Jackson: A Surreal Destination

By: jeffery wright

Jackson is the gem of Wyoming — and of all the West. The cowboy town is nestled behind Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. These two beautiful areas along with the Jackson Hole Ski Resort make it a very majestic, scenic place. Jackson is not just a place for shredding the steep mountains on your skis, but it also happens to be a charming summer spot with just as many adventurous opportunities.

The famous Snake River floats through Jackson Hole offering plenty of river recreation such as scenic floats and fly fishing. Other rivers include the Green, New Fork, and Salt Rivers. With so many more waterways than most places out West,  Jackson’s rivers will never get crowded so you can find the best fish and enjoy a peaceful day uninterrupted. Join a guided tour for riverside snacks and drinks at whichever time of the day you prefer.

Horse-drawn, covered wagons are not a rare sight in Jackson Hole. Take a ride with Grand Teton Chuckwagon Cookout for authentic cowboy music and ribeye steak in a secluded aspen grove. There is also a continuous flow of people paragliding among the foothills of the Tetons. Join Hidden Basin Outfitters to hike through smaller, private trails in Teton National Forest, beginning at an elevation 1,000 feet higher than Jackson. And of course, you will see your fair share of wild animals, like moose, elk, buffalo, bears, wolves, and more. Yellowstone Safari Tours will take you on a guided tour so you can get up close without putting yourself in danger. Additional popular activities in Jackson include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Don’t forget to save time for exploring the national parks!

Even though Jackson Hole won’t be covered in snow for skiing or snowboarding, the mountain still offers many unique activities. Ride the famous Tram to see the mountain from the best point of view. The Grand Adventure Park features ropes courses and climbing walls, and there is free hiking and disc golf throughout the mountain. Spend a night in a backcountry yurt for a once in a lifetime experience. The yurts have plenty of sleeping and dining space inside, as well as a patio for socializing and roasting marshmallows.

Image: RootsRated

There is so much more to Jackson that cannot be expressed in words. Pack the car and bring the kids for a family vacation they’ll remember forever, or go solo for a little escape into paradise. Not all summer vacations have to be spent at the beach!