Wild West Adventure: Grand Teton and Yellowstone

This post is long overdue, but I have been on the go ever since this trip. 
My sister and I take a yearly sister trip and 2019 we decided to run another half marathon together. Before you get too excited we have only done one other half marathon. 
It all started with a Facebook ad because you know, power of social media. Vacation Races brings quality races to national parks. So if you love running or in our case just want to do something crazy, I highly recommend doing it with scenic backgrounds like our national parks. 
We signed up for the Grand Teton half and begin planning our vacation from there. Below is our favorite places and some tips for navigating Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. 

Salt Lake:
We only spent one night in Salt Lake and then got up early to drive to Grand Teton, BUT we did get to explore a little. Here a few things we did that I would recommend.

Things to do: 
Red Rock Brewing
You Are Here Installation

Eats:
Pretty Bird: this cute little downtown restaurant sees lines out the door for it's hot chicken. 

Grand Teton/Jackson, WY

Hotel: 
Mountain Modern Motel-This motel is super close to downtown Jackson. Walkable distance and so well done. The theme of mountain modern is carried out throughout the room from decor to the bathroom.  

Eats:
    Hand Fire Pizza- you can't walk past this restaurant and not smell the delicious hand fire                                        pizzas
    Bubba's BBQ- Go for Brunch, I know the name doesn't scream brunch but it is so good
    Jenny Lake Lodge- Grab a drink and app at sunset

    

Hikes/Things to do:
     Snake River Brewing: not right downtown, but cool spot to grab a beer and they have a                                                   full menu. 

     Cowboy Bar: a must see. there is typically a cover, but all the barstools are a saddle 

     The Antlers in Jackson Square: a photo op while you are exploring downtown Jackson

In the park, can't miss
    Jenny Lake: this is about a 7 mile hike around the lake, but definitely worth it!

    Hidden Falls: we went close to sunrise and it was really nice because not as many people                                  were on the trail. Warning the animals are on the move and we did see a                                      bear so make sure you are safe and respect all animals space. 

    Inspiration Point: After hidden falls it is a short hike to the top of inspiration point and a                                         great view of the lake.

    Mormon Row: I honestly didn't know what all the hype about this site was, but we went at                                 sunset and it was one of the pretties views of the Tetons.

Yellowstone/West Yellowstone, MT
Hotel: 
    Evergreen Motel- super cute motel in walking distance of the West Yellowstone                                                        downtown. Also, very close to West park entrance. 

Eats:
    Buckaroo Bill's BBQ
    Mexican Food Bus (not sure the actual name, but it is on the main strip)
    Running Bear Pancake House: worth the wait!!
    *you can eat in the park, but none of the restaurants really stood out

Hikes/Things to do
    Grand Prismatic

    Fairy Falls: Short little/easy hike, but if you like waterfalls like me, do it!

    Old Faithful

    Lower Falls: Iconic view of Yellowstone. 

    Hayden Valley: Where the Bison graze
    Mammoth Springs: Alexis really wanted to go here and it was worth the drive. Prefect                                                   stop on the way to the original entrance.

    Original Yellowstone Entrance: this is the Yellowstone I was picturing when we planned                                                                  the trip. It gives you a feel for the history and is a fun side  

                                                              of the park to explore.