Not only does soaking in any random hot spring on the side of the road negatively impact the pool’s flora and fauna, but there’s a pretty good chance that some of that flora and fauna may or may not but definitely do want to eat your brain. 1. There are so many fun things to do in Jackson Hole. ), and even avalanches are possible hazards when skiing here. In response to this problem and with the support of a local wildlife biologist, the federal government set aside land for a National Elk Refuge. Decades and perhaps centuries of conservation efforts have preserved much of these species’ historical habitat, making Jackson Hole an incredible destination for wildlife watching. The most popular things to do in Jackson Hole with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures; BrushBuck Wildlife Tours; Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris; Wild Wyoming Tours; Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools; See … Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. In the winter, thousands of elk from several different herds converge in Jackson Hole to spend the harsh season at a lower elevation. Wow! I’ve visited Jackson Hole, the Tetons and Yellowstone NP in late September and fall just had started. Although you’ll find less expensive and gorgeous rentals in nearby Idaho, these stays require a commute over Teton Pass to reach any of the activities listed. Bonus: This rink is right across the street from the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where you can saddle up for a drink after skating your heart out. That said, there are certain months which have distinct advantages. National Elk Refuge. Looking for hot springs but not interested in dog sledding? “The King” is Jackson Hole’s premiere in-town playground for both adults and kids. Please drop a comment if you experience it differently! If you’re unfamiliar with dogsledding, the Iditarod is a 1,000 mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska, commemorating the historical significance of this method of travel in America’s last frontier. Not bad for the town hill, eh? You’ll want to wear a merino wool base layer underneath your clothing every day during your Jackson Hole winter trip – that means that the layer closest to your skin should all be made from merino wool. Teton Village hotels charge the big bucks for folks wanting to catch the lift without driving anywhere. Unsubscribe at any time. Here are some other posts about nearby destinations that you might find helpful: With a little bit of preparation and flexibility, traveling to Jackson Hole in the winter should be pretty straightforward. The most magical adventures await you if you’ve never tried snowshoeing through a winter wonderland. 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); National Elk Refuge. In addition to keeping you warm as you explore in town, weatherproof clothing is especially important if you’re going to do outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skiing, or ice trekking. This 22 million acre ecosystem is one of the largest in-tact temperate ecosystems on the planet, and is home to populations of elk, bison, moose, grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, and more. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. more, Things to Do in Jackson, WY - Jackson Attractions. Winter is the season for romance in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Nonetheless, seeing the elk is a unique bucket-list item for visitors and is a major contributor to the tourism economy of Jackson. Grand Teton National Park averages over 170 inches of snow each year. This 13,500 sq. So, be sure to bundle up in your favorite warm wool sweaters, your winter parka, and waterproof winter boots! Oddly enough, they don’t perceive humans in a sleigh as dangerous, so you can safely view them within a few dozen yards of where you sit. The Grand Teton Mountains have great lakes for swimming and hiking trails. The most popular things to do in Jackson with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures; BrushBuck Wildlife Tours; Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris; Wild Wyoming Tours; Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools; See all kid friendly things to do in Jackson on Tripadvisor $ There’s a lovely bookstore called Valley Bookstore, a Five and Dime, and tons of souvenir shops.. And if you’re there without kids, there are quite a few saloons including the well-known Cowboy Bar with saddles for seats. Jackson Hole, Wyoming is pure perfection! Long before the Homestead Act enticed settlers to claim their land in the valley, elk would come down from the surrounding mountains to winter in Jackson Hole, where less snow made it easier for the animals to dig down to the grasses they eat. new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], The groomed road will take you along the base of the Tetons and you’ll have panoramic views of the valley the entire way. Plus, there’s an actual moose hanging from the ceiling. Of course, use caution skiing here – this mountain is wild. Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours is the original dogsledding company in Jackson, operated by an experienced Iditarod veteran. While there are a few options for places to stay nearby, we recommend staying in Jackson proper. Hot Air Balloon – If you’re looking for unique things to do in Jackson Hole, hop into the basket of a hot air balloon and head up for a dreamy scenic view of the area. The nice thing about “skiing the King” is that you have the option for evening skiing, and you can get a discounted pass if that’s all you want to do. Visiting Jackson Hole means being prepared for extremes: extreme cold, snow, and mountainous terrain – and also extreme sports and beauty. Stop by Vertical Harvest, Jackson Hole for a tour of their vertical greenhouse and one of the more unique things to do in Jackson. And don’t forget a water bottle! You’ll receive professional Nordic skiing instruction and winter ecology interpretation from a naturalist guide certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America. I can’t speak for the snowmobile tours, but snowcoach tours are 12+ hours and, in my experience, less focused on wildlife. Ever seen an elk up close? Jackson Hole, Wyoming is pure perfection! })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-P6R8DKB'); The Ultimate Montana Road Trip: Detailed 10-Day Itinerary, Ultimate Camping Checklist: 42 Car Camping Essentials, The 4 Best Salt Lake City Ski Resorts for a Weekend Getaway, 12 Adorable Things to do in Morro Bay, California: A Local's Guide, The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour of Cleveland Breweries (By a Local), The Perfect (Detailed) Bali Itinerary for 2 Incredible Weeks, How to Plan an Amazing Lake Tahoe Winter Trip (on a Budget), The Best 8 Hikes Near Salt Lake City, Utah (A Local’s Guide), The Ultimate Salt Lake City Brewery Guide: 25 Best Salt Lake City Breweries & Brewpubs, The Perfect 2-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary, 8 Outdoorsy Things to Do in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Learn how your comment data is processed. Four Seasons Jackson Hole: Located in posh Teton Village, the Four Seasons Jackson Hole is the perfect jumping off point for snow bunnies. If you’re seeking snow and wintry weather, good news: Jackson Hole gets nice and cold in the winter, with average low temperatures from December through February in the single digits and with highs in the 20s and 30s. Jackson Hole is an expensive place to visit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it affordable. It’s also the oldest ski resort in the state of Wyoming. The horses are MASSIVE, and the cart looks like something from 100 years ago! Spending a couple of hours in this museum will remind you just how inspiring wildlife – and wild places – can be. Alas, I can’t, but it’s still tons of fun. The Jackson Hole valley can be broken up into two areas: Teton Village, known as “the village,” and the town of Jackson, known as “town.” The village is where you’ll find Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , which features 2,500 acres of inbounds trails and access to backcountry skiing that you won’t find at many ski resorts elsewhere. You can’t really pick a wrong day for this activity – if it’s sunny, you’ll have incredible views of the highest snowy peaks. Be prepared to jump in and out of the vehicle at each stop, and dress warmer than you think you’ll need to. Take a look at our Contributor Guidelines and pitch us your idea! The best outdoor activities in Jackson according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the best day trips from Jackson? These trips are suitable for guests of all ages and are a wonderful way to experience … Wondering what the must-do summer activities are? While this trail is packed in the summer, during the winter you’ll likely enjoy a pretty quiet walk to the lake. Cliffs, trees, moose(! The other option is the Village Rink on the Commons in Teton Village. We’re talking about a lot of snow here, people! Maybe I should have mentioned that first. Due its remoteness and harsh weather, Jackson was only settled by European Americans because of the Homestead Act of 1862, which essentially gave free land to anyone willing to build some stuff and use it for something for a few years. We have a few specific suggestions for items that are tried an tested: Whew! By the way – when it comes to dogsledding, we’re always nervous about the treatment of the dogs as there is not much consensus about whether dog-sledding is ethical. Part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Elk Refuge is more than just a winter habitat for Jackson Elk Herd—it’s a habitat for many different species of endangered animals and big game. This steep, winding mountain pass regularly closes due to snow and avalanches and can be an absolute nightmare to drive – save yourself the anxiety. We'll also send you our favorite travel tips! Play it safe and fly into Jackson Hole Airport – plus, the view on a clear day is an unforgettable bonus. Jackson Hole is still a very wild place, as evidenced by the creatures that call it home. Take the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram from Teton Village to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Snow King is your one-stop shop for Jackson Hole activities! OMG, just loving this post for the lovely pictures and the detailed tips! If you’re up for a full day of winter adventure, take the full day snowshoeing & wildlife tour that combines winter sports with wildlife spotting in this two-for-one all day long winter adventure! Depending on your itinerary, you may or may not need a rental car. So pack your warmest socks and your coziest sweaters, and read on for 9 unbelievable things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the winter! Be sure to check out our Winter Guided Tours page!. Ever seen an elk up close? Jackson folk love to enjoy a brew after a long day of skiing, and there are plenty of spots in town to warm up and enjoy a locally brewed craft beer. Teton village is located roughly 30 minutes between the two and makes a great base for exploring the region. This land would be preserved and managed for the animals specifically. But that geothermal activity can be found throughout Wyoming, and there are two fantastic opportunities for soaking in a natural mineral-fed hot spring right near Jackson Hole! How to get to Jackson Hole in the winter? These famous bars are sure to get your heart pumping with local music and some line dancing! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Today, we share down-to-earth travel tips from our many (mis)adventures on our blog and podcast! You can rent skates in Town Square and carve it up between the antler arches. It requires a little more technique than snowshoeing but is quick to pick up seriously fun. 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