Choose Your Adventure: A Trip to Wydaho

A few years back big purchases were made and we both ended up with mountain bikes. It was something we had always talked about but as we all know, it's not a small sum of money. We didn’t want to add one more hobby to our already full regiment but, now looking back we honestly don’t know what took us so long!

We have so much fun on our bikes and they have taken us to some amazing places, one of those being Grand Targhee Resort. It is located on the other side of Grand Teton National Park and right on the border of Idaho and Wyoming, which the locals commonly refer to as Wydaho. Seeing the other side of such iconic mountains and riding amazing trails is so fun.

You might be asking, how does this tie into Escapod? Well, when we were searching for a camper being able to easily bring the bikes along was a must. The ultimate test for the Pod was our annual camping trip up to Targhee. We could not be more thrilled at how easy it was. The Pod did amazing!

It still towed really well and it was easy to transfer our bikes from the trailer to our 4Runner to go and take off for the trails.

Pro Tip: We purchased an extender for the rear hitch receiver on the pod to ensure the bikes didn’t rub against the trailer while being towed. It was super reasonable and you can find them on Amazon, we got the Toptow Hitch Extender.

One of the best parts about Targhee is the drive. I know for some people that is the worst, but we can give you some tips on how to make the most of it. We like to head there through Star Valley which takes you through green mountain valleys and beautiful pine tree forests in Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. The ultimately added bonus is you get to pass through 3 different states.

Our first stop is always in Alpine, Wyoming for lunch at Melvin Brewing. Melvin is some of my favorite breweries in Wyoming and the food at their brewery is delicious. Plus it’s also located on a reservoir making for a beautiful view. Seriously, it’s the best place for a pit stop.

The town located at the base of Teton Canyon is Driggs. If you haven’t been up to the area before it's definitely a must to spend some time checking things out. There are Farmer's Markets in the summer, great places to eat, gear shops, and tons of local gift shops to peek at. Our favorite places to recommend are:

• Teton Thai for delicious soups. We got rained out one year and weren’t able to cook for the night so decided to go warm up with Tom Kha Gai. They even have a bison pho!
• Tetonka Tavern has an amazing selection of beers and super yummy wood-fired pizza.
• Citizen 33 was a great spot to get some snacks and beer after a long bike ride.
• Grand Teton Brewing is located in Victor, which is about 10 minutes from Driggs. We usually stop to check out their new beer on tap and stock up before we head back home.

After you spend some time exploring Driggs, you’ll head up to Teton Canyon to scout out the perfect camping spot. As you drive along the road you head towards the Tetons, and it is breathtaking. Every time we see those mountains their size and uniqueness blow us away.

Teton Canyon has multiple options for camping. There is dispersed camping along the road, that's easily accessible on your drive in. See keep your eyes peeled as you make your way through the canyon.

Pro Tip: When planning to utilize dispersed camping, we recommend getting there on a Thursday for better luck securing a spot. Any closer to the weekend and it fills up quickly!

If a campground with hookups is more your scene, you are in luck! There are two options, Reunion Flats and Teton Canyon. We have stayed at both! Teton Canyon is at the very end of the canyon and is the best camping spot if you like hiking and backpacking. There are tons of different trails that lead up to better views of the Tetons right next to the campground. Both are pretty much the same distance away from Targhee, so it just depends on what is available. Like most campgrounds, they book up way in advance. Keep this in mind when you are planning your trip.

Wydaho is a mountain biker's dream! There are so many fun trails to choose from. Targhee offers lift riding and amazing cross-country trails. There are a few rides in Teton Canyon that are absolutely beautiful and so fun to ride. You just cannot beat riding through wildflowers and views of the Tetons. If you want to venture out a bit more, there are great trails at Teton Pass that can be shuttled, or you can get some good climbing in.

Not a big biker? No problem! This area is still worth visiting for great hiking and sightseeing. Last year, we spent a day biking and then hopped over to Jackson to explore the town and do a hike in Teton National Park. Getting to Teton National Park is about an hour away.

There is so much to explore in this area and we love visiting every year. It has become one of our favorite summer months traditions. The Pod has fit in perfectly and even allowed us to elevate our camping experience. How you might ask?

• A nice bed at the end of a long day of riding was a game-changer! Much more relaxing than your average sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
• Having the camp stove in the galley to cook a good meal to refuel for the next day, was something we loved.
• Cleaning up after dinner has become so much easier with a wash station!

Pro Tip: We have a collapsible sink and drying rack. We are obsessed with the Fozzils drying rack. It might be one of our favorite add-ons for our camp kitchen!

We hope this gives you some ideas on how to see this beautiful area and how to make the most out of your next camping trip.

About the Author:

Bridget and Chris are Trailblazer Ambassadors for Escapod and all-around adventure seekers. They love sharing tips, recipes, and amazing places with those who share their same passion for unforgettable experiences. They are currently based in Utah and spend their time exploring the wild west. Follow the social media junkie, Bridget on Instagram to see their latest adventures!