Wyoming

The Nine Most Exciting Things to Do in Jackson Hole

If you plan on passing through Wyoming, Jackson Hole deserves a stop because of its breathtaking scenery. But it’s easy to miss out on things if you don’t know exactly where to go.

Jackson Hole is a 40×20-mile valley bordered by two national parks. It’s a vast area with tons of iconic locations to see and is home to two small towns, Jackson Town and Teton Village.

Finding accommodations in this region is very easy. But if you’re to pick what to see first and what activities to do, that’s when it gets tricky. Jackson Hole has so much to offer that it’s best to prepare an itinerary. Here are some of the best things to do in Jackson Hole.

1. Explore Grand Teton National Park

Visiting Grand Teton is something everyone should experience at least once. The national park covers 310,000 acres of land, complete with verdant forests and amazing alpine lakes. And the snow-capped peaks tower over the Jackson Hole valley to create a picturesque setting.

If you want to embrace the wilderness, this is one of the purest areas you can visit. It’s accessible by car and foot. There are many hiking trails you can choose to tackle – with or without guides.

Visiting in late spring or summer is ideal since the weather isn’t going to stop you from venturing deeper into the park. And during the winter, you can partake in cross-country skiing at the park or ride a snowmobile on Jackson Lake.

2. Visit the National Elk Refuge

Not many people get to see elks in their natural habitat. That’s why the National Elk Refuge, just north of Jackson, offers a unique wildlife experience. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Jackson Hole, especially if you visit in the winter months.

The tours come with guides who know all the best elk-spotting locations. You can even cruise right along with herds of these majestic animals… on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

3. Check Out the National Museum of Wildlife Art

Founded in 1987, this museum has one of the most unique art collections in the country. There are over 5,000 pieces on display, as well as the famous Sculpture Trail. This trail is three-quarter miles long and has over 20 art installations depicting indigenous wildlife.

The museum is also kid-friendly, thanks to the educational programs. It’s one of the few places in Jackson Hole where you can have just as much fun inside as outside.

4. Explore Yellowstone National Park

Found north of Jackson Hole, the iconic Yellowstone is right above one of the biggest supervolcanoes on the planet. Its lush forests, alien landscapes, and geysers are as unique as they come.

You can also spot a lot of wildlife in the park, especially bears. Don’t forget to check out the legendary Old Faithful geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Although these are a bit further out, they’re absolutely worth the trip.

5. Feel the Thrill at the Jackson Hole Rodeo

If you want to see something exciting in the evening, the rodeo is a good idea. It usually lasts two hours – between 8 and 10 pm. And if you book a seat, get ready for some action.

That’ because the rodeo has bull riding, roping, and some of the most thrilling spectacles. It’s fun for all ages and brings you close to the old-fashioned Western traditions in these parts of the United States.

6. Relax at the Granite Hot Springs

One of the finest natural attractions in the area is the Granite Hot Springs. Bathing in the thermal pool is one of the best things to do in Jackson Hole no matter the season. The view from there is also fantastic, complete with a backdrop of Grand Teton National Park.

The springs are also well above sea level at an elevation of 7,000ft. It’s worth your while to take a trip there, where you can spend up to half a day in recreation. You don’t have to rough it out either. Because if you prefer something fancier, there are also spas at the springs.

7. Skiing (If It’s the Winter)

Many tourists go to Jackson Hole for the scenery and outdoor experience, particularly in the winter. This may explain how Snow King Resort became one of the most popular in the region. Located very close to the town of Jackson, it’s Wyoming’s oldest establishment of its kind.

But it’s not the only one.

Teton Village also sits at the base of the mountain and offers even faster access to the best slopes in the area. Just remember that many of the slopes can be challenging to navigate.

That said, there are plenty of guides and instructors that can help you master the Jackson powder. And you can also take the aerial tram up the mountain. It’s great for panoramic shots and home videos.

8. Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding

You can explore the scenic trails around Jackson Hole however you want. And you don’t have to go everywhere on foot since you can rent bikes or go on a horseback tour. In fact, this often works out better since some of the trails are not accessible on foot.

While you can do some mountain biking on your own, horseback riding is most readily available through a tour. (Few tourists look forward to buying a horse or borrowing one of unknown temperament.) Also, the organizers would have picked out the best trails for you to enjoy.

9. Hang Around at the Town Square

There are things to see even if you’re just hanging out around the town. First of all, the Town Square is the hub for all activities. It’s packed with souvenir stores, restaurants, and art galleries.

It may also interest you to take photos under the antler arches. And you can also visit some other Jackson Hole landmarks near the square.

Make the Most of Your Trip to Jackson, Wyoming

There’s a bit of everything for everyone in Jackson Hole – with emphasis, of course, on outdoor activities and sight-seeing. The region is a tourist hotspot and an ideal destination for any nature lover.

It doesn’t matter when you visit either. Whether it’s hot or freezing outside, there’s always something unique to see and experience.

Related Topics:custom activities adventure

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The 15 Best Vacation Spots in the USA During Covid-19

Plus How to Save Up to 72% on These Vacations

People are desperate to get out of their homes. Google searches for “when can I travel again?” continue to rise.

After helping tens of thousands of people with their vacation plans during the pandemic we have found that Americans still want to travel, but they have traded the international trips and flights for wide open spaces less than 1 day’s drive from home.

Here at Booksi.com in 2020, our customer data shows that the most popular couples and family vacations in the US are all wide-open spaces without large crowds. These are in order

Mountains
Beaches
Towns in regional areas

See below what we believe are the 15 best Vacations Spots in the US During Covid-19. For many of these by getting access to unsold hotel rooms we can pass on savings of up to 72%. Wherever we have special deals we will share that with you below too so that you can save on your family vacation.

1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Known for the majestic beauty of the valley, Jackson Hole has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. A great place to visit all-year-round for its mountains and terrains, one will never run out of activities in its great outdoors.

Flanked by Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, Jackson Hole offers powdery skiing spots in the winter and beautiful hiking grounds in the summer. From luxury ski resorts to wild west towns, don’t miss the stunning natural sights of Jackson Hole.

2. Yosemite

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While California is more popularly known as the seat of Hollywood, it’s natural wonders is something to boot. Yosemite National Park in California, one of America’s magnificent national parks, boasts 800 miles worth of hiking trails, glacier-cut rock formations, unlimited panoramic vistas, and waterfalls perfect for adrenaline junkies.

You’ll never run out of things to do from hiking through Yosemite Valley, climbing its rock formations, camping, and enjoying one of its many falls.

3. Grand Canyon

Explore the awestriking sights of the Grand Canyon National Park’s massive expanse of gorges, ridges, and rock formations. Admire the Canyon on the hiking trails of its North and South Rim or rafting via the Colorado River.

Located in Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park encompasses 277 miles (446 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. The park is home to much of the immense Grand Canyon; a mile (1.6 km) deep, and up to 18 miles (29 km) wide. Layered bands of colorful rock reveal millions of years of geologic history. Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from the rim.

4. Lake Tahoe

Surrounded by pristine forests and snow-capped mountain peaks, renowned writer, Mark Twain described the dazzling expanse of shimmering blue waters of Lake Tahoe as “the fairest picture the whole earth affords.”

Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers that offers the best of both worlds. During summer, spend the day enjoying nature walks, hiking, cycling, and water sports. In the colder months of December to April, Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland with activities for alpine and cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and sleigh riding.

5. Cape Cod

Spanning a 40-mile stretch along the New England coastline, Cape Cod is considered one of the premier beach destinations in Massachusetts. Its beautiful sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect summer vacation spot for nearby Boston and New York.

When you’ve fully enjoyed basking in the sun, you can take a nature stroll or follow the bike trails in Cape Cod. In spring, you can take a ferry ride and enjoy the peaceful corners in Nantucket’s idyllic islands and Martha’s Vineyard. At any season, there’s plenty of places to go and visit for couples and families at Cape Cod.

6. Colorado Springs

With an elevation of 6,035 ft, Colorado Springs is another American wonder of nature that any hiker or trekker wouldn’t miss in their bucket list. Explore the glacier-carved Pikes Peak or be amazed in the expanse of red-sandstone formations and mountain views at the Garden of the Gods.

Colorado Springs isn’t just for nature lovers but also offers something for the culture hounds. Leisure travelers can enjoy the funky art galleries in Manitou Springs, be brought back to the Old West in the Old Colorado City, or get inspiration with a tour from its four US military bases. Get your dose of adventure in Colorado Springs.

7. Gatlinburg

From nature to human-made attractions, you’ll never run out of things to see and do in Gatlinburg. The city is a gateway to the 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike, bike, and horseback ride in the summer and fall. In winter, enjoy that snow at its ski destination, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort.

Let loose in Gatlinburg’s other attractions. Explore the Appalachian tradition in a moonshine tasting or visit the galleries and boutiques featuring Appalachian arts and wood crafts. To cap your trip, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city up at the observation deck of Space Needle or hop on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram. No matter the season, Gatlinburg is a city worth spending your vacation in.

8. Lake Placid

Tucked in the mountains of Adirondack, Lake Placid boasts great hiking scenes, world-class alpine skiing, and winter sports activities. Home to two Winter Olympics game, Lake Placid is a small town with wondrous sights and activities to behold.

Whether you’re a snow sports pro or an adventure seeker, Lake Placid offers numerous trails and waterways to explore. A perfect getaway from the noises and bustles of New York City.

9. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a Colorado town at the base of the Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range. It’s known for its ski resort, year-round alpine activities, and Gold Rush history. Gearing for an ultimate outdoor experience? Breckenridge will not disappoint.

During winter, take skiing or snowboarding at Breckenridge Ski Resort. And in the summer, discover Breckenridge nature from amazing hikes and bikes, to fly fishing or whitewater rafting. Whether it’s relaxed or ragged, there’s an activity for you in this town.

10. Connecticut Coast

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Coastal Connecticut or Connecticut Shore, spans Connecticut’s southern border along Long Island Sound from Greenwich in the west to Stonington in the east, as well as the tidal portions of the Housatonic River, Quinnipiac River, Connecticut River, and Thames River. The place is a popular weekend destination for families, couples.

Soak in the sun while on a river cruise or enjoy a romantic getaway while exploring its breathtaking beauty from Bear Mountain to Long Island Sound. Brush up on your history and culture with the many sightseeing tours of this colonial town whether aboard a steam train or a riverboat. Coastal Connecticut is a definite vacation for all ages.

11. California Wine Country

Take your palette on a joyride and get a taste of fine wine and cuisine in the premier wine-growing region of California Wine Country. Famed for its Michelin-star restaurants, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts, it offers one of the best gastronomic experiences in the United States.

Start the day driving around the gorgeous scenery of Napa Valley or Sonoma County, then visit one of the many wineries and walk along its vineyards. If you’re looking to excite your senses and whet your appetite, California Wine Country is an excellent place to be.

12. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is home to America’s vast natural wonders and wildlife species. With nearly 3,500 square mile wilderness recreation area atop a volcanic hot spot, you can’t miss exploring this nature park any time of the year.

Know for its red-tinged Grand Canyon walls, Yellowstone also features alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs, and gushing geysers, such as the famous, Old Faithful. A perfect vacation trip for any adventurous traveler.

13. Ogden, Utah

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A gateway to ski resorts like Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley, Ogden in Salt Lake City, Utah, is anything but the typical mountain town. Its three world-class ski resorts offer powdery snow landscape for anyone to traverse.

This place is also a hot spot for anglers, canoers, and kayakers looking for adventurous waterways. The Ogden and Weber Rivers, along with over 13,000 acres of freshwater lakes are teeming with largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, perch, bluegill, tiger muskie, and walleye.

14. Vail, Colorado

Right at the base of Vail Mountain, Vail, Colorado, is a small town with a massive ski resort. The Vail Ski Resort boasts 5,289 skiable acres, making it one of the largest single-mountain resorts in the country and a popular retreat for skiers and snowboarders.

Summer travelers shouldn’t rule Vail out yet. It’s also a summer destination for some trekking and hiking with Eagles Nest and the Holy Cross Wilderness Area. Whether it’s tackling the snowy slopes or trailing through the wilderness, Vail’s small town has a vast nature opportunity to discover.

15. Hotsprings, Arkansas

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True to its name, Hot Springs in Arkansas is known for its naturally heated springs. Most of the springs are located north of Hot Springs National Park, where you can find Bathhouse Row, a stretch of historic bathhouses from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and the Buckstaff Bathhouse are two of the more popular bathhouses for its ornate interiors and luxurious feel. If you haven’t tried soaking in a natural hot tub and benefiting from it’s therapeutic properties, Hot Springs should be in your next relaxing getaway.

Treat the cabin fever and travel safely with these fantastic destinations that could just be a drive away from your town. Get access to unsold hotel rooms and save up to 72%. Catch these amazing deals before it ends.