Jackson

Beyond its role as a gateway to the national parks, Jackson has cultivated a distinct identity that honors its frontier past while embracing modern luxury. The heart of the town is George Washington Memorial Park, commonly known as Town Square, famous for its four arches made entirely of shed elk antlers. Surrounding the square, wooden boardwalks lead to high-end Western wear boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and lively saloons featuring live country music. The town's proximity to the Snake River also makes it a premier destination for fly fishing and whitewater rafting, ensuring that adventure is never more than a few minutes away.

Reasons to Visit

• Unmatched National Park Access: Jackson is the ultimate basecamp for exploring the jagged peaks of Grand Teton and the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone.
• World-Class Winter Sports: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is globally renowned for its challenging terrain, deep powder, and iconic aerial tram.
• Incredible Wildlife Viewing: The region is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, offering chances to see bears, wolves, moose, and bald eagles in their natural habitats.
• Luxury and Wellness: The town boasts numerous five-star resorts, boutique spas, and exclusive retreats perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Things to Avoid

• Approaching Wildlife: Never approach wild animals for a photograph. Bison and moose are incredibly fast and can be highly aggressive.
• Underestimating the Weather: Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. Avoid heading out on long hikes without extra layers and rain gear, even on sunny mornings.
• Relying Solely on Ride-Shares: Uber and Lyft exist in Jackson but drivers can be scarce, especially early in the morning or late at night. Plan transportation in advance.
• Skipping Bear Spray: If you are hiking in the summer, do not venture onto trails without bear spray readily accessible on your hip or chest.

Local Transportation Tips

Getting around the immediate area is made easy by the START (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) bus system, which provides affordable and reliable service within the town of Jackson and out to Teton Village. For those staying exclusively in town or at the ski resort, this is often sufficient. However, to truly experience the surrounding wilderness, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, renting a car is highly recommended. During the winter, having a vehicle with four-wheel drive and snow tires is essential for safe travel on icy mountain roads.

Travel Etiquette

• Leave No Trace: Always pack out your trash, stay on designated trails, and respect the fragile alpine environment.
• Wildlife Etiquette: If an animal reacts to your presence, you are too close. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for viewing.
• Tipping: Standard American tipping customs apply; leave 15-20% for waitstaff, bartenders, and outdoor guides.
• Trail Right-of-Way: Hikers going uphill have the right of way. Mountain bikers should yield to hikers, and everyone must yield to horses.

Recommended Age Group

Jackson offers a wide variety of experiences, but its rugged terrain and high altitude mean it caters differently to various age groups.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. The high altitude, intense sun, and extreme winter cold require careful management, though scenic drives are easily accessible.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the wildlife safaris, easy nature walks around Jenny Lake, and the cowboy culture in town.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Adventure sports like whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and skiing make this an exhilarating destination for teenagers.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults can fully take advantage of the challenging backcountry hikes, luxury dining, spas, and vibrant local nightlife.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Scenic drives through the national parks, accessible boardwalks, and comfortable luxury lodges provide a fantastic, low-impact experience.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The central Town Square and major shopping districts in Jackson feature paved sidewalks and curb cuts, making them highly accessible.
• Grand Teton National Park offers several accessible trails, viewpoints, and visitor centers, including the paved path at Jenny Lake.
• The START bus system is equipped with ramps and is wheelchair accessible.
• However, many of the more rugged backcountry trails, historic wooden boardwalks, and older rustic buildings may present significant mobility challenges.

Did You Know?

The famous elk antler arches that anchor the four corners of Jackson's Town Square are not made from hunted animals. Every spring, the local Boy Scout troop collects naturally shed antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge and auctions them off, using a portion of the proceeds to rebuild and maintain the iconic arches.

Cool Statistics

• Jackson Hole Mountain Resort features a continuous vertical drop of 4,139 feet, one of the longest in North America.
• The National Elk Refuge, located just outside of town, provides a winter habitat for up to 7,000 elk.
• Teton County, where Jackson is located, is consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest counties in the United States based on per capita income.
• Grand Teton, the highest peak in the nearby range, stands at an impressive 13,775 feet above sea level.