Moose, otter, and waterfowl are often spied at this idyllic spot, dominated by towering 12,605-foot Mount Moran. The 1.5-mile Terrace Loop Trail in northern Yellowstone provides sweeping views of both the lower terraceswhose springs daily deposit up to two tons of travertine and of historic Fort Yellowstone, built by the U.S. Cavalry before the formation of the National Park Service in 1916. And the thermal basins near Old Faithful shouldn t be missed. Here the largest concentration of geysers in the world erupt with a majesty not witnessed in the summer months, the height of shooting steam and water doubled by the interaction with colder temperatures. Azure hot pools, comical mud pots, and hissing steam vents compete for attention with bison and elk seeking easier forage around the thermal areas, making sightings of these animals the rule rather than the exception.
Most beginners quickly master the balance required to glide across flat terrain.
The sweeping majesty of the Tetons, from Teton Pass north to the Grand, is enjoyed on this flat, 5-mile roundtrip tour. Because it receives a fair amount of use, the route is usually well-tracked. From Jackson, drive approximately four miles to the dike turnoff, located on the right side of the highway just before the Snake River Bridge. Traveling from Teton Village or Wilson, the turnoff is the first left after crossing the bridge. Park at Taggart trailhead and ski north to the deserted ranch.