The Grand Tetons
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. A pristine valley nestled between the Gross Ventre and Teton Mountains, the whole place looks like a Bob Ross painting come to life. Most notable are the soaring Tetons, one of the most recognizable mountain ranges in the United States. Their jagged, snow-capped peaks are juxtaposed by a valley floor teeming with color and life. Lush, green grass, and an array of wildflowers line the vast and winding Snake River which carves its way through the valley. Big game like bison, elk, and moose, all call this valley home as do bears, bald eagles, and dozens of other species. Words like stunning and awe-inspiring simply do not do this place justice.
Many know Jackson Hole as a premier winter destination, but spring, summer, and even fall in Jackson Hole offer just as much activity and equal beauty. A living preservation of the American frontier, Jackson Hole, to me, embodies the American spirit. A trip to Jackson Hole offers travelers an insight into the life of the American cowboy, rancher, and explorer, and provides a glimpse into the unsurpassed beauty of the western United States.
If you’re planning a trip to Jackson Hole, here are 7 things I believe should be on your bucket list:
1. Visit the town of Jackson, Wyoming
Downtown Jackson
The Jackson Hole valley was originally home to Native American tribes including the Shoshone, Crow, and Gros Ventre. It wasn’t until one of the members of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, John Colter, ventured into Jackson Hole in the winter of 1807-1808 to pursue a fur trading business that westerners began to move into the area. Colter had discovered an extremely profitable area for fur trapping, which drew many other trappers and traders.
Eventually, however, the fur trading business grew near obsolete and many of these “mountain men” were forced to find new jobs, some as guides for various research expeditions through the area.
One such expedition was the Hayden Expedition of 1871 and 1872 during which William Henry Jackson took the first photographs of the Teton Mountains and Yellowstone. These photographs were a major contributing factor in convincing Congress to establish Yellowstone as the country’s first National Park.
Big game hunters from around the world were drawn to Jackson Hole. Noting the thriving wildlife population, ranchers started to establish farms and homesteads. By the 1890s, cattle ranching was a major focus in the valley and a more permanent settlement began to grow. Finally, in 1894, the town of Jackson was founded. Some of the original buildings can still be seen today around Jackson’s town square. And as more and more people have discovered the beauty of Jackson Hole, the town has grown significantly - although it still retains its historic, quaint, and charming character.
At least part of your stay in Jackson Hole should be spent within the town of Jackson. Book a hotel in the heart of downtown (our recommendation) and you’ll be able to walk to almost everything. To learn more about the town’s history, consider booking a free walking tour with Jackson Hole Historical Society.
Be sure to check out the four elk antler arches on each corner of the town square, the Silver Dollar Showroom within the Historic Wort Hotel, and the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar!
2. Stay at a Dude Ranch
You’ll have the luxury of watching the sunrise over the Tetons just steps from your door.
As word spread about the unsurpassed beauty of Jackson Hole, tourism began to grow. Cattle ranchers would often host out-of-town guests, termed “dudes" at their ranches for weeks or even months during the spring and summer. This venture proved profitable for the ranchers and desirable for travelers seeking an authentic “working ranch” experience. Today, more travelers than ever flock to Jackson Hole to gain a glimpse into the American Frontier and modern life in the midwest. What better way to do so than by staying at a dude ranch?
While staying at a dude ranch, you can spend your days rising with the sun, riding horses, fishing, floating down the Snake River, sharing stories around a campfire, and relaxing in the peace and tranquility of nature. Relaxing and refreshing, a dude ranch stay is a perfect antidote for our modern, busy lives.
3. Visit Grand Teton National Park
You are almost guaranteed to see herds of bison.
A drive through Grand Teton National Park will have you reaching for your camera at nearly every turn - each changing view somehow more spectacular than the rest. Incredibly dramatic, the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons seem to rocket straight out of the valley floor. This unique feature is due to prolonged activity along the Teton Fault which caused the mountains to be nudged upward, while the valley floor sunk. This characteristic of the mountains means that, from the valley, you can really appreciate their monumental size. Grand Teton, the tallest peak, stretches an impressive 13,775 feet into the sky.
You are likely to spot an abundance of bison as you travel through Grand Teton National Park, perhaps even a few elk and/or antelope. However, to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife like moose, bears, wolves and bald eagles, your best bet is to time your visit to the park around sunrise or sunset - and bring a pair of binoculars. If you really want to optimize your experience, consider taking a tour with a guide who can help you find the best locations for wildlife viewing and provide another set of eyes for spotting.
4. Visit Yellowstone National Park
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone.
Yellowstone was designated as the first United States National Park in 1872 and has long been one of the nation’s most famous parks due to its impressive geological features an abundance of wildlife. Here, you’ll find bubbling mud pits, the largest concentration of active geysers in the world, boiling hot springs, and neon-hued pools in addition to soaring mountains, wide-open plains, and an impressive array of wildlife.
It’s impossible to see all of Yellowstone in one day, but many of the major attractions can be seen in one day through the Lower Loop route. You can either join a day tour or embark on a self-guided tour through the park - the latter of which I recommend. On my recent trip to Yellowstone, I discovered an app called Just Ahead which uses your GPS location to deliver location-sensitive information about the park. As you drive through the park, you’ll listen to location-specific commentary written by experts and narrated by professionals. As you come upon a point of interest, you’ll have your own expert “guide” there (virtually) to share a story about it before you have time to ask what it might be.
I recommend getting started early, especially if you are staying in Jackson. The drive from Jackson just to reach the South Entrance of Yellowstone will take you about 1.5 hours. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time at each stop on the Lower Loop to allow for time to park, walk to the site, and then walk around the site. Allot time for potential “animal jams” - when large animals block the roadway and cause a traffic backup. Pack a lunch, and pack your camera, but as my Just Ahead “guide” shared, be sure to pack your patience as well! The long day is worth it!
5. Take a Trip Down the Snake River
The impressive, winding Snake River is the nation’s 4th largest river. The river offers the perfect respite from Jackson Hole’s summer heat. World-renowned for its trout fishing, the Snake River is a much sought-after destination for anglers from all over the world. If fishing doesn’t suit your fancy, consider an exciting whitewater rafting excursion! Certain sections of the river are up to 80 feet deep which makes the rapids less challenging than ones found in shallower rivers and suitable even for beginners. For a more leisurely pace, consider a scenic float trip down the river. Given the proper timing, and with a little bit of luck you might even be able to spot wildlife taking a drink at the water’s edge. Many tour companies are able to accommodate any schedule with sunrise, midday, sunset, and dinner float options.
6. Take a Hike
Hiking in Jackson Hole. Photo by Louise Palanker.
Whether you are staying in the town of Jackson, at a dude ranch, in Grand Teton National Park, or in Yellowstone National Park, there are countless nature trails to take advantage of. With options to suit every level, you are certain to find a trail worth taking. Take your pick of a stroll through a field of wildflowers, a trek through the rugged mountains, and everything in between. The reason visitors flock to Jackson Hole is because of its stunning scenic beauty. What better way to immerse yourself in such beautiful surroundings than by getting out in it.
If hiking alone, you might want to consider joining a guided hike. This area is grizzly bear territory, so you’ll want to have bear spray as well.
7. Stargaze
One of my favorite things to do in a remote area is stargazing. Having lived in suburbia most of my life and big cities for part of it, it's not often that I can view the stars without any light pollution. Visiting a place like Jackson Hole is an opportunity to see what the night sky really looks like. Gazing up at the stars is something our ancestors have done for thousands of years, and it is something that many of us have lost in modern times. Looking up at the night sky is our chance to connect to something that people all over the world have done for thousands of years. It’s a humbling feeling to gaze up there and wonder what might be gazing back at you.
For the best stargazing opportunities, you’ll probably have to venture outside of the town of Jackson. Yet another reason to consider staying at a dude ranch for part of your stay in Jackson Hole. As you gaze up at the sky, look for shooting stars, and if it’s dark enough, you may even be able to see the dark gaseous spaces in the Milky Way Galaxy.
A few tips:
Consider joining a small group tour to Jackson Hole in order to optimize your experience. The AstridTravel Club Trip to Jackson Hole includes all the aforementioned activities, features expert guides, VIP service, and offers you the opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers. If you’re ready to leave the planning, organizing, and logistical woes to someone else, consider joining this amazing trip!
If traveling by yourself you will definitely need to rent a car to get from place to place. Everything is very spread out in Jackson Hole, and the only other option for getting around is to join organized tour groups.
If traveling in the summer, be prepared to combat mosquitoes. Wear loose, synthetic clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. Bring bug repellant. Note: there are many DIY essential oil options if you prefer to avoid chemical bug spray.
In summation
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, leisure travel has largely come to a halt. However, more and more people are itching to simply get out. The best and safest way to do this is by getting out into nature. The AstridTravel Club has even created an entire portfolio of new, United States-based trips, each designed to incorporate more time spent in nature, being active, and promoting our overall wellbeing.
Whether you’re ready to pack your bags and get gone, or you’re dreaming now of future travels, we hope you make it to Jackson Hole, Wyoming at some point along your journey!
Madeline joined the Astrid Solo Travel Advisor team as a Content and Digital Marketing Manager in 2018. She believes that traveling is an essential aspect of life that allows you to see yourself, other people, places and things in a new light. She is passionate about trying new things, having a curious mind and seeking joy wherever she goes. To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
Many travelers know Jackson Hole, Wyoming as a premier winter destination, but spring, summer, and even fall in Jackson Hole offer just as much activity and equal beauty. A living preservation of the American frontier, Jackson Hole, to me, embodies the American spirit. A trip to Jackson Hole offers travelers an insight into the life of the American cowboy, rancher, and explorer, and provides a glimpse into the unsurpassed beauty of the western United States. If you’re planning a trip to Jackson Hole, here are 7 things I believe should be on your bucket list: