Jackson & The Grand Tetons: The Best of Nature and Luxury Towns
Jackson Hole and The Grand Tetons offer the perfect blend of snow-capped peaks, pristine glacier lakes, luxury accommodations, and a vibrant culinary scene. Grand Teton National Park, in my humble opinion, is one of the most stunning places in the United States (and probably a top contender in the world). And the great news? You don’t have to hike a single mile to experience it (but if you want to hike, there are tons of great options for that).
Spend your days floating beneath the dramatic peaks of the Tetons on the Snake River, spotting moose in sun-drenched meadows, and cruising across the pristine waters of Jenny Lake while taking in unforgettable mountain views. And when you’ve had your fill of nature, the town of Jackson is a destination in and of itself, with Western entertainment, great restaurants, spas, breweries, cowboy bars, and even a theatre.
Here are some of the best non-hiking things to do in Grand Teton National Park, including my top spots for wildlife watching (and they aren’t the ones that Google recommends the most).
Wildlife Watching in Grand Teton National Park
Yes, sometimes you see wildlife on a hiking trail, but it often happens from your car window or a comfortable pullout along the road (and if it’s a bear, being in your car is preferred anyway). Early morning and late evening are when animals are most active, so set your alarm, grab some coffee, and head out before the day heats up. Or carve out time at dusk (which is surprisingly late in peak season).
Moose, bison, elk, black bears, pronghorn, and bald eagles are all regularly spotted along the main park road. Guides who work here use radio communication to tip each other off when something special is spotted, so your chances of spotting wildlife definitely increase on a wildlife tour. And you don’t have to worry about driving or logistics. There are also private options so you can go where you want, at your own pace, and stay with an animal as long as you like.
While Oxbow Bend and Moose-Wilson Road are often Google recommended for wildlife viewing, my favorite spot is Schwabacher Landing. Head there at dusk for stunning reflections of the Tetons, beautiful sunset views, and, with a little luck, a memorable moose sighting. It’s a quiet boat launch area on the Snake River inside the park. We saw a massive moose in the willows at the water’s edge. Moose favor the willow flats and river corridors, and this stretch of the Snake River is prime habitat. Another great option at dusk is Moose Ponds, a short flat walk that lives up to its name as we saw a Mama moose with her calf there (and a bear on the walk back).
The Jenny Lake Boat Cruise
No visit to Grand Teton National Park is complete without experiencing Jenny Lake. Most of the images and postcards you’ve seen of the Grand Tetons probably have Jenny Lake in them. Jenny Lake sits directly at the base of the Cathedral Group of mountains, which includes Teewinot, Grand Teton, and Owen. Seeing those peaks from the water on a calm morning is genuinely breathtaking. There’s a flat path around the entire lake if you want to take a leisurely stroll and plenty of benches to just sit and admire the view (but get there early as it gets crowded).
And another great way to experience the beauty of the Tetons without hiking is the Jenny Lake Cruise. You can simply take the boat shuttle to the other side (this is what most hikers do) or book the scenic one-hour, narrated cruise.
Scenic Float on the Snake River
White-water rafting doesn’t have to mean hanging on for dear life. The scenic float section of the Snake River is one of the most relaxing and visually stunning ways to spend a half-day in Jackson Hole, while you relax and take in the passing Tetons.
The classic route runs 13 miles through a calm, wildlife-rich stretch of the river between Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. You’re floating past bald eagles diving for cutthroat trout, watching for moose wading in the back eddies, and looking up at snow-capped peaks from the water. Guides share commentary on the history, geology, and wildlife of the area throughout the float. Morning and late afternoon departures tend to be the best for wildlife.
Also, consider the Snake River. This is a great beginner-friendly river with Class II-IIIs, and it gets even calmer as the water levels drop through the summer months.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo
The Jackson Hole Rodeo has been going strong for over 100 years. Held at the Teton County Fairgrounds, just a few blocks from the Town Square, on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights from Memorial Day through Labor Day, this is the real deal.
You’ll see bull riding, barrel racing, bareback and saddle bronc riding, calf roping, and team roping. Kids love the Sheep Scramble, where children chase sheep around the arena. There’s a mechanical bull to try between events, good concession food, and an announcer who keeps the energy high from start to finish.
The Town of Jackson
The town of Jackson is a destination in its own right, and the Town Square area in summer has a festive, Western energy that’s hard not to love. There are stagecoach and carriage rides. For more Western fun, the Jackson Hole Playhouse puts on a fully-staged Western musical comedy with singing waiters, live performance, and enough ham and charm to keep the whole family entertained. There are plenty of fine dining, casual breweries, and shopping opportunities across the town. There are plenty of spa options for a day of indulgence and relaxation. Walk over to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on the Town Square and hoist yourself up onto one of the famous saddle barstools. The decor and great music make this a must-visit spot.
The Perfect Combination
Few national park gateway towns give you the range of accommodation, spa, and dining options like Jackson, WY. This is luxury right next to one of the most stunning places you’ll ever see. It can be adventurous, romantic, or amazingly family-friendly. Whether you’re an outdoorsy person or more of an admire the view from a rooftop patio kind of person, we can help you find the perfect place to stay and craft unforgettable adventures. From wildlife encounters to unforgettable family adventures, we’ll help you experience the very best of Jackson Hole, contact us!
About the Author
Michelle Zlakowski is a Runway Travel advisor, specializing in outdoor adventure and family travel experiences for any activity or adventure level. Follow Michelle on Gravatar
