The premier outdoor destination in Wyoming Jackson Hole is known across the nation for world class hiking, epic whitewater, top level skiing, and one of a kind views, all reachable from this well equipped trendy town. For outdoor enthusiasts, there really isn’t anywhere better.
The center of stunning Jackson Hole, Jackson is the largest city within the remarkable northwest corner of Wyoming. Best known for the twin national parks of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, this remote corner of the country boasts some of the greatest scenery in not only the country, but the world.
And the best home base for exploring this natural wonderland is Jackson.
Originally populated by the Shoshoni, Crow, Blackfeet, Bannock, and Gros Ventre tribes, the town of Jackson was first named in 1894. Famous for electing the first all woman city government, this quintessential western town developed into a tourist hotspot.
Known for its ski resorts, hiking, and countless other outdoor activities, Jackson has evolved into a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are just passing through, or looking for your next big vacation spot, Jackson is worth a stop.
Keep reading to see our top 19 recommendations on things to do when visiting Jackson Wyoming.
If you’re planning a national parks trip, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass.
Getting There
The two main ways to access Jackson are either through driving or flying. The small Jackson Hole Airport does have commercial flights, but you will likely have a layover or two, and costs will be higher than flying into a larger airport.
The other option is driving. Wyoming is an amazing road trip destination, and there is tons to see on a drive through the state. The other benefits of driving to Jackson are that you will travel through other great destinations. Depending on the direction you are coming from, you may pass through Yellowstone National Park, the Bighorn Mountains, the mountains of Colorado, or even the mountainous regions of Idaho.
Whether you arrive via plane or automobile, you will want a car while you are in Jackson. Public transit is limited in this rural area, and having your own method of transportation will allow you to freely explore and get the most out of your visit.
Planning a road trip? Check out our in depth road trip planning guide.
19 Incredible Things To Do
1: Grand Teton National Park
Likely the reason you came to Jackson, Grand Teton National Park and its namesake Teton Range dominates the skyline of Jackson Hole. Visible from all over the valley, including some parts of Jackson, Grand Teton (the mountain) towers over the valley, soaring more than 7,000 feet above.
Grand Teton is one of the best national parks in the country, and offers loads of outdoor adventures. Whether its hiking, rafting, biking, or basically anything else you can imagine, Grand Teton National Park is the premier destination when visiting Jackson Wyoming.
Interested in climbing “The Grand?” Check out Exum Mountain Guides, one of the premier mountain guiding services in the country.
2: Ski or Snowboard
If you are interested in world class skiing or snowboarding, Jackson is one of the top destinations in the entire country. With three ski resorts in the area, you are spoilt for choices. While we at Top Down Lifestyle are not necessarily avid skiers (and don’t really love the cold), if the snow is your thing, this is a great place to be!
With over 4,000 vertical feet of hills, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of world class ski hills in the area. With 8 chair lifts, a gondola, and their famous red aerial tram, you can enjoy an average of 360 inches of snow per year!
Not interested in leaving town? Check out the oldest ski resort in all of Wyoming. While it is not the biggest hill in the area, Snow King Mountain is mere feet from downtown Jackson.
Located on the western slope of the Tetons, Grand Targhee is the furthest of the three from the town of Jackson. Known for its amazing snow quality, Grand Targhee boasts over 400 acres of groomed snow each day.
3: Downtown Jackson
Centered around Jackson Town Square, downtown Jackson is a fun and unique downtown from which to base your visit. Visit the famed antler arch in the park. Whether you’re shopping, eating, or just going for a walk, downtown Jackson is a great way to end your day, or fill your off day when you need a break from the mountains.
Keep reading for our recommended restaurants!
4: Float the Snake River
From its source in Yellowstone National Park, the mighty Snake River builds in strength as it makes it’s way through Jackson Hole. Where it joins the Columbia, over 1,000 miles from it’s source, the Snake is an important industrial resource; however, as it flows through Jackson Hole, it is still a wild, untamed mountain torrent.
Whether you are looking for a whitewater adventure, or a relaxing day floating in the sun, Jackson has something for you. A number of different outfitters will gladly take you on your preferred voyage down the Snake, and while we at Top Down Lifestyle have not rafted the Snake, we can refer you to experts who do it for a living!
Let us know which outfitter you use so we can follow in your footsteps!
Always be sure to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when in the outdoors!
5: Jackson Hole Rodeo
Would it be a true western town without a rodeo? Personally, I don’t think so. If you’re looking for a true taste of the west, I don’t think there’s anything more fitting than visiting the local rodeo.
Check out the Jackson Hole Rodeo website for more information!
6: National Museum of Wildlife Art
If you need a day to rest the legs, get a slice of western culture and visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art. I have to admit, I drove past this museum at least half a dozen times and never stopped. After learning more about it, I definitely regret that!
Contained in a beautifully designed stone structure at the base of a hill just outside town, the museum contains more than 5,000 pieces of artwork showcasing wildlife from around the world. Visit the galleries, outdoor sculpture trail, childrens gallery, or restaurant for a great way to spend a day recouping your strength!
7: National Elk Refuge
Located just outside town, the National Elk Refuge is a premier wildlife viewing area. Named after the elk that inhabit this habitat primarily in fall and winter, it is a 4 season destination. If you’re bold enough to visit Jackson in the colder months of winter or late fall, you can hope to see large herds of elk in their wintering grounds.
At various times of year, the fields and marshes of the refuge provide habitat to pronghorn, badgers, many species of birds, moose, bison, mule deer and more.
8: Day Trip to Yellowstone National Park
Often called the jewel in the crown of the National Park System, Yellowstone is one of the most unique places on earth. Set deep in the mountains north of Jackson, it is a bit of a drive to get to the park from Jackson, but if you haven’t visited before, it is definitely worth the drive for a day trip, or over night.
Visit the geysers and other geothermal features, headlined by Old Faithful. View wildlife in one of the greatest ecosystems in the United States, featuring herds of bison, bears, wolves, moose, and many others. See the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from one of many overlooks. Go for a hike, or just drive one of the park’s many scenic drives.
If you have never visited Yellowstone National Park, it is a must see destination, and totally worth your time.
Check out our full guide to Yellowstone National Park here!
9: Mountain Bike
If you want to get outside and into the mountains, but are looking for something a little bit more hair raising than just going for a hike, a mountain bike excursion might be the choice for you. Be aware that most trails in the national parks do not allow mountain biking, but opportunities abound in the forests and ski resorts that surround Jackson and the parks.
For a list of places to mountain bike around Jackson, check out this list of 7 spots to mountain bike around Jackson.
10: Ride a Horse
Want to really get involved with the west and the rodeo just isn’t cutting it? Actually hop on a horse and get out there yourself! With multiple companies offering horseback rides on the trails around Jackson, you will have options between beginner friendly rides, or something a little more intense. Short hour long rides, or all day rides.
For a list of different providers, go here for horseback riding trips around Jackson.
11: See Jackson From Above
If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience, you may be interested in seeing the Tetons from above, that is in a helicopter or plane tour! While some may be a little intimidated by the small planes and helicopters that will take you on your journey, there is no question that the views and thrills of being thousands of feet in the air will provide a nice kick of adrenaline!
If your preferred method of flight is a small airplane, one place to start your search is Teton Aviation. If you would rather experience the views in a helicopter, check out Wind River Air for an incredible heli experience!
12: Catch a Lift
While some of us enjoy putting ourselves through the pain of hiking up mountains ourselves, many do not and might think we are a little crazy. If that sounds like you, but you still want to get way up high and see the world from above, catch the aerial tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Climb over 4,000 vertical feet and see Jackson Hole from a the unique vantage point thousands of feet in the air!
13: Fly Fishing
Mountain rivers provide some of the best fly fishing spots in the world, and the Snake River passing near Jackson is no exception. While there are obviously more than one species of fish in the river, Cutthroat Trout are the real prize here.
Whether your fishing adventure is on the Snake River, or one of the surrounding rivers that flow through the area, you are sure to enjoy your day on the water in one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Fly Fishing Outfitters:
14: Play a Round of Golf
As an avid golfer myself (when I’m playing well that is), I can assure you that Jackson is definitely a place you should bring your clubs. While most come for the mountains, you can get amazing views right from the courses. As an added bonus, all of your shots will travel farther at elevation, at 6,000 feet of elevation, expect your shots to travel about 12% farther!
Here are a couple of the golf courses around Jackson.
Teton Pines: Par 72, 7,412 yards
Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club: Par 72, 7,409 yards
15: Learn Some History
History abounds in and around Jackson, and there are a myriad of ways to learn about, and interact with that history.
Take a drive to Mormon Row Historic District and learn about some of the early settlers of Jackson Hole. You may recognize the barn here. It’s one of the most photographed structures in the west, and is an iconic image of the Tetons.
Visit Menors Ferry Historic District. Located outside of Jackson off Teton Park Road, this historic area was once the only way to cross the Snake River at periods of high water. The National Park Service has rebuilt the ferry, and offers free daily rides.
Visit the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. Originally founded in 1958, the museum and its collections have grown over the past decades. Nowhere else will you find as much of the history of Jackson preserved and on display.
16: Visit a Distillery
Everyone likes drinking (almost everyone at least). If you’re one of the people who likes drinking, you might want to check out Jackson Hole Still Works. Using regionally sourced grains and with a focus on sustainability, this is a great way to drink responsibly! Products primarily include gin and vodka.
17: Drink some Wine
When you think of wineries, you may imagine the sun soaked hills of California, or the Champagne region of France. However, grapes actually grow all over the place and thrive in many different environments, including the harsh climate of Jackson.
Jackson Hole Winery, founded in 2009, produces approximately 4,000 cases of wine each year. You are able to schedule a tasting, or purchase a bottle of wine on their website.
18: Take a Drive
Sometimes, the best way to experience nature is by driving through it. At Top Down Lifestyle, we love road trips, and even if you aren’t on a road trip, there are still a number of amazing drives to take around Jackson.
The National Park Services lists a series of scenic drives in Grand Teton National Park. The must see within the park in my opinion is Teton Park Road, traversing the park from north to south.
Another great drive takes you between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. If you do a day trip to Yellowstone, you are likely to take this road anyway, but it is an attraction in and of itself.
For a list of even more scenic drives, check out this list from the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.
19: Soak in a Hot Spring
In the broader Jackson Hole-Yellowstone area, there are a number of different places to find hot springs. Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal activity, but it’s a long drive. Fortunately, there are options closer to Jackson.
Located south of Jackson, Granite Hot Springs features both a man made pool as well as a natural hot springs bath. If you wish to stay close by, consider the Granite Creek Campground.
For a list of more hot springs around Jackson, go here. Other options include Astoria Hot Springs, Heise Hot Springs, and Chico Hot Springs and Lava Hot Springs.
Considering hiking in bear country? Be sure you are prepared to be bear safe.
Where to Stay
As a major tourist destination, Jackson has loads of different lodging options. One thing to be aware of is the cost. As a high demand destination, more or less every lodging option will be more expensive than similar lodging in other locations. This includes both luxurious mountain lodges, and simple motels.
Luxury Options
Spring Creek Ranch & Spa , Jackson, WY
Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Jackson, WY
Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa, Jackson, WY
Mid-Level Options
Homewood Suites Jackson, Wyoming Hotel Near Yellowstone
Official Cowboy Village Resort
Springhill Suites Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Hotels & Cabins – Town Square Inns, Jackson Hole, WY
Budget Options (including camping)
The Virginian Lodge in Jackson, WY | A Taste of the Old West
Snake River Park: Jackson Hole Cabins, Campground & RV Park
Jackson Hole Campground: RV Park – RV Camping in Jackson Hole, WY
Pony Express Motel: Motel in Jackson Hole Wyoming
Super 8 by Wyndham Jackson Hole | Jackson, WY Hotels
Mountain Modern Motel | Your Perfect Jackson WY Hotel
Motel 6 Jackson, Wy Hotel in Jackson WY
Best Time to Visit
Like most high altitude, northern, mountainous destinations, the time of year you visit will drastically change your visit. June through September will provide the best weather, with highs topping out in July around an average of 77 degrees.
The shoulder season includes April, May, and October where you may get nice weather, or it may be cold and snowing. If you enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, winter is a great time to visit Jackson. Jackson Hole is one of the premier ski destinations in the nation, so this is a premier four season destination.
The best months for warm weather are June through September. If you are a hiker like us, you will want to go once the snowpack has melted enough to open trails. Also consider that it can get quite hot in midsummer, high temperatures can easily get into the 80’s.
Crowds will also be a factor when planning your trip. During the summer months, peak crowds will be when the weather is warmest, generally July and August. If you are visiting during winter, expect peak crowds when schools are closed, likely around Christmas and New Years.
For us, the best time to visit is either August or September. I have no interest in a sub zero visit, so that rules out the cold winter months. If you’re a hiker, we would recommend avoiding June. Many of the best trails at high elevation will still be snow covered.
Don’t be rude; always following basic etiquette when on trail!
July, in our opinion, is a little too busy, so we prefer August as a summer month. September is a fantastic option as the afternoons will be warm and bright, though the nights will be colder. The crowds will also be much more limited than the true summer months.
In all, it really depends on you and what you want to do, and the reality is you should always enjoy your visit to such an amazing place. For the combination of best weather, light crowds, and available hiking trails, I recommend September as the best warm month to visit Jackson.
How to Get Around
Whether you arrive by car or arrive by plane, you will want a car of your own while you are in Jackson. While there is a public transit system called Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START), to truly unlock the best of the region, I highly recommend your own vehicle. It will allow you to travel beyond the limits of the public transit, explore off the beaten path, and really get out into the woods.
Food and Nightlife
Jackson has a ton of bars and restaurants that will keep you well fed and well hydrated during your stay. Here are a few of our favorite bars and restaurants.
Jackson Drug: Located right in the heart of downtown Jackson, Jackson Drug is an old school drug store, complete with ice cream, malts, a counter up front, and even a small convenience store. This is my favorite restaurant in Jackson, and I highly recommend the elk burger.
Big Hole BBQ: Voted best BBQ in Jackson every year since 2017, this is my vote for best BBQ joint in Jackson. Located downtown, it’s easily accessible to anyone staying in Jackson.
Silver Dollar Bar & Grill: Located on the ground floor of a hotel on the main drag of Jackson, Silver Dollar Bar & Grill has a bar, old school dining room, and outdoor seating. The showroom also showcases “local and regional bands”
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: Is it a little touristy? Yea probably, but who doesn’t want to sit on a saddle at the bar? This saloon is right in the heart of downtown Jackson, and is definitely a blast from the past!
If you’re looking for a western mountain town, located in a world class natural area, with loads to do, and all of the luxuries a Kardashian could ever want, Jackson is a destination worth considering.
Nestled in the remote and rugged northwest corner of Wyoming, this mountain town lies just outside the boundary of Grand Teton National Park, and is an easy day trip to Yellowstone. Combine the incredible nature with the lively downtown and you have a world class destination with something to offer to any visitor.
Links for Further Reading:
12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Jackson Hole, WY
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