6 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Jackson Hole

Jackson, Wyoming, is at the heart of the Mountain West. Tucked within the Grand Teton mountain range and minutes from both the Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, Jackson is built around outdoor adventure. Each year, more than 2.6 million people flock to the Jackson Hole valley to take part in its many activities. If you’re interested in looking at Jackson homes but want to know what you can do to keep active throughout the year, here are six of the best ways to enjoy all that Jackson Hole has to offer.

Jackson homes are minutes from heart-racing whitewater rafting trips. A great place to start is Jackson Hole Whitewater (JHWW), which has been part of the Jackson Hole community since 1963. JHWW is a family-run business with several adventures to choose from. The classic whitewater rafting trips send participants along eight miles of the Snake River for a three- to four-hour excursion. Rapids are rated on a scale of I-V, with I being flat, serene water and V being challenging stretches of whitewater. The stretch of Snake River that JHWW takes guests on is a class III, which makes it great for beginners and long-time rafters alike. In addition to JHWW, there’s a wide selection of other river guides, including Dave Hansen Whitewater, Mad River Boat Trips, and Teton Whitewater.

When you’re shopping for Jackson real estate, keep in mind the stunning views and picturesque landscapes that are available just beyond your front door. Jackson Hole has more than 50 trails to explore, including several that lie within the Grand Teton National Park. The Paintbrush Divide is well worth the trek but best suited for experienced hikers, as it spans over 19 miles up a 10,700-foot divide. Along the Paintbrush Canyon Trail, take a detour to find glacial lakes and scenic mountain views. Inspiration Point provides an overview of Jenny Lake and the beautiful Hidden Falls. Once you’re ready for more, visit the Gros Ventre Wilderness, where you can hike the 14-mile trail up Sheep Mountain. You may even spot some of the local bighorn sheep that graze within the meadows. The trail climbs over 4,000 feet and has views of the Tetons and Jackson Hole valley.

 

A true Western town, Jackson Hole offers horseback riding at a variety of stables. Willow Creek Horseback Rides take visitors on a loop through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, where they can soak in the lush landscape of the mountainside trails. Guests have been known to spot deer, moose, hawks, and elk along the journey and, once they reach the top of the 8,000-foot peak, are rewarded with incredible views of the mountain range. Only 30 minutes from downtown, Willow Creek is a top spot for anyone investing in Jackson real estate.

 

The Mill Iron Ranch has been in Jackson since 1921 and teaches locals the ins and outs of fishing, hunting, camping, and riding. From May through September, take a two-hour ride through the Bridger-Teton National Forest and add breakfast, lunch, or a steak dinner to the experience. Four-hour rides are also available, or you can choose one of three full-day ride packages.

Grand Teton National Park is only five miles from Jackson Hole and can be explored by hiking, biking, and even boating. Jenny Lake and Leigh Lake are beautiful places to get in your kayak and float over crystal-clear waters. If you’d rather explore on foot, the Aspen-Boulder loop is a quick 2-3 hour trek that includes a visit to Phelps Lake. Christian Pond Loop shows off the best of the park’s marshland, and the Emma Matilda Lake trail is a longer hike at 5-6 hours where wildflowers bloom along the path. Grand Teton National Park is home to grizzly bears, moose, and bison and has six locations for wildlife viewing. Oxbow Bend and Cascade Canyon are two spots where you might spot pikas, bald eagles, and elk.

Jackson real estate is perfectly positioned between two major ski resorts. First, there’s the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, just 12 miles northwest of town. The resort is known for its challenging slopes, with 50% of the runs requiring expert-level skill. Only 10% of the slopes are suitable for beginners. The resort lifts skiers up 4,000 vertical feet to explore runs longer than most in the country. Skiers and snowboarders can take on the Rendezvous and Apres Vous Mountains before grabbing a bite in Teton Village or at the casual Rendezvous Bistro within the resort.
  
You’ll also want to visit the Snow King Mountain Resort, which provides gondola rides, snow tubing, and night skiing in addition to traditional skiing and snowboarding. The resort offers lessons for beginner sportsmen and has a range of summer activities as well.

Last but not least, you can explore the great outdoors in Jackson by taking a dog sledding tour. Guests can take a trip through Wyoming’s winter wonderland on the Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours, which has full-day tours that lead to the Granite Hot Springs. Meanwhile, the Call of the WYld in Teton Village offers private one-hour dog sled tours, meet and greets with the dogs, and large group tours. Learn the basics of dog sledding and let the pups do the rest. Sled tours are a unique way to get outside and take in the natural beauty of the Tetons.

 

Living in Jackson Hole is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with so many activities to try year-round. If you’re interested in browsing for Jackson homes, working with the right Realtor can ensure you find a property that puts you close to all your favorite pastimes. Deirdre Griffith has in-depth expertise in Jackson Hole real estate. If you’re ready to work with a top Realtor in the Jackson area, contact Deirdre Griffith today.