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.