Ringed by the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges and with the winding Snake River running through the valley, Jackson Hole is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s a great place to spot bison, elk, grizzly and black bears, bald eagles and to get a taste of the wilderness in the Western U.S. Breathtaking scenery, winding rivers and endless outdoor activities make this city the ideal weekend getaway. Here are our suggestions on where to eat, stay and play in Jackson Hole.
National Elk Refuge
DAY 1
Fuel up for a day of adventure with breakfast at Persephone bakery and cafe. Grab a table on the outdoor patio and choose from the likes of brioche French toast, scone skillet or a seeded avocado bowl. Wander down the street to Jackson’s iconic Town Square, with its famous elk antler arches on each corner. Elk are an integral part of life in Jackson Hole, and the 24,700+ acre National Elk Refuge, where thousands of them spend their winters, is just north of here. Take a few minutes to peruse the numerous boutiques, galleries and gift shops. The Jackson Hole Farmers Market is a nice way to spend an hour or two if you’re visiting on a Sunday. Wildlife and photography lovers shouldn’t miss Thomas D. Mangelsen’s Images of Nature Gallery, which includes the local photographer’s incredible images of wildlife in Jackson Hole and around the globe. Oenophiles should swing by Jackson Hole Winery’s tasting room to sample some wine at high altitude.
After exploring the town, get ready for a half-day of whitewater rafting. Slather on sunscreen, grab any necessary gear and head to the designated pick up point for the trip. Many operators offer whitewater rafting as well as scenic floats on calmer stretches of the Snake River with the chance of spotting wildlife like moose and bald eagles. Trips vary, but the eight-mile whitewater float and one popular scenic float option are each about three to four hours long, depending on flow levels. Then, stay on the river theme by returning to town and heading to Snake River Brewing. Established in 1994, this locals’ favorite brewpub is often called “Jackson’s living room,” and pours locally-brewed Pako’s IPA and Jenny Lake Lager, among others. On its menu, expect bison burgers, bison and beef chili, pizzas, salads and much more.
For dinner, head to The Blue Lion (book in advance), a historic house on Millward Street. Enjoy the famed rack of lamb or sample the array of game and fish on offer. In the evening, head to Snow King Mountain to gaze at distant worlds through a telescope in the mountaintop observatory and planetarium. On select summer evenings, concerts are held on top of the mountain — be sure to book ahead.
A bison at Grand Teton National Park
DAY 2
Get an early start to spend a full day enjoying Grand Teton National Park. First thing in the morning is one of the best times for wildlife viewing, so consider grabbing a cup of coffee and breakfast to go at Snake River Roasting Company’s café before heading up to the park, which is only a few miles from Jackson’s Town Square. Bring binoculars and cameras, and keep a watchful eye for moose, especially in areas near water, as well as bears, elk and other wildlife. In the fall, listen for bugling elk and look up to the sky for a chance to spot bald eagles and an array of raptors. For the best chance at seeing bison, drive toward the historic TA Moulton Barn on the eastern side of the highway. This site is a classic photo stop for its epic backdrop of the Teton Mountains.
Then, slip on a pair of hiking boots and get ready to explore. Take the Jenny Lake Boating Shuttle across the lake for quick access to the hiking trails of Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Boats run continuously every 10-15 minutes and no reservations are necessary. Be sure to have everything you need for outdoor recreation, such as water, food, sun protection and layers of clothing, including rain gear. Keep in mind the weather can change rapidly in the mountains, and a beautiful sunny day can turn into a cold thunderstorm with hail very quickly — so come prepared. When hiking, always give wildlife plenty of space, and learn best practices for exploring in bear country, including hiking in groups and never letting a bear access human food. Bring bear spray and learn what to do in case of a close encounter.
For lunch, drive to Leek’s Pizzeria, by the shores of Jackson Lake, to enjoy a couple of slices while listening to the lapping water. Then, drive along Jenny Lake Scenic Drive to enjoy some of the park’s best views. For more exercise, consider hiking Taggart Lake-Bradley Lake Loop, which is 5.6 miles round-trip and provides views with around 890 feet of elevation gain along the way.
After working up an appetite, swing by Dornans, a local institution established in 1922. Sit on the side or upper deck with a pizza, pasta or other tasty dishes while enjoying views of the Tetons. Watch the sun dip below the mountains and then drive back to town — looking out for wildlife along the way — and settle in for another relaxing evening.
Stagecoach ride in downtown Jackson
DAY 3
The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant is a great place to indulge in a breakfast, with favorites like omelets, quiche and biscuits with gravy. After filling up, head to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, situated on a hill just north of town, with an expansive view of the National Elk Refuge. The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 5,000 pieces of art by renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe and John James Audubon. Enjoy the permanent collection, savor the rotating exhibits and be sure to check out the outdoor Sculpture Trail.
Stop for food at Palate, the museum’s on-site restaurant that serves up dishes like bison gyros, elk meatloaf wraps and salads. It’s a good idea to book ahead as it can get busy during the summer. After lunch, drive out to Teton Village, home of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and famous for its extreme ski terrain. In the summer, the resort features an extensive network of trails with hiking and lift-accessed downhill mountain biking, as well as a via ferrata, disc golfing, paragliding and other adrenaline-filled activities.
Take the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram (locally known as “Big Red”) 4,139 vertical feet up to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, while scanning the slopes below for moose, bears and marmots. Here, from a 10,450-foot vantage point, take in panoramic views of the Jackson Hole Valley Tetons — including a look at Grand Teton National Park — and distant mountain ranges. Stop by Corbet’s Cabin for a plate of mountain-top waffles, then explore the high-elevation scenery before descending to explore the base area.
Down at the base, enjoy a treatment at one of Teton Village’s spas. SpaTerre includes an infrared sauna and salt chamber, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms and hot tubs — including a rooftop hot tub with incredible views. Be sure to book ahead.
After unwinding a bit, take the resort’s Bridger Gondola up to The Deck, which is partway up the mountain, to enjoy some food and drinks outdoors while watching the sun set and soaking up valley and mountain views. Or go indoors for dinner at Piste Mountain Bistro, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and dishes like elk and cheddar meatballs and grilled Wyoming lamb burger.
Each summer, world-renowned musicians play at the Grand Teton Music Festival, which is hosted at Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village, but be sure to purchase tickets in advance. After a long day at the village, head back to the town of Jackson for a drink at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar atop one of its iconic saddle barstools to cap off a perfect three days in Jackson Hole.
By Kristen Pope
