Around this time of year, we get a lot of questions about what to do while visiting Jackson Hole. We put together some of our favorite activities to help you plan your three-day Jackson Hole trip.
Day One
A good start to your Jackson Hole vacation would be to stretch your legs after your long trip to get to the area and see the Grand Tetons up close. Begin your morning by enjoying coffee and a filling breakfast either in your vacation rental or one of the area’s many coffee shops. A favorite is Persephone Bakery in the Aspens (with a location in downtown Jackson as well). After that, you’ll want to pack a lunch or pick up a boxed gourmet lunch at the Aspens Market next door. Make sure to pack hiking essentials, a beach towel or blanket before heading to the Grand Teton National Park southern entrance. The entrance is 5 miles from the Aspens on Moose Wilson Road, and just a mile from Teton Village. After paying admission*and receiving your map from the park ranger, you will be on a scenic drive where you can easily spend the entire day exploring the park.
Every corner of Grand Teton National Park involves an opportunity to see wildlife, so keep your camera close as well as your binoculars if you have them. The Laurence S Rockefeller Preserve** and the Craig Thomas Visitor Center are great stops for a history and geology lesson on the area in a beautiful setting. There are several spots for connecting with nature and taking beautiful hikes. Check out the options on the park website for hiking or pick up a map locally.
Lake Boardwalk in Grand Teton National Park
After reaching Jackson Lake, plan on enjoying great pizza at Leeks Marina, nachos at Signal Mountain Lodge, or huckleberry refreshments on the porch at Jackson Lake Lodge.
On the way home, stop in the small town of Moose for amazing views and cold beverages from the roof deck at Dornan’s. If you get back in time, the whole family will have a hoot at a classic western music show and barbecue supper located just down the road from the Aspens at the Bar J Chuckwagon.
Day Two
If you don’t plan on staying in Yellowstone National Park at some point during your vacation, it would be best to make this your Yellowstone day. The most helpful tip for exploring Yellowstone is to get an early start. It will take at least 1 hour to reach the southern entrance of Yellowstone from your vacation rental. From there, a popular destination is Old Faithful, which takes at least 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops you make at scenic overlooks. You could also take in the sights around Yellowstone Lake at Lake Village and Grant Village. If you would like to drive the Lower Loop in its entirety, it is 96 miles.
Yellowstone National Park Thermal Pool
Plan to take provisions; there are places to stop but it can be very busy at peak season times, and it is always good to have snacks and water with you when travelling long distances. Also, be sure to be bear aware when visiting either park. If you are going to hike in the park, purchasing bear spray is recommended.
Day Three
For your last day in Jackson Hole plan on spending at least half the day in Teton Village at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Young and old alike will be thrilled with a ride on the Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Peak. It is a not to be missed activity located just down the road from your vacation rental. Kids of all ages love to take part in all the activities the resort offers; horseback riding, mountain biking, bungee tramp, a ropes course and Frisbee golf. For a more leisurely outing, check out the shops and restaurants in the Village or have lunch or afternoon cocktails at the top of the Bridger Gondola. Guests can also enjoy the pool or tennis courts at Sundance Swim & Tennis Club***.
Teton Village
To complete your last day in Jackson Hole, a scenic or whitewater rafting trip on the Snake River is not to be missed. Trips generally take 4 hours, with the scenic trips being an option either in the morning or later in the day. An exhilarating whitewater trip can be a great way to cool off and spend the afternoon taking in the scenery from the Snake River. Wrap up your memorable vacation with dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in Jackson, followed with an evening stroll through the historic town square.
* Park Fees: The entrance fees are $35 for a private, noncommercial vehicle; $30 for a motorcycle; or $20 for each visitor 16 years and older entering by foot, bicycle, ski, etc. These fees provide the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway only. Yellowstone National Park has a separate entrance fee.
** Rockfeller Preserve: Keep in mind that parking at the Preserve is limited and often full from 10 am to 3:30 pm.
*** Sundance Swim and Tennis Club is available to all our guests renting standard condominiums in Teton Village. The Teton Sports Club in the Aspens is available for an additional fee.