Jackson★5.0

How to Get There

From Jackson Hole Airport (7 mi): Head south on US-191 into town, following signs to the Town Square in downtown Jackson.

Overview

Jackson is the resort town of Jackson Hole, at the foot of the Teton and Gros Ventre ranges and about 5 miles from Grand Teton National Park. Tourism drives its economy, with art galleries, jewelers, and restaurants around the elk-antler arches of the town square. Flat Creek runs through town.

Highlights

• Grand Teton National Park: about 310,000 acres, with more than two million visitors a year
• National Elk Refuge: shelters one of the biggest elk herds in the country, with winter horse-drawn sleigh rides among them
• National Museum of Wildlife Art: overlooking the refuge, with a three-quarter-mile sculpture trail
• Skiing: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (opened 1966, 4,139-foot vertical), Snow King Mountain (400-plus acres near town), and Grand Targhee (about 42 miles away, on the Teton's west side)
• Events: the Grand Teton Music Festival (seven weeks each summer), the Center for the Arts (founded 1991), and the spring Elk Antler Auction

Things to Do

Experience the Gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Jackson, Wyoming, is one of the premier outdoor destinations in the American West. Nestled in the heart of Jackson Hole Valley and surrounded by the Teton, Gros Ventre, and Snake River mountain ranges, the town serves as a gateway to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park while offering year-round recreation, wildlife viewing, dining, shopping, and western culture.

Explore Grand Teton National Park

Just minutes from downtown Jackson, Grand Teton National Park features rugged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and some of the most iconic hiking trails in the United States. The park is a major attraction for visitors throughout the year.

Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram

The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram carries visitors to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, where breathtaking views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole Valley, and surrounding wilderness await. Summer visitors can access hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and dining at high elevations.

Enjoy Wildlife Viewing

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem surrounding Jackson is home to elk, moose, bison, pronghorn, black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, bald eagles, and many other species. Wildlife viewing opportunities are available throughout the valley and nearby national parks.

Explore Downtown Jackson

Downtown Jackson features western architecture, art galleries, museums, restaurants, boutiques, and the famous elk antler arches that frame the Town Square. Visitors can enjoy local culture while experiencing the charm of a classic Rocky Mountain town.

Float the Snake River

Scenic float trips on the Snake River provide opportunities to see wildlife, photograph the Teton Range, and experience the natural beauty of Jackson Hole from the water.

Hike Through Jackson Hole's Spectacular Landscapes

The area offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging mountain expeditions. Trails traverse alpine meadows, forests, canyons, rivers, waterfalls, and high mountain passes throughout Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park.

Top Trails

Taggart Lake Trail

Length: Approximately 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

One of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park, this trail leads to a scenic alpine lake with stunning views of the Teton Range reflected in the water. It is ideal for families and first-time visitors.

Cascade Canyon Trail

Length: Approximately 9 to 15 miles round trip depending on destination
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

This classic Grand Teton hike travels through a dramatic glacial canyon surrounded by towering peaks. Hikers are rewarded with waterfalls, alpine scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Wyoming.

Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls Trail

Length: Approximately 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

A Jackson Hole favorite, this trail visits scenic Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, and Inspiration Point. The route offers incredible views of the Teton Range and access to some of the park's most photographed locations.

Goodwin Lake Trail

Length: Approximately 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

This popular local hike leads to a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by forests and mountain scenery. It is a rewarding option close to Jackson and suitable for a half-day adventure.

Cache Creek Trail

Length: Approximately 2.5 miles and longer options available
Elevation Gain: Gradual
Difficulty: Easy

Located near downtown Jackson, Cache Creek follows a mountain stream through forests and aspen groves. The trail system connects to numerous routes and is popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for Visit Jackson Hole - Hiking, The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole Hiking Guide, Jackson, Wyoming, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.