Jackson Hole, located in Wyoming, is a unique destination that has been nicknamed ‘The Last of the Old West’. It is situated in a large valley between the Gros Ventre and Teton ranges, with the Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks nearby.
Originally settled by fur trappers and homesteaders in the 1870s, it now attracts many tourists who come to appreciate the breathtaking scenery and participate in outdoor activities. One of the main attractions of Jackson Hole is the opportunity for skiing at its three exceptional resorts.
The surrounding mountains, rivers, and forests make it ideal for hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking. Another popular activity is wildlife watching, as the area is home to various animals including bears, bison, elk, moose, and more.
14. Snow King Resort
If you’re looking for a great place to ski and enjoy some soft, powdery snow, the Snow King Resort is a fantastic option. It’s conveniently located on the southeast edge of Jackson and you can easily get to the top of the slopes with a scenic gondola ride.
At the summit, which is 7,808 feet high, there’s a place called Panorama House where you can ski, snowboard, tube, and even try out a coaster on the steep slopes. This resort has been around since 1936 and offers plenty of activities for both the summer and winter seasons.
In addition to skiing, locals and tourists can hike, bike, and boulder during the warmer months. The resort also has exciting rope courses, bungee trampolines, and even the steepest zip line in America.
13. Jackson Hole Rodeo
The Jackson Hole Rodeo is an exciting event that has been a part of the town’s cowboy culture for over a hundred years. It takes place in a small arena on the outskirts of town and features bronco riding, roping events, and other entertaining activities.
The rodeo has been held during the summer months since the 1890s when the first settlers came to the valley. Contestants from all over come here to challenge themselves and compete in events like barrel racing, calf roping, and bull riding.
The atmosphere is electrifying, with an excellent announcer and a chance to see incredible death-defying feats up close. It’s definitely one of the most memorable events in the area.
12. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
A popular ski resort called Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located just a short twenty-minute drive northwest of Jackson. It is well-regarded and considered one of the largest and best ski resorts in the country.
The resort is known for its challenging slopes and steep vertical drop, offering more than a hundred exciting trails for both skiers and snowboarders.
It first opened to the public in 1965 and is situated high on the side of Apres Vous mountain, facing south.Aside from winter activities, many people also enjoy visiting the resort in the summer to hike and bike the surrounding range.
The resort offers stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and forests, providing phenomenal panoramas throughout the year. The vibrant village base of the resort is not only a great place to stay but also hosts various enjoyable events, shows, and concerts. Additionally, amidst the modern condominiums and cozy lodges, there are numerous stores and restaurants to explore.
11. National Museum of Wildlife Art
The National Museum of Wildlife Art is a great place for people who love art and animals. It is located on US Route 191, close to Jackson. At first glance, it might look like an old castle or a natural rock formation, but it actually has a fantastic collection of paintings, photos, prints, and sculptures.
It is the only museum in the country that is completely dedicated to wildlife art and has around 5,000 beautiful artworks of animals from all over the world. The museum is well organized and the artworks are displayed nicely. You can see artwork from different time periods, including indigenous artifacts and modern masterpieces.
After visiting the museum, you should also check out the sculpture trail, restaurant, and outdoor patio. They all have amazing views of the mountains and the nearby National Elk Refuge.
10. Jackson Town Square
Jackson Town Square is a beautiful place in the heart of a historic small settlement. It has lots of shops and restaurants, but what really draws people in are the elk antler archways at each corner. These archways are made with hundreds of bright white antlers and people love taking pictures under them.
The square itself is not too big, but it has lawns, paths with trees, benches, and a monument to honor veterans. It’s the center of town life, surrounded by art galleries, restaurants, souvenir shops, themed saloons, and even a small mall.
9. Raft the Snake River
One of the must-see outdoor activities in Jackson Hole is rafting on the fast-moving Snake River. Although only a small portion of the river is in Wyoming, there are many sections that are easy to navigate and calm, as well as intense rapids to float through.
The river begins in the western part of the state and winds its way through Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Nevada for over a thousand miles. Just outside of Jackson, the river passes stunning natural sites like the massive Snake River Canyon and the rugged Teton Range.
There are numerous companies in town that offer rafting trips suitable for people of all ages and abilities. While rushing past rocks and rapids and floating through peaceful areas, you can appreciate the breathtaking scenery and the beauty of nature.
8. Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum
To learn more about the vast valley, you should check out the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. It is located in the center of town and displays various artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s history. The museum started as a passion project in 1958 and now houses around 30,000 historic objects, photos, and oral testimonies.
It showcases old tools, textiles, and teepees, with a focus on early settlers, Native Americans, the fur trade, ranching, and modern tourism. Additionally, the museum offers interesting walking tours led by knowledgeable guides that explore the town.
7. Grand Targhee Resort
The Grand Targhee Resort is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy outdoor activities, whether it’s summer or winter. It is found on the west side of the impressive Teton Range and offers great amenities, beautiful lodges, and extensive multi-use trails.
It was established in 1969 and has since grown with the addition of more trails, terrain parks, and chair lifts throughout its slopes. The resort is highly regarded for its abundant and high-quality snow, placing it among the top resorts in North America.
Even in the summer, the mountains are equally enjoyable to explore as you can go hiking, biking, and horseback riding while taking in breathtaking views of valleys and forests. Aside from the natural beauty, guests can also relax and rejuvenate at the resort’s spa, shop at its stores, or have fun playing disc golf.
6. Laurance Rockefeller Preserve
The beautiful Laurance Rockefeller Preserve is located next to Grand Teton National Park and the Snake River. Visitors can enjoy hiking and relaxing on the sandy beach by the lake. It used to be a dude ranch in the early 1900s, but the Rockefellers bought it later to use as a family retreat.
The preserve is now a large area with forests, meadows filled with wildflowers, lakes, and streams that reflect the sunlight. Sometimes you can see bears, deer, otters, and pine martens among the lush greenery.
Besides enjoying the preserve’s natural beauty and stunning views, you can also visit the visitor center to learn about its history, wildlife, and nature through photos and exhibits.
5. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a unique part of the state known for its breathtaking scenery. It offers various outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for exploration. The park is named after the highest peak in the range, which reaches an impressive 13,775 feet.
Established in 1929, it not only has majestic mountains and rugged rocks, but also lush forests, fast-flowing rivers, and peaceful meadows waiting to be discovered. Besides being a popular spot for mountaineering, visitors can also enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and kayaking in the park’s beautiful waterways.
Moreover, the park is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, elk, bison, bears, and bald eagles, which can be observed in their natural and untouched habitat.
4. Jackson Hole Playhouse
If you’re looking for a fun night out in the valley, the Jackson Hole Playhouse is the place to go. This rustic theater in the center of town offers fantastic plays along with a delicious dinner and drinks. Originally built in 1915 as a livery stable and staging post, it was later transformed into a theater in the late 1940s.
With its vibrant exterior and bright lights, it has a unique and inviting appearance. Inside, you’ll feel right at home with its warm wooden furniture, Old West aesthetic, and friendly waitstaff. While the tasty food and entertaining staff are already reasons to visit, the main attraction is the packed schedule of outstanding shows.
Overall, the combination of lively musicals, delicious food, and saloon atmosphere ensures an unforgettable evening.
3. National Elk Refuge
If you enjoy seeing wildlife up close, then the National Elk Refuge is a great place to go in the valley. It is located just east of Jackson and is home to bears, bison, wolves, and elk. The refuge was established in 1912 to protect mountains, marshes, and meadows that are important for local wildlife.
During the winter, around 7,500 elk can be seen on its snowy plains, and you can even take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride to witness the huge herds. The refuge is also beautiful to visit throughout the rest of the year, with the chance to spot bighorn sheep, coyotes, and bald eagles.
2. Antelope Flats
One great way to explore the stunning scenery of the area is to go on a leisurely drive around the Antelope Flats. This scenic road, located in Grand Teton National Park, will take you past stunning mountain peaks, interesting historical sites, and incredible wildlife.
The Flats have become an important habitat and migration route for local animals, and they were added to the park in 2016. In the distance, you can see magnificent snow-capped peaks, along with old homesteads scattered around.
On the spacious Flats, you can observe elk, bison, and pronghorn, and if you’re lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of coyotes and wolves lurking in the undergrowth. With its combination of history, nature, wildlife, and breathtaking views, exploring the Antelope Flats by car is truly a fantastic way to spend a morning.
1. Granite Hot Springs
Tucked away in the mountains, valleys, and forests of the region, there is a peaceful and beautiful place called Granite Hot Springs. It is located about an hour’s drive southeast of Jackson and offers a perfect spot for relaxation with stunning scenery all around.
The hot springs were built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and sit at an elevation of 6,987 feet. The pristine pool is filled with warm water from a bubbling hot spring. The area is surrounded by a small deck where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. There are also comfortable campsites and a cabin nearby.
After days of engaging in exciting outdoor activities, observing wildlife, and exploring the sights, soaking in the hot springs is like a heavenly experience. During winter, when the gravel road is not accessible, visitors can use snowshoes, snowmobiles, skis, or dog sleds to reach the springs. This adds to the adventure and makes the arrival even more relieving and relaxing.
