Hiking or Floating in GTNP which would you choose?

We will be in GTNP for one afternoon/evening and the following morning in late July. Staying at Colter Bay cabins. Will be coming from YNP that day, so not sure what time we will arrive GTNP. I originally thought we would book a float trip for the morning and keep the evening flexible. After reading some of the forums, I wonder if we shouldn%26#39;t just spend our time doing hiking instead. We are an active family (kids 13, 11 and 7...hard to wear out), but have never really hiked before. Trying to get a feel for whether we would enjoy the hiking experience just as much or more than the float trip. I figure that we can get on the water by doing the Jenny Lake shuttle or even renting a boat at Colter Bay that evening we are there. Would like recommendations from those that have done both...would you do the float trip if you had such limited time?

Hiking or Floating in GTNP which would you choose?

Greetings,

I would think about a couple of things, first what is your idea of a float, camly sitting and enjoying the view or an exciting white water trip? and how long you want to spend doing these activities.

For a great hike that is very moderate I would suggest the Cascade Canyon Trail across Jenny lake. I would start by taking the shuttle boat across the lake and hike up to Hidden Falls (about 15-20 minutes) then continue up to the Jenny Lake overlook (another 15 min) and if you have the time I would continue further into the canyon which offers great close views of the Cathedral group of peaks (Grand Teton, Middle Teton, %26amp; Teewinot) as well as frequent wildlife sightings as you follow the creek upstream. You can go back as far as you like to about 3-4 miles before you hit the forks where I would turn around. Bring plenty of water (or filter) and pack lunch and snacks. I have hiked here with my children (aged 13 %26amp; 9) in years past and you might even get lucky and there will be wild berries (raspberry) ripe for the picking as you hike. The elevation gain is not too severe and it is not all the same scenery as the trail acsends the valley.

I have to admit I have not done the sceneic floats on the upper Snake River as I hike most of the range, but my family and guests over the years have always loved the white water floats offered in town and have been doing these for 15 years. Typically these floats are a few hours and everbody get refreshingly wet. Some of the floats include dinner on the river and make a great way to cool down in the afternoon. There are 2 types of trips offered by my favorite Mad River. The first is a larger raft (10-14 people) and some can paddle (recommended) and others can sit and enjoy the ride, the other is a small boat trip which only takes up 8 and everone paddles. The large boat might be a better choice for your younger kids but the older ones will likely love to excitement of paddleing. I have personally take family and guests from age 8 to 65 on these trips without any complaints. Everyone seems to enjoy the calm stretches between the thrill of the white water and we frequently see eagles, moose, and once even a bear while going do the river.

I have neard nice things about the scenic floats, but I am a more active person and am drawn to the active particapation that the white water trips offer. Now this doesn%26#39;t mean that you have to paddle, it just makes it more fun. Another plus is that there are photographer%26#39;s that take your picture at Big Kauhuna raid (the biggest on the river) and you can pick them up later in town for a great momento of your family fun. I can%26#39;t count how many I have collected over the years.

I hope this has helped a little bit, and feel free to ask for more details if you like.

- Kery

Hiking or Floating in GTNP which would you choose?

Thanks! Funny you should mention the whitewater option because I was considering that also but didn%26#39;t mention it in the post. I am thinking of leaving our plans open for hiking in evening and/or early morning then make our way to Jackson for a mid-day whitewater trip before getting started toward home.

I am a tad bit apprehensive about the whitewater option (my husband would definitely prefer that over the float trip), but I know thousands have made the trip safely. Are there any predictions about how the river will be in 2008 (presuming winter snowfall has a lot to do with that)?

How much time would we need to allow to get from Colter Bay Village to Jackson?

The drive from Colter to Jackson without long stops is about 45 minutes or so but usually less than an hour.

As far safety on the white water trips goes, the guides I have been with were extremely professional and capable. The only serious accident in the last few years I have heard of was actually a scenic float 2 years ago that capsized in early June but on the white water section if you can tolorate a moderate rollercoaster you will be more than fine. If you are still a bit leary I would suggest that you take a large raft and sit towards the back (where the guide is) and sit in the middle where the ride is more subdued and you will get less wet. Last year I took my 60yr old mother down for her first time on her birthday and she had a ball sitting in the middle and eventually got brave enough to do the second half of the trip paddling.

We should have a great water year but that just means a normal year finally. By late July the flows will still be decent but the water will be warmer than in June. Check www.mad-river.com and check outh their site. I don%26#39;t work for them, but I have choosen them for many years to take trips with. I have never had any issues or concerns for my safety or quality of the experience, they have always been top notch with excellent equipment.

I don%26#39;t mean to sound negative ont he whole scenic trip thing, just I think I might get a little board just drifting down the river with no activity and waiting to see something. As the road follows much of the upper river and you can stop in several places to walk around I feel that the white water experience offers excitement and keeps the vacation going. I assure you that I have probably done the white water in Jackson over 20 times and it still is great fun, now all I need to do is get my own boat so I can run the river with my family and friends on my own.

- Kery

Do both but I like raft trips and so do my kids. We did one last year with Barker-Ewing.