana, is an easy trek from Victor, especially when the local Teton Valley snowmobile tour company is doing the navigating. Plus, they’ll provide all the fascinating history of this area as you pass thru Idaho’s gorgeous countryside.
There’s terrific scenery from the moment you depart Teton Valley, traveling north through Island Park, Idaho, and continuing on to West Yellowstone. After you enter the park’s west gate, you’ll soon find yourself in the Upper Geyser Basin, home to Old Faithful, Biscuit Basin, and many other active thermal features.
There are at least 150 geysers to scope out within one square mile here. This is simply only one of the compelling reasons why West Yellowstone is the most popular gate to enter this treasured park.
Another popular destination for anyone venturing into Yellowstone is through the park’s south gate, but first, a stop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This iconic western town known for its world-class art and photo galleries, shopping, and a variety of restaurants sure to please any and all palettes. The National Museum of Wildlife Art is on the outskirts of town and if headed to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone’s south gate, this nationally recognized gallery is worth a stop for any and all art lovers. Another popular attraction is a scenic or whitewater raft trip on the wild and scenic Snake River. Jackson has more than its fair share of reputable and experienced river companies and floating the Snake is inevitably a trip highlight for people of all ages.
A relaxing cruise on the river with the Grand Tetons as your backdrop is one option and you’re almost guaranteed to spot a moose or two grazing on the bank. Whitewater trips promise thrills as you enter Hoback canyon south of town. Summer evenings feature a genuine Old West shoot-out on the town square. To cap off a perfect day, saddle up to the bar at the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar featuring great grub and live music. If this all sounds too touristy, well, it is but it’s an integral part of the Jackson Hole experience one shouldn’t miss.
The cozy, relaxing and gracious atmosphere at Teton Springs insures a restful stay. It’s the optimum place to lay your weary head after a day exploring America’s oldest and foremost national park. There’s so much to see and do so pamper yourself at the Stillwaters Spa & Salon, located on the ground floor of the lodge. Now you’re more than ready to conquer the next adventure here in Yellowstone-Teton territory!