Grand Teton National Park

I never tire of this view

We live fairly close to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, which are primarily in Wyoming. In addition to being breathtakingly beautiful, they are both good sites for bear-viewing -- Black and Brown/Grizzly. So, we go often. 

I have blogged about both before (Yellowstone here and Grand Teton here). 

A nice vista

Planning 

Anyway, Caty and I planned months ago to visit both Parks early in the season in an attempt to see some of this year's Grizzly cubs (AKA "Cubs of the Year" or COYs). We have seen many, many Grizzlies over the years, but it has been decades since we've seen any COYs. 

Last year we spent a lot of time with "Jam," an adorable one-year-old, and saw several two-year-olds, but we wanted those cute little brand new faces and crazy baby bear antics. 

Jam in 2021

Although Grizzlies were our target, we wouldn't mind finding a few Black Bear COYs as well. And, any other babies, if we could. 

Originally, the trip was just Caty and me

As the trip approached, Scott decided he wanted to go along (he always decides late and we always book with the possibility he will go). 

My traveling companions: Scott and Caty

Then, Scott decided he wanted to expand the trip to travel up the Icefields Parkway into Canada to reprise a trip we took years ago to Waterton Lakes, Kootenay, Yoho, Banff and Jasper National Parks. That trip had yielded about 28 bears, almost all Black, and later trips to Jasper had featured some Grizzlies. Plus the scenery is spectacular.

On to Canada later; this is in Banff National Park

And, after pandemic shutdowns, we just wanted to return to Canada. 

So, we altered the plan. Caty and I would go in my car and Scott would take his truck. Then, Caty would drive my car back to her house and Scott and I would continue to Canada. Then, I'd pick-up my car on the way home. 

A Sign

Our first stop was Grand Teton National Park, where we had booked a cabin at Dornan's Spur Ranch, one of our favorite places to stay. 

We drove in through DuBois (pronounced Doo Boze, not Du Bwoi) and had to cross a very snowy and a bit icy Togwotee Pass. At the top, we saw a Porcupine scurrying through the deep snow. Since I couldn't stop quickly (ice!), I just managed one not-so-great photo. 

A great sight as he trundled away

But, seeing a critter there was a sign. I hoped that that would be a sign of many great animals to come. And, it was -- sort of. 

Not Here

Spoiler alert: even though Grand Teton has had increasing numbers of Grizzly Bears in recent years (including the famous 399 and her FOUR cubs born in 2020) ...

399 and her four cubs in 2021

... and I have seen quite a few Black Bears there, this visit was pretty much an animal dud. No Bears (well, Scott saw a Grizzly before Caty and I got there, but I saw no Bears) and just a few glimpses of Moose so far away they were not worth photographing. 

In the past, we always said that Grand Teton was for scenery ...

Go for the view

... and, what scenery it is ...

You can't beat it

... and Yellowstone is for animals ...

Much more on this later

... that proved true this time. But, I get ahead of myself.

It was early in the season, so many things were not open or opened while we were there (hint: research this before you go, especially if you don't bring your own food; off season can be tricky). And, there was lots of snow on the mountains (more on snow in an upcoming blog). 

What We Did See

Of course, there were the dramatic spiky Tetons ...

Schwabacher Landing

... plus Jenny Lake ...

From the scenic nature loop drive

... and Jackson Lake, which was still mainly frozen and alarmingly low ...

Still pretty

We later learned that the low levels were partially due to drought, but mainly intentional so that some work could be done on Jackson Lake Dam.

But, despite small crowds, the critters just weren't out. Except Mountain Bluebirds ...

This male was bright, bright blue (this is NOT enhanced)

... we saw many, including one that just loved my car ...

I didn't expect him to come this close

Although we followed and watched a male Northern Harrier for ages, I got NO photos. I did manage to snap a lone Trumpeter Swan ...

He's not gray; his head and neck are dirty from feeding in the river mud

... and some Yellow Warblers and Red-winged Blackbirds ...

Pretty birds; I just hoped for more

... and a Ruffed Grouse that was very close and very active, but very hard to photograph in the shady bush ...

A roadside Grouse

... but, it was pretty much a bust on the animal front. Still, you cannot beat the scenery ...

Ahhh

And, as this Bluebird says, don't despair, we were on our way to Yellowstone where we were sure to see more animals.

Please do not despair

Trip date: May 19-June 2, 2022