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A mountain town like no other... discover the very best of Jackson Hole in our travel guide

Published

21 July, 2022

Edited

27 December, 2022

The gateway to both the Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks, Jackson Hole is a mountain town where life takes on a simpler, more relaxed pace. Yes, it’s home to three incredible ski resorts, but it's the great outdoors that surrounds it that will truly stop you in your tracks.

With dramatic mountain peaks, natural hot springs, and crystalline rivers just waiting to be discovered, there’s a whole lot more to Jackson Hole than just being a world-class skiing resort in the United States. Interested to find out more? Take a look at our Jackson Hole guide…

Sail the slopes with our ski guide to Jackson Hole

Avid skiers and snowboarders only need to take one look at the steep, snowy peaks in this corner of Wyoming to see that snowsports activities here are second-to-none. Boasting over 130 trails that cater to both beginners and experts alike, there’s no better vacation destination to hone your skills than the resort’s northern peaks within the Grand Teton National Park. With its impressive vertical drop of 4,139 feet, a day on the slopes of the Jackson Home Mountain Resort is guaranteed to be an exhilarating experience. It’s unlikely to happen, but if you ever feel tired of the same slopes, then the neighbouring Snow King Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee Resort offer even more trails to get stuck into.

Visit during the summer months, and you’ll find that the blank canvas of snow has been replaced with lush green valleys and riversides, blanketed with vibrant wildflowers. It’s hard not to feel like a pioneer as you hike through this incredible landscape; Jackson Hole is, after all, the last of the Old West.

Exploring the town in our Jackson Hole travel guide

There’s always something going on in the town of Jackson Hole. This traditional mountain town is renowned for its independent stores, art galleries, and restaurants - oh, and the rather unique elk antler arches that can be found on each corner. Collected from the nearby National Elk Refuge, these arches are reconstructed every few years and have become something of a landmark for the town.

Jackson Hole is host to a variety of seasonal events. Visitors can enjoy dog sled races and sleigh rides regularly in the winter and the annual ElkFest in May. Sit in the Jackson town square on a summer evening and you might get caught up in an old-school western shootout. This lively reenactment is a town tradition that takes place six days of the week, from Monday to Saturday. The olde worlde feel doesn’t end there, though - stop for a moment and you’re guaranteed to hear the clip-clop of hooves from the horse-drawn stagecoaches galloping around downtown.

With natural beauty in abundance, it’s easy to see why Jackson Hole is home to so many wonderful galleries - 60 to be exact. From the National Museum of Wildlife Art to the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts, the town is a haven for those who appreciate a good piece of artwork. Every September, the town celebrates the annual Arts Festival, which brings together visual, contemporary, and culinary artists from around the region.

Discover the wild beauty of Wyoming

While winter is one of the most popular times to visit Jackson Hole, the spring and summer months transform the resort into a completely different landscape - and there are so many ways to discover its natural beauty

Take on the challenge of the Teton Pass Trails

Avid climbers will want to take on the challenge of the Tetons, while mountain bikers will find plenty to keep them entertained along the many Teton Pass trails. Prefer to get on the water? Rafting opportunities are aplenty along the winding Snake River.

Explore Mormon Row and beyond

Head 14 miles north to discover the idyllic scenery that envelops Mormon Row, an iconic community of late 19th-century homes that have stood the test of time. A couple of hours further north is the iconic Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its dramatic geysers, soothing hot springs, and picturesque alpine rivers.

Discover its rich landscape on horseback

Or, you could traverse the area in the good, old-fashioned Western way–on horseback. There’s a number of ranches in the area offering full-day horseback riding tours, taking you along some of the most scenic routes in the national park. To see the alpenglow casting an ethereal reddish glow over the peaks of the Grand Tetons is an unforgettable experience.

A visit to Jackson Hole isn’t complete without finding and soaking in one of its natural hot springs. While the names Firehole and Boiling Rivers might sound a little scary or even off-putting, these natural springs are truly blissful spots where you can enjoy the area's spectacular sunsets, while soaking tired legs after a busy day of adventure.

Wining and dining in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Arguably the most important section of all in our Jackson Hole travel guide - the best places to dine out and refuel after a busy day.

Old Yellowstone Garage

If you’re staying right by the slopes in Teton Village, there’s a lovely selection of bars and eateries among its snow-covered streets. For seasonal fare with an Italian influence, Old Yellowstone Garage is the place to be. Stylish yet still very cosy, it’s the perfect place to warm up after a day spent in the snow.

Mangy Moose

Another favourite in our Jackson Hole dining guide, the lively Mangy Moose serves up juicy steaks and grilled-to-perfection seafood. With its live music and eclectic interior, this rustic steakhouse is always bustling during the winter months.

The Handlebar

Consider yourself something of a whiskey connoisseur? The Handlebar is an American pub and beer hall that specializes in a huge selection of international beers, whiskeys, and provisions. The views from the outdoor seating area are absolutely spectacular, so it’s worth booking in advance to make sure you get the best sights!

Bin 22

Stopping in Jackson Hole town itself? You’ll find an array of bars and restaurants as you wander its bustling streets. For fine wines and Spanish small plates, head to the classy Bin 22; its snug and intimate atmosphere is perfect for date nights.

Snake River Grill

Nearby, the sophisticated Snake River Grill serves up elegant dishes in a log cabin setting - after a busy day on the slopes, be sure to grab a seat by the roaring fireplace.

Persephone Bakery

For those simply looking for a quick spot of brunch before donning their ski gear, the charming Persephone Bakery serves up beautifully presented light dishes: think artisanal bread, fresh-out-the-oven pastries, and smoked salmon plates.

The onefinestay experience

At onefinestay, we believe that every vacation should be exceptional, and most importantly, individual to you. That’s why we offer a selection of specially curated concierge services, including personal chefs, at-home spa services, and private local tours. After a long day in the mountains, you can look forward to a beautifully cooked family meal or perhaps a soothing in-chalet massage - it’s all up to you. Our additional services can be planned and booked before your arrival, so you can make the most of your precious time away from the moment you land at Jackson Hole Airport.

Bewitched by the beauty of Jackson Hole?

Our expert Travel Advisors have the inside knowledge on all the best chalets, activities and restaurants and can tailor the trip perfectly to your individual wants and needs.