Any time of the year is good for a visit to Jackson Hole, a 48-mile-long valley in Wyoming that encompasses the town of Jackson. The Snake River runs through the valley, much of which is part of Grand Teton National Park. Jackson Hole's most prominent tourist offerings are its vast opportunities for outdoor exploration and recreation.
Two National Parks are accessible from Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The former, which extends into Montana and Idaho, is located 56 miles north of Jackson and is the oldest national park in the world. Inside Yellowstone is the famous Old Faithful geyser, as well as numerous other geysers and hot springs.
Grand Teton National Park's beautiful scenery draws four million people a year. Both parks provide ample opportunities to observe wildlife. Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures gives tours of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, where you are likely to spot elk, bison, pronghorn antelope, black and grizzly bears, bald eagles and trumpeter swans.
In addition to hiking and camping in the national parks, one of the most popular summer activities in Jackson Hole is whitewater rafting on the Snake River. Several companies offer guided trips, including Sands Whitewater & Scenic River Trips.
Other aquatic activities include fishing and scenic floats in Grand Teton National Park. If you'd rather stay dry, tee up for a game of golf at the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club.
Jackson Hole is known for its three ski resorts, including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Resort. Other popular winter activities are sleigh riding, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Even in the winter, it is possible to observe the area's diverse fauna.
Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures offers winter wildlife tours of Grand Teton National Park. Winter is also an ideal time to visit the National Elk Refuge, site of the largest winter concentration of elk in the world.
Among the most prominent institutions in Jackson Hole is the 51,000-square-foot National Museum of Wildlife Art, where the permanent collection includes more than 5,000 paintings, sculpture and works on paper by a variety of artists, including Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Rembrandt.
The Jackson Hole Museum, which is open to the public from Memorial Day through Sept. 20, displays nearly 20,000 photographs, documents, books and other media that chronicle the history of Jackson Hole.
Jackson Hole has a rich history of rodeos, and if you visit between May and September, you can catch one at Jackson Hole Rodeo, which holds contests on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Alternatively, take in a performance by Jackson's Off Square Theater Company.
A wide range of accommodations are available at Jackson Hole, many of which are vacation experiences in themselves. If skiing draws you to the city, you can stay at one of the three ski resorts. For a romantic weekend for two, consider renting a secluded, private cabin. Other options include luxury resorts with spas, guest ranches that offer horseback riding and several motels, hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts.
