3 Tips For Hiking With Kids Near Jackson Hole
Go with a guide for the best experience. Guide Dan Austin offers these suggestions with children in mind.
Dan Austin, the director and founder of Austin-Lehman Adventures, has been offering guided trips in and around Jackson and Yellowstone National Park for more than two decades. For a classic Tetons hike the whole family can enjoy, he suggests the four-mile loop in Grand Teton National Park to Bradley and Taggart Lakes. There are also hikes with spectacular views on Rendezvous Mountain from the top of the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram in Teton Village, just steps from Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole. (You gain 4,139 feet before you even start hiking!)
When hiking anywhere with kids, the focus is always on the journey itself rather than the destination. In other words, you can’t get hung up if kids are more excited about looking at bugs or overturning rocks along the way than reaching a particular peak.
Austin shares these tips to make sure everyone in your family has a fun, safe experience along the trails.
1. Go with a local guide! You don’t want to waste time on the wrong trail or hiking to a view that isn’t there. You want an insider’s insight that comes from years of exploring an area. And you get the extra benefit of a guide’s knowlege on flora, fauna and history. (A guide is also helpful in encouraging and entertaining children; ultimately guides can help kids have more patience for the total experience.)
2. Pack smart! Make sure you’ve got a first aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, a camera and extra batteries, binoculars, energy bars and other kid-friendly snacks.
3. Be prepared for cold! Bring gloves, a hat and an extra layer (light weight synthetic blends are best). Even a rain jacket, because the weather can be so unpredictable.
I am very impressed! We went during the Fall season and had an wonderful stay. Thats why going with Four Season is an easy choice. You know they represent the highest quality!
If you are going to take one trip this year, make it to Jackson Hole, Wyoming! You don’t know what your missing. The Four Seasons is the only way to travel and they certainly did it again. Our stay was so incredible. We got amazing advice from the Concierge service as expected. The made our trip one we will soon not forget. Thanks.
My good friend has lived in Jackson Hole for almost 10 years. And for everyone of those years she has asked me to come out and visit. Every year I had another excuse. Finally I decided that enough was enough. This takes me to the second part of my story. Always listen to a person who lives in Jackson Hole. This place is truly a gift to all who are lucky enough to make it here. Four Season, here I come!
What an amazing family trip Jackson Hole turned out to be. We just couldn’t be happier with our stay at the Four Seasons. The fresh alpine air is always a welcome addition to my mental well being. Did I mention the mountains. The panoramic views are second to no others. Get here now!
What an amazing family trip Jackson Hole turned out to be. We just couldn’t be happier with our stay at the Four Seasons. The fresh alpine air is always a welcome addition to my mental well being. Did I mention the mountains. The panoramic views are second to no others. Get here now!
WOW! That is all I can say about this place. If you haven’t been you need to book your reservation today. This place is a little slice of heaven. Pictures do not do this play justice. It truly is majestic!
The Four Seasons in Jackson Hole is amazing!! My wife and I go every year to get away from our hectic lives. I don’t know what I would do without this place. Thanks Four Seasons!!
Adam Hildebrandt