Like an Ansel Adams fever dream, Jackson, Wyoming, sits nestled between the bases of the jagged Tetons and sloping Gros Ventre Range — the two ranges forming a larger, carved-out valley known as Jackson Hole.
The 30-by-60-mile valley is famous for epic skiing and snowboarding plus unbelievable natural beauty, wildlife and ecologically significant ecosystems — and extraordinary wealth as well.
An Old West vibe pervades the 6,237-foot-high Western town, where billionaires, skiers and ranchers commingle with moose and deer. Jackson is the gateway to both the expansive Yellowstone and dazzling Grand Teton national parks, the latter of which you’ll visit by default if you fly in, as the Jackson Hole Airport is situated within the park’s grounds.
Yes, this area’s wild, but it’s also civilized if high-end shopping, fancy bakeries and international restaurants are any evidence. The wide-ranging restaurants provide gourmet fuel for a full array of high-altitude adventures involving skis, mountain bikes, snowshoes and hiking books — and maybe moose and bears.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Take a Safari in the Tetons
There’s no better way to get properly introduced to Jackson than with a wildlife safari, a magical proposition whether the valleys are verdant or there’s a blanket of snow draping every scene.
You’ll need to be up bright and early to make local operator Obsidian Expeditions‘ alpenglow-lit Grand Teton Sunrise Tour, during which you may very well see some of Jackson’s most famous residents — moose, grizzlies, bison and elk — foraging for their breakfasts in picturesque Grand Teton National Park. (The guide will swing you by a favorite deli for breakfast and toasty drinks just after the 7 a.m. departure.)
If you wish to go it alone, grab coffee and breakfast from your hotel before hitting the road to head to the national park — just a 5-mile drive away. Your best chances to spot wildlife include Oxbow Bend, Antelope Flats and Moose-Wilson Road. Remember to bring your camera and remain aware that these massive mammals are truly wild, so it’s best to keep your distance.
After your excursion to Grand Teton, wander around Jackson, with its truly Old West energy, famous elk antler arches and, in wintertime, a pocket-sized ice skating rink in the Town Square.
Snag some classic home cooking — think crispy fried chicken on waffles and “Cajun Eggs Benedict” — over brunch at Café Genevieve, cozy in a historic log cabin. There are more than 50 galleries in town, so walk off your food coma as you take in the inspired art.
For an active afternoon outing, visit the National Elk Refuge, just east of downtown. In the warmer months, venture out on a walk, run or cycle down the paved multiuse trail with stunning views of what locals call the “Teets.” If there’s snow on the ground, opt for a horse-drawn sleigh ride. You’re likely to spot herds of elk who call this area their winter home.
For those who prefer a temperature-controlled activity, peruse the fascinating National Museum of Wildlife Art, overlooking the Elk Refuge. Finally, order the bone marrow and carb up with any — or all?! — of the pastas at Italian trattoria Glorietta.
Saturday: Seek Adventure and Après
Start your day in Jackson’s historic town square with a Parisian-style breakfast at the Bistro. Located within the Cloudveil, Autograph Collection hotel, the café serves flaky, house-made pastries, plus heartier options like eggs Benedict served with smoked pork loin and oven-dried tomatoes.
The Cloudveil offers easy access to Jackson Hole Mountain, a 2,500-acre, two-mountain powder mecca. This is where extreme skiing began, and the resort has intricate, steep and hair-raising challenges for expert skiers as well as less death-defying runs for beginners and intermediates.
In warmer weather, opt for an adventure on horseback. Choose between the one- and two-hour options through the valley. Teton Village Trail Rides no matter the season, so you can enjoy mountain scenery from the security of a tram ride up to 10,000-plus feet to savor the types of vistas the late, great Ansel Adams captured.
After a morning on the mountain, a second brunch is in order.
Hit Persephone — a James Beard Foundation semifinalist in 2020 — in the quintessential Western town for drool-worthy, bread-pudding French toast and a secret side combo of sweet potato and Brussels sprouts hash with a fried egg on top. (You’re welcome!) Order an espresso drink to keep your energy up; you’ll need it for the rest of the adrenaline-drenched day.
In the afternoon, don either hiking boots or snowshoes for a trek into Bridger-Teton National Forest. Admire the blue-green hue and glassy alpine water with the 5-mile Ski Lake Trail or opt for an easier 1.5-mile out-and-back to the gurgling Periodic Spring.
By night, make a reservation inside a taxidermy museum turned Western-style steakhouse. The Gun Barrel Steak & Game House serves up unusual cuts like bison ribs and elk chops alongside classics — the 16-ounce “Big Sky Ribeye” is a house favorite. After dinner, spend some time perusing the cowboy artifacts.
Sunday: Take an Out-of-the-Box Excursion in the “Hole”
While the “Hole” may be best known for the mountains that surround it, some of the best outdoor activities can be found down in the valley itself. Before you kick off your morning, grab a homestyle breakfast or some just-baked croissants at the beloved Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant.
In snow season, book a full-day trip with Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours to spend a day being pulled by a team of adorable Alaskan racing sled dogs. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as the team of dogs races and pants you through surreal scenes in the comfort of a warm, modern sled.
You’ll stop for a hearty lunch and hot soup before continuing to cruise up, down, around and over fantastical landscapes, ending up at Granite Hot Springs to take an afternoon dip in the pool that can reach a blissfully steamy 112 degrees in winter.
In June through September, choose a rafting trip down the Snake River through Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting. The family-owned operation has been leading adventures for nearly 60 years.
Adrenaline seekers should choose the 8-Mile Whitewater Trip that challenges rafters to paddle through Class V rapids. Looking for a more low-key option? The 7-Mile Teton Views Scenic Float offers a more relaxing way to soak up Teton views. Both trips include lunch.
Once back in town, it’s time to toast your adventurous spirit. Bin22 is a chic place to start the evening with a glass of vino or a lavender-hued “Sweet Pea Julep” made using local moonshine and sweet-pea iced tea.
Prime your palate with a few Spanish tapas before heading over to the legendary Million Dollar Cowboy Bar — opened in 1937 — for some kitschy (but authentic!) Wild West fun in the form of bison burgers and bourbon, horse-saddle bar stools and rollicking live music every night of the week.
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