Teton Valley Transportation

Teton Valley is fast becoming renowned for its winter and summer outdoor sports. It attracts numerous outdoor enthusiasts worldwide, those who would like to try their hand in Teton Valley’s famous powder skiing during the winter, or the biking and hiking trails at the west of Teton Mountain Range during the summer. Anglers and fishing enthusiasts of all sorts also grace the Teton River, in the hopes of hooking a large bass for dinner. This valley is known for being able to accommodate almost all types of outdoor activity, in all seasons.

Teton Valley is also good place to take a well needed vacation. Therefore, available and convenient transportation is a must for those planning to relax here. From the Jackson Hole airport, there are shuttles, taxi services and car rentals available, depending on your budget and itinerary. They also have the public bus service, START, which is light on the budget and suitable to use going around town to explore it, as well as to get to Teton Village. To get to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, you can opt to use the cab to take you there directly, or you can try the motor coach. By using the motor coach, you also get a guided tour of the whole park, the places that you want to discover for later and where to set up camp.

There is a shuttle to take you around the Jackson Hole valley. There are also airport shuttles that can bring you to the nearest airports, not only the Jackson Hole Airport, but also of Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City as well. If fishing is your thing, then there are shuttles to transport you to Snake River for a day of hooking up fish. During the winter season, there are also shuttles to bring you back and forth the best skiing lodges available, especially on the days you just would like to enjoy the day and not face the problem of driving in the snow.

Whatever the fancy, there are always a mode of transport available to take you where you want within Teton Valley.

Teton Valley climate

Teton Valley is known for its excellent weather and climate conditions in both summer and winter to cater its variety of outdoor sports. Tourists usually go during these times to enjoy the weather that only Teton Valley can offer. It is Teton Valley that you can actually savor the experience of snow in winter, without the freezing winds that can hinder your activities as well as the activities of summer without the sweltering heat of the sun.

Snow usually starts to fall in late September and progresses until January and February, then gradually declines in May to June. Snow falls early in this region, and usually ends late. The amount of snow fall during those times is above the average amount of snow fall of the whole region of the United States which ranges from two inches to ten inches. It usually peaks during the months of January to March with an average of almost eleven inches deep per snow fall, making it the best time to go powder skiing in the mountain ranges of Teton Valley. If skiing is not your thing, you can still enjoy the majestic view of the snow capped mountains in the comfort and warmth of your cabin.

Summer starts in June but the heat already builds up during the months of April and May. The heat in the city is usually higher than that in the mountain ranges which is probably the main reason why people would go to spend their summer vacation in the parks nearby going hiking and swimming in the river. The temperature rises during the months of July to September then falls by early October to November. The wind speed is within the US average for wind speed although sometimes a bit stronger. Rain does not fall that often in this area. If ever it does, it only reaches about two inches of rainfall. It is way below the usual rainfall gathered in other states, although it reaches more than two inches during the month of May.

Teton Valley Road Links

There are now a variety of ways to get to Teton Valley, Idaho. Since it is in the border of Idaho and Wyoming, there are common road links between these two states. Air travel is also possible, with three airports surrounding the area, the Jackson Hole Airport, the Idaho Falls Airport and the Wyoming Airport, and shuttles like the Salt Lake City Airport Shuttle Hop (SLASH) to bring you from the airport to wherever your destination will be within Teton Valley.

Here are the different highways to take when traveling by road to Teton Valley. From Jackson in the south, you can take the Wyoming State Highway 22 northwest bound to Teton Pass which becomes the Idaho State Highway 33 when you cross the state line and then through Victor to get to Teton Valley. From Swan Valley, you can take the Idaho State Highway 31 by Pine Creek Pass then merge into the Idaho State Highway 33 at Victor to get to Teton Valley. If you are coming from Ashton, take the Idaho State Highway 32 south, passing through Felt then turn into the Idaho State Highway 33 in Tetonia, then south to Teton Valley. From Rexburg, you just have to take the Idaho State Highway 33 eastbound all the way to Teton Valley.

There are various types of public transportation available in Teton Valley. You can use the Greyhound lines and Amtrak that has scheduled stopovers in Teton Valley. Northwestern Trailways like Boise-Winnemucca Stages, and Northwestern Stage Lines can also be utilized for travel needs. There are also the Rimrock Trailways, Rimrock Stages, Rocky Mountain Trailways Express, and Sun Valley Express aside from the Intercity Alltrans that cater to the Jackson Hole Express and Targhee Express.

River water travel to these parts may not be a good suggestion although it is a great sport during summer. It is always safer to go to Teton Valley through land and air. Whatever road or mode of transport you feel like using to get to Teton Valley, seeing this place will be worth the trip.

Teton Valley Museum

The Teton Valley Museum has several exhibits every month, on the history and art of Teton Valley. They have an Heirloom Clothing Store which features the clothes of the early settlers in Teton Valley. They also have a collection of furniture that was actually used by those who lived in Teton Valley throughout its history. Historic photographs and portraits are being scanned for the CD history library. Back issues of the Teton Valley News starting from 1909 to 1960 are being microfilmed for easier storage and handling.

They are open everyday except Sundays and Mondays, from 12 noon to 5pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 10 am to 6pm on Thursdays to Saturdays. They are open during the summer months and in winter, only by appointment.

They have on display the following exhibits:

• 1808 John Colter Stone

This stone was discovered in the South Leigh Canyon, Teton Valley

• Pierre’s Rendezvous Battle Journal Accounts

A historic Native American battle that was fought in Teton Valley aside from two additional local battles

• The Pistol of the Ed Trafton, the Yellowstone Bandit

Ed Trafton was the gentleman bandit who was able to rob nineteen stagecoaches in one day. He was said to have lived in Teton Valley during his exploits of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

• Display of Sam Idaho Mining Town

During the early 1900’s, the town of SAM, located near brown bear coal mine in horseshoe canyon, had a population of over two hundred people. The mining cars that were actually used by the miners, their equipment, and other photos are on display.

• Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Room of Artifacts
  Exhibits include the first flag that flew in Teton Valley

• Veterans’ Tribute Room
  Pictures and other memorabilia of servicemen who served from Teton Valley

Employment in Teton Valley

More than six thousand people reside in Teton Valley, and most of them commute to work in Jackson, Wyoming, Rexburg and Idaho Falls, Idaho. They are mainly employees in the Grand Targhee Resort though several comprise the workforce of the government of Teton County. They also occupy teaching and administrative jobs in the school districts.

The Idaho Department of Labor boasts of a low unemployment rate in Teton Valley, even lower than the national rate of unemployment. They find it encouraging that there is an upward trend in terms of the availability of job openings and qualified individuals to fill them. This rate usually fluctuates every month, depending on the season, but generally, the rate of unemployment is going down.

According to statistics, most of the male workforce is inclined more on the construction industry, with men occupying the positions of carpenters, construction trade workers, and electrical equipment mechanics. Another big percentage of the male workforce is into hotel accommodation and food services, and the rest are into healthcare, professional and technical services, administrative, finance and insurance, and the U.S. Postal services. They are usually seen in some management occupations except for farm managers, retail sales workers, food preparation and serving workers, and workers responsible for material recording, scheduling, dispatching and distributing.

On the other hand, women mostly occupy the positions for hotel accommodation and food services, with several of the female workforce employed in building and grounds cleaning and maintenance, information and record clerks, and sales supervisors. There is an equal distribution of the female workforce with regards to the type of employment. They are employed in food and beverage stores, in health care, in professional, technical and scientific services, in educational services, in administrative, support and waste management services, and only a handful in construction. The women also work in management positions, in retail sales, as well as being information and record clerks, cooks and food preparation workers, and as food and beverage serving workers, aside from waitresses.

Teton Valley Schools

Teton Valley offers opportunities in education from kindergarten level to high school. The Teton County School District #401 is the public school system for the whole county of Teton. They have three elementary schools from the first grade to the fifth in each community. The local kindergarten is found in Driggs, with the middle school for grades six to eight, and high school for grades nine to twelve. The environment in the valley is very conducive and safe for learning. The students often take nature trips to Yellowstone and other places in Idaho. In addition to this, Grand Targhee resort has a winter sports program that runs for five weeks in winter for students of all ages. They teach winter activities like alpine and cross country skiing as well as ice skating and snow shoeing.

The Teton County School District in Driggs, Idaho has over ninety certified teachers and instructors to cater to more than a thousand students yearly. In 2006, a new middle school was also built in Driggs to accommodate the increase in students, along with the extension of the high school building. Teton High School alone has an enrollment of almost five hundred students wherein almost all of them graduate in their senior year. Their mascot is the Teton Redskin. Teton Middle School has more than three hundred students with the Teton Mustang as their mascot. The elementary school in Driggs has the most number of students among the other two elementary schools located in Teton Valley, with a population of around two hundred fifty students. Victor Elementary and Driggs Elementary rank second and third in terms of student population, respectively. The school mascot of Driggs Elementary is the Jaguar, while for Tetonia Elementary School, it is the Tetonia Eagle. For the Victor Elementary School, whose building is one of the oldest ones standing, which was built in 1945 has the Victor Bear as their mascot. The kindergarten and preschool in Teton Valley also caters to the handicapped and those needing special education.

There are also several private schools that accommodate other students for a smaller and multi grade environment. The Alta Elementary School located in Alta, Wyoming accepts students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. The Christian School in Driggs also has students from grades one to twelve in their care. A Developmental Disability Center by the Joshua Foundation teaches developmentally impaired children in their center.

Teton Valley Churches

There are different churches established in Teton Valley that cater to the religious affiliation of the residents. They are as follows:

The Calvary Chapel Teton Valley has Pastor Roger Shea as its head. Their service times are 10 am during Sundays and 6pm during Wednesdays.

The Chapel in the Valley is located at Irwin, Idaho. Pastor Christopher Williams says the service at 10am on Sundays.

The Good Shepherd Catholic Church, located at Driggs, has Reverend Fr. Gabriel Vargas as its Parish Priest. The Celebration of the Mass is held every Sunday at 5pm and 6pm. The 5pm mass is the English Mass and the 6pm is the Spanish Mass.

The Iglesia Cristiana Internacional meets at the Teton Valley Community Bible Church every Thursday at 6:30 pm to cater to the Hispanics in the valley. They also meet in Jackson and Moran in Wyoming at a different schedule. Pastor Ken McCune leads the service.

The Redeemer Covenant Church holds their worship services at the American Legion Hall at Driggs every Sunday at 10 am. Presiding over the service is Pastor Steve Gilmore.

St. Francis of the Tetons Episcopal Church is located in Alta, Wyoming. They have the Adult Worship Service every 9:30 am.

Teton Valley Community Bible Church is located at Driggs, Idaho. They have Sunday school at 9:45 am every Sunday to be followed by the Worship service at 11 am, presided over by Pastor John Oakley. A youth group for students in middle school and high school meets weekly. Fellowship and Bible study groups also hold their meetings every week. The Teton Valley Community Bible Church has been handling the operations of the Teton Christian Academy since 1995 which teaches students from kindergarten to high school.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has several churches in various places such as in Victor, Driggs, Tetonia and Jackson. They are the religious organization with the most number of churches around Teton Valley, about ten churches all in all. They have a Priesthood/ Relief Society meeting, Sunday school, a Sacrament Meeting, Family Home Evenings every Monday, and Stake Meetings every Thursday.

The Summit, which is a Foursquare Church, has Reverend D. Scott Prindle as its Pastor. They have Sunday worship service every 10 am. This is the only church in the area that serves tea and coffee to its followers while seating around small tables.

Teton Valley Annual events

Teton Valley is the host for several events that are held in annually. These events are usually celebrated with tourists and other natives to commemorate Teton Valley history. These festivities usually draw in crowds of people into Teton Valley. The activities vary each year although there are other events that they faithfully celebrate annually, such as the following:

The Annual Crab Feast and Dessert Auction is a fund raising event for the benefit of the civic projects of Teton Valley Chamber of Commerce. It is usually held in January and it is composed of a dinner and an auction for the most decadent dessert of the evening. People are asked to donate their favorite dessert to be auctioned off after dinner.

Teton Valley also holds an annual Snocross Race, which is frequently held in February, after the Annual Crab Feast dinner. This race is for all people who would like to participate in the event. The participants are grouped according to age and experience in snocross. People from around the area try out this new sport, which is mainly done in Teton Valley since its snow is best for this event.

The Teton Valley Summer Festival is usually held in the last weeks of June to the first week of July, to coincide with the Fourth of July Celebrations. They have Hot air balloons, arts and crafts, a Tetonia Rodeo, an Old Time Fiddler’s contest as well as other recreational activities that they can think of like a Wild Flower Walk, Antiques Show and Sale, and Little League baseball games. There is usually lots of food served by the different organizations in Teton Valley and social events that you can attend during the evening. The Fourth of July Parade is also a interesting sight to see, with a fireworks display afterwards. There are also car shows for the car enthusiasts.

Every August, a Marathon and Fun Run is held in honor of John Coltor. Legend has it that John Coltor, during one of his hunts, wandered into Blackfoot Indian territory and was captured. The Indians were trying to decide on the best way to kill him and finally settled on making him run away and for the Indians to catch up on him. Fortunately for him, he was a swift runner, and so he ran the six miles towards Jefferson River and hid there under a raft until the coast was clear. He then went to the nearest trading post in Yellowstone and was able to save his life. And so, this marathon is held every year, usually with a 2 mile fun run.

The History of Teton Valley

Earliest people settled in Jackson Hole about eleven thousand years before. Data about it is very limited to the archeological diggings of the area. But based on these gathered data, it can be deduced that the people who lived here before stayed in this area whenever there is available food for their survival, then they migrate to other places when the supply is depleted. They crossed into Jackson Hole for their hunting expeditions. Indian tribes also occupied the area, the likes of Shoshoni, Flathead, Gros Ventre, and Blackfeet.

In 1808, John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition was supposedly thought to have discovered the area. Fur trappers frequented this place for hunting their game. They called it a hole because it was a plateau of great height surrounded by a ring of magnificent mountains. It was named after David E. Jackson, the fur trapper who was able to survive the winter along Jackson Lake in 1829, one of the deadliest in history. The Teton Range at ten million years old is still considered young for the Rockies Mountains.

This valley became unheard of for a while during the 1830’s because of its inaccessibility until it was rediscovered again by the military and civilians in the 1860’s to 1870’s. The names for the different areas of Teton Valley were given by the Hayden Survey members.

John Holland and John Carnes were the first settlers in Jackson Hole by the late 19^th century. They made their homes by the north of what is now the present town of Jackson. In 1890, only 64 people inhabited this small town of Jackson Hole because its climate and soil did not permit basic ranching and farming to prosper. Their main work was mountain-valley ranching wherein they allowed their cattle to graze on the mountains while they grew food and hay in the valley for the winter supplies. But it was very hard work for most of the settlers.

The valley became known for its reputation in hunting and fishing during the late 1800’s. Being quite familiar with the area, several settlers offered their services as guides and packers for those wealthy hunters. Some even made it as a fulltime job, such as Ben Sheffield. Using his earnings as a guide, he was able to buy a ranch in 1902 by Jackson Lake. He used this ranch as his base for his expeditions. This ranch eventually evolved into the town of Moran.

In 1910, small communities and villages started to form to be able to give the basic needs and services to the people, with Jackson, Wilson, Kelly and Moran as the main villages. Post offices were put up in Elk, Grovont, Marysvale, and Menor’s Ferry. 1914 saw Jackson to be the seat of Teton County and its commercial center.

There were also other people who tried their luck into managing dude ranches. During the years from 1908 to 1912, the JY and Bar BC were built. The 1920’s saw a boom in the economic standing of the valley, brought about by dude ranching. People also saw the importance of elk and other wildlife preservation in their work as tourist guides, this probably being one of their best possible sources of income.

The movement to conserve national resources in the United States affected the ownership of this valley, preventing its transfer into a private owner. President Cleveland made the Teton Forest Reserve in 1897, following the Forest Service Act of 1891. In 1908, the Teton National Forest was established, including much of Jackson Hole land. 1929 marked the establishment of the Grand Teton National Park which comprised 96,000 acres of glacial lakes and a big chunk of the Teton Range.

The younger Rockefeller bought private lands within Jackson Hole to be used for the Park. They established the Snake River Land Company that bought more than 35,000 acres of land in following twenty years.

President Roosevelt in 1943 established the Jackson Hole National Monument through the Antiquities Act of 1906, comprising 210 acres of federal land located in Jackson Hole. Then in 1949, the federal government received as donation from the Rockefellers 33,000 acres of land. By 1950, legislation marked the merging of the Jackson Hole National Monument with the Park.

At present, the main livelihood and source of income of Teton Valley is tourism. The tourists come over to relax and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and other features of the parks and mountains.