Once upon a time, a group of French Canadian explorers were making their way across what is now known as “The West.” They saw snowy peaks of mountains reaching up out of the vast wilderness ahead of them and, perhaps missing the comforts of home, they named the mountains “Les Trois Tetons.” Or, The Three Breasts. There were other names over the years including, “Teewinot” as used by the local Shoshone popultation. But somehow, we remain with the memory of some scandalous French-Canadian fur trappers. (At least that’s how I’m going to tell it because it’s more entertaining.)’

Now you might be wondering, “Mary Elizabeth…surely you didn’t travel across the country just because there’s some borderline salacious story about how these mountains got their name.”

Look at these trails…do you really think I went because the name is funny in French?

No. I went because miles of trail stretched out before me, leading to pockets of nature unlike any I had ever experienced. I hiked to three different lakes that rested at more than 9000’ of elevation. Along the way, I encountered marmots, moose, elk, and pikas (no bears – thank goodness).

Every time I turned a corner, I would let out a little gasp of awe. The Grand Tetons are truly a unique ecosystem. But that’s what I find with each new bit of nature that I explore. If you have hiked one trail…then you have hiked one trail. There are many, many more to explore.