10 Awesome Things to do in Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson, Wyoming is one the most scenic places not only in Big Sky Country, but all of America. You can call Jackson an adventurers haven. Jackson Hole is home to amazing wildlife, and endless outdoor activities. The town itself is home to a lively downtown scene great for get togethers and having a blast with friends.

I have been fortunate enough to have visited Jackson Hole twice, once in the summer and once in the winter. Because of this I was given great opportunities to experience what the city and are has to offer in all climates.

Here is a list of some of our favorite Jackson activities!

1. Explore the Town and Visit Local Watering Holes and Restaurants

The ton of Jackson is littered with local businesses, restaurants, shops and an iconic Town Square Park. Located right in the heart Jackson, George Washington Memorial Park is one of the most iconic parts to this splendid place. The park features large archways made of Elk Antlers from the National Elf Refuge located nearby, on all 4 corner entrances to the park. The park is small in comparison to most parks, but this definitely a most do when visiting Jackson. Snap a photo under the antlers, or grab some food and set up picnic in the park to enjoy the city center.

Jackson is home to the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, which is also a local favorite but is typically a tourists destination within the town. The bar is your typical western bar, filled with pool tables, saddles as bar stools, and state for local musicians. This place is a must visit if it is your first time.

Along with the cowboy bar, Jackson has a variety of restaurants and bars for you to choose from. My personal favorite place is Snake River Brewing Company. Open seven days a week, this brewery features home grown craft beer and great food to enjoy your afternoon or evening.

Take a walk around and check out the streets and you will come across something that sounds good for you.

2. Spend the Day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the top Ski and Snowboard Resorts in the country. Located about a 20 minute drive from the town center, the resort features some father best skiing, hiking, biking and scenery in Big Sky Country.

Skiing/Snowboarding:

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one the premier winter destinations for skiers and snowboarders in the country. Fixed with blues to double black diamonds and scenic runs with powder snow, this is a must do if you are there in the winter time. Tickets can be purchased for day of, weekend, multiple day, or with the season pass and IKON pass.

Hiking:

Hiking is a very popular activity for travelers and visitors to Teton Village. You can start at the base of the mountains in Teton or take the gondola up to the start of the trail heads. The resort features multiple trails with varying levels of difficulty. You can hike through wild flower fields, over boulders, and up steep pathways to the mountains summit.

Biking:

Jackson Hole’s bike park is open from June 11-September 11, 10am-5pm yearly. Access to the bike park are granted from the Sweetwater Gondola, and the Teewinot Quad. With varying levels of trails and miles of bike park, this is a popular option for bikers who travel to Jackson Hole.

Rock Climbing:

Rock climbing is a very popular summer activity and is only open via reservations. Via Ferrata is the mountains pass and routes that has you traverse rock walls, suspended bridges, ladders, and boulders. The resort also features a rope park for a dun family activity for the everyday climbers out there.

Ride the Tram:

One of Jackson Holes most famous attractions is the Tram located at the resort. The Tram offers unparalleled views of the Wyoming scenery, landscape, wildlife, Tetons, and Jackson Resort.

Other Activities:

Along with the above activities, Jackson Hole Mountain resort features disc golf, fly fishing, paragliding, trail running, summer camps, yoga, and bungee trampoline.

3. Take a Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park also known as Americas First National Park is a 2.2 million acre National Park stretching across Wyoming, Montana ands Idaho. It is best known for its unreal geological features and its hydrothermal features. Yellowstone is best known for its geysers, thermal pools, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes.

Yellowstone is by far one of the most beautiful places on the planet and there is really no debate about it. From Jackson, Yellowstone is about an hour and a half drive north to the parks southern entrance. Jackson is a prime location for a day trip or an overnight stay within the park.

Take a hike to check out Old Faithful, check the hot spring pools, valleys and see some bison.

Check out our post on the best things to do at Yellowstone National Park.

4. Rent a Snow Mobile or ATV to the Granite Hot Springs

When we made our second trip to Jackson, we knew wanted to rent a snow mobile and take the trek to the popular Granite Hot Springs. We were fortunate to have not been in Jackson on a very popular weekend so it was relatively easy for us to gain access to rentals.

We chose Jackson Hole Backcountry rentals and we would rent from them again. The process was incredibly simple and quick. We called the day before, scheduled a rental for a 2 person snow mobile, gave our billing info and we were set. The rental came with free helmets, an SUV with a trailers to take your rental to your destination. They also offer ATV rentals in the summer time so you will still be able to off road to the springs.

We drove about 45 minutes south to the beginning of the tail for the Hot Springs. The Granite Hot Springs is a natural spring of mountain run off water that is popular with many tourists and locals. There is a small entry fee to access the spring that looks like a giant above ground pool. The spring has a changing room, tables to eat, and restroom. It is a great way to break up your day.

Check out our review of our Snowmobiling Adventure.

5. Take a Day Trip to Grand Teton National Park

One of the most beautiful places in North America is Grand Teton National Park. Located just outside of Jackson, Wyoming, this pristine mountain range and terrain is an adventurers heaven. The Teton Mountain range, a section of the American Rockies, is one of the most scenic ranges on earth. The mountain range stretches 40 miles running through Wyoming and Idaho.

Hiking and backpacking are incredibly common at Grand Teton with endless trails and biking adventures for you to choose from. Wildlife are everywhere within the park. If hiking or activities are not your thing, the park offers of the more scenic drives in the area. Take a hike to the summits for spectacular views, hike to one of the parks many lakes, or get a permit to spend the night in the backcountry.

Reminder: Grand Teton National Park is in Grizzly country so please be aware of your surroundings and come prepared. Click here to learn how to be Bear Aware in Bear Country.

6. White Water Raft on the Snake River

Cutting through Grand Teton National Park is the Snake River which offers stunning wildlife views, fishing, and easy rapids that give park goers year round access to the parks lakes. Snake River is a 1,078 mile long river that is the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean.

The Snake River offers miles of calm water perfect for relaxing and king in the sites, and stretches of rapids that are there for your excitement and enjoyment.

I am a huge fan of kayaking or rafting on river’s so this is definitely a must do when coming to the Jackson Hole area. Jackson has a few companies that offer river experiences within the park. Check out some of them here.

7. Explore the National Elk Refuge

Located just outside of Jackson Hole, is the National Elk Refuge. This 25,000 acre sanctuary is home to over 5,000 Elk whom migrate to the refuge during the winter months. The refuge was officially established in 1912 and by 1965 the refuge became a main tourist attraction in the Jackson area.

There are a few different ways to view wildlife with the refuge. You can book a Sleigh Ride through he park which is a favorite for families wanting a true winter experience. You can also drive through the park with access via Refuge Road. Just make sure you stay on the road as off-roading in not permitted for vehicles within the refuge. You can also hike within the refuge, but be advised that you must stay on the trails and are not permitted to take anything out of the park. Outside of the Elk, there are numerous wildlife within the refuge. These include Grizzly Bear, Wolves, Bald Eagles, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions, and Bison.

Book your sleigh adventure here:

8. Spend an afternoon at the Jackson Hole Winery

For all you wine lovers out there, Jackson Hole Winery is a perfect destination to taste award winning wine, and take in the breathtaking sites of the Teton Mountain Range. The winery features grapes grown in Sonoma, CA where upon harvest are transported immediate to the winery, where they are crushed and made into their delicious wines.

Located just outside of Jackson, the winery sits at the base of the Grand Tetons. Indoor and outdoor seating offer guests multiple options for enjoying their tasting and fares.

To experience the tasting room you will need to make a reservation. You can do by clicking here: The winery is open 12pm-4:30pm Wednesday through Saturday. Jackson Hole Winery is a great destination for a get together and outing with friends in Jackson.

9. See A Rodeo

Jackson is a cowboy town for those who have a love for the west, and what is more cowboy than a rodeo? Rodeos are common in Jackson with events running from Memorial Day weekend to the middle of September. This is the perfect situation to wear that cowboy hat and boots that you’ve always wanted to.

Rodeos have been taking place in Jackson for over 100 years and are still going strong today. The town buzzes on rodeo days and similar to a horse race or ball game, you see patrons in the streets and you know they are going to the rodeo.

If this is something that you or your young ones would enjoy, then I highly recommend purchasing some tickets and enjoying the show. It will be one you will not forget.

10. Relax and Enjoy the Scenery

Last but certainly not least, you can always relax, grab drink and hang out and just take it all in. Big Sky Country offers endless views, stunning skies, and fresh air that feels so good to take in. Let it all go, take it all in, and just be.

Jackson is one of those places where you can go and forget about all your stress, worries and anxiety. Be one with nature and give yourself a break. Don’t forget to do this when here. I promise it’s liberating!

Until next time,

BRICK