As winter is winding down and spring is slowly creeping around the corner, you might just be getting the travel bug. If you’re getting a craving for an escape — consider a road trip. The best part about a road trip is you can put it together at the last minute and travel while still maintaining a safe, social distance from others.
Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest are a year-round getaway for nature-enthusiasts and people of all ages. With spectacular mountain views, winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling, diverse wildlife, and snow sports, there’s something to do for everyone.
The Cabins at Togwotee Mountain Lodge
Togwotee Mountain Lodge is a full-service mountain resort.
If you want to stay right where the fun happens in Grand Teton and Bridger-Teton, you’ll want to book a room at Togwotee Mountain Lodge, located in Moran, Wyoming. Guests can stay in the lodge or book a private, 400 square foot cabin, which includes a living room, 2 queen beds, sleeper sofa, full bathroom, 2 TVs, and kitchenette. Some of the cabins also come with electric fireplaces for a cozy, mountainside cabin feel.
Togwotee is located just minutes from both Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest. As well, you’re less than a three-hour drive from the heart of Yellowstone National Park if you’re interested in continuing your road trip.
Togwotee: Day 1
Cabins, snow landscape, and mountain views set quite the scene in Togwotee.
The first day of vacation should always be about getting settled in and recuperating after a day of travel. Spend your arrival day unpacking the car, getting settled into your cabin at Togwotee Mountain Lodge, and settle in for a quiet evening.
You can spend your evening cozied up by the fire in your cabin with a good book or choose a movie and have an old fashioned movie night with microwave popcorn and a steaming mug of hot cocoa.
What to Do: Stretch Your Legs
Depending on your arrival time and how long your drive was, you may want to stretch your legs after arriving at Togwotee. If you do, a short, gentle hike might be just the right thing.
Venture out to Cache Creek and Hagen’s Loop Trail. This 1.9-mile loop trail features a river and is good for all skill levels. This trail is commonly used by dog walkers and local hikers. The Cache Creek and Hagen’s Loop Trail remains well-groomed during the winter.
Where to Eat: The Grizzly Grill
The Signature Grizzly Burger is calling our name!
If you’re hungry for more than just what you brought with you, you can dine at The Grizzly Grill. This grill serves up hearty dishes made with local, seasonal, and mostly organic ingredients. The Grizzly Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, though there are service changes due to COVID-19 precautions.
Togwotee: Day 2
Backcountry or beginner trails, there is a snowmobiling trail for all skill levels.
If you’re visiting Grand Teton National Park during the winter, you’re in for a real treat. The Teton Mountain Range gets over 500 inches of snow each winter, creating a peaceful, quiet landscape. There are plenty of winter and snow activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and winter photography.
What to Do: Snowmobile Through the Trees
Whether you’re a pro or just a beginner, you can enjoy the thrill of whipping through the trees on the back of a snowmobile. From December 11 to March 31, you can take a snowmobile tour through Togwotee Mountain Lodge.
With over 600 miles of snowmobile trails, you’re sure to get a thrilling ride and get to take in some stunning views of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park.
Where to Grab a Drink: Get a Local Brew at the Red Fox Saloon
Warm up with a whiskey or a pint!
If you’re looking for a spot to warm up after a day of snowmobile trail riding, the Red Fox Saloon won’t disappoint. You can grab a bite to eat and taste some local brews from the Snake River Brewing Company and Grand Teton Brewing Company.
Togwotee: Day 3
Togwotee is a winter wonderland with amazing scenery.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest is the lesser-known cousin to Grand Teton National Park. Though lesser-known, Bridger-Teton is famous for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Established in 1929, the forest was designated to protect the mineral-rich Grand Teton mountain range. That designation ensures this range stays open and available to visitors and remains visually stunning for generations to come.
What to Do: Tear Through Snow on a Dog Sled Tour or Day Trip to Jackson Hole
Travel by dog in Togwotee!
While snowmobile engines are rated on their horsepower, what about dog power? Take a dog-powered sled tour of the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park. The tour includes a 2-hour ride through Bridger-Teton National Forest, a meet-and-greet with the dogs, and opportunities for photos.
If you’re looking for a break from snow activities and lodge living, take a quick 45-minute drive into Jackson Hole. Explore the unique art galleries, shopping, and sites of Jackson Square. If you’re looking to get close to nature, check out the National Elk Refuge where you can get up close and personal with thousands of elk in a horse-drawn sleigh.
The best part of a road trip is that you can pack almost anything you need. Especially right now when it’s important to maintain social distance and slow the spread of COVID-19, a road trip allows you to pack all the essentials and pack some extra food. And anyway, when you can visit Togwotee and Grand Teton National Park by car, who needs an airplane anyway.
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