A highlight of our stay in Grand Teton National Park was our experience on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tramway. Lifting off from an enclosed landing platform in Teton Village, the two cars holding 100 passengers each, take people up to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. The tram glides 4,139 vertical feet to its summit in only 12 minutes. The 360 degree views at the top were unbelievable. We also enjoyed those gourmet waffles and hot coffee served at Corbin's Cabin. We were 10,450 feet above sea level, not quite the dizzying heights of Pikes Peak's 14,115 ft summit but still very high!
I quickly made this picture from inside our tram car as the second one whizzed past us.
Left photo here, we're waiting to board the tram as the second one comes down from the top. Second photo on the right taken from inside our tram as we ascend to the top of the mountain.
We learn that the tram system was first built in 1966 while the second tram car and system was added and all updated in 2008. During the winter season, the tram transports well experienced skiers to descend the mountain ski slopes. Our tram operator told Ronnie that the cable system was due to be replaced with a new one this year.
Our views ascending the Rendezvous Mountain.
More photos from inside the tram car. We could see the ski trails below us from on both sides of the tram.
Reaching the summit, you're struck by the incredible views, the windy chilly air and the lack of vegetation.
The trail seen here, snow removed, that several people took towards the snow bowl off in the distance.
My lemon waffle from Corbet's Cabin Top of the World Waffles was scrumptious. This small building situated at the summit also served hot chocolate, coffee, beer and other snacks. It was chilly so we opted to enjoy the views from inside rather than on their deck.
View from the summit, looking towards the distant Bridger-Teton National Forest.
The smallish forest seen below in the foreground is the Gros Ventre Wilderness, where the small community of Kelly and our campground are all located.
Zoomed in photo of Shadow Mountain. That's the Snake River seen winding through the valley.
The only vegetation I saw on the summit was this small patch of yellow alpine wildflowers. We also saw a crow and one small bird (and lots of other tourists).
Grand Teton Peak, 13770 ft, shrouded in clouds this day.
When you purchase tram tickets, your pass is for the entire day. We first went up around 11am, soon the clouds formed and the snow and rain fell. We descended, got some lunch at the Mangy Moose Restaurant in Jackson Hole then rode back up the tram a second time. The sun was out and the views a little clearer.
Left photo, that's Ronnie in the black jacket walking down to the tram loading platform. Right photo taken from the tram car of one of the five towers that hold 12,600 feet of steel cable.
Quick photo as the second tram goes back down the mountain.
Our view from the tram as we descend back down to Jackson Hole. What a memorable day, one of our most favorite in the Grand Teton National Park.
More later
from our Jeep-exploring day trips in Grand Teton National Park.
No comments:
Post a Comment