Escape Guide: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
by Katherine Parker-Magyar
Jackson Hole is not exactly a secret anymore; the town has become ever more popular in recent years, as avid skiers around the globe fly to Wyoming to experience some of the most challenging terrain in the country. But what’s less well-known (except amongst locals) is that Jackson is just as fun—and as beautiful—in the off-season. The local activities shift when the mountain closes and the national park opens—horseback riding, fly fishing, and hiking replace skiing and snowboarding. Drinking, however, remains popular year-round. From the Rendezvous concert series at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in March, to the Annual Ski & Gear Swap in October, and Elkfest in May, there’s no shortage of events in Jackson Hole year-round. So, saddle up, and book your flight.
Traveler’s tip: if you fly to Idaho Falls and rent a car at the airport, your trip will be less expensive than flying into Jackson Hole. You will also witness the most spectacular views on the ride over, as you follow the Teton Pass up into the mountains and down into the valley of Jackson. Giddy up.
Put 'Em Back
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
25 N Cache St, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
To visit Jackson Hole and not make a pilgrimage to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is nothing short of sacrilegious. From the live music, to the saddles that double as barstools, to the exuberant mix of actual cowboys and wannabe-cowboys, this is the bar not to be missed. Famous and popular for a reason, don’t be too cool to experience this iconic saloon.
The Mangy Moose
3295 Village Drive, Jackson, WY 83001
Located at the foot of the mountain, the Mangy Moose is the prime après location after a day of skiing. The nachos are phenomenal, the music is live, and the drinks are stiff. And if your phone is dead after a day on the slopes, it’s pretty much guaranteed you will find your friends here, saddled up at the bar.
The Silver Dollar
50 Glenwood St, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
Located in the Wort Hotel, the Silver Dollar (so-named for the proliferation of said currency embedded in the wooden bar) is where you go to attend to your country dancing needs. If you’re too shy, order a round at the bar before throwing away your pride to the sounds of local bands; often including the cleverly named ‘Jackson 6.’
Good Eats
Dornan’s
12170 Dornan Rd, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
Dornan’s is home not only to the best pizza in Jackson Hole, but the most breathtaking views as well. Stop by here for drinks and/or a meal after a day spent in the park. Just up the road from Jenny Lake, it’s the ideal après-hike locale, and the vista is so gorgeous, you may never want to leave.
Local
55 N Cache St, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
Located right next to the Cowboy Bar, Local boasts its own happening bar scene, and is the perfect spot for a dinner before hitting up the town square. The elk medallions and bison burger are recommended—when in Wyoming, you may as well go full Wyoming.
Get Your Fix
Aspens Market
4015 N Lake Creek Drive #29, Wilson, Wyoming 83014
Located on Moose Wilson Road, the Aspens Market is worth the trip if only to increase the likelihood of seeing a moose in the wild during your stay. Several moose are known to wander about the Aspens, completely oblivious (or more likely: unbothered) by any onlookers. Though this should go without saying: don’t approach—or take selfies—with the wildlife. At the market, be sure to try the (delicious) elk jerky.
Café Genevieve
135 E Broadway, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
Located in downtown Jackson, this brunch spot is perfect for brunch. Grab a seat outside on the log cabin’s patio for some mimosas and prime people-watching.
Local's Picks
The Rose
50 W Broadway, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
Check out the Rose for after-dinner drinks to see how the locals experience the nightlife. Just as wild as the Cowboy Bar, and less crowded with tourists.
Good Times
Spring Creek Ranch
1600 N. East Butte Rd, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
Head up to Spring Creek Ranch to go horseback riding on the buttes offering a 360-view of the mountain range. Opt for the 2-hour ride (versus the 1-hour), so your trip includes a trail ride through the forests winding up the side of the mountain. The views are best in the spring and early summer—by August, the forest fires tend to cause an abundance of smoke, which obscures visibility.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
3395 Cody Ln, Teton Village, WY 83025
To go to Jackson Hole in the wintertime and not to ski is to commit a crime against humanity. Find out what all the fuss is about, and experience the giddiness of riders on the tram headed up to the top of the mountain. Not for beginners, though the mountain has been expanding its intermediate trails. In the summer, go hiking or mountain biking, or, for the very adventurous: paragliding.
Jackson Hole Rodeo
447 West Snow King Ave, Jackson Hole, WY 83001
Check out the Jackson Hole Rodeo, held in downtown Jackson. Ideal for a summer night, when you can watch the sun setting behind the mountains, turning the entire sky pink—fire on the mountain, indeed.
Off The Grid
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is a must-see on your trip to Jackson Hole. The vistas are more dramatic than Yellowstone, and the sites are far less overrun with tourists. Rent a kayak and head out to Two Ocean Lake to get off the beaten path, and increase your chances of seeing wildlife (bears, moose, etc.) Jenny Lake is the most popular spot for a reason: it’s gorgeous. Take the boat over to hike to Inspiration Point. If boating is your thing, check out Jackson Lake: it’s the only lake in the Park to allow sailboats, water skiing and windsurfers.
National Elk Refuge
Take a break from skiing one day (you deserve it) and sign up for a sleigh ride in the National Elk Refuge to truly feel transported to another world (one mainly inhabited by elk, to be precise). The Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center is located at 532 N. Cache St in Jackson, for more details. A must-visit, any time of year.
Westbank Anglers
3670 Moose Wilson Rd, Wilson, Wyoming 83014
If you’re looking to recreate A River Runs Through It, head down to Westbank Anglers to book a fly-fishing trip. Depending on the time of year, the expert guides will take you down a variety of rivers in Jackson, including the less-explored Bridger Wilderness. Hint: request Pat Sheehy as your guide—he is as entertaining and witty as he is knowledgeable about fly-fishing.
Fill Your Bag
Jackson Hole Hat Company
45 W Deloney Ave, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
If you’re going to go full cowboy, you may as well be authentic about it. The Jackson Hole Hat Company is the best source for cowboy hats in Jackson, making sure you look appropriately Westernized for your return flight.
Valley Bookstore
125 N Cache Jackson, Wyoming 83001
This bookstore has been family-owned for decades and houses hard-to-find books about the West, including field guides, trail guides and literature about the history of Jackson Hole.
Hang Your Hat
Four Seasons Jackson Hole
7680 Granite Rd, Teton Village, Wyoming 83025
If you’re feeling flush, the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole is hard to beat. Located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the Four Seasons is perfect for après-ski, when you are looking for a bloody mary (or three) to celebrate your hard work. Luxuriate in one of the spa’s hot tubs situated on the resort’s deck at the foot of the mountain, and drink in the envy of all the freezing skiers wishing they could trade places with you.
Snake River Lodge & Spa
7710 Granite Loop Road, Teton Village, Wyoming 83025
The Snake River Lodge & Spa—also located at the foot of the mountain—is worth booking merely for the ambiance alone: trapper furs, and antlers and taxidermy abound. Waterfalls cascade into the indoor/outdoor pools, and the spa treatments are similarly decadent: spring for a body wrap after a day on the slopes.
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