The Grand Teton is a breathtaking place that attracts tourists, especially during summer. It's no surprise since the national park is famous for its multiple trails and magnificent views. These settings make the area a suitable place for hiking and camping.
Here are 10 important tips hikers should keep in mind before trekking through the park's outstanding landscape.
10 The Earlier, The Better
Few people fancy early morning hikes as the morning cold is often annoying, especially during a vacation. However, many travelers don't know that hiking at the crack of dawn guarantees an exciting experience. Hiking in the morning is ideal as tourists are often few, meaning less-crowded trails. Also, the earlier the vacationers begin trekking, the more time they create to explore the park.
9 Never Forget The Spray
Bears roam around the Grand Teton National Park all day and night except during winter. Fortunately for travelers, the park's trails have signs warning hikers of the existence of these beasts. Vacationers need to carry bear spray to wade off any attacks. A tiny spritz of it will have the animal scampering for safety.
Tourists should also avoid startling bears as that's when they often get defensive. Rangers in the park recommend that travelers tug bells on their bags. Doing so reduces the chances of startling bears since the chiming alerts them of human presence from a distance.
8 Groupwork Is Key
Hikers should hike at least in pairs while talking to prevent startling animals. Walking in groups while talking alerts wildlife and fends them off the hikers' trail. Apart from that, walking in groups improves the safety of hikers. In case of an emergency, a group can quickly work together and get help.
7 Map It Out
Before embarking on the Grand Teton hike, tourists should plan and analyze the park. Vacationers should plan by knowing the details necessary for navigating into Grand Teton while clearly understanding its map. Doing so eases the hiking process by reducing uncertainty.
A good plan and a map are among the essential itinerary. Without a map, tourists easily get lost in the park and wander deep into the woods.
Travelers should also do due diligence about the park details and determine what to look for when trekking. Furthermore, analyzing the map before trekking and ensuring that all information about the park is on paper is beneficial.
6 Listen To The Weatherman
Before leaving for the hike, vacationers should know how the day's weather conditions are. Hiking is enjoyable under warm, calm, and sunny conditions. However, trekking in the rain is not bad as long as hikers put on the right gear and know what to do if the conditions worsen.
Tourists should also carry sunscreen and the essential itinerary. Preparing for the weather simplifies the hiking experience by protecting the trekkers from the meteorological projections.
5 Dress Up For The Occasion
A proper attire makes up for the perfect hiking experience. For instance, hiking in boots reduces the possibility of getting rock cuts or pierced by thorns. Other clothes like jackets alleviate windy conditions by making them bearable. Poles are also a significant part of hiking gear. The sticks help with navigation by providing props to trekkers. Furthermore, walking poles aid a hiker in wading through thick vegetation if lost.
4 No Trace Left Behind
It's humans' inherent responsibility to look after the environment. Tourists ought to keep in mind that conservation starts with them. Therefore, vacationers should take wildlife and environmental protection measures when visiting the Grand Teton. Conserving does not have to be about planting trees. A simple activity like disposing of waste would do the trick. Hikers should not leave behind trails of garbage and food that may be poisonous to the wildlife in the park.
Also, ensuring that a campsite fire is put out completely before departing goes a long way in preventing forest fires. These flames scorch the woods and raze the wildlife's habitat.
3 Record The Experience
Exploring nature is an unmatched experience for a majority of nature lovers. The Grand Teton is not an exception as it promises an exciting adventure to visitors. As such, travelers should not forget to carry a camcorder or camera to capture the scenery and wildlife.
2 Don't Forget To Eat And Hydrate
To some tourists, hiking on a light meal might seem reasonable, but for others, it might not. However, vacationers should never fail to carry food and water when hiking, regardless of the type of meal. Food provides energy while water is essential as it helps hydrate, hence rejuvenating the body.
Travelers must ensure no leftovers are left behind. This gesture goes a long way in protecting the animals in the park.
1 Protect The Skin And Eyes
The Grand Teton is on a high elevation, setting it closer to the sun's rays, which harm the skin and eyes. To avoid sunburns and eye damage, hikers should wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Sunscreen protects the skin against UV light. It also helps reduce dehydration by moisturizing the skin, and taking such measures ensures tourists don't have to suffer under the heat.