Jackson Hole, Wyoming

• More about your oliver guide: Cynthia Pillsbury
• Trip type: Family, Mountains
• Activity level: high
• Ideal length of trip: 1 week - summer or winter!

to & from

From major cities fly directly to Jackson Hole, or for less expensive tickets connect via Salt Lake City. You need a car so rent at airport.

Where to Stay

A lot of options depending on what you prefer in a mountain town/village. Jackson Hole really has two areas; the “Teton Village” which is the bottom of the ski mountain and the “Town” of Jackson Hole.
For adults (only) stay at the Amangani– it’s perfectly positioned in the middle of Town and Mountain Village—ideal for summer.
With kids I would VRBO and rent a condo at the base of the Mountain or in Town—depending if you prefer being in Town or a more rec-based home base. Either way you will be riding in the car quite a bit. If you plan to go into the Grand Teton State Park, it’s more convenient to stay in Teton Village.
Town Hotels- The Lodge at Jackson Hole
Mountain/Village Hotels- Snake River Lodge or The Four Seasons

Where to Eat and Drink

Snake River Grill- Leave kids at home or go early- great food and atmosphere, make reservations in advance.
The Kitchen– New place, great food
Pica’s– Delicious Mexican, best margaritas in town
Osteria– Eat outside and kids can play in courtyard
Calico- Amazing lawn, good Italian
The Bird– Dive bar with great burgers
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar– Go for for a post dinner drink and spin on the dance floor
Persephone Bakery- Incredible breakfast and lunch – take home some goodies!

What to Do

Jackson Hole Rodeo- A few times a week and on Friday and Saturday nights- they do a fun things for kids
Town Shoot Out- Worth it to get there 1/2 hour before and get a good view!
Ropes Course- Base of Teton Village- fun for all ages (over 4-5 years of age)—takes longer than you think
Rafting- Trip down the Snake River, you may see a bear! Make reservations in advance and go in the am for the best chance to see wildlife, bring snacks and water.
Horseback- Riding along the Snake River Ranch or by Spring Lake * set up in advance
Hot Air Balloon Rides- Go early, and weather must be clear, at base of Teton Village
Ride Tram- Take it up to the top of Mountain and hike down, stop for a refreshing drink or snack at Tram Ride to Waffle Treat

Hikes:
Phelps Lake- Fun to skip rocks and jump in the lake- (you can get into this area of the park without buying a day pass).
Jenny Lake Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point (6 miles/each way) in Grand Teton State Park
String Lake to Leigh Lake- canoe and hike
Snow King- Take chair lift up or down to make it an easier hike with kids

inside scoop

• Plan in advance; you need to make reservations to rent bikes, horseback ride and raft trip down river—all worthwhile
• Rent a car because you will want to go into either Teton Village or Jackson Hole for dinners/recreation.
• In winter stay in Teton Village, in summer think about what you prefer—if you want to hike a lot and see wildlife stay in Teton Village so you are closer to mountains and State Park or if you are more into the Western town experience and love going to eat and shop stay in Jackson Hole.
• Get your family decked out in Western gear and take an old-fashioned photo! A fun experience and souvenir.

What to Pack

• LAYERS... did I mention layers?
• Felt more casual and more western than other ski towns.