Grand Teton and Island Park - 5 Day Guided Mountain Bike Trip

DAY 1

Our trip begins west of the Grand Tetons in the Island Park & Ashton Ranger Districts of the Targhee National Forest and we have about a three hour shuttle from Wilson to get there. We begin riding at Harriman State Park. The park is a wildlife refuge and was a gift to the state of Idaho from the Harriman family. There is a wonderful trail system here. The easy winding trails will allow us to see all types of wildlife including trumpeter swan and moose. After lunch we will head into the forest to our camp at Pole Bridge on the banks of the Warm River, a good place for a dip. TOTAL MILEAGE: 10 - 24 miles

DAY 2

Today we will ride south from camp on the old railroad grade originally built in the late 1800’s. We will stop for lunch at Upper Mesa Falls on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Here the river is squeezed into a narrow canyon of volcanic rock, basalt and tuff, resulting in the thunderous falls, a 105 foot drop. The forest service has restored an old log inn, complete with some very interesting wildlife exhibits. After lunch at the falls, we will head back to the railroad grade. The first part of our ride this afternoon is a gentle constant downward slope with incredible views of the Warm River, so named because its flow is so constant that it never freezes in the winter. Our camp for the evening is in a campground once again right on the banks of the Warm River with perfect access to a fine swimming hole. TOTAL MILEAGE: 10 - 20 miles

DAY 3

We’ll start our ride this morning rolling out of the pine forest and through the farmer’s barley fields on a mix of dirt roads and pavement. We’ll continue riding east on dirt roads with great intermittent views of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. The Grand Teton is the tallest in the Teton Range at 13,700 feet. Relatively untouched by humans, the land has remained a haven to wildlife. We will pass lakes that are some of the few surviving trumpeter swan nesting areas and ride through green meadows under the Teton Range. There is a continuous climb today that gains 800 feet and we are rewarded with a lovely campsite where we can relax for the evening. TOTAL MILEAGE: 11 - 27 miles

DAY 4

This morning we will leave Grassy Lake Reservoir and enjoy a scenic drive along the John D Rockefeller Memorial Parkway, ending at Moose Junction and the visitor center. From here we will load up for a float along the most famous stretch of Snake River. Our river guides will take us down this well-known section and it almost guarantees a view of a Bald Eagle. The float will slowly meander through the Grand Teton Valley eventually taking us to Moose Junction. From here we will either hop on our bikes and ride, or you can choose to get in the van and shuttle to camp. We will enjoy breathtaking views from our camp as we watch the sun set behind the Tetons. TOTAL MILEAGE: 8 miles

DAY 5

From camp we will shuttle to Moose Junction and hop on bikes. With the Grand Teton as our backdrop, we will ride the paved bike path to Jenny Lake, where we will explore the lake shore and have the opportunity to take a dip in the icy waters. After our delicious lunch we will celebrate with a cruisy ride back to Moose Junction, and a quick shuttle back to Wilson. TOTAL MILEAGE: 15 miles

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.

A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: ✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

• Bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
• Helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

• cycling shoes
• 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
• 3 - 5 cycling shirts
• long sleeve cycling shirt
• long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
• cycling socks
• windbreaker
• tights or leg warmers
• 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
• rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
• sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

• camp shorts
• shirts
• warm socks
• long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
• 2 pair warm long pants
• long sleeve fleece or sweater
• pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
• warm gloves and hat
• brimmed hat or visor
• bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
• hiking shoes
• sandals
• rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

• toiletries
• medication (daily and emergency)
• towel
• biodegradable soap
• wet-wipes
• flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• sunglasses
• optional day bag
• stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag
• cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

• camera, extra batteries
• binoculars
• alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
• books or maps
• we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Driving It is a 90 mile drive from Idaho Falls and 307 miles from Salt Lake City.

Flying into Jackson, WY Airport Code: JAC

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT Airport Code: SLC

There are two options form Salt Lake City:

1) Rent a car and drive to Jackson, approximately 5 hours. There is parking available near the bike shop. 2) Take the Mountain States Express. Call 800-652-9510 or check mountainstatesexpress.com for schedules and to make reservations.

It is a good idea to book your rooms ahead and these are our recommendations:

The Lexington at Jackson Hole 307-733-2648, 888-771-2648

Ranch Inn 307-733-6363, 800-348-5599

Anvil Motel 307-733-3668, 800-234-4507

Motel 6 307-733-1620