We’re in that glorious shoulder season between skiing and whitewater here in Jackson Hole. While the ski hills just closed up and the rivers aren’t quite ready for running, one of the most spectacular ways to experience the Tetons in early spring is by bike.
When just enough snow is cleared in late March, a 14-mile section of Teton Park Road between Taggart Lake, Jenny Lake and Signal Mountain Lodge in Grand Teton National Park is closed to vehicular traffic through the end of April. It is arguably one of the most magical stretches of road in the park, filled with expansive views of the Tetons….and for a limited time it’s free of cars. 🙂
We took the Grand Teton National Park Pathway, a 20-mile paved trail from the Jackson Visitors Center through Moose and to that section of Teton Park Road for a beautiful, yet mostly flat, metric century ride on Easter Sunday. Having been to Jenny Lake in the height of tourist season, this was BY FAR a much more enjoyable way to experience the park.
Instead of being stopped by herds of mini-vans, the only thing stopping us was the occasional wildlife sighting. Hundreds of other families with children also made this their Easter activity, and the normally bumper-to-bumper route along Jenny Lake was instead filled with smiling cyclists enjoying the beauty that surrounded.
There were just two spots where snow hadn’t quite melted off the path and we had to walk our bikes. Past Moose, however, the rest was completely dry road riding.
Bonus? We had the truck parked here right outside of Snake River Brewery in Jackson for some post-ride refreshment.
Next week, we plan to do the same in Yellowstone National Park before its interior roads are open to vehicles for the season. Learn more here.
I’m afraid the answer to that changes each year and is dependent on weather and other NPS operational considerations. Check the park’s web page for the latest :). Have a great trip!
We’re looking at going the last weekend in April (2019) and wondering if the roads you mentioned are still closed to cars at that point. Very interested in doing that route!!
Thanks for the blog.
Thanks, Brit! Good advice for those just getting their trucks. We have been fortunate – we’ve gone through over 3k gallons of diesel and everything is working beautifully. Our fuel tanks were brand new but if they weren’t this sounds like the perfect fix. Will pass it on to a number of folks getting in to military trucks. Thanks!
Just wanted to share something with you that you can do to improve your CAT 3126 performance. Add DieselKleen to each tank. It raises the Cetane level (like octane in gas) and you will note a quieter sound, cleans the injectors, etc. It was the first thing I added to my M1088. Those trucks sat for a while and diesel gums up. When I dumped the old diesel out, it was like lacquer. This will clean it out. I have no relationship to the company. I have used it for 10 years now in my diesel tractor. It does what it claims.
I copied this from their website because I’m lazy : )
Cleans dirty injectors and prevents injector sticking in High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) and older systems
Removes deposits on injectors and nozzle tips and prevents future deposits
Boosts cetane up to 6 numbers – engines run smoother with less power lag and faster cold starts
Boosts power – reduces need for downshifting
Improves fuel economy up to 8%
Contains Slickdiesel Lubricator to protect fuel pumps and injectors from increased wear caused by Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel
Effective in all diesel fuels, including ULSD, biodiesel and biodiesel blends
Does not contain alcohol of any kind
Safe for use in all diesel engines
Will not void engine manufacturer’s warranty when used as directed
Thanks for the quick reply, you guys are great and should do more videos if you have the time. That’s how I found you guys, I didn’t even have the idea of living off-grind RV’ing until I saw your youtube.
Theo, thanks for writing and we’d be glad to help. Martin will be in touch by email shortly :).
I was thinking of building an RV like yours through global expedition. You guys inspired me. Do they service the engine and get the car running for you? I was thinking of getting a 6×6 truck like yours from the government surplus store. I saw from another video that the suspension isnt exactly comfortable, is there a way to upgrade it so the ride is smoother?
Do you know of any mechnic that could fix up the truck and get all the essential parts running?
Thanks for the advice?
Thanks! No, but we lovingly refer to it as the hyggekrog on cold days :).
Great pics. Have you come up with a nickname yet for your zombie apocalypse RV?