Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business Jackson Hole is not a single town but a high mountain valley in northwest Wyoming, framed by the Teton Range on the west and the Gros Ventre Range on the east.
The valley works in every season: skiing and elk herds in winter, wildflowers and wildlife in spring, rafting and hiking in summer, golden aspens in fall.
Few places in the United States put a mountain range this dramatic so close to a walkable town. The Tetons rise abruptly from the valley floor with no foothills in between, so the views from almost anywhere are striking.
Wildlife is a big part of the appeal. Elk, bison, moose, pronghorn, bald eagles and both black and grizzly bears live here, and many can be seen from the road. Jackson itself keeps its Western character with wooden boardwalks, saloons and a summer rodeo, while also offering galleries, a respected wildlife art museum and serious ski terrain.
Jackson's Town Square, officially George Washington Memorial Park, is the center of the action. Arches built from thousands of shed elk antlers stand at its four corners, and the surrounding blocks are lined with covered boardwalks, galleries, outfitters and Western-wear shops.
Arches built from shed elk antlers stand at the corners of George Washington Memorial Park in Jackson. Photo: inkknife_2000 (7.5 million views +), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Just north of town, the National Elk Refuge protects winter range for one of the largest elk herds in North America.
Thousands of elk spend the winter on the National Elk Refuge just north of Jackson. Photo: USGS, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Built from local stone into a butte across the highway from the refuge, this museum holds a large collection of wildlife art from around the world, including works by Carl Rungius and Robert Bateman. An outdoor sculpture trail winds along the hillside with views over the elk refuge.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art is built into a butte overlooking the National Elk Refuge. Photo: Daniel Mayer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Rising right behind downtown, Snow King was Wyoming's first ski area. In summer, a gondola carries you to the summit for valley-wide views of the Tetons, and the Cowboy Coaster, an alpine coaster, winds down the slope.
Snow King Mountain rises from the edge of downtown Jackson. Photo: Tsy1980, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
For a taste of the valley's ranching roots, the Jackson Hole Rodeo takes place on summer evenings at the Teton County Fairgrounds, a short walk or drive from downtown. Local cowboys and cowgirls compete in bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and roping, and kids are often invited into the arena for a calf scramble.
Teton Village, about twelve miles from Jackson, is home to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, known for steep, challenging ski terrain including the famous Corbet's Couloir.
The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort aerial tram climbs from Teton Village to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Photo: Enricokamasa, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
The small community of Wilson sits at the base of Teton Pass, the mountain road that links Jackson Hole with Teton Valley in Idaho. The pass is steep and winding, with a wide view over the valley from the top and popular trailheads for summer hiking and winter backcountry skiing.
Inside Grand Teton National Park, off the Moose-Wilson Road, this preserve has a contemplative visitor center and easy trails to Phelps Lake. Parking is limited, so arrive early.
A short drive from Jackson, Grand Teton National Park fills the northern half of the valley. Mormon Row, a line of homestead barns set against the Tetons, is one of the most photographed spots in the West, especially at sunrise.
The Moulton barns on Mormon Row were built by homesteaders in the early twentieth century. Photo: Jon Sullivan, PD Photo., Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
The Snake River winds through the valley in two very different moods. Scenic float trips inside Grand Teton National Park drift past cottonwood groves with views of the peaks and frequent sightings of eagles and moose.
The Snake River Canyon south of Jackson is a popular whitewater rafting stretch. Photo: Tomascastelazo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
About an hour south and east of Jackson, a gravel road up Granite Creek in the Bridger-Teton National Forest ends at Granite Hot Springs, a natural hot spring pool with a rock wall and mountain views.
Granite Hot Springs is a natural hot spring pool in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Photo: James St. John, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Jackson has a dining scene well beyond its size, driven by tourism and a strong local food culture. Look for Rocky Mountain ingredients such as elk, bison, Idaho trout and lamb, often paired with locally grown greens in summer.
Downtown Jackson has the most variety, from casual burger joints to fine dining, plus several breweries and a distillery.
Popular dishes to try in Jackson Hole
Downtown Jackson suits first-time visitors who want walkable restaurants, shops and nightlife, with easy access to the elk refuge and the park's southern entrance.
Wilson suits travelers who want a quieter, local feel between town and Teton Village. Lodging inside Grand Teton National Park, including lodges and cabins near Jackson Lake and Colter Bay, suits wildlife watchers and photographers who want early starts.
Where to stay in Jackson Hole
Summer, from late June through August, brings warm days, wildflowers, every road and trail open and the largest crowds. July is peak season.
Winter, from December through March, is ski season, with deep snow at the resorts and elk gathered on the refuge.
Jackson Hole Airport sits inside Grand Teton National Park, a short drive north of town, with seasonal nonstop flights from many major U.S. cities.
A car gives you the most freedom, especially for wildlife drives at dawn and dusk. The START bus system runs between Jackson and Teton Village year round, which is handy for skiers.
Explore Town Square and the boardwalks, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, then ride the Snow King gondola for sunset views of the Tetons.
Rise early for sunrise at Mormon Row, then drive to Schwabacher Landing and Jenny Lake.
Head to Teton Village for the aerial tram and a hike along the ridge.
Raft the Snake River in the morning, then drive to Granite Hot Springs for a soak in the afternoon.
Planning meals, gear rentals, guided trips or a quick stop for supplies?
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