Jackson Hole

No reviews yetValley Wyoming, United States

Arches built from shed elk antlers stand at the corners of George Washington Memorial Park in Jackson, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Thousands of elk spend the winter on the National Elk Refuge just north of Jackson, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is built into a butte overlooking the National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Snow King Mountain rises from the edge of downtown Jackson, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

About Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is a high mountain valley in northwestern Wyoming, hemmed in by the Teton Range to the west and the Gros Ventre Mountains to the east. Early trappers called an enclosed valley like this a hole, and the name stuck. The town of Jackson sits at its southern end, a former ranching community that now serves as a busy gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks and a base for skiing in winter.

The Town Square, with its four arches made of shed elk antlers, is the center of a walkable downtown full of Western-style boardwalks, galleries and restaurants. Just north of town, the National Elk Refuge shelters thousands of elk in winter, when sleigh rides take visitors among the herds. The National Museum of Wildlife Art, built into a hillside overlooking the refuge, holds an impressive collection. Snow King Mountain rises directly above town, and summer evenings bring the Jackson Hole Rodeo. In Teton Village, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is known for steep terrain and its aerial tram.

The valley suits skiers, hikers, anglers and wildlife watchers. Wilson and the road over Teton Pass lie to the west. Inside Grand Teton National Park, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve offers quiet trails, and Mormon Row's barns frame classic views of the peaks. Rafting trips float the Snake River in summer.

Best seasonSummer brings hiking, rafting and open park roads, while winter is ski season and elk refuge time.

Ideal stayFour days allows time in town, a full day in Grand Teton and a mountain or river outing.

ArrivingJackson Hole Airport, set within Grand Teton National Park, is a short drive from town.

WiserMap travel guideJackson Hole Wyoming Snake River Rafting and Mormon RowPlan Jackson Hole: Town Square's antler arches, the National Elk Refuge, the Teton Village tram, Snake River rafting, Mormon Row and Granite Hot Springs.Read the guide

11 Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole

Landmarks 1

Jackson Town Square and the antler arches

The tree-shaded square at the center of Jackson is framed by four arches built from elk antlers shed on the nearby refuge. Around...

Wildlife 1

National Elk Refuge

A large protected valley on the north edge of Jackson where thousands of elk spend the winter. From about mid-December to early Ap...

Museums 2

National Museum of Wildlife Art

A rugged stone museum built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, with a collection of thousands of paintings and s...

Jackson Hole History Museum

Run by the Jackson Hole Historical Society, this museum near downtown tells the story of the valley through artifacts and photos....

Viewpoints 2

Snow King Mountain

The town ski hill rises right behind downtown Jackson and has been in use since the 1930s. A gondola runs to the summit for views...

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the aerial tram

The famous ski resort at Teton Village, about 12 miles from town, known for steep terrain and Corbet's Couloir. The aerial tram cl...

Entertainment 2

Jackson Hole Rodeo

A traditional summer rodeo held on several evenings a week at the Teton County Fairgrounds in Jackson. Local cowboys and cowgirls...

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

A landmark western saloon on Jackson's Town Square, open since the 1930s, where the bar stools are real horse saddles. It has knot...

Scenic Drives 1

Wilson and Teton Pass

Wilson is a small, laid-back village at the foot of Teton Pass on the west side of the valley. The road over the pass climbs steep...

Adventure 1

Snake River rafting

South of Jackson, the Snake River runs through a forested canyon with lively whitewater rapids, while gentler scenic floats run on...

Nature 1

Granite Hot Springs

A natural hot spring pool in the Bridger-Teton National Forest southeast of Jackson, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservati...

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