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, unbelievable natural beauty, and a lovely town. All this combined makes for the perfect Jackson, Wyoming weekend getaway.
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. This area’s wild, but it’s also refined, as evidenced by its high-end shopping, fancy bakeries, and international restaurants. The wide-ranging restaurants provide gourmet fuel for a full array of high-altitude adventures involving skis, mountain bikes, snowshoes, and hiking books.
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 start a Jackson weekend vacation than with a wildlife safari, a magical proposition whether the valleys are verdant or there’s a blanket of snow draping the scenery.
You’ll need to be up bright and early to make local operator Obsidian Expeditions‘ Grand Teton Tour. In the early hours, you may see some of Jackson’s most famous residents — moose, grizzlies, bison, and elk — foraging for their breakfasts in picturesque Grand Teton National Park, before exploring the park’s scenic historic spots, lakes (the trip includes a Jenny Lake boat tour), and mountain overlooks.
If you wish to go it alone, grab coffee and breakfast from your hotel before hitting the road to head to the national park — a few miles from Jackson. 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 charming Old West energy, famous elk antler arches in the town square, and, in wintertime, a pocket-sized ice skating rink in the Town Square.
Snag some classic home cooking — think grilled cheese and tomato soup or Cajun Eggs Benedict — over brunch or lunch (until 2pm) at Café Genevieve in a historic log cabin. There are abundant galleries in town, so take in the inspired art on a post-meal stroll.
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 the Tetons. 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 seeking a temperature-controlled activity, peruse the fascinating National Museum of Wildlife Art, overlooking the Elk Refuge. Finally, order the bone marrow and any — or all?! — of the pastas at wood-fired Italian trattoria Glorietta.
Saturday: Seek Adventure and Après
Start your day in Jackson’s historic town square with a Parisian-style breakfast at Bistro. Located within Cloudveil, Autograph Collection‘s lobby, the café serves flaky, house-made pastries, plus heartier options like omelettes and crepes.
Cloudveil offers easy access to Jackson Hole Mountain, a 2,500-acre, two-mountain destination for fresh powder. A haven for diverse terrain and extreme skiing, the resort has intricate, steep challenges for expert skiers as well as less daring runs for beginners and intermediates.
In summer months, opt for an adventure by foot on the wildflower-dotted hiking trails skirting the slopes. Alternatively, pedal through marked mountain bike trails located just off the ski lifts. For some of the best panoramic views from Jackson Hole Mountain, take the “Big Red” tram up to the peak of Rendezvous Mountain.
After a morning on the mountain, another hearty meal is in order.
Hit Persephone in the quintessential Western town for excellent brioche French toast, seasonal salads, and stacked sandwiches. Order an espresso drink to keep your energy up; you’ll need it for the rest of the adrenaline-filled 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 3-to-4-mile Ski Lake Trail or opt for a moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back to the gurgling Periodic Spring.
By night, make a reservation for dinner at a taxidermy museum turned Western-style steakhouse. The Gun Barrel Steak & Game House serves up unusual cuts like bison ribs and elk chops alongside classic steaks — 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.
If it’s snow season during your Jackson weekend getaway, book a full or half-day trip with Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours to explore with a team of adorable Alaskan racing sled dogs. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as the team of dogs races you through surreal scenes in the comfort of a warm, modern sled.
On the full-day excursion, you’ll stop for a filling 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.
In June through September, take a rafting trip down the Snake River with Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting. The family-owned operation has been leading adventures for multiple decades. Adrenaline seekers should choose the 8-mile Whitewater Trip that challenges rafters to paddle through the Snake River’s legendary rapids.The 7 or 14-mile Scenic Float offers a more relaxing way to soak up Teton views.
Once back in town, toast your adventures at Bin22. This chic Spanish spot is the ideal place to start the evening with a glass of wine or a cocktail with locally sourced ingredients and dine on some Spanish tapas.
End your Jackson, Wyoming weekend on a high note at the 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 (Sundays are for DJs).
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