The Jackson Hole Blog

Black Saturday Remembered

jhcr — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:20:00 GMT

*Photo courtesy of National Park Service

As I was biking up toward Cache Creek yesterday, I was passed by a covered wagon train and had to navigate around some "indians" on horses. And no, I'm not kidding. Every night during the summer, Jackson Hole visitors pile into the horse-drawn covered wagons and make their way to the dude ranch up the road for some down-home, old west cookin'. Face-painted indians on horses rush out of the trees with a whoop-whoop that gives the wagon goers a startle, but also allows them to visit those old west times, which are presumably a big part of the reason they came to Wyoming in the first place. It was a good reminder of how full of history this area is. The cowboy-and-indian visit comes to an end in the early evening and visitors and cowboys and indians alike go back to their respective modern day lives. But there are other, more permanent reminders of both long-ago and more recent historical Wyoming landmarks.

I was reminded of one in particular when I picked up the Jackson Hole News & Guide yesterday. I was only eight years old in 1988, but I can vividly remember the television images that were broadcast internationally, showing Yellowstone National Park engulfed in flames. It began on August 20, 1988 and has gone down in history as Black Saturday, the day that one of the largest and most consuming forest fires since 1910 took hold of Yellowstone. Presumably started by lighting strikes, the fires burned into September until rain and snow finally began to squelch the flames. All told, 36% of the park was scorched, 1.5 million acres were burned by fires started by 42 lightening strikes and nine acts of human error and 67 government and private buildings were destroyed.

As devastating as it was then, the fires of 1988 have gone on to spark (pardon the pun) debates on how to better manage our national forests and their fire policies. It forced an advance in technology that now allows Forest Service officials to better predict weather patterns and wind changes. The black char is now home to an abundance of wildlife and is said to be greener now than it was before the summer of 1988. And even the blackened tree trunks that remain standing add an element of beauty to the park's vast wildlands.

Yellowstone--the country's oldest national park-- still boasts the famous Old Faithful and hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year who come to see the wildlife that ranges from bison, elk and deer to wolves, eagles, coyotes, mountain lions and more. If you're in the area, make sure to visit the park on this twentieth anniversary of Black Saturday. Amidst the old stands of burnt pine and new growth, you'll see some ultimate Wyoming history in the making.

Confessions of a Ski Season Junkie

jhcr — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:18:00 GMT

'Tis the season. Pre-ski season. It's a phenomenon in many a ski town. It's about this time of year that snow junkies start jonzing for shorter, colder days and mountain top dustings. The skis come out of the closet and hit the tuning table. www.MountainWeather.com starts to get a lot more traffic from those hoping that they'll see a storm cloud or two in the five-day forecast.

Of course, it's a little premature. It is only August after all. According to the seasonal calendar, we're still sitting squarely in summer. But a few things start to happen this time of year that get those of us who love to ski thinking winter a bit sooner than we might otherwise.

The first is the arrival of Skiing Magazine's annual Gear Guide, which showed up in mail boxes last week. Skiing has traditionally been the first of the ski rags to emerge from the summer slumber with a gentle reminder that November is just around the corner. And wouldn't you know it, at least three Jackson locals grace the inside pages, including professional skiers and gear testers, Charlotte Moats and Jeff Annetts and ski photographer Chris Figenshau. It's hard to walk by any flat surface, from the grungy top of a ski bum coffee table to a professional workspace desk, without seeing the black cover and screaming neon green lettering that reads, "GEAR GUIDE."

Soon, Powder and SKI magazines will follow suit with their innaugural 08/09 issues. But before they do, Labor Day ski sales and swaps will be happening on every corner and in every ski shop from here to Who-ville. Those who are more skiwear savy than myself (I tend to stick to basic all black) will start researching the new attire trends. Is it a mono-chrome year? Or is an all-orange outfit so 2004? Is neon in? And how do we feel about one-pieces this season?

After the skis have been tuned and the ski clothes purchased and the ski magazines are littering floors and tables and night stands, it's time for ski movie premiers. If you grew up skiing, then you've probably been to at least one of these. You know, those classic ski films that feature the iconic say-so of Warren Miller as he voices over the likes of Glen Plake and Scott Schmidt doing back scratchers in their neon North Face one-pieces. And if you get your pre-season fix from these films, then you're probably a frequenter of productions from Matchstick, Level 1, Nimbus Independent, Poor Boyz, Rage Films and Jackson's local ski film production house, Teton Gravity Research.

Of course, it's all down hill from there. Once you've been teased with big screen powder shots, there's no turning back. It's time to train with squats and lunges and hikes up the nearest hill with skis or a snowboard strapped to your pack. Okay, maybe not. But with the arrival of that glorious Gear Guide last week, we did see the start of the pre-season madness. Get out the wax and check out the pre-season trailors. Lunges and squats are optional.

The Scottish Come to Jackson Hole

jhcr — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:16:00 GMT

Jackson might be a small mountain town, but that doesn't mean we don't get our fair share of world culture. From the Jackson Hole Film Festival to Cinco de Mayo celebrations, we're privy to some pretty great global good times. This weekend, it's Scotland's turn to show its stuff when the Wyoming Highlanders come to Teton County Fairgrounds for the 8th Annual Jackson Hole Scottish Festival. Head into town on Friday or Saturday (August 15th and 16th) to get your kilt and bagpipe fix. The festival will take place both days and will include:

Scottish Heavy Athletics
Highland Dancing
Individual Piping and Drumming Competitions
Kids' Athletics
Scottish Clans and Celtic Vendors
Scottish Foods and Refreshments
Bagpipe Bands
Irish Bands
Scottish Battle Reenactment Group
Scots Gaelic Classes
Wolves of Dunvegan
Renaissance Scots

The event is free and doors open at 8:00 a.m. both days. For more information, visit www.WyomingHighlanders.net.
*2007 Festival photos by W. Garth Dowling.

Being a Professional in Jackson Hole

jhcr — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:10:00 GMT

Visitors and locals alike know that Jackson is a unique place. It offers a lot that other places, including other mountain towns, can't. And one thing that makes Jackson unique is the people who live here and the jobs that people do in a place like Jackson Hole.

I bring this up because, as we were all flipping through the morning paper here at Cen Res, we caught a glimpse of a picture featuring our friend Jesse. Jesse's current job title? Balloon Chaser. Not even kidding. Every morning, Jesse wakes up at the crack of dawn and heads to the open fields between Wilson and the town of Jackson where people head up, up and away in order to see Jackson's sites from the quiet of a hot air balloon basket. Jesse and friends work to layout the balloons and fill them with helium. But the excitement comes more in the landing. Often, the balloons land not far from where they took off. But occasionally, a wind will carry them from the landing area and Jesse will "chase" the balloon down to help guide it to the ground. Heading toward a bad spot? Jesse grabs the ropes and leads the giant vessel back to a cushier pillow of grass.

A Balloon Chaser has a few rivals for most unique job title in Jackson Hole. Whitewater Raft Guides weave their way down the winding Snake River in rubber rafts full of adventure-seeking enthusiasts. Stagecoach and Covered Wagon Drivers take people around the town of Jackson and up into the hills for some historical Western experience. Of course, there's the no-nonsense job title of Cowboy, for those who still work dude ranches and lead horseback rides in the Jackson area. Paragliding Instructors take students to flight when they walk off the top of mountains.

So, if you decide that a short visit to Jackson just isn't enough and you'd like to stay, there's plenty of job opportunity that goes above and beyond the usual nine-to-five.

Tramming It Up

jhcr — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:23:00 GMT

I hadn't been out to Teton Village in a few weeks, so I was a little shocked when I rolled into the parking lot at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort yesterday. "The Vil" is usually quieter in the summer, a small mountain community tucked away against the backdrop of Jackson's famous snow-less ski runs and the towering peaks of Grand Teton National Park behind that.

But this weekend saw some serious action. When I pulled in, I was greeted with spool upon ten-foot-tall spool of cable and a new tram dock that sits ready and waiting for the tram cars to arrive and begin shuttling skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain. Jackson Hole's "tram-formation" is getting closer and closer to completion, with crews working 13-hour days, six days a week in order to meet the December 20th deadline.

New additions to ride-to-the-sky include:

The 80-foot clock tower and lower tram terminal, complete with working motor room.
Tram towers 2-4 are finished and tower 5 is well on its way to joining the line up that will usher cars to the top of the mountain.
Crews continue to work on the upper terminal and are working on ways to increase foot traffic efficiency and accessibility for those with disabilities.

There is no doubt that this year will prove to be a notable one for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The new tram will rise 4,139 feet, carry 100 passengers (double that of the original tram), will travel at 1970 feet/minute, and will take passengers from top to bottom in approximately nine minutes. With this increased accessibility to Jackson's famous terrain and exceptional views, it's a season you won't want to miss.

Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival Begins Tomorrow, 8/8

jhcr — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:24:00 GMT

There's mountain music in the air. With the Jackson Hole Music Festival slated to take place next weekend and the 21st Annual Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival set to start tomorrow, Friday, August 8th, it's a great time to head to the Jackson area for some of the best beats around.

The Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival has been compared to what the Telluride Bluegrass Festival used to be: solid, shakin' bluegrass music without the crowds. You can purchase tickets online at TicketWeb or locally at Tobacco Row in Jackson (307-733-4385), Big Hole Music in Driggs (208-354-3659) or at Yostmark Mountain Equipment in Driggs (208-354-2828). Ticket prices are: $150 for onsite camping (includes a 3-day Festival pass), On-site oversized RV fee (vehicles over 22 feet): $50, Child Camping Pass (ages 12 and under): $15, All Weekend Pass (no camping): $125, Friday only: $50, Saturday only: $65, Sunday only: $55, Child Pass (ages 12 and under, music only): FREE, Parking pass: $5.00 per car per day.

Bring the family and a blanket and camp out in the grass while you listen to world class bluegrass music in one of the most beautiful mountain venues around.

Lineup:

Friday, 8/08:
4:00 p.m. - Spring Creek
6:00 p.m. - Infamous Stringdusters
7:30 p.m. - Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn, Casey Driessen, & Ben Sollee,
9:00 p.m. - Tim O'Brien

Saturday, 9/08:
12:00 p.m. - Tony Trischka's Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular
1:30 p.m. - Tim O'Brien
3:00 p.m. - Emmit-Nershi Band
5:00 p.m. - Darrell Scott Band
7:00 p.m. - Blue Highway
9:00 p.m. - Sam Bush Band

Sunday, 10/08:
12:00 p.m. - Brother Mule
1:30 p.m. - The Waybacks
3:00 p.m. - Jeff Austin and Friends (featuring Darol Anger, Billy Nershi, & Eric Thorin)
5:00 p.m. - Dan Tyminski Band

Outside Magazine Features Jackson Hole Road Trip

jhcr — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:32:00 GMT

Summer 'tis the roadtrippin' season when we all pile into our vehicles, load up on snacks and caffeine and hit the road for some good, old-fashioned American adventure. And although leaving is usually the last thing people want to do once they've arrived in Jackson Hole, there are some beautiful roads and routes leading into the Wild Blue Yonder when one hops on a blue highway heading out of Jackson.

This month, Outside Magazine features a series of road trip ideas across the country. Of course, our favorite was Jackson to Vegas. That's right, Outside decided to couple the pristine wild summer experience of Jackson with a little bit of Vegas craziness. The result is a roadtrip you won't want to miss if you're the type who likes a little bit of mountains, a little bit of fishing, a little bit of floating and a little bit of black jack.

"Heading for Trouble" Distance: 1,055 miles in 5 days

Start with a stay in Jackson, WY.
Grab your rod and reel and head south along the Green River.
Hole up at the top of the Flaming Gorge (the canyon below holds as many as 14,000 trout per mile).
Head south on Scenic Byway 12 before stopping for a hike in Zion National Park.
After a few days of "roughing it", you're probably ready for a little R&R Vegas-style.
Outside suggests staying at Red Rock Casino, which offers guided river trips on the Colorado from Hoover Dam through the Black Canyon.

For the entire article, click here.

Jackson Hole Music Festival Bringing All-Star Line-up to Teton Village

jhcr — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:08:00 GMT

I know I've mentioned this before, but it's worth mentioning a few more times before acts like The Black Crowes, Wilco, Medeski Martin & Wood and more show up in Teton Village on August 16th. The first annual Jackson Hole Music Festival is going to be an outdoor concert to remember with a lineup like Jackson has never seen before.

For two days (August 16th and 17th), some of modern music's most famous faces will descend upon Teton Village at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The two-day music fest will take place at the base of Bridger Gondola and will rock from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day.

Single Day General Admission is $72.50 for adults, $10.00 for children ages 5 to 12 and FREE for children 5 and under. Local residents passes will be made available at Jackson Hole Sports in Teton Village or at Jackson Hole Resort Store on town square. Residents must show valid driver's license to qualify for the local rate.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.jacksonholemusicfestival.com or call 877-655-4TIX (4849).

Saturday, August 16th (Venue opens at 10:00 a.m., music starts at 11:00 a.m.):
Wilco
Brian Wilson
Medeski, Martin & Wood
Kaki King

Sunday, August 17th (Venue opens at 10:00 a.m., music starts at 11:00 a.m.):
The Black Crowes
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Son Volt
The Avett Brothers

Relay for Life Comes to Jackson Hole

jhcr — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:20:00 GMT

This Friday, an expected 1,000 people will gather to show support and help raise awareness for those whose lives have been touched by cancer. The event will start at 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening and will end at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Some will walk through the night and others will show up for a few hours to help support the cause. This year's theme is "Celebrate, Remeber and Fight Back," an appropriate moniker considering that one in every three Americans will get cancer in their lifetime.

For more information regarding the Relay for Life, contact Vicki at 733-3029.

Wildlife Meets Nightlife at National Museum of Wildlife Art

jhcr — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:29:00 GMT

You've seen it; that big fort-like building that sits on the hill as you head to the airport or into Grand Teton National Park. It's the National Museum of Wildlife Art and features collections of nearly 4,000 works of art. The musuem "strives to enrich and inspire public appreciation of fine art and humanity's relationship with nature by focussing its exhibitions and programs on wildlife." The musuem is unique in both its location and what it has to offer and if you haven't ever been, tonight might be your night to go.

Tonight, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is hosting Seen at the Museum, an evening of art, DJ, drinks and fun. If you're not much of a museum goer, but would like to check out some of the wildlife art featured and catch some good music and drinks, make your way out to the museum from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. Two drinks are included in the price of admission. Provide your email address and receive a 50% discount. DJ Zanne will be spinning an eclectic mix of international beats. You'll also be able to join the building's architect, Stephen Dynia, for a discussion of how the elements of nature and indigenous structure served as sources of inspiration for the architecture.

For more information, contact Seen@WildlifeArt.org or visit the museum's website at www.Wildlife.org.

Wyoming History Featured in New York Times

jhcr — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:23:00 GMT

As I was scrolling through the usual news sources this morning, I typed in, www.nyt.com in order to get my morning fix of daily political, business and cultural rant from The New York Times. How pleasantly surprised was I when the homepage featured a picture of a lone cowboy and a title that mentioned Wyoming. The article was actually a mini history lesson on the state, telling of the times long ago (early 1939) when homesteaders from Wyoming, South Dakota and southern Montana attempted to succeed to form their own state: Absaroka--from the Crow word meaning "children of the large-beaked bird." Whether the attempt was whole-hearted or simply "something fun to do" during a time that was less than cheery remains a mystery today.

However, there are details that suggest that Absaroka might not have been a total flop. To wit, a street commissioner named A. R. Swickard from Sheridan, Wyoming (the hypothetical state's appointed capital), named himself Governor of Absaroka and started hearing writs of grievance. Liscence plates were created and distributed along with pictures of Ms. Absaroka 1939 (picture courtesy of Sheridan Library). The king of Norway even made a brief state visit when he swung through the Absaroka corner of Montana.

The article goes on to highlight that the spirit of 1939 Absaroka is still very much there, even if the short-lived state itself is long gone. The area still boasts ranchers and farmers, many of whom have now turned to tourism to help fund their efforts to remain Wyoming cowboys. This includes the Double Rafter Ranch, which invites tourists to pay to be a part of their cattle drives. The ranchers claim they would be driving cattle anyway, but this way, they can move the stock, still keep the ranch and help give some perspective on Wyoming life to those who might not entirely understand what it means to live in "The Cowboy State."

For locals and visitors alike, the article is a good reminder of why we live, work, play and visit a place that is still full of discovery, backed by a spirit of serious exploration and unwaiveringly dedicated to doing things that others might consider just a little bit crazy. Crazy like Absaroka.

Giving Back the Jackson Way

jhcr — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:03:00 GMT

Not too long ago, a friend of mine started the Jackson Hole-based non-profit organization, Pursue Balance. PB (as she refers to it) provides information, education and support for creating happier, more balanced lives. Reaching out to local and global causes, Pursue Balance's home base is located here in Jackson Hole. And next Saturday, August 2nd, Pursue Balance will host an Around the Block road bike ride to help raise awareness and funds for the organization. When a friend first asked if I'd like to participate, I happily agreed. All I have to do is ride around the block for a good cause? Sure! Count me in! Of course, Jackson's definition of "around the block" is different from that of most other places. I quickly learned that we ain't talking the couple hundred yards of a city street. Oh no. This Around the Block ride to which I so readily agreed to do will take me 109 miles. I will (attempt to) ride over Pine Creek Pass into Victor, Idaho. From there, I can "refuel" before winding up Teton Pass for 14.4 miles (gaining 2,339 feet of elevation) and then drop down into Wilson, Wyoming.

Of course, should I decide that a Century Ride (as 100 miles in an uncomfortable bike seat is most commonly known) is too much, there are options to do a Quarter Block Ride (40 miles) and a Half Block Ride (70 miles). But I think I'm going to go for the 100 mile mark in my attempt to be charitable, the Jackson way. I figure that a bike ride that long is enough to garner the attention of my friends and family and raise some awareness for a great cause.

If a long bike ride isn't your thing, there are many other ways to give back Jackson-style. Check out these great organizations to see what kind of philanthropy is happening in the Tetons:

The Cougar Fund aims to protect the nation's largest wild cat through education across the United States and also by supporting scientific and monitoring efforts.

The Community Foundation supports nonprofits through grants and technical assistance that build sustainability and positively impact evolving, critical needs in Jackson Hole. If you want to help fund Jackson area nonprofits, Old Bill's Fun Run for the Community Foundation is a great way to do it.

Grand Teton Music Festival has been considered one of the most important summer music festivals in the country since its inception in 1962. The symphony orchestra brings brilliant musical performances to the Jackson area every year and is primarily funded by donations and the world renowned Jackson Hole Wine Auction.

Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is dedicated to responsible land stewardship in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to ensure that human activities are in harmony with the area’s irreplaceable wildlife, scenic and other natural resources.

Mountain Biking Jackson Hole

jhcr — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:35:00 GMT

When I arrived at work this morning, I was greeted by a pleasant surprise. Having heard the tales of my recent mountain bike purchase, slow learning curve and desire to explore the Jackson area on two wheels, my coworker Trish left The Book on my desk. Simply called The Book the subtitle eludes to the book's purpose: Guide to Mountain Biking in the Jackson Hole Area (Mark Sehultheis and Brian Prax, 2001).

With a current mountain biking IQ of -126, I was excited to start flipping through the pages and, considering that this is the first local mountain bike guide book I've come across, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the trail information on the blog.

Cache Creek to Game Creek
This is one of the most popular trails around. It is really close to town and offers up some great riding. The ride back to town can be a little brutal after such a long trail ride, but shuttling is possible.
Difficulty: Moderate
Mileage: 18.6 (for full loop)
Elevation Gain: 1,625 feet
Top Elevation: 7,380 feet
Trail Type: Forest road, singletrack, paved road, and the Pathways System (paved, multi-user trail)
1. Follow the forest road from the Cache Creek Trail Head.
2. Junction: Look for a sign that indicates Game Creek (4.2 miles from Cache Creek parking lot). Take a right, cross over Cache Creek and start a steep uphill trail until it summits at the pass between Cache and Game Creeks.
3. Start downhill as it rolls and switchbacks down Game Creek. There will be one junction where a trail comes in from the right (at 8.7 miles from Cache Creek parking lot). Stay straight and continue on the downhill as it passes by beaver ponds and meadows.
4. Go through cattle gate and close it behind you.
5. The trail will turn into an old forest road. After being on the forest road for 3/4 mile, it will turn into an obvious single track that goes up a short hill to the left. This trail cuts off a turn in the road.
6. Continue on the old forest road until it intersects the paved road of Game Creek.
7. From here, you can ride the same trail system back to Cache Creek parking lot or ride along the bike path that follows Hwy 89-191 back to town.

Snow King to Wilson Canyon
This is rated strenuous not because it is an all day ride, but rather it involves riding up Snow King Mountain. There is good singletrack on teh backside of Snow King until the downhill, which is quite steep with lots of loose rock. The last bit of trail before the road moves swiftly.
Difficulty: Difficult/Strenuous
Mileage: 12.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,770 feet
Top Elevation: 8,000 feet
Trail Type: Ski hill maintenance road going up, lots of single track, and return on the Pathways System.
1. From the bottom of Snow King Mountain, take the trail that cuts left along the front of the slope and under the lifts. At the junctions along the uphill, just keep taking the turn that goes up. The first summit is at 1.8 miles, take a rest and then go left toward the radio towers.
2. At 2.2 miles the road will take a sharp left to the radio towers, stay straight on a downhill single track. At the bottom of the short downhill stay right through the meadows on a fast singletrack.
3. At 3.8 miles there will be a junction in a flat area. Go right/straight on a trail on an old road.
4. At 4.7 miles take a left onto a faint trail into Wilson Canyon and start the technical downhill. The trail will be on the right side of the creek during the upper section of the canyon. There will be many difficult trail sections further twoard the bottom. At the bottom the trail will dump out into an old dirt road.
5. At 6.7 miles take a right at the sign to the highway. Cross under the power lines at 7.1 miles and either stay straight or go left to the highway. They both will dump out at the road.
6. Carefully cross Hwy 89 and go right onto the Pathways System back to town.
7. At 10.4 miles turn right under the bridge and stay on the Pathways to the post office. To get through town back to Snow King, go right onto Maple Way, left on Scott Lane, and then an immediate right on Snow King Drive back to the car.

Snow King to Game Creek
This is part of the Snow King Classic Mountain Bike racecourse. Steep uphill on Snow King with excellent fast and technical single track in Game and Cache Creek.
Mileage: 16.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,880 feet
Top Elevation: 8,000 feet
Trail Type: Steep uphill road on Snow King and then mostly all single track.
1. Start at the right hand side of Snow King Mountain and look for a trail heading uphill cutting to the left under the lifts. At 0.6 miles take the uphill fork in the trail toward the top. Keep taking the uphill turn at any junction.
2. At 1.8 miles is the first summit, stay left and follow a dirt road toward the radio towers to continue the ride. You could also go to the right and to the top of Snow King Ski Area and get an expansive view of the entire valley.
3. Once heading to the radio towers, follow the road until it makes a sharp left turn toward the towers and look for a single track trail heading down hill to a saddle at 2.2 miles. At the bottom of the short downhill follow the trail to the right as it makes its way through the meadows.
4. The next junction can be difficult to find. But at 3.7 miles, in a flat area, look for a trail heading to the left. The trail stays flat for a short distance, but then makes its way up a steep grind just before heading into Game Creek.
5. Take teh descending trail all the way to Game Creek as it works its way down on steep inclines and fast singletrack. There is a junction at 6.9 miles where teh trail will intersect the main Game Creek trail at the creek itself. Take a left and begin to climb to the top of Cache-Game Divide.
6. Continue over the pass, at 8.7 miles, on a short winding downhill. Cross over the bridge at 9.3 miles and take a left onto the dirt road leading back to town. Be careful of other users in Cache Creek drainage.
7. At 11.6 miles is the junction with the Putt Putt trail, go right and uphill. There is a sign here. As an option, one can also stay straight on the road all the way back to town.
8. At 13.6 miles is a junction after soem downhill switchbacks, stay right. At 14.6 miles the singletrack will hit pavement.
9. To get back to Snow King, take an immediate right onto the pavement and then a quick left on Nelson Street. Go right on Hansen Street to King Street. Go left onto King Street and return to parking area.

Hagen to Putt-Putt Trail
This is another very popular trail as it is close to town and can be done quickly. Good for the late afternoon ride when time is of the essence. The trail is all single track with many different options for loops. Watch out for other trail users.
Mileage: 7.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,080 feet
Top Elevation: 7,300 feet
Trail Type: Singletrack
1. The classic way to do this ride is from the Cache Creek trailhead. From the TH parking area, go back on the gravel road toward town for about 100 feet and take a singletrack trail to the left, which crosses over Cache Creek.
2. After crossing over the creek stay left and uphill as it begins to contour along the hillside.
3. At 0.9 miles into the ride, the first bridge crossing over Cache Creek will be on the left. One can cross the bridge and get back to town quickly on the forest road if needed. Otherwise continue on the Hagen trail by staying right.
4. At 1.3 miles continue on a steep uphill with many wood water bars. At 1.8 miles (the next junction) stay right, or uphill to continue. Taking the left will take one over the second bridge and back to Cache Creek road.
5. At 2.6 miles is the third bridge. The trail will go over this and connect to Cache Creek road. Take a left on the road.
6. At 3.4 miles look for the Putt Putt trail heading off to the right. Climb up the short hill to the top of a roller coaster type ride back into town.
7. Continue on the Putt Putt trail to the bottom of the downhill switchbacks at 5.3 miles, there will be a junction here. The left will return one to the Cache Creek TH, the right will continue to Putt Putt trail. If continuing, at 5.8 miles stay straight/left at the junction and continue downhill toward town.
8. At the bottom of the downhill the trail will come to the pavement. Ride back to Cache Creek trailhead, if your car is parked there, by taking an immediate right at the pavement, then a quick left onto Nelson. Go right on Hansen, left on Rancher, and then left on Cache Creek Road.
9. If going back to your bike, take a right at the pavement, followed by another right onto Nelson Drive to return to Broadway, then take a left back to the town square.

An Af-FAIR to Remember: Teton County Fair Kicks Off!

jhcr — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:15:00 GMT

We all know that summer is not truly summer with a good dose of cotton candy, 4-H animals on display, corndogs and a ride on the Zipper. Yep, it's that time of year. Time for the annual Teton County Fair. Hosted at the Teton County Fairgrounds near downtown Jackson Hole, the fair offers the best of carnival living, including rides, fair food, farm animals, games and rodeo.

Spin, swirl, swivel and shake your way to a true fair-induced summer stomach ache July 19 - 27. For more information, call 307-733-5289.

Farm to Market--Jackson Style

jhcr — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The Farmer's Market. It's a classic community gathering, a great way to bring the area's local produce, hand-made products and people together. And Jackson's Farmer's Market is no different... well, almost no different. It wouldn't be a true Jackson event if there wasn't something unique about it.

So, instead of a parking lot or closed off street or abandoned warehouse, Jackson's Saturday market takes place on the Town Square. Lookers and buyers walk under the antler arches and into the truly Western-style plaza to peruse fresh produce and baked goods. If you're visiting the area or are local and looking for some fresh "Wyomatoes" or locally-grown goods, swing by and check it out. The market takes place every Saturday morning, starting at 8:00 a.m.