jackson

We're so excited to share our favorite place on earth with each and every one of you. Below are some of the area's undisputed highlights—from gorgeous hikes in Grand Teton to excellent restaurants around the Jackson Town Square. ⛰️

GranD Teton

The crown jewel of the area. You simply can't visit Jackson without at least driving through the park (though hiking, swimming, boating, and biking it are a much better way to get a taste). There's a $35-per-vehicle park entrance fee, but it's good for a week. For those new to the area, please remember that there are grizzly bears in Wyoming! Don't let that stop you from exploring, but do bring bear spray on all hikes; it's a must. You can rent it for $8 a day from Teton Backcountry Rentals or buy it for about $50 a can.

string lake

Hiking / swimming

Our favorite lake in the park. Perfect for picnicking, swimming, and lounging away an afternoon. There's a 3.7-mile loop trail around the lake to get the blood pumping, if you're feeling active.

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directions

jenny lake ferry & inspiration point

hiking / ferry ride

Catch the ferry across Jenny Lake (an activity in itself) to access the trailhead to Inspiration Point, an overlook with great views. The hike is 1.8 miles round trip, with some mild elevation gain. Ferries leave every 15 minutes from the Jenny Lake boat dock. Tickets are $20.

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Directions

cascade canyon

hiking

For a longer hike, there's no better canyon in the park than Cascade. Take the Jenny Lake Ferry to access the trailhead. You'll pass Inspiration Point on your way into the canyon. Prepare for wildflowers and wildlife galore.

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Rockefeller preserve

hiking / swimming / museum

A nature museum sits at the entrance to this highly accessible enclave of the park. A short walking trail (1.4 miles) leads from the museum to Phelps Lake, another great swimming spot.

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Colter Bay

hiking / swimming / boating

Located at the northern end of the park, Colter Bay is a small outpost of shops, restaurants, and amenities on the shore of Jackson Lake. There are hiking trails and swimming spots aplenty up here—and if you're looking for somewhere to rent kayaks, canoes, and motorboats, this is the place for it.

Directions

Taggart lake & Bradley Lake trail

hiking

A moderately challenging 6-mile loop right at the base of the Tetons, this is one of the most easily accessible hikes in the park. (Tip: Take the trail counterclockwise for the best views of the peaks.)

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mormon row cabins

sightseeing

These are the old wooden cabins you've seen in all the pictures. Absurdly photogenic against the backdrop of the Teton range, this group of historic landmarks is worth a stop for the photos alone.

Directions

Surprise & Amphitheater lakes trail

hiking

If you're on the hunt for a strenuous but deeply rewarding hike that will take up most of a day, this is it. A 10-mile round trip, this trail is a Teton classic. But be warned: You'll climb about 3,000 vertical feet over five miles—no small feat. Get an early start.

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Directions

snake river overlook

sightseeing

Famously photographed by Ansel Adams in 1942, this is one of the park's best views of the Snake River. Stop on your way up to Colter Bay, if you're headed in that direction.

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Food & Drink

Dornans

breakfast / sandwiches

Stop by this beloved local outpost north of town for breakfast served outside and the best made-to-order sandwiches in the valley.

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The merry piglets

tex-mex

If you're in the mood for big plates of classic Tex-Mex, this is your spot. The margaritas are huge and the vibe is kitschy and fun. Can't go wrong.

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cowboy coffee co.

cafE

Jackson's favorite coffee shop, located right off the Square. Try the breakfast sandwiches if you're there early.

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Teton tiger

asian fusion

A fun, laid-back vibe and creative cocktails make this spot worth checking out for dinner or happy hour.

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persephone bakery

brunch

A local favorite, this French café and bakery offers house-made bread and pastries, plus coffee, tea, and other light snacks.

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Silver Dollar bar

historic saloon

One of the town's oldest bars, this classic watering hole has live music several nights a week and offers food service until 9 p.m.

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The mangy moose

American

This popular winter après joint transforms into a funky, rustic restaurant in the summer, with frequent live music.

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Cafe Genevieve

brunch

Stop here for breakfast or brunch in a log cabin, featuring American fare with cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass.

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Liberty burger

american

If you're craving a good burger, this is where you'll find it. Half a block off the Town Square, you can't go wrong here for lunch or dinner.

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Entertainment & Activities

jackson hole gondola

sightseeing

The famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort—located 20 minutes out of town—isn't just for skiing. In summer, you can ride the resort's main gondola 2,700 vertical feet above the valley floor for some pretty spectacular views. The trip takes about 12 minutes each way.

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Town square shootout

event

Get your fill of kitschy theatrics with this Jackson tradition dating back to 1957. A short public performance modeled after the gunslinging duels of the Old West—with no real guns, of course—the shootout takes place every summer evening (except Sundays) at 6:15 p.m. in the Town Square.

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national Museum of wildlife art

museum

This museum overlooking town, founded in 1987, features more than 500 artists and 5,000 pieces, including works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and John James Audubon.

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granite hot springs

hot springs

Located 30 miles southeast of Jackson, this developed hot springs features a large soaking pool with water that hovers around 100° F. Operating hours during the summer are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Adventure sports rentals

biking / paddle boarding

To rent bikes and paddleboards by the day, head to this adventure sports shop north of town, located just a few minutes from the entrance to the national park.

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Teton troutfitters

fly fishing

With 40 years of experience leading guided trips, Teton Troutfitters offers full- and half-day outings on the Snake and other rivers in the area.

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Jackson hole golf & tennis club

golf

This semi-private club in the middle of the valley has amazing views of the Teton range and daily tee times available to non-members.

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mill iron ranch

horseback riding

Founded in 1921, this is one of the last locally owned horseback riding operations in Jackson Hole. Trail rides range from 2-hour to full-day outings.

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Barker-Ewing Float Trips

whitewater rafting

Rafting legend Dick Barker started leading float trips on the Snake River in 1963. Today, the family-owned company he founded is considered the best in the valley.

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