Nestled beneath the stunning peaks of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole offers an exceptional blend of adventure, wildlife and local culture that makes it an ideal destination for all types of travelers, from outdoor enthusiasts to families seeking unique experiences.
Highlights
- Diverse Outdoor Activities: Enjoy a range of winter adventures, including snowshoeing, wildlife tours and dog sledding, ensuring endless exploration of this beautiful region, regardless of your skiing skills.
- Unique Cultural Experiences: Discover the charming town of Jackson with its iconic elk antler arches, local shops and vibrant nightlife, alongside cultural attractions like the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the historic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
- Proximity to Nature’s Wonders: Experience breathtaking views and wildlife sightings at the National Elk Refuge and Grand Teton National Park while relaxing in
The writer was hosted for some parts of this trip.
Sitting beneath Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is a destination that feels both wild and welcoming. On a recent three-day trip, I loved how quickly the days filled with mountain views, fresh air and incredible wildlife sightings, all while still having great food and a lively town nearby. As a travel writer who regularly embarks on outdoor adventures, I was thrilled with the variety of choices in this area. Traveling solo, for a romantic couple’s trip, a girlfriends’ getaway or a family fun adventure all work here. You don’t need to snow ski to enjoy the area, as a non-skier, I found plenty to do!
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Where to Play in Jackson Hole in the Winter
For winter activities, focus on wildlife viewing at the National Elk Refuge, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in Grand Teton National Park and exploring the town’s cultural spots like the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. You can also enjoy hot springs, dog sledding and the local ski resorts with skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing.
Wildlife & Nature
- National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides: Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride to see thousands of elk up close in the refuge.
- Wildlife Tours: Go on a guided tour to spot elk, bison, moose, big horn sheep and wolves as they gather for the winter. Half-day tours are available and frequently go to the nearby Gros Ventre Wilderness area east of Jackson for the best viewpoints. Bring your camera!
- Cross-Country Ski or Snowshoeing: Hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe in Grand Teton National Park, where the Teton Park Road is open for non-motorized use.
- Astoria Hot Springs: offers a soaking experience that is easily accessible by car. Only 20 minutes south of Jackson with paved road access, six reinforced pools have been built into the hillside above the Snake River. The hot springs provide a holistic wellness atmosphere, complete with four hot pools, one cold plunge, a shallow children’s pool, showers and dressing rooms.
Winter Sports & Adventure
- Skiing: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village and Snow King in Jackson typically open by December, with other resorts like Grand Targhee following. Even if you don’t ski, a $55 tram ticket to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is well worth the view!
- Dog Sledding: Experience a traditional dog-mushing ride through the national forests.
- Snowmobiling: Take a guided tour to scenic areas like Togwotee Pass.
A true highlight of a trip to Jackson Hole in the winter is a dog sledding experience. Continental Divide Dog Sled Adventures provides round-trip transportation from Jackson to the Bridger Teton National Forest. Participants get to interact with the dogs before and after a six-mile dog sled ride that is right out of a Hallmark movie. Tours average 3-4 hours and are offered at sunrise or sunset for around $190 per person.
The Town and Culture of Jackson Hole
The four elk antler arches on each corner of the Jackson Town Square are an iconic symbol of the area. There are tons of cute mom-and-pop shops here, along with coffee shops and restaurants. Stroll around the charming town square and browse.
National Museum of Wildlife Art: Learn about wildlife art and natural history.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: Enjoy the atmosphere of this historic Western bar and sit at the saddle seats at the bar.
Check out the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium for some astro-sky fun at 8,000 feet. Getting there is half the fun with a ride on the scenic gondola.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Be prepared for cold temperatures and snowfall. Pack layers, snow gear, a warm hat and gloves and boots with tread.
Where to Stay in Jackson Hole
The Wyoming Inn and The Lodge at Jackson Hole are reasonably priced hotels in Jackson that perfectly capture Jackson Hole’s adventurous spirit.Both properties are family-friendly, with The Lodge offering a more laid-back appeal, while Wyoming Inn would be ideal for couples or a family who wants to step it up a notch.
So, what makes these hotels stand out? They strike an ideal balance of comfort, central location and approachable price point, giving travelers (particularly families) easy access to everything Jackson has to offer.
The Wyoming Inn has an indoor hot tub with a fireplace and spa services. Both hotels have complimentary shuttles within a 15-mile radius of the hotel.
The Lodge at Jackson Hole has additional amenities:
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Indoor/outdoor saltwater pool and indoor/outdoor hot tubs
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Sauna
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Self-service laundry facility
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In-room gas fireplaces in many rooms
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Select rooms are pet-friendly
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Connecting rooms available
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Ease of free on-site parking
Where to Eat
Local fare has a strong focus on beef and wild game and I found a good selection of salads and innovative appetizers at Jackson Hole area restaurants.
Breakfast & Coffee
- Cowboy Coffee is locally owned and has multiple locations throughout Jackson
- Enjoy waffles at Corbet’s Cabin at the top of the tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- D.O.G. breakfast burritos in downtown Jackson are served from the window, wrapped in foil and ready to go before your adventures
- $5 breakfast buffet at The Lodge at Jackson Hole includes an omelet station and is free for ages 14 and under
- The Whistling Grizzly inside The Wyoming Inn has a good selection of traditional breakfast favorites and local specialties, including huckleberry pancakes (a local favorite)!
Lunch
- Jackson Drug is an old-time diner located on Jackson Square. Smashburgers and huckleberry shakes may get all of the love, but an assortment of salads and gluten-free items are also available.
- Liberty Burger has several specialty burgers and bunless burger bowl options
Dinner
- Aurora at the top of Snow King is a fun date night. Take the gondola up from the base of the mountain for excellent views, inventive cocktails and dishes like wild boar and scallops.
- The Whistling Grizzly inside The Wyoming Inn has excellent steaks and elk tenderloin.
- Orsetto Italian Bar & Eatery, located off Jackson square features upscale Italian food with choices like wild game lasagna and house-made tiramisu
SheBuysTravel tip: The elevation of Jackson Hole is 6,237 feet. For those coming from sea level, this can have a major impact on your body. At higher elevation you’ll be out-of-breath more quickly and get dehydrated very easily. Water is your best friend, even when it’s cold outside!
Over three days this itinerary balances the very best of Jackson Hole. You’ll spend time hiking beneath the jagged peaks of the Tetons, enjoying thrilling outdoor adventures and capping each day with great food and a lively town atmosphere. It’s the kind of trip that shows off the rugged beauty of Wyoming while still giving you plenty of time to soak it all in, (including at local hot springs)!
Getting to Jackson Hole
The Jackson Hole airport is the only one located within a U.S. national park. It is serviced by Alaska, American, Delta and United Airlines. Make sure to reserve a window seat on the right side of the plane for the stunning view of the Grand Teton mountains when landing or departing. The Tetons rise straight from the valley floor with no foothills at all, creating one of the most dramatic skylines in North America. Rental cars and ride-share services are available but limited as this is a smaller, regional airport. Many local hotels in the area, including The Wyoming Inn and The Lodge at Jackson Hole, provide complimentary pickup and drop-off for guests to the nearby airport.
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