Amazing Bike Trails
The trails at Grand Targhee Resort literally took my breath away both because there was some climbing, and more importantly because they were so well maintained and there was something for everyone.
Grand Targhee has over 70 miles of dedicated cross-country and downhill mountain biking trails. They were voted #2 in the Top 5 Best Bike Parks in the NW.
The first day we arrived at Grand Targhee Resort the boys took a couple of bike runs on the lifts while we got ourselves situated. It had been a while since I saw such big smiles on those faces.
There are 2 lifts servicing bikers. The beginner lift is shorter and has some green and more challenging blue runs to practice your downhill skills on (if I am completely honest, I have zero downhill mountain biking skills and I loved this lift). It is important to note that the beginner lift was only open Friday through Monday while we were there and Friday it was open later than normal until 7pm so plan accordingly. The bigger lift is for intermediate and better riders. I found this out the hard way. I am glad that I made it down safely and once at the bottom it only took me 15 minutes or so to stop shaking.
The next few days of our stay we rotated cross-country mountain biking and downhill biking. The cross-country trails are to die for. They are well kept and it was so convenient that we could head out to Rick’s Basin, a new favorite, and add more loops to make the ride as long or as short as we wanted. If you are wondering, our first cross-country ride we rode Yogi to Pika towards Rick’s Basin and then we added on North Woods and Quakie Ridge for a beautiful ride. I also recommend riding More Cowbell counterclock wise to Perma-Grin to The Other One for a good 1.5 – 2 hour ride. The choices are endless.
Be sure to carry bear spray just in case. We did not see any bears.
Paw Rating System
The resort has a Paw System in place to help parents know if a trail is right for their child.
- One Paw – Walks confidently with a balance bike or rides with training wheels
- Two Paws – Rides confidently without training wheels on pavement on pavement of flat, easy singletrack.
- Three Paws – Rides easy singletrack trails with confidence and even handle a little climbing/descending. Comfortable with braking. Geared bikes a bonus.
- Four Paws – Rides confidently on smooth single track, berms, rollers an tabletops (little to no air).Comforatble with climbs, cornering,natural terrain and descending. Confiedent with stopping and braking. Geared bikes highly recommended…If you want to be a happy parent.
In each category they offer suggestions for easy and moderate trails. On the Two Paw level and higher they recommend trails that will stretch your child’s ability.
Our New Favorite Bike Trail
One day we decided to do a ride that required a shuttle. It was beautiful, playful, flowy and loads of fun. It is almost downhill the whole way….well okay, you do have to climb to get to the downhill, but once you get there it is all downhill. Take a peak at the trail HERE so you can see what fun you are in for.
This ride takes a little bit of planning. That morning Peter took the car and parked it up Teton Canyon. Drive up the canyon until you come to a parking area with a restroom on the left side of the road. This is where the biking trail ends (on a side note, take a peek inside the restrooms).
Peter then rode his bike down to the Fifth Street Skate Park where he was able to catch the employee bus back up to the resort (with his bike). They require face masks and a couple dollars in cash to ride. You need exact money so check the price before you go. It cost us $2. The alternative is to ride your bike back up the canyon to the resort.
Now for the fun part. The ride. From Grand Teton Resort we took Andy’s trail up towards Rocky Mountain Way trail and close to the resort boundary. You are looking for Pappose Creek also known as Millcreek. On the map it is Millcreek to Teton Canyon. There are signs everywhere, but we had a trail map to double check where we were. Check out the trail map HERE.
Skills Parks
My boys had so much fun discovering three bike skills areas at the resort. The Truffle Shuffle, Pinball and Drop Zone focus on different skills participants can practice. From riding skinny’s (small wood structures like rails) and wooden features to learning to bank and drop, it is a place where kids and adults can polish their skills before hitting the trails.
Pet-Friendly
Not only did we love the resort, but our Lucy was in dog heaven. She came along on the cross-country rides and slept in the hotel on the downhill days as dogs are not allowed on the lifts. She ran through the wildflowers till her hearts content. In the evening Zach would ride up the fire road with Lucy running along side him and they would come down the resort trails.
The resort even went as far to set out a water bowl for dogs that was always full and so convenient. We loved that she could come and be part of our vacation. Be sure to ask for a pet-friendly room when you book your stay.
Other Activities
For those who have a family member who may not be into mountain biking, they also had some lovely hiking only trails, a nice pool and hot tub area, a spa and horseback riding nearby. There is a nice shaded patio where drinks and food are enjoyed (drinks only during COVID and the spa was not open either due to COVID) and riders are seen coming down the mountain.
We took part in a one-hour trail ride. Our horses were well-behaved and the guide was nice and easy to talk to. If you do this activity, be sure to ask him what well-known bank he drives a stage coach for with his horses.
Surroundings
This beautiful resort sits just up the canyon from Driggs, Idaho where my father grew up. I have listened to him reminisce about this area my whole life. Now I understand why. It is truly amazing.
Grand Targhee resort is surrounded by lovely mountains and as we biked, we were rewarded with views of the Tetons in the distance. To be in place where time seems to stand still and we can exhale all of our worries away, is such a blessing. We are planning on returning again and again with our family to create meaningful experiences together and to spend quality time with one another.
I can 100% recommend Grand Targhee Resort to families looking for a great getaway. If you go or have been I would love to hear how you liked it.
** Grand Targhee hosted us and we could not have loved it more.
