Jackson Hole Travel Guide
So why is it called Jackson Hole? Because back in the old days trappers and other frontiersmen descending into the valley had to traverse down steep slopes, as if entering a hole. Today the place is more like a goldmine, a playground for wealthy visitors, especially in the winter. But there is such a rich variety of things to do here that just about any traveler will be rewarded. Jackson Hole can be your base camp for outdoor activities at Grand Teton National Park, which is only about five miles away. It's also a good launching site for trips into landmark Yellowstone National Park.
Activities
Winter activities, of course, gravitate toward skiing, snowboarding and other snow-oriented sports. Winter sightseeing opportunities in the area include the herds of elk and bison that troop to the valley to graze. Some enterprising locals also offer sleigh rides to tourists during the winter season. Another great way to spend a winter afternoon is to visit one of the many hot springs for a swim or a relaxing soak. Granite Hot Springs is one of the most popular, because it has a natural soaking pool and a swimming pool.
In summer, visitors have a lot of choices in and around Jackson Hole, from hiking to biking to rock climbing to fishing to camping. There are also a lot of special events and festivals. Check out the free Concerts on the Commons at Teton Village. The venue features a fountain for kids to cool off when it's warm and fire pits to warm up when it's cool. Other notable events include the Jackson Hole Music Festival and Fall Arts Festival. For a great view above the Jackson Hole area, ride the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. It tends to be packed with skiers in the winter but is less crowded in the summer. Two stops for culture are the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the Jackson Hole Historical Museum.
Shopping and Dining
Shopping in Jackson Hole focuses on the charming and historic Town Square, where you'll find just about what you'd expect in a western resort community: boutiques, art galleries and souvenir stores selling cowboy boots, fly-fishing rods, jewelry, T-shirts and much more.
With the number of high-end visitors to Jackson Hole, the town has a variety of white-tablecloth restaurants with fine cuisine. Check out East Broadway, West Broadway and Millward Street. But there are also a lot of down-home cafes and eateries with simpler fare. After dinner, you'll find many bars that cater to vacationers in a nightlife mood, with drinks and live entertainment. One of the most popular is the lively Stagecoach Bar in nearby Wilson.
Where to Go in Jackson Hole
