It’s All Here in Jackson- Gateway to Grand Teton

Flying into Jackson, Wyoming, the dominate landscape outside your window is the jagged snow-capped peaks of the Tetons. These mountains seem to rise from the green valley floor. The distant snake river carves the valley floor as it winds its way towards Grand Teton. Jackson is the gateway to Grand Teton, one of the most beautiful places in the world.

The Town of Jackson is near the southern end of the valley, enclosed by the Teton mountains to the west and Gros Ventre Mountains to the east. I am always drawn to the geological features of all the places we visit. The valley and mountains here are exceptional formations. Outdoor amenities abound in the wilderness surrounding Jackson.

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Plan on Spending Time in Jackson

Jackson makes a quintessential home base for those wishing to enter either Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Just 15 minutes from Grand Teton National Park and less than two hours from Yellowstone. With easy access from the small airport via American Airlines, Delta, SkyWest, and United Airlines. They all have flights to and from Jackson Hole Airport.

We arrived in early June, and although the weather was a tad cool and cloudy upon arrival, the incredible views were mesmerizing. There are countless rental agencies we chose: Budget car rental for a reasonable price. They have a shuttle service from the airport to Jackson. The office is basically a small shack, but our check-in was quick and efficient. Our rental car turned out to be a Prius. At first, you may think this car is not ideal for the parks, but we never had to fill the gas tank until returning to Jackson. Renting a car gives the greatest flexibility.

Plan on Spending a Day in Jackson

When planning our itinerary for Grand Teton National Park in combination with a week, exploring Yellowstone-Jackson was the perfect starting point for our adventure. The major draw for most visitors is the proximity to the National Parks. Grand Teton is the primary destination. However, the town of Jackson has lots to offer the day traveler. We found that spending a day in Jackson before entering Grand Teton was a great way to acclimate to the altitude.

Travel Tip: America the Beautiful Pass is your ticket to all the National Parks and more! For an $80 Annual pass (plus a $5 process and handling fee) you get an entire year of access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national wildlife refuges, monuments, and historical parks nationwide.

Jackson or Jackson Hole?

They named the Town of Jackson in 1894. Although its origins start with the Native tribes that settled this valley because of the abundance of food sources. Later, fur traders and mountain men used the routes that crisscrossed the low-lying valley dubbed the “Hole”. They were seeking to exploit the valuable resources in the 40-mile long valley, specifically the beaver. John Colter, a guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was the first to travel through Jackson Hole. Notable mountain men Jedediah Smith, Jim Bridger, and William Sublette later followed him. Settlers, ranchers, and prospectors soon followed as the fur industry declined and the fertile valley was prime farmland.

The creation of Yellowstone in 1872 and Grand Teton in 1929 led to more pioneers. In the last century, this small town of less than 10,000 has become a hub for recreational tourism with the building of hotels, dude ranches, and ski resorts. It has become the home to many celebrities of the past and present. Because of the popularity, many rebranded the town as simply Jackson.

9 Things to Do in Jackson Gateway to Grand Teton

Not just a summer destination, the Tetons are a four-season destination. Summer activities include rafting or kayaking the Snake River, Bridger Gondola to 10,000 foot Snow King Mountain or enjoy wildlife viewing. Wintertime enjoys alpine or cross-country skiing, dog sledding, or sleigh ride through the Elk Refuge. There really is something for everyone in Jackson.

1. The Town Square

George Washington Memorial Park, but often called the Town Square, is in the heart of Jackson. The green space is a great place to unwind after browsing the eclectic shops, galleries, and coffee shops that line the square. The iconic features are the antler arches at each of the four corners, and the veteran’s memorial and statue in the center.

The wild west is definitely alive when you watch the authentic western shootout. The performance happens every night around 6:00 during summer, except on Sundays. The loud gunshots are thrilling! the Shootout is a must-see!!! Want to have a better historic visit than I recommend a leisurely Stagecoach ride. For us, the most intriguing in this frontier town is the history and the settlement of the west. We learned quite a few historic tidbits on this short ride. Still, no trip to world-famous Jackson is complete without a walk through the square or the obligatory photo with the arch.

2. Jackson Hole Historical Society

If you are not up to the physical demands of running the rapids of the Snake River, the price of admission is worth a walk through the past hundred years. We spent a few hours enjoying the museum. The historic timeline reflects the rich culture of the area. There is an extensive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs from the early Native Americans through to the dude ranches that first hosted travelers. The short video included film locations for the many movies filmed here. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, providing great detail when answering our questions. This is a must for history buffs.

 3. National Elk Refuge – Wildlife Viewing

Let’s face it, the principal reason travelers visit Grand Teton National Park is to view the wildlife. 25,000 acres of lush meadows provide an ideal habitat for the over 5,000 elk that crowd the refuge in winter. However, many other species such as moose, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, bison and grizzly bear call the refuge home. Stopping at the Flat Creek Overlook, common waterfowl sightings include trumpeter swans, buffleheads, and mallards. Occasionally, river otters are spotted swimming through the creek. We spotted moose, elk, and Unita ground squirrels at a few of the stops. Ever present is the mesmerizing backdrop of the Tetons.

Taking a winter sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge is one of the unique and exciting experiences you can have on a National Wildlife Refuge. You can purchase tickets at the Welcome Center. During the ride to the refuge, the crunch of the snow as you travel through the woods and sagebrush fields is the only sound you will hear. Bundled up in jackets, they provided you with cozy warm blankets and hot chocolate to take the chill away. Guides are very informative about the ecology of the preserve and the elk population control, the seasonal migrations and other animal activity. Visitors can get an up-close view of wintering elk while also learning about the history of the National Elk Refuge.

4. The National Museum of Wildlife Art

We thought we would pop in here before leaving Jackson Hole to drive on to Grand Teton and Yellowstone Park. Just off route 89, the location is stunning. They integrate the stone museum building blends into the hill as if it belongs there. The western and nature painting collection is extensive with high-quality artists. They thrilled us as they featured our favorite Canadian painter, Robert Bateman, in the King gallery. Don’t miss the portrait of a bison, “The Chief.” The 3/4-mile Sculpture Trail, designed by award-winning architect Walter J. Hood, holds an unbelievable collection of bronze wildlife statues.

The Palate an exquisite gem for a quick bite after touring the museum. Couches, firepits, tables and umbrellas line the outdoor space with terrific views that overlook the National Elk Refuge. It’s like being on top of the world. The Museum Shop has an array of exceptional items!

5. Cowboy Coaster at Snow King Mountain

If you want a terrific day of fun, then make time to play at Snow King Mountain. We splurge-bought the Big King evening pass, allowing us to ride the Alpine slide, cowboy roller coaster and chairlift as many times as we wanted. Timing is everything-luck was with us being early June, so the crowds were almost nonexistent. The chairlift takes you 1,571 feet to the top of Snow King mountain. The unparalleled views of Jackson, the elk refuge and distant Grand Teton are spectacular!

The cowboy coaster is a small bobsled cart that slides down the 2,500 feet mountain. You can control how fast or how slow you go down, but still, the thought of losing control can be terrifying. It was an exhilarating ride down the mountain. We did it all activities: alpine slide, mini-golf, bungee trampoline, and the Treetop Adventure ropes course. So much fun!

It’s a bit pricy but for the pass, but I think we got our money’s worth and would recommend it especially for kids. 

6. TOP OF THE WORLD – Ride the Jackson Aerial Tram

Ride to the top of the 10,450 feet Rendezvous Mountain on the iconic Jackson Hole Aerial Tram in less than 12-minutes. At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the tram whisks you to the top for panoramic views of the town of Jackson, the Tetons, Snake River Valley, to Grand Teton on a clear day.

Have breakfast at Corbet’s Cabin, an ideal place to grab a made-to-order waffle before embarking, the tram for the return trip. If you are an avid hiker, consider taking the 1.7-mile Cirque trail down to the Bridger Gondola. In the early spring, the trail has alpine wildflowers in bloom.

Travel Tip: If you plan to hike, remember to bring snacks and water as there is no place to purchase on the trails. Be prepared. Remember temperatures are cooler at the top, so have a jacket.

7. Running the Rapids-Rafting the Snake River

If you are looking for something less strenuous to do while visiting Jackson, consider a scenic float trip down the beautiful Snake river. Along the way, relax and enjoy the beauty of the picturesque Teton mountains in the background. Visitors can choose either an effortless float down a serene section of the Snake River or a thrilling adventure of whitewater rafting is the perfect summer activity. As you travel along the river, look for native wildlife such as osprey, bald eagles, moose, deer and river otters. Knowledgeable guides teach about the wildlife, geology, and history of the river. For those that brave, traversing the Class I, II, and III rapids, it’s a blast!

8. Explore the Backcountry-Horseback Rides

You don’t have to stay at an area dude ranch to enjoy the tranquility and solitude on a backcountry horseback ride. Experienced cowboy wranglers take you “off the beaten path” along the Snake River, through wildflower meadows and cottonwood forests. You get a unique perspective sitting on the top of a horse enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty of Wyoming. Visitors can choose from different options, half day, full day or multi-day whichever you prefer. We found a 2-hour ride fit perfectly into our itinerary. Although we are not the most experienced riders, we thoroughly enjoyed our time riding and the panoramic vistas.

Travel Tip: Remember to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, a light jacket, sunscreen and bug spray, and, of course, a camera! 

9. Jackson Hole Fish Hatchery

Wyoming is a fisherman’s paradise, so if you have an hour either coming into or leaving Jackson, stop at the National Fish Hatchery. Located 3.5 miles north of Jackson on Highway 89. This place is a hidden jewel run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. An educational experience we learned about this hatchery only raises Snake River Cutthroat trout. This hatchery distributes trout in an area of about 18,000 miles in western Wyoming and eastern Idaho. We both love to fish, so we spent an hour wandering through the indoor and outdoor raceways. The tour is free and with a valid fishing license; you try your luck at catching a fish in the stocked Sleeping Indian Pond. There is a one fish limit per license. Remember to pet the friendly hatchery Siamese cat.

Accommodations in Jackson

Only a few square blocks-Jackson is completely walkable if you stay in the near the epicenter of town.

The Antler Inn is central to restaurants, shops only one block from the Town Square-very convenient!. The ski shuttle and town bus service are across the street. The rooms were comfortable and had a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffeemaker. In this high-priced town, this nostalgic hotel is extremely reasonable, clean with friendly staff. You cannot beat the price!

• Hotel Jackson – boutique hotel is so convenient to all downtown Jackson offers. Rooms are modern, well-equipped, on-site FIGS restaurant.
• Huff House Inn and Cabins – historic, locally owned Inn. Only two blocks east of the Town Square. Breakfast served daily.

Travel Tip: We always travel with a collapsible cooler. We did a quick trip to Albertson’s to purchase our groceries & supplies for the week. Enjoying a picnic lunch or a quick breakfast saves time and money.

Dining in Jackson

Our first night’s dinner was at the Hatch Taqueria and Tequila arriving at happy hour. Surprising there was no crowd. We opted for inside seating in the spacious dining room. Again, it was too cool for this Florida girl to sit outdoors. Our server was quick with recommendations from the upscale menu. We shared the Cameron tacos with grilled shrimp and the sopes with smoked Texas brisket. The shrimp was as good or better than any we have had along the Gulf coast, not over cooked with great taste. Fresh, favorable ingredients put into well-presented dishes that were delicious. The genuine margaritas are first-rate. Our server suggested a local beer for hubby that was excellent. 

Saddle up! Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

Walking the boardwalk, you get a glimpse of the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar sign – legendary in Jackson. We made this our first stop. Here you can belly up to the bar taking a seat on a real western saddle. You get the cowboy experience from unique silver dollars at the bar to the charming western-themed décor. The bar is extremely popular but is worth checking out for a drink and a Bison burger. Yes, some dishes are a little pricey, but almost everything in Jackson is pricey. The live country music adds to the fun atmosphere.

Additional Jackson dining:

• Snake River Brewing– Featuring locally sourced ingredients. The food menu here is divine. Portions are generous and the atmosphere friendly and inviting. Great selection of local brews to choose from.
• The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant – They offer the best breakfast entrees in town. They have everything from baked goods to full breakfast meals. Try the tasty huckleberry and blueberry scones.
• The Blue Lion – extremely popular recommend making reservations. It’s a small, quaint restaurant with some table inside and a deck outside. Elk tenderloin and rack of lamb are signature dishes. The Mud pie was incredible.

Grand Teton Gateway to Jackson

Lastly, enjoy the beautiful natural resources along with the amazing mountains and peaks surrounding Jackson with a 42-mile scenic loop drive in Grand Teton National Park. Stop at as many of the overlooks and turnouts:

•  Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center – near Moose Junction on the south side of GTNP should be your first stop in the park. Here you can pickup local weather reports, general trail information, guidebooks and maps.
• Jenny Lake & Visitor Center – offers beautiful views and a great trails around the lake. Take the scenic ferry across the lake to Hidden Falls.
• Jackson Lake is one of our favorite places. In the early morning, you can see the reflection of the mountains in the water. A breakfast or dinner cruise gives you the best opportunities for photographs.
• Schwabacher Landing – is an incredibly spectacular spot for a short hike or picnic lunch. It is one of the most photographed mountain scenes in the country.
•  Oxbow Bend Overlook one of the most famous scenic vistas in the park. It is a great place to observe deer, moose, and beaver. 
• Mormon Row – this was an early pioneer settlement of old homestead cabins. Renown for the iconic barns set against the beautiful Teton vistas.
• Other highlights on the loop included Cunningham Historic Cabin, Chapel of the Transfiguration, Menor’s Ferry, and lunch at Signal Mountain.

Drive Slowly for Wildlife

Sadly, as we made our way from Moran back to Jackson, we learned that cars had hit two bears overnight. Killed first a cub and the second the momma as she tried to pull the cub off the road. This unfortunate incident is an important reminder that animals often wander across the park’s roadways-especially at night. It is important to slow down and drive the at or below the post speed limit.

Final Thoughts: It’s All Here in Jackson- Gateway to Grand Teton

Photographs cannot entirely capture the beauty of this place. We find it hard to leave -Jackson has left its mark. However, we plan to return soon. An authentic Wyoming experience won’t be complete without spending time in Jackson before accessing Grand Teton. Do you need a vacation? Jackson, Wyoming is calling!

Have you been to Jackson Hole? What did you like best? Please share with us your experience by commenting below.