Rocky Mountain High…Colorado; well actually, weāre actually going to be exploring the Tetons in Wyoming. A beautiful place to visit, especially when the snow melts and the valleys begin to green, but in reality every day.Ā A friend of mine has been spending his retirement summers working in the Tetons. He and his wife decided to share the favorite things they do, places you must see if you’re there, and interesting places to eat.
Located in Northwestern Wyoming, the Tetons are 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park and include the northern sections of Jackson Hole; so once youāre there, take your time as thereās a lot to see and do. There are several glaciers in the Tetons with Teton Glacier being the largest.
ļæ¼Ron and Pam opted for the seasonal high-road in the rockies after retirement and work jobs around the rocky mountains. (Photos provided)
Being there may also change your mind regarding retirement. My friend, Ron, and his wife, Pam, became aware over the years,as they worked their āregularā jobs,that many retirees from all walks of life worked the western parks in seasonal positions. Some thirty years later and just prior to his retirement they made a swing through Montana and Wyoming visiting various parks, ranches and resorts, with an eye towards retirement jobs. The following year they sent resumes to the National Parks: Glacier, the Tetons, Yellowstone, along with a few resorts and dude ranches. Before they knew it, he was a wrangler of both dudes and horses and leading trail rides. Over the past several years they have held several different jobs depending upon the nature of the opportunities available to them. They have worked at Jenny Lake Lodge, the nearby Jackson Lake Lodge and at the Lost Creek Dude Ranch, but most of the time Ron is just a cowboy.
If you donāt feel sleeping in a bunk house is your style, lodging of all types is available to suit your travel needs. Want to rough it? Campgrounds are available. Yes, there are both black and grizzly bears around the area so plan ahead if you want to take that route. Also, be careful if you want to let Fido run around and sniff out the woods. They may find more than they bargained for!
Want a little more upscale? The park service provides a full-service lodge at Jackson Lake Lodge right in the middle of the town. Numerous dining and entertainment activities are available for after hour pleasure. Want variety in your meals? Thereās plenty to offer in the Tetons; they have everything from the excellent diner menu at Jackson Lake Lodge, to the Peaks gourmet menu (which also offers one of the best views of any restaurant). Want to try the buffalo steak or burger? Itās available and so is mountain trout. If you want a little taste of home, Leeks Marina & Pizzeria is rated one of the best in the area. And everywhere you turn, itās the view that you wanted in the first place. Days should be spent in the mountains, on Snake River, or with other outdoor activities. You didnāt travel all this way just to sit inside.
If you want something a little different, the local Dude Ranch can accommodate you there. Trail rides are the specialty and accommodate everyone, even those like myself that need a saddle with seat belts so I can stay on the horse. I usually ask for the oldest and slowest! Want to try fly fishing? They offer it. Campouts, yes, and everyoneās old favorite ā square dancing.
Hiking trails will lead you to areas where you can view wildlife in its natural setting. You may NOT want to actually get close to the bears, wolves, or bison, but you can see them from a distance. Other animals include moose, elk, beavers, muskrats, coyotes, pronghorn antelope, pikas, and ground squirrels. Be sure to bring a good set of binoculars. Ok, since we do not have cheetahs, whatās the fastest land animal in North America? The Pronghorn; itcan run up to 70 mph so itās fairly safe from most predators.
If you want to give something like this a try first think about picking up one of the late season positions, generally available in late August between when all of the college student leave and when the park closes for the year. You get a little taste of working in these parks and only make a six or eight week commitment. On days off, you can hike, kayak, explore and visit interesting areas in and around the parks. Most of these seasonal jobs usually offer slightly more than minimum wage, and housing could be in a cabin or dorm. Full seasons usually run from late May until early October. One thing is for certain, whether you go as a tourist or a casual worker, every day you open your eyes, youāll be in a very special place; a place you may not want to leave.
