Cross-Country Skiing out to the T. A. Moulton Barn
Considering the lackluster snow conditions in Utah, we fled north to the land of near normal snow pack, Jackson, Wyoming, for Martin Luther King weekend.
Winter is my absolute favorite time to visit Grand Teton National Park, odds are you won’t run into any other visitors, the wildlife is much more active, and the Tetons look absolutely stunning dressed in white. Although the US National Parks are notoriously NOT dog friendly (unlike Canadian National Parks), dogs are allowed to ski on leash on park roads. On a holiday weekend in January we didn’t run into a single other visitor during our forays into the park.
Cross-Country Skiing the Teton Park Road
Where To Cross-Country Ski in Grand Teton National Park
The Teton Park Road is closed in winter from Taggart Lake to the Signal Mountain Lodge and the entire 14 mile stretch of the road is groomed for both classic and skate skiing with a lane designated for walkers and snowshoers too. Dogs need to stay on leash and are not allowed anywhere but that road.
The Moose-Wilson Road is also a great place to Nordic ski, but it is not groomed so wider classic skis will work better here. You can pick up the road from either the Moose or the Wilson end and skiing out to the Phelps Lake Overlook would make a great trip! Dogs are allowed on the Moose-Wilson Road, but again are not allowed to stray from the road.
You can also ski from the Colter Bay Visitor Center, Flagg Ranch, and pretty much any other place covered in snow in the park. The Park Service provides a nice brochure for skiing and snowshoeing in the park and you can always hop on a guided tour with one of the local outfitters.
I highly recommend skiing out to Mormon Row, which is only a mile from the end of the plowed Antelope Flats Road. In the summer you have to share these most photographed barns in America with hoards of photographers and tour buses, but in the winter – total solitude!
Grand Teton’s John Moulton Barn in Winter
Winter Solitude in Grand Teton National Park
Cross-Country Skiing in Jackson, Wyoming
The Nordic ski opportunities are nearly endless in the Jackson Hole area. Check out the Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance for a list of all ski trails in the area including grooming reports and trail updates and my guide to free skiing in Jackson Hole. Cache Creek and Game Creek are our favorites and dogs are allowed off leash as nature intended!
Cross-Country Skiing Game Creek, Jackson, Wyoming
Roo enjoying the powdery trails in Cache Creek!
No trip to Jackson is complete without a trip (or several) to Persephone’s for best breakfast ever!