Wild in Wyoming: A Guide to Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons

Go on a wildlife tour

This was, and still is, one of our all-time favorite tours. We took a morning trip with Jackson Hole EcoTours, and I would 10000/10 recommend it. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife, ecosystems, and the park as a whole. We spotted moose, elk, multiple bald eagles, wolves, foxes, and even a dead elk—which sounds gross (and it was), but it was also fascinating to witness a glimpse of true wilderness. We were given some of the most powerful binoculars I’ve ever used, and our guide took pictures and videos throughout the tour to send afterward so we could enjoy the moments fully.

They also provided local snacks—jerky, trail mix, cookies, and coffee. We got lucky and shared the tour with only one other couple, making it a very intimate, personal experience.

Go for a hike

Pretty self-explanatory—but since you’re right next to a national park, hiking is a must. We visited during the shoulder season, so not everything was open and plenty of trails were covered in snow, but we still managed to squeeze in quite a few hikes. There are trails for every fitness level, so choose what best suits you.

Watch the sunrise or the sunset

Simple, but unforgettable. We caught both sunrise and sunset nearly every day, and the Tetons make the experience magical. The light hits the mountains in a way that gives them a mystical glow—it truly took our breath away.

Ride your bike

A great way to see both Jackson Hole and the park. There’s a beautiful trail system that can be walked or biked, and we saw plenty of families enjoying it even in the off-season. A fun, accessible way to explore.

Visit a museum

The National Museum of Wildlife Art, located just outside Jackson near the park entrance, is an excellent stop. It’s an engaging museum dedicated to wildlife art and conservation, and it’s a perfect place to warm up in winter or cool down in summer. It’s also great for kids, with plenty of family-friendly events and activities.

Take to the sky!

If you’re visiting in the summer, there are tons of aerial adventure options—paragliding, hot air balloon rides, and gondola trips. Seeing the Tetons from above is unforgettable and offers a completely different perspective.

Enjoy the snow

If you’re here in winter, the adventure continues. Depending on your comfort level, you can choose from snowmobile tours (in both the Tetons and Yellowstone), snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and even dog-sledding. The options are endless.

Ride down the river

In summer, the Snake River opens up for all kinds of water adventures. Whether you prefer whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, or fly-fishing, there’s something for every level of thrill-seeker.

Saddle up

Horseback riding through the Jackson wilderness is another fantastic way to take in the scenery. Several local ranches offer safe, guided rides that let you connect with both nature and the animals. It’s peaceful, memorable, and uniquely Western.

Go camping

A great way to fully experience the Tetons! There are plenty of campsites to choose from. I’m not a big camper myself, but even one or two nights is the perfect balance when paired with a hotel stay.

See a show at Million Dollar Cowboy

A Jackson Hole classic! This iconic Western saloon—complete with saddle bar stools and live music almost every night—is an experience in itself. Catching a show here is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local cowboy culture, enjoy great drinks, and dance the night away. The range of artists that have performed here is unbelievable, ranging from Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson to Toby Keith and recently Keith Urban!

Check the schedule if you are visiting during the shoulder season!

• Persephone Bakery: We came here several times during our trip—and I even bought a mug to take home because I loved it so much. It has chic French-bistro vibes and serves great coffee, breakfast/brunch, and lunch, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The Croque Madame was especially delicious!

• Café Genevieve: An American diner-style spot set in a cozy log cabin, Café Genevieve puts a local twist on classic dishes. It’s a great choice for a hearty brunch or lunch. We ordered the bison patty melt (drooling) and the breakfast platter, and both were fantastic. The staff was friendly and quick with helpful suggestions, too.

• Bin22: As a wine lover, this was the spot. We went at least three times during our stay. Bin22 is a tapas-style wine bar with a great wine selection, a laid-back but lively atmosphere, and quick, shareable bites. It’s perfect for a lighter dinner or that in-between time around 3 or 4 pm.

• The Blue Lion: Located in a charming old house, this slightly upscale restaurant serves wild local game and excellent cocktails. It’s a perfect choice for a fancier or pricier meal, and I’d absolutely recommend it.

• Gather in Jackson Hole: Gather serves classic American dishes with a creative twist. They use local meats and produce but reinvent them in fun ways—think sweet corn curry with udon noodles, Za’atar roasted carrots, and elk Bolognese. It’s a playful, inventive menu with something for everyone.