Summer In Grand Teton National Park

By Stio

August 25^th, 2016

Our backyard Summer Adventures

“National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best.”

-Wallace Stegner, American Novelist and 1972 Pulitzer Prize Winner-Wallace Stegner

They belong to us. They’re our playgrounds, our memories, the poster in our bedroom, and our office daydreams. And whether we’re thinking about it or seeing it in real life, there’s nothing quite like staring into the heart of the Yosemite Valley, the depths of the Grand Canyon, or the tip tops of Sequoias. For many, this is where the romance of the outdoors began. This is our land, and like Wallace Stegner said, the best idea we’ve ever had.

For us at Stio, the rugged, endless beauty of Grand Teton National Park is our backyard - it‘s where we live, thrive and play. Whether we’re getting out for multi-day expeditions or early morning pre-work swims in low alpine lakes, we like to think that we’ll never take this place for granted. Which is why we’re taking today to wish the National Park Service a Happy 100th Birthday, and also giving cheers to 100 more years of playing, laughing, and exploring our land with generations to come.

swimming adventure - Phelps LaKe

5:30AM Friday Mornings in july and August

The Swimmers:

- Jovanna Hart, Ecommerce Manager, Stio
- Danny Holland, Producer, Stio
- Jill Garreffi, Shreditor and Cinematographer, Teton Gravity Research
- Julie Dery, Graphic Design/Creative Direction, juliedery.com

The Place:

Phelps Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming - Temperature 63°

PACKING LIST:

- Thermos of Coffee
- Wetsuit (optional)
- Goggles, Cap, Swim Buoy
- Warm Clothes
- Bear Spray

It isn’t easy waking up before the rest of the world, especially when you are trading in a warm bed for a cold alpine lake. However, once you stand up, put on your headlamp and take a couple sips of coffee, you quickly realize that it’s worth it. Before sitting down at your desk for the day, you’ve seen things that others may never see: streetlights still blinking, an empty parking lot in a national park, wildlife unabashedly going about their morning routine. The world is a very different and beautiful place in the moments before sunrise.

Write your story here. (Optional)

Hiking Adventure - Buck Mountain

Saturday, July 23rd, 5:30AM

THE HIKERS:

- Brendan Levine, Senior Graphic Designer, Stio
- Emily Hoffer, School Counselor, Teton Co. Schools
- Danny Holland, Producer, Stio

Distance, Time and Elevation:

- 12 miles, approximately
- 5140 elevation gain
- 8.5 hours including break at the summit

Getting there:

Park at Death Canyon Trail Head. Head towards Phelps Lake Overlook and take a right after the 3rd bridge. Continue up Stewart’s Draw.

Panoramic summit views

Brendan Levine takes in the view from the summit of Buck Mountain, elevation 11,939’.

the descent

Good views get even better when the way is technical, tricky and soaked in warm, July sun.

TAKE THE POLAR PLUNGE

Timberline Lake at the base of Buck Mountain is the perfect refresher after an intense scramble descent from the summit.

mountain life moments, stio staff

Just 8 miles away from Stio HQ, Grand Teton National Park fueled many adventures and memories this summer for the Stio Staff. As we often say, we moved here for the winters and became lifers because of the summers. Thank you GTNP for another epic one on the books and cheers to “the best idea we’ve ever had.”