About Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The unparalleled spectacle of the Grand Teton Range, endless opportunity for outdoor pursuit, and top-notch caliber of restaurants and lodging properties make Jackson Hole a sought after destination. Jackson, Wyoming is the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and is a winter Mecca for skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Summer visitors enjoy fly fishing and whitewater rafting on the Snake River, hiking in Grand Teton park, mountain biking near town, a tram ride in Teton Village, and the nightly town square shoot-out. During the winter, if you don't ski you'll love a sleigh ride on the Elk Refuge, a ranger-led snowshoe walk in the park, or snow tubing at Snow King.
Orientation
Located at the western edge of Wyoming, the town of Jackson is situated just south of Grand Teton National Park. Direct flights are available from major airport hubs straight into the Jackson Hole Airport but cost of flights often leaves travelers searching for cheaper fairs to places like Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City. In the winter, it's possible to forgo the rental car and use either public transportation and shuttles to get around. Guided winter activities also often provide transportation. Summers are great for a family road trip where you can explore National Parks and other nearby attractions on your own time.Downtown Jackson is home to the Town Square and a plethora of restaurants, galleries, and shops. Hotels surround the town and offer easy access to amenities. Snow King Mountain and Resort creates the southern border of the town and the National Elk Refuge offers incredible open space to the north. From town, head west about 15 minutes to reach Teton Village, home to the renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Lodging options including hotels and condos are plentiful in the "village" as are a handful of restaurants and shops. In between the two, Wilson and Aspen are smaller communities that offer lodging options a little more off the beaten path.Jackson has two distinct travel seasons. The summer season typically runs from June through September while it's best to experience winter from December through mid-April. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring are variable when it comes to weather and available activities but are just as scenic and offer cost savings.
Things to Do
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Known for its steep and deep winter conditions for skiing and boarding, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the primary lure for winter visitors. In the summer months, enjoy activities like a tram ride, hiking trails, lift accessible downhill mountain biking trails, cross country mountain biking trails, and a ropes course.
Jackson Town Square: The hub of Jackson Hole, the town square is often the first stop for a visitor to take an iconic photo under an antler arch. Surrounding the square are boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants, all connected by western style wooden boardwalks.
Grand Teton National Park: Forming the southern border to Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons are a spectacular range of jagged peaks. Hiking options are endless in the summer, from short jaunts like Hidden Falls to extended backpacking excursions like the Crest Trail. In the winter, valley hiking trails turn into cross country skiing and snowshoeing destinations.
National Elk Refuge: As the snow begins to fall, a huge herd of elk migrate south to winter on the National Elk Refuge, just north of the town of Jackson. Winter sleigh rides offer a unique up-close view of the refuge and the elk.
Snake River: Flowing along the base of the Teton Range from Jackson Lake through the Snake River Canyon and beyond, the Snake River's idyllic waters are an angler's dream come true and fun for scenic and whitewater rafting trips.
Granite Hot Springs: Just south of town, Granite Hot Springs offers a developed pool with free-flowing natural spring water. While it's easily accessible along a dirt road in the summer, access in the winter is limited to a guided dog-sled ride or a long cross country ski tour.
Snow King Mountain: Creating the southern mountainous border of town, Snow King Mountain is Jackson's local ski area. It is steep and sweet. In the summer, the base area features a variety of family friendly activities like a ropes course, mini golf, alpine slide, and mountain coaster.
Rodeo: A must-see attraction for summer visitors, Jackson's very own rodeo is a weekly event featuring barrel racing, bull riding, and of course rodeo clowns.
Grand Targhee Resort: Located on the western side of the Teton Range, Grand Targhee Resort is accessible from Teton Valley, Idaho. This family friendly resort offers great powder skiing and boarding with unbeatable views of the Tetons (on a clear day). In the summer, its lift accessible mountain biking is off-the-hook.