Dave Webb
August, 2023

We rode horseback into the Teton backcountry and had a great time fishing a small, hidden lake. The scenery was spectacular, there were no other people in the area and fishing was good for nice cutthroat. It was a great trip that I recommend.

Grand Teton National Park is amazingly beautiful. The park and surrounding area offer something for everyone, from auto-touring to boating/kayaking to hiking/backpacking and wildlife watching. The craggy Teton peaks are spectacular and Jenny Lake is one of the most photogenic places in the world. But the park is popular, meaning many spots are crowded. From the Jackson Hole side, you have to work to get into the backcountry away from the crowds. There are many different guides and outfitters who will help if you aren't up to the challenge of exploring this wild, rugged country on your own. A trip here is worth the cost of hiring a good guide.

Unless you have friends who live just west of the mountains, who have horses, and who invite you to come on up for adventure.

The mountains are located along Wyoming's western border and access to the west slope is easy from Idaho's Teton Valley. The Teton Valley is beautiful and is teaming with wildlife and recreational opportunities. One day we floated the Teton River and caught four species of trout: cutthroat, rainbow, brook, and brown. We saw eagles, osprey, deer, and several moose.

But the primary adventure was a horseback trail ride to a remote, lesser-known lake teaming with native cutthroat trout. We rode 8.5 miles and I was still able to walk and fish. I've been riding horses since I was a small child but it has been a few years since I've done a serious ride. This one was great and I was pleased to find my riding skills hadn't evaporated over the years.

I'm not going to name the lake. It is small and could easily be overrun if it is featured on websites or social media. But there are several such lakes in the mountains, awarding discovery and adventure.

We went during the middle of August and conditions were perfect. Snow lingers into summer in this high mountain area but people start riding the trails in June. Mosquitos are a plague during early summer but had abated to the point they were not a problem on our ride. September is a spectacular time to explore this area if you watch the weather. Early fall days may be sunny and pleasant, or cold, stormy, or blizzardy. 

This is bear country and you need to be smart to stay safe. 

I was lucky enough to go with friends but there are certainly outfitters will will take you in, for a modest price. There are many outfitters who offer trail rides, multi-day horse-pack trips, drop camps and other services.