Best Things to Do in Jackson

Jackson Hole sits at the foot of one of America’s most captivating national parks. A short drive north will put you amidst the Teton Range’s snow-capped peaks, hidden lakes, renowned fishing spots and 200 miles of hiking trails. Some of the most popular scenic hikes are Cascade Canyon Trail and Lake Solitude Trail, but they’re also long. The Taggart Lake Trail is easier but still stunning. Real go-getters can climb 2,700 feet to summit Grand Teton if they dare. The rest of us will enjoy the scenery.

It’s only an hour’s drive away, ideal for day trips. Make sure you see the otherworldly Grand Prismatic Spring, the third-largest hot spring in the world (resist every urge to slip in for a calming bath — people have died). But the best hiking area is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, an impressive feat of hydrothermal action marked by pink and yellow walls, natural steam vents and waterfalls. And don’t forget an obligatory stop at Old Faithful, which erupts around 20 times per day.

The quintessential country-Western bar in Jackson. It’s most famous for its Western swing dancing, and they offer free lessons on Thursday nights. The live entertainment isn’t bad either — it’s played host to Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr. and other country music legends. 

Visitors flock to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, but locals love “The Coach,” especially for “church” on Sunday nights, which means live music and dancing. It’s more lowkey and homey, but no less entertaining. 

This eclectic Teton Village establishment has been showing tired skiers a good time for decades. After a long day on the slopes, you can tear into a steak, and jam to a typically acoustic performance from underneath a huge taxidermied moose.

The Silver Dollar could also fall under the Western bar section above. It’s known across town for its country-Western shows and dancing.

Home of the summertime outdoor concert series JacksonHoleLive!, which typically runs from April to September.

Rodeos have been an integral part of Jackson’s cowboy culture since the town was founded. Every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can watch bull riding, calf roping, bronc riding and more. 

One of several ranches where you can book horseback riding trail rides. Spring Creek’s Castagno Outfitters will guide you along the East Gros Ventre Butte for 360-degree views of the Teton Range.

A popular hangout in downtown Jackson. Word is that the beer is so good because it’s sourced from wells near the Snake River itself. It’s a perfect sidecar to their solid bison burger. 

Okay, it’s not necessarily a burger, but the log-cabin-esque Gun Barrel has every other part of the buffalo, including its giant ribs.

A log cabin vibe with robust, down-home-inspired breakfasts like chicken and waffles or eggs and grits. They also serve lunch and dinner and have a solid wine list ($2 off glasses during happy hour).

Authentic boiled and baked bagels alongside build- your- own sandwiches.

Airbnb posts might use “rustic” as a nicer term for “run down,” but these are some luxurious cabin accommodations, complete with a spa, on-site fishing, dining and a seven-acre nature preserve. Check out an in-depth look at the hotel here.

Another dark-wood-and-leather upscale experience. Like the Rustic Inn, it’s got a spa, dining and other amenities.

If you’re in town for winter sports galore, this is the spot. Go skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram.

It’s built into the hillside that overlooks the National Elk Refuge and contains more than 5,000 pieces from around the world, including some by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Robert Kuhn. The artwork, some of which dates back to 2500 B.C., features animals and other wildlife. Afterward, you can head down to the National Elk Refuge for a sleigh ride.

Tucked away among the spruce, fir and pine trees of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, these springs are naturally heated in both the summer and winter. There are plenty of hiking trails and campsites nearby, so you can plan a multiple-day trip around it.