Jackson Hole (Summer)

On the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park, the valley of Jackson Hole is very beautiful, not to mention very Western and very touristy. The increasingly upscale resort area has two centers of activity - the town of Jackson and Teton Village, at the base of the slopes of the famed Jackson Hole Mountain Resort - and the famed ski resort is increasingly busy in summer, with its legendary tram still providing easy access to the mountaintops and activities ranging from disc golf to paragliding. Jackson proper is centered on Town Square, an always bustling park fronted by arches made of elk antlers and surrounded by chic boutiques, ...

On the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park, the valley of Jackson Hole is very beautiful, not to mention very Western and very touristy. The increasingly upscale resort area has two centers of activity - the town of Jackson and Teton Village, at the base of the slopes of the famed Jackson Hole Mountain Resort - and the famed ski resort is increasingly busy in summer, with its legendary tram still providing easy access to the mountaintops and activities ranging from disc golf to paragliding. Jackson proper is centered on Town Square, an always bustling park fronted by arches made of elk antlers and surrounded by chic boutiques, nature-oriented art galleries, outdoor gear shops, and tony restaurants. A half-block away is the world-famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, with barstools topped by actual saddles, unusual knobby pine woodwork, and a legendary dance floor. A popular destination for paddlers and anglers, the Snake River runs through the heart of Jackson Hole between the town and the resort, and guided rafting and fly-fishing outfitters abound - many of them have storefronts in downtown Jackson. There is a terrific selection of trails and routes for hikers and both mountain and road bikers. The area is also known for having some of the most expensive real estate in the West, and more than its fair share of celebrity residents.

About the Expert

Eric Peterson has written and contributed to numerous Frommer’s guidebooks covering the American West, including Montana & Wyoming, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Texas.