Jackson Hole — Best Things to Do

The Local Take

I moved here in 2019.
Haven't left.

Jackson Hole can see 40,000 visitors a day in peak season. This guide is what I send people when they ask — built from seven years of living here, exploring every corner, and spending the better part of 90 days guiding through Grand Teton National Park.

Two national parks, world-class fly fishing, a real rodeo, and a town small enough to actually know. Here's where to start.

Years living in Jackson

85+

Grand Teton park tours guided

National parks at your doorstep

Easy

Option 01 — Best Bang for Buck

Hidden Falls + Inspiration Point

Jenny Lake · Grand Teton National Park

Distance

2–6 mi

Elevation

400 ft

Boat Shuttle

$20 RT

"Take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake — $20 roundtrip — hike half a mile to Hidden Falls, keep going to Inspiration Point, and then as far into Cascade Canyon as you feel like. Turn around whenever. Every step is worth it."

Moderate

Option 02 — Most Beautiful

Delta Lake

Lupine Meadows Trailhead · Grand Teton National Park

Distance

8 mi

Elevation

2,300 ft

Time

5–7 hrs

"If I could only recommend one hike in Grand Teton National Park, this would be it. The turquoise glacial lake with the Grand Teton behind it is one of the best views in the park."

Strenuous

Option 03 — Best in the Park

Cascade + Paintbrush Loop

String Lake Trailhead · Grand Teton National Park

Distance

19.7 mi

Elevation

4,900 ft

Time

Full Day+

"Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon loop — in my opinion the best hike in the park. Long day or overnight. If you're only going to do one big hike in your life in Grand Teton, this is the one."

Multi-day

Option 04 — The Bucket List

Teton Crest Trail

Grand Teton National Park

Distance

~40 mi

Elevation

~9,000 ft

Time

3–5 days

"The full Teton Crest Trail is about 40 miles along the spine of the range. A multi-day trek that puts you in the middle of some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the lower 48. Do it once before you die."

Best View in the Park

Signal Mountain

Park and walk 100 yards. I think this is the single best view in Grand Teton — the full range reflected in the valley below. Don't skip it.

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Mirror Reflections

Schwabacher Landing

Short walk to the Snake River with perfect Teton reflections in the water. Best in early morning when it's still. Classic shot.

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Ansel Adams Shot

Snake River Overlook

Ansel Adams took his famous photograph here. Pull off, walk to the edge, understand why. Takes five minutes.

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Most Photographed

Mormon Row

Iconic historic barns with the Tetons behind them. Popular for a reason — go at sunrise or golden hour for the best light.

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Easy Half Day

Jenny Lake + String Lake

Park at String Lake trailhead and walk the flat, beautiful loop along the lake. Easy for all fitness levels. The starting point for bigger hikes too.

String Lake → Maps Jenny Lake Overlook → Maps

Jackson's Beach

Colter Bay

The Lakeshore Trail gives you Jackson Lake with the Tetons in the background. As close to a beach day as you'll get in Wyoming.

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Hire a Guide

Want me to show you the park?

I've done over 90 private tours through Grand Teton National Park. Wildlife, viewpoints, hidden spots, sunrise light — I know where to go and when. Two tour options depending on how deep you want to go.

Book a Tour

Sunrise or Sunset Tour

5 hours. Private driving tour through the park — wildlife, best viewpoints, and the golden hour light that makes this place special.

$599

Full Day Tour

7–8 hours. Everything above plus a boat ride across Jenny Lake and a hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

$1,199

Yellowstone National Park

The Honest Take

I've been 3–5 times. It's crowded and most of it isn't worth the hype. But two places absolutely are — don't miss either of them.

Worth It #1

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

My favorite place in Yellowstone — and it's not close. The canyon is 1,000 feet deep, electric yellow walls, and a waterfall twice the height of Niagara. Drive around and stop at multiple viewpoints. Artist Point is the best one.

Artist Point →

Worth It #2

Midway Geyser Basin

Walk the boardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin to see Grand Prismatic up close. Then drive a mile south to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook and see the full aerial view. Do both — they're completely different experiences of the same place.

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Food & Dining

Where to Eat

Jackson has surprisingly good food for a mountain town. These are my honest picks — the ones I keep going back to.

Persephone Bakery

Breakfast, pastries, and coffee. Probably the best morning spot in town. Expect a line on weekends — worth it.

Teton Tiger

Thai/Indian fusion and one of my personal favorites. Genuinely great food, not just great for Jackson.

Snake River Grill

Best fine dining in Jackson. For a special night out. Reservation required.

White Buffalo / Gun Barrel

You're in Wyoming — get a steak. Both are solid. The setting at Gun Barrel is classic Jackson.

Liberty Burger

Best reasonably priced burger and fries in town. No frills, just a great burger.

Pinky G's

Classic New York style pizza. Late night option. Unpretentious and exactly what it should be.

Creekside Market

Quality sandwiches. Good lunch spot before heading into the park.

Don't Miss

Snow King Mountain Concerts

If you come to Jackson you cannot miss going to a Snow King concert. It's gotta be one of the best outdoor venues in the country — live music on the mountain with a view of the Tetons and the whole valley laid out below you. Check the schedule when you're in town and make it happen.

Concert Schedule →

Jackson Hole.

I moved here in 2019.
Haven't left.

The lay of the land