Jackson Hole
A legendary ski resort and mountain town in Wyoming's Teton Range, offering some of North America's most challenging terrain and dramatic alpine scenery. The charming village combines world-class skiing with summer hiking and wildlife viewing.
Things to do
- Ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort — Tackle some of North America's steepest and most varied terrain across 4,266 vertical feet with legendary powder and couloirs.
- Hike the Tetons via Cascade Canyon Trail — Experience a moderate to strenuous summer hike through alpine meadows and past waterfalls with views of the Cathedral Group.
- Wildlife viewing in Grand Teton National Park — Spot bison, elk, moose, and grizzly bears along Oxbow Bend and Laurance Rockefeller Preserve with professional guides or self-guided drives.
- Explore Jackson Town Square — Stroll the historic plaza anchored by iconic antler arches, browse Western galleries, and visit local shops and saloons.
- Scenic float trip on the Snake River — Drift past wildlife, mountain views, and the Tetons on a guided or unguided rafting experience suitable for all skill levels.
- Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art — Tour galleries featuring contemporary and classic works celebrating North American fauna and mountain heritage.
Food to try
- Snake River Grill's pan-seared bison — Local grass-fed bison prepared with regional ingredients and sauces, a Jackson Hole signature dish reflecting the area's ranching heritage.
- Elk chili — Hearty chili made with locally sourced elk meat, served in many Jackson restaurants and a staple of mountain cuisine.
- Huckleberry pie — Local wild huckleberries baked into homemade pie, available at diners and bakeries as a seasonal Jackson Hole delicacy.
- Farm-to-table dining at Snake River Grill — Emphasis on Wyoming and regional ingredients featuring seasonal produce, game, and mountain trout preparations.
- Rocky Mountain oysters — Breaded and fried beef or bison testicles, a traditional Western delicacy found on menus celebrating frontier food culture.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect wildlife distance laws — Keep at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from bears and wolves in national parks; feeding animals is strictly forbidden.
- Embrace Western dress codes — Cowboy hats, boots, and Carhartt jackets are standard casual wear; visitors often adopt Western style to fit the mountain town culture.
- Book accommodations and dining well ahead — Jackson Hole is extremely seasonal with winter ski season and summer hiking season selling out quickly; advance reservations are essential.
- Understand altitude and weather shifts — The town sits at 6,237 feet elevation where afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and winters are severe; pack layers and plan accordingly.