Jackson Hole holidays

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole. Set off into the hills and hike through the dramatic mountains of Grand Teton National Park. Soak in the natural waters of Granite Hot Springs and ease your muscles after a loop around Goodwin Lake. Ride the rapids of Snake River or, in winter, tackle the slopes of the snow-capped ski resorts.

Wander the Old West streets of Jackson town and immerse yourself in traditions kept alive since the valley’s first settlers. Take a chuck wagon ride to explore the region as thousands did before – there are tours lasting a few hours, or a few days. Tee off on the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course of Teton Pines. Get up close with birds of prey at Teton Raptor Centre. Enjoy a refreshing glass of vino at Jackson Hole Winery or, for an exciting daytrip, make tracks for Yellowstone National Park.

Bringing the Old West into the 21st century, the tiny town of Jackson shares its streets with roaming moose and mule deer. Make sure you grab a photo under Jackson Town Square’s famous elk antler arches, and take a wagon ride through the streets and pick out a place for dinner. Climb Snow King Mountain at the town’s edge for spectacular views, and ride the mile-long hilltop Cowboy Coaster.

There are lots of cultural attractions here, too. You can browse galleries and boutiques for souvenirs. Catch a show at the Centre for the Arts or Jackson Hole Playhouse, which has been a working theatre since 1948. Jump into the past at the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Jackson Hole Children’s Museum. And – for a real cowboy experience – you could watch a shootout, or enjoy a Jackson Hole Rodeo.

A holiday in Jackson places you at the southern tip of the Grand Teton National Park. This incredible area is made up of 310,000 acres of stunning mountain countryside, rising over 13,770 feet to the peak of Grand Teton.

You can take your pick from over 200 miles of hiking trails, which weave along Snake River, through wildflower meadows, into pine forests, around shimmering lakes, and to the spectacular Hidden Falls. You can see flocks of birds, or perhaps even encounter some of the park’s moose, black bears, or grizzlies.

In summer you can enjoy white-water adventures, lazy boating afternoons, mountain biking, treetop rope courses, and free summer concerts. Or visit in winter to take full advantage of the birthplace of extreme skiing, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. And, all year round, the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram has fantastic views of the valley below, as it carries you to three renowned restaurants at the mountain’s summit.

Jackson Hole’s attractions shift with the seasons, so the best time to visit will depend on your plans. Summer runs from June to August with temperatures often reaching 28°C. A world of outdoor adventures awaits, such as white-water rafting, hiking and biking. Most activities are in full swing throughout these months, in both the Teton Mountains and their world-famous neighbour, Yellowstone.

Rafting season continues through autumn as temperatures begin to fall, along with the crowds. November brings snow and the start of the region's long ski season. Spring is the most unpredictable season, but the colourful blooms and cascading waters rushing into the valley make April and May a delightful time to visit Jackson Hole and the surrounding area.