20 Years in the Making: A Celebration of Teton Adaptive

It’s hard to put into words what twenty years really means.

Two decades ago, Teton Adaptive began with a simple vision: that the mountains, rivers, trails, and open spaces of the Tetons should belong to everyone. What started as a small dream, fueled by a handful of people who believed in inclusion, has grown into a community that touches hundreds of lives every year.

And on our 20th anniversary, we got to see that vision in full bloom.

R Park was alive with energy from the moment the first guests arrived. The sound of laughter carried across the pond. Athletes dove into the cool water, splashing and smiling, while others pedaled bikes along the paths or tested their balance on paddleboards. Music floated through the air, and before long, people were dancing barefoot in the grass. Everywhere you looked, there was joy — not just in the activities, but in the connections being made.

One of the most moving moments of the day wasn’t on the stage or in the spotlight, but in the small interactions happening all around us: a volunteer steadying a bike for an athlete trying something new, kids chasing each other between picnic blankets, friends sharing food and swapping stories. It felt like a living picture of what Teton Adaptive is all about — adventure, yes, but also belonging.

None of it would have been possible without the love and generosity of our community. JH POP!, Down Home Eats, Naughty Fruit, and Jedidiah’s kept us well-fed and happy, while Rendezvous River Sports added even more fun on the water. Savannah Lucas captured the magic with her camera, preserving the day in photos that reflect the spirit of our mission. And the Jackson Hole Land Trust gave us the gift of gathering at R Park, a space that felt like home for this milestone moment.

As the sun dipped lower and people began to pack up, we were struck by a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the people who had the courage to start this work twenty years ago. Gratitude for the athletes who continue to show us what resilience looks like. Gratitude for the families, volunteers, and donors who have stood beside us every step of the way.

This celebration wasn’t just about looking back — it was about imagining what comes next. The next climb, the next ski run, the next dance, the next two decades of pushing boundaries and building community.

Because Teton Adaptive has never been only about recreation. It has always been about joy, dignity, connection, and possibility.

Here’s to the next twenty years of adventure — together.