It is thrilling to drive over Teton Pass at 8,431 feet from the Teton Valley in eastern Idaho, to the Jackson Hole valley in Wyoming. Jackson is a place of wonder and beauty, and is best known as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It is also well known as a world-class ski destination. Jackson is truly a 4-season destination.
Today, let’s explore Jackson Hole as a destination of it’s own, and let me share with you some of the reasons why I travel here year after year.
Teton Pass
At the top of Teton Pass is a sign that states, “Howdy Stranger…Yonder is Jackson Hole…The Last of the Old West.” This is the best introduction to this small, beautiful, and adventure filled town. You could spend multiple days right here on the pass hiking and mountain biking. The mountain biking is incredible–but not for the faint of heart. We actually like to do the “easier” route, and ride our bikes up to the top of the pass along Old Pass Road. If hiking is more your speed, then start on Old Pass Road and hike the loop to Crater Lake. Another very popular & rewarding hike on the Pass is Ski Lake. Or begin at the very top & hike the Teton Pass trail which follows a ridge along the Snake River Range. Hike to the radio tower, then on to the switchbacks toward Black Canyon.
The Town of Jackson
The town of Jackson hosts a mixture of people ranging from “western cowboy” to “outdoor enthusiasts” to “wealthy second-home owners.” It is filled to capacity almost all-year-round with tourists and skiers who are excited to spend a week of their vacation time enjoying all the area has to offer. One soon discovers you can never run out of fun things to do here. And I haven’t even included the national parks yet!
Here are 4 sample itineraries. Obviously, there isn’t really enough time to do all of these activities in 4 days, but it’s a start. Mix and match as you like, or do as we do, and come back to Jackson every single year.
Day 1
- Stroll along the wooden sidewalks that surround the main square.
- Wander in and out of the shops looking for local western treasures.
- Stop and eat at one of the many restaurants.
- Take your iconic Instagram picture under the elk antlers.
- Ride bicycles along the paved paths around the town of Jackson, or along the road to Teton Village.
- Finish the day at the famous Cowboy Bar or at a Chuckwagon dinner playhouse.
Day 2
- Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art (Seriously, don’t miss this museum!)
- Either head to Snow King Mountain and ride the alpine slide & the mountain coaster, or go whitewater rafting.
- After dinner, enjoy a musical show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse.
Day 3
- Spend the day at Teton Village.
- The Mountain Bike Park is a blast!
- Ride the Aerial Tram up to 10,450 ft Rendezvous Mountain for amazing views. Go hiking and taste the waffles at Corbet’s Cabin.
- After 5pm, ride up the Bridger gondola and enjoy a drink on the deck-with-a-view.
- Spend the rest of the evening listening to a concert put on by the the Grand Teton Music Festival.
Day 4
- Pack a picnic lunch.
- Spend the day hiking and mountain biking up on Teton Pass.
- Go swimming at the Recreation Center in Jackson, or visit the Elk Refuge Visitor Center.
- Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the many restaurants in town.
Are you ready to come and visit Jackson Hole now? We look forward to seeing you! Contact us at Peak to Sea Travel for more tips and help with booking your travels to the Tetons www.PeakToSeaTravel.com