There’s nothing more exciting or refreshing than a great getaway planned with travel sights set firmly on Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This beautiful and endlessly appealing vacation destination has a way of beckoning to a variety of visitors each year. It’s a great locale for those with a passion for the great outdoors in equal measure to those who are thrilled to make the most of relaxing moments paired with a sensational view too. In fact, no matter what your travel interests may be, Jackson Hole promises to have something engaging for you! From time spent at the National Museum of Wildlife Art or the Historical Society Museum to afternoons spent exploring the National Elk Refuge, it’s a place that puts varying interests and passions at the forefront of every activity.
While Jackson Hole promises to be a year-round destination with no shortage of options for fun to pick from, there’s something particularly appealing about a summer getaway in this direction. When the weather is warm, landscapes are in full bloom and wildlife is accessible in abundance, Jackson Hole comes to life with a one-of-a-kind and certainly vibrant atmosphere visitors will find tantalizing. That said, when the draw is so evident to such an amazing destination, booking a summer getaway in advance is always a good idea. Making the most of your 2022 Jackson Hole summer vacation starts with planning now for great things to come!
TURN SAVINGS INTO OPPORTUNITIES
Many travelers head to Jackson Hole with a long list of activities and attractions they’re hoping to experience and enjoy. Unfortunately, trying to book many of these fun moments can prove almost impossible if you wait until the last minute. Summer is considered the high travel season in Jackson Hole and everything from tours to local excursions have a way of filling up fast. If you do manage to make a last-minute booking, you’ll likely find the price soaring compared to other times of the year. The way around this issue is to make it a priority to book your Jackson Hole activities in advance. Whether you’re looking forward to local tours, museum stops, or dinner at certain restaurants, putting your plans and reservations in place today ensures you’ll be part of the fun and comes with some incredible savings as well! There are fantastic discounts to be found if you start looking now. Adding to the benefits is the fact that everything you save on costly tours and excursions can be turned into spending money for the trip when you stumble across those hidden gems along the way. With the help of our dedicated Concierge team, you can set up curated experiences that maximize your time in Jackson Hole, all while taking away the headaches of booking yourself!
BOOK THE RENTAL OF YOUR DREAMS
At Abode Jackson Hole, we love providing rental accommodations to our guests that help them make the most of every moment of their stay. However, our amazing properties fill up fast when reservations are available at the simple touch of a button. If you’re hoping to enjoy a luxurious retreat this summer, booking now is definitely the way to go! We offer guests access to a variety of stunning rental properties across Jackson Hole that not only keep you close to the places you’re excited to experience, but include the luxury, comfort, and convenience guests are looking for too. Taking time to browse options now ensures that you’ll end up in a rental you love that includes all of those fun extras that can make a huge difference. Looking for a fireplace, large yard, balcony, pool, hot tub, or a specific view? Booking today will lead to a summer getaway that includes it all and more.
LET GO OF STRESS AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY
Perhaps the most important benefit associated with booking your summer 2022 getaway to Jackson Hole early is the peace of mind you’ll find when it’s all said and done. Vacation should be an experience in restoration, relaxation, and fun. There’s no way to embrace the best of those elements when you’re spending time worrying about last-minute tickets or whether or not your preferred vacation rental will be available. Instead of stressing and minimizing moments that should be focused on adventure and exploration, consider booking early and enjoying the comfort that comes when you know it’s simply all taken care of. If you happen to pocket some savings while you’re at it—all the better!
BOOK A STAY FOR YOUR JACKSON HOLE SUMER VACATION TODAY
When a Jackson Hole adventure is calling your name, there’s truly no reason to wait. When you’re ready to turn those travel plans into an exciting itinerary complete with amazing accommodations in place, the team at Abode Jackson Hole has you covered. Start planning your Jackson Hole summer adventure today with a dedicated local Reservation Specialist by calling (855) 201-7128 or browse our exclusive portfolio of property options in this area and book direct. We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming this summer!
Vacation is so much more than just a room with a view. Have you ever dreamed of staying in a ski-in/ski-out chalet with access to powder runs right out your door? Or fantasized about bringing the whole family together under one roof, laughing and telling stories curled up around a fire? Vacation Home Rentals unlock access to a world of one-of-a-kind opportunities, on your own terms, for a truly unique getaway with all the comforts of home.
Hotels used to be one of the only options for guests searching for accommodations that fit all their needs with beautiful views and specialized amenities. Now with the rise of vacation rentals, guests have a plethora of opportunities to seek out spectacular properties that give off that staycation feel.
Before the pandemic hit, staying in a vacation rental over a hotel already had many perks. But travelers wants and needs have evolved and now more than ever, families and friends are choosing vacation rentals that offer safe places to congregate together, while having access to properties with wide-open spaces, and amenities hotels might not be able to offer that make it feel more like home so you can stay for a weekend or weeks, at a home away from home that your family can rely on for their safety and comfort.
Staying in a vacation rental like one of our Abode properties is a superior place to stay for any group, from small families looking for a bit more privacy in their vacation lodging, all the way up to extended families wanting to have a great time making memories on vacation together. Here at Abode Luxury Rentals, we specialize in creating memorable experiences through our unparalleled service and carefully curated portfolio, giving guests everything they need to live their own story and create moments to cherish for a lifetime.
When you’re ready to get away, consider some of these perks of staying in a Jackson Hole Luxury Rental over a hotel, and browse our portfolio to start planning your trip and to find the perfect Abode for your group!
Park City Rentals
(844) 249-5306
Jackson Hole Rentals
(855) 536-7256)
1. WIDE OPEN SPACES
Abode Luxury Vacation Rentals give you an abundance of space to accommodate large groups of people and help you spread out so you’re not clustered in the same room at the same time. No longer do you have to share a shoebox of a room with little more than a mini-fridge and an ice bucket. Drop your belongings in one of the bedrooms, enjoy a nap in a living room, or wander around the property without running into another soul outside of your own group. At Abode you have space to lounge, spread out, and feel far away from crowds.
Many of our Abode properties have access to open spaces, be it a patio with outdoor seating, a backyard with a hot tub, a lawn with plenty of space for games, or acres of land that include a pond for some stand up paddleboarding. You don’t need to leave your property for the length of your stay if you don’t want to and still have access to outdoor spaces and all the fresh air you could ever want. From backyard ponds for fishing, hiking, biking & ski trails right out your door, to outdoor spaces for lounging & entertaining and the potential of wildlife viewing from your private deck, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless, right in your backyard!
Why stay in another high rise where you’re confined to one space when you can escape the hustle and bustle and have the room to literally unwind.
2. YOUR VACATION, ON YOUR TIME
Vacation time is fleeting, and we believe in making the most of every minute! When you stay in a hotel, you have no choice but to conform to its schedule for meals, housekeeping, fitness facilities, etc. Not so in a vacation home. You can get out of bed when you like, cook your own meals – or have a nightcap, soak in the hot tub or work up a sweat with private gyms or private in-home fitness instruction from a personal trainer like Stoke Coach Rachel Elberts, who creates custom fitness experiences, encouraging clients to spark joy by moving their bodies out in nature to help them feel stronger and more confident.
3. ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME AND THEN SOME
Vacation homes are just that: Homes. All of Abode’s properties are individually owned and include everything you’d expect to find in your own home, plus some extra amenities, because not only do our homeowners share the same commitment to your guest experience as we do, but this is also their own home! Full-sized appliances, dishes, books, games, private game rooms, theaters, laundry facilities – these kinds of amenities can make your stay so much more comfortable – especially if you’re traveling with the family or for an extended period of time. After a few days of hiking or skiing during your stay, freshening up those athletic layers is a must. With a vacation rental, you won’t have to bring as much stuff or worry about traveling back home with a suitcase full of dirty laundry. You will be able to wash your clothes with ease.
4. FLEXIBILITY FOR YOUR EVOLVING PRIORITIES
A vacation rental is your home away from home and can be flexible to meet your new priorities. During this time, you might have the opportunity to stay longer in our mountain towns. Refresh your work from home background, with serene office setups and business amenities, as all our homes have free wifi and private networks with increased connectivity and security for your work from home needs. Take a road trip with all the gear you might need as our properties often have a garage/reserved parking for roadtrippers, and there is plenty of space for skis, golf bags, bikes, and other adventure gear. If you are looking to get away for longer periods of time, bringing your own gear and having a place to store it is a huge benefit vs. renting equipment.
And, if you’re looking to bring along furry four-legged friends we do have some pet-friendly options! Inquire for available properties.
5. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR EVERYONE
Most hotels just aren’t geared for families or groups of friends traveling together. Between everyone’s own agenda, the expense of eating out and having to book two (or more) rooms to accommodate all guests, vacations can get a bit confusing, expensive, and not quite relaxing. Fortunately, it’s easy to find a vacation home with Abode that can satisfy the needs of just about any sized group. In addition to the essentials (plenty of beds and bathrooms), you can create a cheerful vibe by making sure everyone’s needs are met. We have a carefully curated portfolio of homes and a dedicated local sales team committed to finding the perfect property to fit you and your family’s unique needs. Being locals in Park City and Jackson, the Abode Team can truly customize your experience.
6. $$$
For groups who want to stay together, vacation rental homes are an affordable alternative to hotels. For how much more space you’re getting all to yourself, factoring the cost of eating and drinking in your fully-equipped kitchen, sharing a home with multiple families or friends feels more like a deal. No need to pay for transportation to an overpriced restaurant when you can bring your own groceries (or utilize a local grocery delivery service to stock your fridge). Abode guests find that you can’t put a price on privacy and having your own space.
7. FULL KITCHEN
When you rent a home, you can create big family meals and enjoy time together without having to get everyone out the door. All Abode kitchens are fully equipped, many of which are a professional (and home) chef’s dream! Dinner reservations can sometimes be elusive during the busier months and having a full kitchen gives guests an opportunity to spend more quality time together and to save money preparing fresh meals at home, giving you more money to spend on other things during your trip. And sometimes you come on vacation so that you can take a break from playing chef for the whole family – Sit back, relax and let our local grocery delivery service work their magic or have a private chef whip up a feast for you, delivering some local flavor in a more intimate environment.
8. PRIVACY
For guests who like having their own space, hotel rooms lack privacy. When you are staying at one of our Abodes you will have a full run of the place, and won’t need to deal with the crowds. Fewer interactions with people outside your group – no passing other guests in the hallways or elevators, no need to worry about hotel rooms being spaced out, or shared business centers when you need to work remotely
For your safety, we have contactless check-in, and most properties have a digital lock with a unique code so there’s no need for a physical key. Plus we have our very own app for guests where all of the information you’ll need for your stay is housed!
9. CUSTOMIZED LOCAL EXPERIENCE
While staying at one of our rental properties you will live more like a local and less like a tourist. Upon arrival you will get a local taste with a “Welcome Basket” waiting for you with local snacks, beverages and more to start your adventure off right. Our properties are intermingled throughout our towns and amongst the most highly sought after neighborhoods so you can stay even closer to where you play. Get an insider view of what it’s like to live in Park City or Jackson, and feel fully immersed in our community. From the time you book until after you leave, you’ll have one of our dedicated, longtime local team members available to personalize your experience. Recommendations for socially distant activities, where to dine safely, add-ons available for your WFH needs, babysitter recommendations and family activities to help you juggle working from home and childcare, private chef services and endless one of a kind services with an endless amount of unique experiences!
10. A SAFE HAVEN YOU CAN TRUST
All of our homes meet & exceed the standards of cleanliness guidelines as dictated by WHO, CDC, local health officials, and industry experts like VRBO & Airbnb. We take your safety seriously and include pre-arrival & post-departure housekeeping in your reservation, and we’ve partnered with local companies like the Virus Assassins to offer additional sanitation add-ons if you so desire. Our linens are also laundered at a commercial facility, giving you peace of mind whenever you lay your head down to rest. Learn more about our commitment to safety in Park City and Jackson Hole.
Ready for a change of scenery? Browse our portfolio to start planning your trip and to find the perfect Abode for your group.
Park City Rentals
(844) 249-5306
Jackson Hole Rentals
(855) 536-7256)
This summer is all about exploring the great outdoors. We are so lucky to have access to many, many wide-open spaces where we can find ourselves socially distanced from others and experiencing solitude amongst the trees. We’ve compiled an extensive list of Jackson Hole outdoor activities where you can get outside, experience some awe and wonder, and feel safe.
NATIONAL PARKS
When you visit Jackson Hole, you are lucky to be in the proximity of two amazing National Parks: Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. In the information below, we’ve outlined some grand adventures you can have at either park from hiking and biking to fishing and swimming.
HIKING TRAILS
Below you will find trails in Jackson Hole that are great options for new visitors looking to explore local trails. Many of them are in Grand Teton National Park which contains some of the area’s most dramatic scenery, while others lie in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, which shouldn’t be overlooked for scenery and solitude.
HIDDEN FALLS AND CASCADE CANYON
As the name implies, this trail accesses a cascading waterfall and a stunning, glacially carved canyon just north of the tallest Teton peaks, and so it’s easy to understand why it’s one of area’s most popular outings. A moderate, mostly flat two-mile hike around the south end of Jenny Lake brings you to scenic Hidden Falls. From there the trail climbs steeply for about a mile to the mouth of Cascade Canyon proper. Then the route flattens and once again offers easier hiking for the next several miles. Park for this trip at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station on the east side of the lake. If you prefer, a boat shuttle carries hikers across the lake every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m daily during the high season (shorter hours start after Labor Day), dropping you within a half-mile of Hidden Falls. This is a good option for hikers who want to get farther into Cascade Canyon on a day trip.
BRADLEY AND TAGGART LAKES
Another classic Teton hike, this area is generally a bit less busy than Hidden Falls, though still very popular. After leaving the parking lot 2.5 miles north of the Moose Visitor Center, the trail soon divides. One route goes to the south and one goes to the north. These paths reunite at Taggart Lake. Hiking either way makes a nice loop of about four miles. The trail meanders through old glacial moraines and creek bottoms. This route is well-maintained and the hiking is fairly easy with a bit of up and down. Along the north route to Taggart Lake, hikers will encounter another trail divide. Heading to the right, this route goes to neighboring Bradley Lake and adds about a mile to the trip.
TETON PASS TO THE HEAD OF BLACK CANYON
This short hike – slightly less than four miles – has the advantage of starting at nearly 8,500 feet atop Teton Pass, so you don’t have to gain the elevation on foot for a walk high in the mountains. Drive west on Hwy. 22 through Wilson and up to the summit of Teton Pass. Park in the large lot on the south side of the road, and start your hike at the west end of the parking lot by walking up a two-track dirt access road. After a little less than a half-mile, and at the end of a short switchback, a trail will leave the road on the right near a large electrical tower. The trail climbs gradually over another mile and a half through alpine meadows and forest to the head of Black Canyon.
GRANITE CANYON AND TETON VILLAGE
The trailhead for Granite Canyon is reached by driving north on the Teton Village Road. After passing the turnoff to Teton Village, you’ll soon reach a park entrance station and the Granite Canyon trailhead is located about a half-mile beyond the station (RVs are not allowed). The trail leads west toward the mountains and, after about a half-mile of hiking, you’ll cross Granite Creek. Hiking another three-quarter of a mile brings you to a junction with the Valley Trail. Go right. After crossing Granite Creek again, turn left at a second junction, which takes you into Granite Canyon proper. The trail climbs moderately into the canyon, following the creek. Hike as far into the canyon as you want before making a return trip via the same route. In addition, this hike can be accessed from Teton Village by walking from the center of Teton Village north, alongside the Teewinot Chairlift, past the bottom of the Apres Vous Chairlift (to its east) and look for the Valley Trail heading off to the right. After roughly two miles, this trail connects with the trail heading into Granite Canyon.
PHELPS LAKE AND DEATH CANYON
A short day hike from the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, starting at the parking area for the Rockefeller Preserve on the Moose-Wilson Road 4.4 miles north of Teton Village. Parking space is limited and usually fills up before noon. A nice three-mile loop starts at the Rockefeller center and follows Lake Creek (the outlet of Phelps lake), approximately a mile and a half to the lake. Trails are very well marked and bridges are built over stream crossings. To lengthen your hike, follow the trail around Phelps Lake (approximately four miles), which makes a complete loop back to your starting point. This gentle trail with some ups and downs is not difficult, but your total roundtrip mileage from the car will be around nine miles. At the far end of the lake, a trail winds up to Death Canyon for those looking to a more moderate/difficult hike, or climb up the switchbacks to Phelps Lake Overlook for spectacular views. Heading back to your car involves a couple of choices from the east end of the lake. You can return on the Lake Creek Trail loop or take the Aspen Ridge Loop or Boulder Ridge Loop. Both of these loops connect back to the Lake Creek Trail which then returns to the parking area.
SWAN LAKE, HERON POND & HERMITAGE POINT
Hikers who like to get out early will find that the rolling terrain along this trail is great habitat for a variety of birds and other wildlife, such as moose. The hike starts at the Colter Bay parking area north of Moran Junction. Simply going to Swan Lake and returning is an easy two miles. A loop involving both Swan Lake and Heron Pond requires a little more effort and a three-mile hike. Hiking by both ponds and out to Hermitage Point, a peninsula on Jackson Lake, is a more industrious undertaking, involving about eight miles, though it is all flat terrain.
TWO OCEAN LAKE
For those who want to get away from more crowded areas, Two Ocean Lake is a good option. Located in the northeast part of Grand Teton National Park, the hike features more rolling terrain and distant views of the Tetons. The trailhead is reached by driving through the park’s Moran entrance station and turning right onto the Pacific Creek Road after about a mile. Follow the signs for about four more miles to the parking area. A six-mile loop circles Two Ocean Lake, and a side trip from the west end of the lake climbs about a mile to Grand View Point, where you can see much of the surrounding area. Carry bear-repelling pepper spray due to frequent bear activity in this area.
PAINTBRUSH CANYON AND HOLLY LAKE
This hike accesses one of the quieter canyons in the central part of the Teton Range. Like the route to Leigh Lake, the hike begins at String Lake parking area. Follow the route toward Leigh Lake, but take a left and cross the bridge at the junction near the end of String Lake. The lower part of this hike is heavily treed, but eventually you will climb out of the forest for views back toward Leigh and Jackson Lakes. You’ll be able to see the steep alpine terrain above you. This is another hike that can vary in length depending on a hiker’s ability. Go a couple of miles for a moderate hike or spend the entire day climbing roughly 2,500 feet to Holly Lake.
SURPRISE AND AMPHITHEATER LAKES
This ten-mile round trip is a Teton classic, but because it climbs about 3,000 vertical feet over five miles it is considered difficult. An early start is recommended. The parking area is reached by turning west into Lupine Meadows just south of the Jenny Lake area. Then drive to the end of the road. The trail winds 1.7 miles, climbing gradually to a trail junction. Take the uphill trail where the route starts a series of 10 or 12 steeper switchbacks. Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes are carved into a high cirque on Disappointment Peak with the Grand Teton in the background.
GOODWIN LAKE
Popular for its proximity to the town of Jackson, this hike is reached by driving a rough dirt road to about 8,000 feet (no RVs). Drive out of east Jackson on the Elk Refuge Road. Continue about eight miles until you see a well-used and marked road turning right into Curtis Canyon. Follow this road and, at the only fork, continue straight on the right fork and drive until the road ends at the trailhead’s parking area. Roughly 3 miles of moderate uphill hiking brings you to Goodwin Lake, which is located underneath Jackson Peak. The lake itself makes a nice half-day outing. The outing can be made longer by continuing southeast on the trail toward Cache Peak before returning the same way. Backpackers can do an out-and-back trip to the vicinity of Jackson Peak (no permit required) and this is a great area to take dogs.
CACHE CREEK
Because of its proximity to the town of Jackson and the greater Snow King area, the Cache Creek trailhead in the Bridger-Teton National Forest is the area’s most popular year ‘round recreation destination. Whether your interest is hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding, Cache Creek provides some fantastic summer terrain. There are a number of trails that originate at the Cache Creek trailhead so even if you have limited time there is something for almost everyone. Check out the informative kiosk at the trailhead for more trail options. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
SNOW KING SUMMIT
In the heart of downtown Jackson, Snow King is a favorite summit hike that locals often tick off during lunch or after work with their dogs in tow. The 1.8-mile trail rises 1,500 vertical feet to the summit through fragrant pine forests. Once at the top, you can gaze out at the Tetons, the distinctive peak of Sleeping Indian, the Elk Refuge, the Gros Ventres, and the town of Jackson snuggled in the valley below.
CYCLE AND MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
CACHE CREEK ROAD
This easy two-track dirt trail is perfect for first-time mountain bikers. Cache Creek is easily accessible from downtown Jackson. The trail passes through wildflower-filled meadows along Cache Creek and you won’t believe you’re just minutes from on the Town Square. The Cache Creek trail connects to a wide variety of more intermediate and advanced single-track mountain-bike trails at Snow King Mountain Resort and the surrounding forest, so you can make your ride as long or short as you wish.
CACHE CREEK SIDEWALK & PUTT-PUTT TRAIL
This single-track mountain bike trail provides gentle, flowing ups and downs for beginner and intermediate riders. You can make a great loop when connecting this trail to the Putt-Putt trail. Putt-Putt is a single-track mountain bike trail that is gentle enough for beginner riders, but with fast downhill sections, sustained uphill sections, tight corners, and occasional rock gardens, to provide excitement for all skill levels. This trail, which roughly parallels Cache Creek Road, can be ridden in either direction—it is mostly a fast downhill when ridden from the end of the Cache Creek trail back to town, but strong riders can bike uphill from town or the Cache Creek Trailhead for a true leg-burning challenge.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
What better way to experience the park than by bike? Avoid the crowds of summer and come to Jackson Hole in the spring for a one-of-a-kind experience. Keep an eye on Yellowstone’s Bicycling page for up to date information on road openings before heading to the park. Cyclists are urged to respects the rules of the road and ride with caution, as road conditions can be unpredictable. Remember that services are limited in the park, so be prepared with plenty of water and food. And respect wildlife! If you come across bison in the road, consider turning around.
OLD PASS ROAD
This multi-use paved pathway gradually climbs from the Town of Wilson to the summit of Teton Pass, gaining over 2,000 vertical feet from beginning to end. The views from the top of Teton Pass are stunning, and it’s all downhill back to Wilson. This ride is suitable for road bikes or mountain bikes, and Pass Road provides connections to a large network of more advanced downhill mountain-biking trails. After the challenging ride to the top, reward yourself with a beer and burger at the Stagecoach Bar at the bottom of the hill in Wilson.
JENNY LAKE PATHWAY
For amazing views, take your two wheels to Jenny Lake pathway. The path extends all the way from downtown Jackson to Antelope Flat Road near Grand Teton National Park. When you hit Moose Junction, you can follow the path into the park and the beautiful Jenny Lake recreation area. This ride is a must-do for bike enthusiasts visiting Jackson Hole!
JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT BIKE PARK
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers a summer mountain biking park for all levels of riders. Explore trails and jumps and ride the lifts up then cruise back down.
GRAND TARGHEE BIKE PARK
Just on the other side of the Tetons, Grand Targhee Resort offers an award-winning bike park with lift-serviced terrain and gorgeous views.
BIG HOLES
A Teton Valley local favorite. Big climbs, big descents, deep valleys, and lonely ridgetops with amazing views.
SOUTHERN/VALLEY TRAILS
A beginner / intermediate trail network for everyone. Excellent out-and-back and loop ride opportunities minutes from downtown Victor, Idaho. (Mileage will nearly double in 2020).
TETON PASS
Containing some of the first mountain bike specific trails on National Forest land in the US and vision of the legendary Teton Freedom Riders. Expert-level freeride and jump trails mixed with pure, unadulterated rocky mountain singletrack.
THE PALISADES
Backcountry at its best and most raw. Self-sufficiency here is critical as these trails are truly remote. Carry a map. Bring a friend. Plan to be out longer than you think..
MUNGER MOUNTAIN
A little something for everyone. Excellent riding amongst fall colors and distant bugling elk. Great loop ride opportunities.
SCENIC DRIVES
With only three roads in and out of Jackson, most locals are happy to tell you about their favorite one as they all lead to extraordinary beauty and magnificent wildlife.
EXPLORE THE MOOSE-WILSON ROAD
Moose-Wilson Road is an absolute when visiting Jackson Hole. Beaver dams are visible from your car, moose are often spotted and in the fall it’s a hot-spot for bears. Do not expect to drive quickly on this road – it is narrow and in some places dirt. The views though are worth it. Start at the entrance to Grand Teton National Park just north of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. Follow the narrow road eight miles to the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose, WY. Watch for wildlife, you never know what you might see on this road!
COMPLETE THE LOOP: GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK’S INNER & OUTER LOOP ROADS
Drive north out of Jackson towards the small town of Moose. The inner loop road winds through nearly all of the park’s major peaks and is the best way to get as close to the mountains as you can via car or bicycle. This route will lead you to many hiking trails that weave in and around the base of the Teton Range. Want to “hike” with your car? Signal Mountain Road is the only paved road you can climb with your car to the 7,720 summit with 360-degree views of the Jackson Valley. Drive north on the main highway (the Outer Loop) and south on the Inner Loop Road. This way you will be looking directly at the Tetons while you are right underneath them.
ROAD TRIP TO KELLY & SLIDE LAKE
Travel seven miles north of downtown Jackson and take a right onto Gros Ventre Road towards the small town of Kelly. Make sure to stop at the turnoff for a beautiful view of the Grand Tetons. Once you are in Kelly, follow the road as it arcs to the left, turn right at the Lower Slide Lake sign and continue. Here you will find a road lined with Aspen trees winding back to the Gros Ventre offering amazing views of this peaceful and pristine area. *You can make a pitstop at the famous Mormon Row that was home to the homesteaders of the late 1800s. The most famous structure of the 27 is the Moulton Barn.
DRIVE OVER TETON PASS TO IDAHO
Heading seven miles west out of the town of Jackson on Hwy 22, you will come across the base of Teton Pass and the town of Wilson, founded in 1899. The sleepy town of Wilson is a perfect spot to gear up for the day. Continue west over Teton Pass toward Victor, Idaho. As you travel up the pass, watch for a small parking area on your left with a dirt road and sign for Phillips Canyon. This trail leads to a lovely alpine lake about 4 miles round trip and boasts an easy and fun family outing. If you continue driving through Victor to Driggs make a day at Grand Targhee Resort.
DRIVE FROM JACKSON TO GRANITE HOT SPRINGS AND PINEDALE THROUGH HOBACK CANYON
Whether coming or going, the spectacular Wind River Range is your companion much of the way on this less-traveled scenic drive along US 191/189. The route offers peaceful and astounding views of the Hoback River with scenery that is everchanging along the way. Granite Hot Springs Pool is approximately 30 miles south of Jackson just off route US 191/189. Continue to the historic western Wyoming town of Pinedale, 75 miles south of Jackson and enjoy a local Rodeo, the Museum of the Mountain Man, or a delicious meal at the Pitchfork Fondue Company.
DRIVE FROM JACKSON TO ALPINE THROUGH THE SNAKE RIVER CANYON
The Snake River Canyon runs from the south of Jackson, through Hoback Junction 22 miles to the small town of Alpine, near the banks of the Palisades Reservoir. This scenic route travels along the Snake River and showcases, beautiful foliage, miles of buttes and mountains with many boat ramps and scenic pull-outs. Spend the afternoon fishing off the shores of the river, soaking in the natural hot springs at Astoria Bridge, or having a picnic along the river or at the reservoir.
GOLF COURSES
Headwaters Golf Club at Teton Springs
Semi-private golf course located in Victor, Idaho.
Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club
Semi-private course in Jackson, Wyoming.
Find two semi-private golf courses in Thayne and Afton, Wyoming.
Find this public course in Driggs, Idaho.
Teton Pines Golf Course & Club
This public course is located in Jackson, Wyoming.
WATER SPORTS
You might not think of Jackson Hole as being a mecca for water sports, but it actually is! Choose from the Snake River or the plethora of lakes and other rivers in the area to get your feet wet.
THE SNAKE RIVER
The Snake River’s whispering riffles and roaring rapids provide a haven for wildlife and recreation and the 69 miles that wind through Jackson Hole comprise one of the most scenic and pristine stretches of river in America. Close to 300,000 folks float, fish, and paddle the Snake each summer.
Floating on the Snake River can begin at the northern end of Grand Teton National Park, just below Jackson Lake. From here, there are more than 70 navigable river miles, offering something for everyone. The first 60-plus miles consist of swift yet smooth water and one fun, eight-mile whitewater stretch for the finale.
Consider tubing or canoeing on the more mellow parts of the Snake, and if you’re up for an adventure book a white water rafting or kayaking trip and navigate swiftly through the rapids.
STRING LAKE
The calmest and warmest of the nearby lakes make it a great beginner spot for stand up paddleboarding. It’s also easily accessed from the parking lot, so no lugging the board too far. (But if you want to lug your board, you can portage it over to Leigh Lake which is usually a bit colder & windier)
JENNY LAKE
Just down from String & Leigh lakes, Jenny lake is larger and tends to get a bit of wind.
JACKSON LAKE
The largest and likely coldest lake that usually has quite a bit of boat activity and wind (read: rougher water). We’d recommend sticking to the bays and near the shoreline, which is also great for wildlife viewing! Boat rentals are also available at Signal Mountain Lodge, which is located at the southern end of the lake. Spend a day water skiing, wakeboarding, or exploring the many islands and inlets. For those looking to catch up on some summer reading or work on a tan, the many bays and shores on Jackson Lake provide the perfect setting for a “beach” day. You might even forget you are in landlocked Wyoming, as you gaze out over the water… although the towering mountain peaks might give it away!
WAKESURFING
Wakesurfing is a low impact adventurous sport that’s fun for any age person of average physical condition! Teton Surf Co offers wake surf lessons as well as clinics to locals and visitors alike. They launch into Palisades Reservoir located in the Caribou National Forest.
FISHING
If you didn’t notice Jackson is pretty much a fishing paradise with endless mountain rivers and wide-open spaces. Walk-in fishing is available for do-it-yourself anglers or those who would like to hire a guide. Make sure you obtain a valid Wyoming fishing license which is required to fish on all public waters. Daily non-resident fishing licenses cost $14 and an annual non-resident license costs $102. For specifics on fishing licenses and regulations, please visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s website.
The following lakes, creeks, and streams all offer tremendous fly-fishing opportunities in pristine Western wilderness:
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- Buffalo River
- Flat Creek
- Granite Creek
- Green River
- Grey’s River
- Gros Ventre River
- Hoback River
- New Fork River
- Pacific Creek
- Salt River
- Snake River
- Jackson Lake
- Jenny Lake
- Leigh Lake
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HOT SPRINGS
THE BOILING RIVER IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
The Boiling River is located near Mammoth Hot Springs and is probably the most popular spot for swimming. Hot water pours over rocks as it enters the cold waters of the Gardner River, which provides a safe and enjoyable spot for the whole family.
GRANITE HOT SPRINGS
Granite Hot Springs is about 30 miles South of Jackson. A pool has been built to capture the water but the fresh hot spring water constantly flows through the pool. There is a small fee which you can pay upon arrival. Facilities include a bathroom and changing room.