Geraldine Lucas was a feisty, independent pioneer woman who began her homestead on Cottonwood Creek in 1913. She filed a homestead claim for her 160 acre parcel in 1918 and lived alone there. Later in 1924 at the age of 58, she became the first Jackson Hole woman to reach the peak of The Grand (the local name for Grand Teton Peak, of which these mountains are named).
Most of the hike was along Cottonwood Creek which is mainly fed by snow melt from The Grand. The sounds of the running water added to the stillness of the morning.
Once we crossed this log bridge, the path wandered away from the creek through areas of spruce trees, so the Christmas tree lot smell was with us again.
This picture was taken in a meadow about a quarter mile before we reached the place where Lucas' homestead once stood. The Grand is the peak in the center and is flanked by Mt. Teewinot on the left and Mt. Moran on the right. We would think these views of the Tetons were the primary inspiration for Lucas to homestead this area. Notice all the spruce trees in the background. The dead trees are the result of an infestation of pine bark beetles that is plaguing the western U. S. mountains.
This picture shows just how clear the water in Cottonwood Creek really is. This photo was taken from the path towards the edge of the creek. The water is about a foot deep and appears almost invisible.
This other view from the bridge to the parking area shows rapids along the left side of the creek and a small rock bar on the right. Even with a depth between 2 and 3 feet deep, the water remains crystal clear.
Great post about your hike! Looks awesome. The views were spectacular! I hope you will be able to reflect fondly on these experiences once you are sitting on your porch, comfortably at home, in September, sweating from the heat. :-)
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