Reset search
2026 West Coast Loop
  • The Wandering Walkers
Current
  • The Wandering Walkers

2026 West Coast Loop

An open-ended adventure by The Wandering Walkers Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
InsightsCalendarPhotos
  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Reproduction of Schwerer Gustav Shell & CasingWorld War II-era 48 star U.S. Navy flag (8'x12'), used to be highly visible "battle flag" @ sea.

    An Unexpected Treasure:

    June 28 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 55 °F

    The National Museum of Military Vehicles - Dubois, WY

    Don had read about this place, and we drove right past it on our way to the Tetons… clearly thinking we “didn’t have time” for this. Fast-forward to today—a cold, gray day that canceled our outdoor plans—and we decided to circle back. One of the best decisions of the trip.

    This place is absolutely extraordinary—think Smithsonian-level detail, tucked into a quiet corner of Wyoming where you’d least expect it. Rows of beautifully restored tanks, jeeps, trucks, motorcycles, and artillery tell over a century of military history, paired with uniforms, photos, and personal artifacts that bring the stories to life in a powerful way. Selecting photos for this post was the hardest part. 😓

    We went in to “kill a couple of hours” and somehow stayed until closing.

    Hard to believe it’s privately funded—and still growing, with major expansion projects underway. A world-class museum in the middle of nowhere? Turns out, yes.

    Dubois, you seriously surprised us. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    The sign said “WHOA”… the sky delivered. ☁️Turpin Meadow RanchBack on the highway… and the mountains are still holding onto last night’s storm.

    A Chilly Day Calls for a Scenic Drive! ❄️🚗🏔️

    June 28 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F

    Whew… it was another chilly day, making it the perfect excuse for a scenic drive!

    We had been wanting to explore Buffalo Valley Road, so we left Moran and headed that way, passing Buffalo Valley Ranch and beautiful Tracy Lake. We continued on to Turpin Meadow Ranch—a really neat horse ranch tucked away in the valley. Both ranches have restaurants, but we weren’t hungry, so we didn’t stop. 🤪

    From there, we followed Turpin Meadows Ranch Road back to Highway 26/287 and continued on to Dubois, Wyoming.

    Back on the highway… the mountain tops still dusted with snow from last night’s storm. Along the way we were treated to a full wildlife show—deer, a quick little fox running across the road, a red-tailed hawk, pronghorn, and an eagle overhead.

    Sometimes the best adventures are simply taking the roads you’ve been curious about, soaking in the scenery, and discovering places you might have otherwise driven right past. ❤️    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Proof of last night’s weather mix.
    Proof of last night’s weather mix.Elk medallions, smashed sweet potato, and huckleberry glaze—perfect end to the day.One of those rare, calm moments.Jackson shop decor has its own personality.Double trouble!A burst of vibrant colors.It's gonna be another cold one!

    Weather, Wonder & a Touch of Magic

    June 27 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    A “down day”… sort of.

    We woke up to a very chilly morning in the 30s with rain, hail, and even snow up in the pass—Wyoming clearly had the full weather sampler running. Down at camp, we got a sampling of the same mix too! Good thing we built extra flex days into the itinerary… smartest decision we’ve made so far.

    By afternoon, things improved just enough to get us out and about. We made a stop at Colter Bay so I could grab my park stamp (priority level: high), then headed back toward Jackson for a little wandering around town.

    While in Jackson we caught the end of a little skit the locals were putting on —just one of those fun, unexpected moments that gives the town its charm.

    Dinner that evening was excellent and the perfect way to end a day that started with just about every form of precipitation imaginable.

    And somewhere in between it all… a beautiful rainbow showed up on the drive home like a reminder not to take the weather too seriously.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    A closer look at the trumpeter swans we saw earlier on the lake.A quick stop at Colter Bay Marina on the way back.

    Dinner With a View That Steals the Show ⭐

    June 26 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    After a full day on the trail, we headed over to Jackson Lake Lodge to wind down—and what a spot to do it.

    Dinner on the patio came with a front-row seat to Willow Flats, with the Tetons doing what they do best in the background. Not a bad “dinner view” situation at all.

    The lodge itself is impressive—wide open, full of light, and designed in the 1950s with massive windows that practically pull the mountains inside. I can completely see why Rockefeller fell in love with this place… and why anyone who comes here understands it instantly.

    It was the perfect reset after a big hike: good food, golden light, and one of those views that makes you keep pausing mid-conversation just to look again.

    Another day in Grand Teton that somehow manages to top the one before it.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Lots of wildflowers! 💕Collomia LinearisDo you see the Trumpeter Swans?Trogus PennatorView from the top ... Two Ocean Lake (left) and Emma Matilda Lake (right)View from the top on the other side ... Jackson Lake w/Tetons in backgroundGame trail?Boisduval's Blue Plebejus icarioidesThe breeze felt devine and loved the sound of the wind.Where Our Journey Began… and Ended.Our Final View of Two Ocean Lake

    One Summit, Three Lakes & the Tetons

    June 26 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    Today’s adventure took us around half of Two Ocean Lake before climbing the Grand View Trail to the summit and back, for a total of 9¼ miles and 1,525 feet of elevation gain. We had originally planned to hike the entire lake, but the trail on the far side was so overgrown that we decided to head up Grand View instead—and we’re so glad we did!

    The payoff? Absolutely incredible! From the top, we could see Two Ocean Lake and Emma Matilda Lake stretching out on one side, while Jackson Lake and the Tetons stole the show on the other.

    The trail was lined with colorful wildflowers, dancing butterflies, and wide-open meadows that had us stopping often just to take it all in. It was one of the most peaceful hikes we’ve done—we saw a handful of other hikers along the way, but the trail never felt crowded. We even crossed paths with a couple of horseback riders, adding a little extra Western charm to the day.

    A change of plans seems to lead to an even better adventures… and today was definitely one of those days.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    This is where the bridge used to be.1

    A Scenic Ride Home

    June 25 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    After dinner in Jackson, we took the scenic back road home, passing the Bentwood Inn where we stayed on our last trip. As if on cue, we were rewarded with an incredible moose sighting right alongside the property.

    A perfect end to an already great evening in the Tetons—here are a few of our favorite shots from the drive back to camp.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Took a similar picture at this intersection 5 years ago! 😂Wow ... didn't know Kuhl had their own wine!Iconic antler picture ... so many people!Enjoying tapas at Bin 22.2023 Amayna (Pinot Noir, Leyda, CL)Wild Mushroom MozzarellaSpanish SaladLamb PintxosCrusted TroutSalted Caramel Pot de CremeFinally ... captured when the crowds cleared out! 😝

    Jackson Stroll & Dinner

    June 25 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    We spent the evening wandering through the charming town of Jackson, Wyoming, revisiting a few spots we remembered from past trips. It felt familiar in some ways, yet noticeably busier—maybe the town has grown, or maybe it’s just become a lot more popular.

    After strolling for a while, we started browsing dinner options along the way. There were plenty of great-looking menus, especially featuring wild game dishes, but our first choice came with a 90-minute wait. Not happening.

    So we kept walking—and that’s when we finally stopped at Bin22, a place we’d noticed on a previous visit but never tried. Known for its wine and tapas, it turned out to be exactly what we were in the mood for. The trout and lamb kabobs were outstanding, and the whole experience was perfect. 😚    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    Bummed we are unable to ride our bikes along the Snake River.
    Bummed we are unable to ride our bikes along the Snake River.Scarlet TrumpetLeaving the dude ranch ... what a view!

    Trading Two Wheels for History

    June 25 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    As we continued our recon, we set out to scout River Road—a gravel trail we’d hoped to ride along the Snake River on our bikes. After a couple of miles on a rough washboard road, we reached the trailhead…only to find a No Bikes Allowed sign. So much for that idea!

    Sometimes the best discoveries happen when Plan A falls apart.

    This detour turned out to be worth it, though. At the end of the road we discovered the historic Bar BC Dude Ranch, tucked along the Snake River with incredible views of the Tetons. Established in 1912, it was one of Jackson Hole’s first dude ranches, welcoming guests seeking an authentic Western adventure.

    Today, the weathered cabins and ranch buildings offer a quiet glimpse into the past. What began as a disappointing scouting trip ended up being one of our favorite unexpected finds in Grand Teton National Park.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler
    View from Oxbow BendGeraniumJackson LakeJackson Lake DamView from Signal MountainLupinus ArgenteusMount Moran ... dark, vertical basalt intrusion aka "Black Dike"Do you see the Teton Fault?Jenny Lake

    Grand Teton Through Fresh Eyes

    June 25 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Returning to Grand Teton National Park after five years felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Some places were instantly familiar, while others felt brand new. No matter how many times you visit, the Tetons never disappoint.

    The day began with a questionable forecast and a brief shower, but it soon gave way to sunshine, dramatic clouds, and spectacular views. We spent the day exploring many of the park’s iconic sights, getting our bearings for the days ahead. As expected, Jenny Lake and Taggart Lake were bustling with visitors, so we enjoyed the scenery and kept exploring.

    A perfect recon day—and an exciting start to our time in the Tetons.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler

    Teton Base Camp 🏕️

    June 24 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Home for the next five nights: Fireside Buffalo RV Resort. A small store, a cozy bar, and a bartender who welcomed Don with a shot of local whiskey at check-in. 🥃

    Nothing fancy, but a great location just minutes from Grand Teton National Park. Now we’re ready to explore!Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler

    Fort Washakie

    June 24 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    A portion of US Hwy 287 is known as the Chief Washakie Trail which follows a historic trade route parallel to the eastern side of the Wind River Mtns … official trail designation extends from Rawlins north to Fort Washakie. Fort Washakie is the resting place of the great Chief Washakie and Sacagawea.Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2026 West Coast LoopTraveler

    Split Rock

    June 24 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Split Rock is a striking, 1,000-foot-tall granite ridge that rises dramatically above the flat, sagebrush plains of central Wyoming.

    Historic Landmark: Historically, the formation was a crucial navigational guide for emigrants traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, pointing them directly toward the Great South Pass.Read more