Thanksgiving Teton Loop: Freezing Temps, Steam Layers, & Mountain Peaks

There is no better way to work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner than a morning cross-country flight over crisp, snow-dusted peak terrain.

Departing South Valley (U42) around 7:07 AM MST, the air was bitter cold at 19°F. The route north took me over a dense undercast layer, with the higher mountain ridges poking through the clouds into brilliant morning sunshine.

Bundled up for a frigid Thanksgiving morning refueling at KJAC.

Steam Over Bear Lake & Arrival at KJAC

As I tracked northbound, Bear Lake provided a striking visual gap in the cloud deck. The lake water was still unfrozen, creating a layer of sea smoke rising into the freezing air.

Steam rising off the unfrozen waters of Bear Lake.

Approaching Jackson Hole (KJAC), the clouds cleared out completely over the valley, revealing a pristine, snow-covered runway framed by the mountains. I touched down around 9:46 AM MST into a crisp 14°F environment.

Jackson Hole with morning mist still lingering.

Looping the Tetons

After topping off fuel and warming up the cabin, I took off northbound toward Yellowstone before pivoting west to loop around the Grand Teton range.

Sweeping aerial views of the Grand Teton peaks under clear blue skies.

Tracing the western flank of the Tetons down the Idaho side, I enjoyed smooth air and unmatched winter vistas all the way back into the Salt Lake Valley—landing back at U42 with plenty of time for the annual feast.