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Whitenose

Jul 23, 12 20:24

Post #1 of 6 (593 views)
Grand Tetons Quote | Reply
I'm heading out to the Grand Tetons in August, and I was wondering if it makes more sense to bring a road bike or a mountain bike? I'm not sure how busy the roads would be or the MTB trail availablity. Does anyone have any suggestions?


Dave_Ryan

Jul 23, 12 21:25

Post #2 of 6 (558 views)
Re: Grand Tetons [Whitenose] [In reply to] Quote | Reply
Jackson hole has some great road and MTB riding so it depends on what you'd most like to do while you're out there.

There aren't a ton of roads out of Jackson or up in the park, but they're all good riding including the outer and inner park roads, Antelope Flats, Moose-Wilson Road (hard packed dirt for a couple of miles but very rideable on a road bike), Buffalo Valley Road to Turpin Meadows, Fish Creek and Fall Creek Roads, South Park Loop road, and more. Some very good climbs including Signal Mountain up in the park, Spring Creek Road, Teton pass for a huge steep climb, or the old pass road for a no traffic alternative. Hard to go wrong, pick a direction and ride.

If you're looking for a group ride then show up at Jackson Hole High a bit South of town near the Smith's at 6 on a Tuesday night for the local hammerfest. Fast riding but good folks.

In terms of mountain biking, you can't ride off road in the park but there's good riding right out of town up Snow King or better yet take the Hagen train to Ferrin's trail for a better way to climb out of town, great riding up Cache Creek and the single track 'putt putt' trail. Or start down the highway South of town at the Game creek trail for the Cache-Game loop which is an annual MTB race course. Tons of good riding up on Teton Pass as well as up on Shadow Mountain with views directly across to the Tetons or down Fall Creek road up Mosquito Creek or other great trails down that way.

Plenty to do on either bike, have fun.

-Dave


doug in co

Jul 24, 12 8:26

Post #3 of 6 (457 views)
Re: Grand Tetons [Whitenose] [In reply to] Quote | Reply
I've ridden both while staying in the park. Roads get very busy, even early in the morning as the RV's go hunting for campsites.. The roads are generally in good condition and it's always a pretty ride, but traffic-y. There's a nice bike trail from the visitor center up past Jenny Lake, but it's short and flat.. could do loops in the early am.

The next time I brought a MTB and got onto the dirt roads, liked that better. As noted there's no trail riding in the park..
From Gros Ventre campground, take the tar road up to the Gros Ventre road to the Slide Lakes. That becomes dirt with a couple of good climbs, can ride for miles up the valley into NF land and take any side trail that looks good. It's quiet and scenic.
Or, the River Road is a 4wd road along the Snake in the park, also a good out-and-back.. or loop with some road riding.


karma

Jul 24, 12 9:04

Post #4 of 6 (419 views)
Re: Grand Tetons [Whitenose] [In reply to] Quote | Reply
Check this link, it seems pretty thorough.

http://www.gorp.com/...idwcmdev_067798.html

Dave Stark
dreamcatcher@astound.net
USAC & USAT level 2 certified coach


talegater

Jul 24, 12 11:40

Post #5 of 6 (371 views)
Re: Grand Tetons [Whitenose] [In reply to] Quote | Reply
I just got back from there from vacation, after Bois70.3. Rode my tribike up and down the 89/191 highway between Jackson and Yellowstone. Grand Tetons in the west and antelope preserve on the ride. Amazing views in the morning with clouds just drifting over the Tetons. Flat and fast, and can get in 60 miles easily out and back. Careful of the elevation though, its like 7000 or 8000 and can suck the o2 out of you pretty quickly.

Alternatively, a mountain bike would be awesome too. I did a bunch of downhill mountain biking at Jackson Hole. Just get a pass and take the lift up and down to tear it up. Have fun!


JourneyToGoPro

Jul 24, 12 14:36

Post #6 of 6 (301 views)
Re: Grand Tetons [Whitenose] [In reply to] Quote | Reply
Bring a wetsuit too and swim in the glacial lakes. They are cold, but stunningly beautiful and quite clear if I remember correctly. Did a birthday triathlon last year all inside the park. It was quite fun.

-Bryan Journey
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