From sage-laden flats, an alpine swim, and the highest summit in the imposing Tetons, there’s no better way to get a taste of Jackson Hole than to go for a Picnic…

OBjective Overview

First concocted and completed by longtime Jackson Hole local, David Gonzales, the Grand Teton Picnic is an unofficial (double) triathlon for those with an appetite for adventure. Starting and ending at the antlers in town square, the multi-sport mission kicks off with a 23-mile bike ride to the east shores of Jenny Lake. From there a drybag serves better than a basket to ferry all your picnic goodies during the 1.3-mile swim across the glacier-carved alpine lake. After the swim, take on the 10-mile trek up the most prominent peak in the Tetons, the Grand (13,775’), and once at the majestic summit, congratulate yourself on being halfway through before reversing it all back to Jackson Hole. You’re going to want plenty of snacks for this one!

ROUTE HISTORY

David Gonzales first got the idea for a completely human-powered ascent of the Grant Teton, from Jackson Hole, while making a birthday lap up the iconic peak. In 2012, he finally put his idea of a mountain tri to the test and completed his idea of a “picnic” in just under 24 hours. Of the experience he writes:

“If I accomplish nothing else, I’ve changed the meaning of one word in one town. To the outdoorsy folks of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the word ‘picnic’ no longer denotes the awkward consumption of hummus on the ground, but an unsanctioned, human-powered, multi-sport suffergasm involving the most iconic aspects of the Hole – its sagebrush flats, piedmont lakes, and the mighty peaks of Grand Teton National Park.”

You can read more about the first picnic experience on his blog, as well as offshoot Picnic projects that have been inspired by the OG Tetons Picnic!

Best Time of Year to Attempt the Picnic?
July and August: it's important that you capitalize on long daylight hours, warm temps (both in the water and high on the mountains) and have stabilized/minimal snow and ice conditions on the mountains.
Duration & Beat Monday Splits
Of course the duration for any objective of this nature will vary greatly, party-to-party, but here’s a rough outline of our splits (factoring in some extra film faff):
Total MovementL 64 Miles
•Jackson Hole to Jenny Lake: Bike: 23 miles, both ways
•Swim Across Jenny Lake: 1.4 miles, both ways
•Run/Climb the Grand Teton: 10 miles/ 7k’ of elevation gain to the summit, then reverse it.
Beat Monday Approximate Splits
Bike #1: ~1hr
Transition: 30 min
Swim #1: 60-90min
Transition: 30min
Grand Teton Roundtrip: 7 hours
Transition: 30min
Swim #2: 60-90min
Transition: 30 min
Bike #2: 1hr
Total Elapsed Time: 14 hours
Getting There
The Jackson Hole Airport is roughly 10 miles north of downtown and with flights through most major airlines. Depending on how far you are traveling from, it’s up to you whether flying then renting a car, or roadtripping to Jackson is the best option. Of course if you fly, you could always just test out the bike setup early and ride the short commute from the airport!
Lodging
For the Beat Monday Episode, we rented an Airbnb within walking distance from the Antlers. However the first time Jason did the picnic, he stayed at the AAC Climbers Ranch (fun and more affordable)
You can also camp in open space /free spots up on Shadow Mountain. The downside to camping or staying at the AAC Ranch is that you have to drive at the start and end of your day. Staying in town is expensive, but you don't need to get in car until it's time to drive home.
Food Recs
For post-picnic celebratory pizza and beer right in town go to Pinky G's Pizza! We also visited the Cowboy Bar to do the tourist thing. and grabbed coffee and burritos at Cowboy Coffee has locally-roasted coffee and burritos and Persephone Bakery also has great breakfast options.
Gear Stores
In the event something goes awry with your bike in transit, there are a handful of bike shops in Jackson. For last minute gear needs be sure to check out Teton Mountaineering, though there is also an REI in town.
The Ride
This is a pretty straightforward cycling route. Don't forget the bike lights for the pre-dawn road riding and bring a bike lock to secure your bike while you’re on the swim and run portions.
The Swim
Full disclosure: when we started the Picnic, we biked to the Boat Launch, but the originator of the Picnic, David Gonzales, actually swam to the west boat ramp. The distances are similar (ours was actually a longer swim) but worth mentioning. Wetsuits are a huge benefit for warmth and buoyancy. I used a light webbing belt + a 20' piece of paracord and a 50L drybag as my gear towing system.
The Grand
As a 5th class rock climb at altitude, the Owen Spalding (5.4 YDS) is a serious endeavor. Do not attempt this without technical gear unless you feel very confident on this kind of technical and exposed terrain.
Footwear + Clothing
Trail Running Shoes resoled w/ sticky rubber for running/ scrambling
Synthetic Socks
Merino or Synthetic T-Shirt
Ultralight Longsleeve Windshirt
Lightweight, Packable, Hardshell Jacket
Insulation Layer - Compressible Synthetic or Down Puffy
Xterra 3-4mm Full Body Wet-Suit
Pearl Izumi Bike Short w/ Chamois
2XU Compression Short + Saxx Boxer Briefs
Light Running Short (Longer inseam preferred for climbing the Grand)
Ultralight Climbing Helmet
Hat/Visor
Merrell Buff
Zeal Caddis Sunglasses (blue-mirrored lens)
Zeal Blue Soft Case
Xterra Neoprene Swim Cap
Swim Goggles
Thin Cycling Gloves
Thin Liner Gloves
Packs + Portage
Running Vest/Pack (12-20L)
Revelate Designs Rear Saddle Bag
Bike Repair Kit Bag
Sealine 50L Dry Bag
Tether 20' Paracord + Webbing Belt for Dry Bag Attachment
Small Dry Bags and Ziplocks (To protect crucial electronics)
Toiletries
1 Roll TP
Wag bag
Sunscreen + lip balm
Cycling Gear
Specialized Roubaix Road Bike
Top Clip Flat Pedals (to make sneakers a more efficient footwear choice.)
Front Bike Lights
Rear Bike Lights 2x
Bike Repair Kit
Bike Lock
Nutrition + H2O
Capacity for 3L (each) - 2x 2L Bladder + 1L Nalgene
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter w/ 1L Soft Flask
Adventure Food- Approx. 200 cal/hr
Electronics + Miscellaneous
Mobile/iPhone
Phone Charging CableIphone Compatible
GPS WatchCoros Vertix 2
inReach / GPSGarmin InReach SE+
Video CameragoPro Hero 7
CameraSony RX100 MV1
Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Portable Anker Battery Bank
GPX + Beta - Gaia downloads on ALL Phones
Compass
Black Diamond Ultra Distance Carbon Trekking Poles