The Secret Lives of Flat Creek Employees, Part 2

Most of our employees are seasonal workers. They work long shifts, early morning and late at night, to keep the motel one of your favorites in Jackson Hole. Some come from across the country to spend their summer in a small town in Wyoming. Why, you might ask? Well, you probably aren’t asking that question because you already know the answer: rugged mountains, iconic parks, and one of the world’s most famous resort towns.

What do Flat Creek employees do when they aren’t working? We asked a few former employees about their experiences and adventures spending their summer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. What follows is the secret lives of Flat Creek employees, part 2. You can find part 1 here.

What’s the most unusual experience you had in Jackson?

Savannah: "The number of times I woke insanely early to watch the sun rise in an obscure location."

Quinn: "I always pick up hitchhikers up the Teton pass, one time a guy talked straight for 45 minutes all the way to Driggs without asking a question. But I always enjoy it."

What's your favorite hike in the Tetons?

Hudson: "Anywhere on the Lupine Meadows Trail up by Garnett Canyon, Delta Lake, and Amphitheater Lake. If you aren't going into the national park but want a good hike in Jackson, I also like Ski Lake up by the Teton pass."

Savannah: "South Teton"

Quinn: "I’m not telling." [Editor’s Note: Some people like to keep knowledge of favorite hikes local to avoid over-popularizing them. Like a good fishing hole. But our employees tend to be quite generous with recommendations for guests in person.] "But the Grand Teton or Cascade Canyon are nice."

Kaleb: "The Middle Teton, or Teton Crest Trail."

Kason: "My favorite hike is definitely Delta Lake or heading around the left side of Jenny Lake!"

What was the best part about working at Flat Creek?

Kason: "The best part about working at Flat Creek is living with all of your best friends! The people really make it the most amazing experience! Also, the close relationships you make throughout the summer!"

Kaleb: "How close it is to the Tetons. Also, loved the free hot chocolate."

Hudson: "Living close to Jackson Hole, but also being so far north towards the national park; having managers, and a community that wanted you to get out and spend your time in the mountains and doing cool things; and working with peers that shared hobbies and aspirations of being outside and savoring every chance to be in nature."

Savannah: "The best part about working at Flat Creek is that the friends you make are lifelong friends. You are bonded from exploring and adventuring. There is nothing quite like it."

Responses were very lightly edited for clarity.

Growing up, Dillon could see the Grand Teton from his house on a clear day.  His family took him to nearby national parks so often that he took the parks for granted. It took the rigors of life to teach him how good he had it, and he now spends as much time in the mountains as possible.

Photo by Danny Holland on Unsplash