The iconic Teton Range, with its jagged peaks clawing at the Wyoming sky, is more than a photograph; it’s the centerpiece of a region bursting with unparalleled adventure. The area encompassing the wild heart of Grand Teton National Park, the authentic western town of Jackson, and the sprawling Jackson Hole valley is a destination that defines the American West.
To help you prioritize your journey, we’ve curated the ultimate list of the top 10 unmissable activities, ranked for their iconic status, unique appeal, and sheer awe-inspiring power.
10. Saddle Up at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Location: Jackson Town Square
No visit to Jackson is complete without stepping into this legendary institution. As you push through the swinging doors, you’re transported into a classic Western saloon, complete with bar stools that are actual saddles.
Sip on a local whiskey under the gaze of mounted game, shoot a game of pool, and listen to live country music on most nights. It’s less a bar and more a living museum of Jackson Hole’s spirited culture. It’s the perfect, gritty counterpoint to the region’s natural elegance and a must-do for your first evening in town.
9. Marvel at the National Museum of Wildlife Art
Location: Just north of Jackson
Perched on a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, this stunning building, built to resemble a Scottish castle ruin, is a world-class cultural attraction. Its extensive collection chronicles the rich tradition of wildlife art, featuring masters like Carl Rungius, Albert Bierstadt, and Andy Warhol.
The museum offers a profound and air-conditioned way to connect with the spirit of the animals you’ll see in the wild, deepening your appreciation for the region’s natural heritage.
8. Conquer the Whitewater of the Snake River
Location: Various put-ins south of Jackson
For a pure adrenaline rush, nothing in the valley beats a whitewater rafting trip down the Snake River Canyon. You’ll navigate thrilling Class III rapids with names like “Lunch Counter” and “Big Kahuna,” getting soaked and screaming with laughter along the way. It’s a family-friendly (for older kids and adults) adventure that provides a completely different perspective on the landscape and a fantastic story to tell.
7. Find Solitude on String or Leigh Lake
Location: Grand Teton National Park
While Jenny Lake gets the crowds, its northern neighbors offer a more tranquil, but equally stunning, paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing experience. String Lake is incredibly shallow and clear, perfect for a nervous first-timer or a family splash-about, with the massive peaks towering directly overhead.
A short portage connects you to the much larger Leigh Lake, where you can find your own private beach and enjoy breathtaking solitude. Renting a watercraft for these lakes is a quintessential Teton summer experience.
6. Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
Location: Teton Village
Affectionately known as the “Big Red Tram,” this engineering marvel whisks you from the base of Teton Village to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain (10,450 feet) in just 12 minutes.
The 360-degree view from the top is simply staggering, encompassing the entire Teton Range, the Snake River Valley, and even the distant peaks of Yellowstone. At the top, enjoy a famous waffle from the shack, watch expert skiers tackle Corbet’s Couloir (in winter), or embark on a breathtaking high-alpine hike down.
5. Witness the Power of the National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride
Location: Just north of Jackson
Available only in the winter, this is one of the most unique and magical experiences in North America. Board a horse-drawn sleigh and glide silently through the snow-covered National Elk Refuge, getting astoundingly close to thousands of wintering elk.
The sound of hooves in the snow, the steam rising from the animals’ breath, and the majestic backdrop of the snow-dusted Tetons create a serene, almost prehistoric scene. It’s a powerful reminder of the wild world that thrives here.
4. Hike the Trail to Inspiration Point & Cascade Canyon
Location: Grand Teton National Park (Jenny Lake)
This is the quintessential Teton hike. Begin by taking the scenic shuttle boat across the crystal-clear waters of Jenny Lake, avoiding the flat, crowded lakeshore trail. From the west boat dock, a short but steep climb leads you past the roaring Hidden Falls and up to Inspiration Point, which offers a commanding view of the lake and valley below.
For the true adventure, continue onward into Cascade Canyon, a U-shaped glacial valley where the massive peaks surround you, and your chances of spotting moose are high.
3. Chase the Perfect Shot at Schwabacher’s Landing
Location: Grand Teton National Park
While the Snake River Overlook is famous for a reason, Schwabacher’s Landing offers an even more intimate and photogenic experience. A short, rough road leads to a spot on the Snake River where the water slows to a crawl, creating a perfect mirror reflection of the Grand Teton.
Arrive at dawn on a calm morning, and you’ll be rewarded with a scene of such profound stillness and beauty it feels like a dream. It’s a place for photographers and nature lovers to simply sit and absorb the sublime peace of the mountains.
2. Explore the Iconic Teton Park Road by Car & Bike
Location: Grand Teton National Park
This 42-mile scenic drive is the spine of the park and deserves a full day of your attention. Don’t just use it for transit; use it for discovery. Rent an e-bike for a truly immersive experience on the dedicated multi-use pathway, or take your time in the car, stopping at every turnout.
From the historic Mormon Row barns at sunrise to the Oxbow Bend turnoff for wildlife and reflections, each stop offers a new and iconic composition of the mountains. This flexible activity is the best way to get a comprehensive feel for the park’s vast beauty at your own pace.
1. Take a Scenic Float Trip on the Snake River
Location: Within Grand Teton National Park
Our number one activity is the perfect blend of relaxation, education, and world-class scenery. A guided scenic float trip down the placid, upper stretches of the Snake River within the national park is an absolute must-do. As you drift peacefully downstream, your guide will navigate and share fascinating insights into the park’s geology, ecology, and history.
This is, without a doubt, the best wildlife viewing opportunity from the water, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, beavers, river otters, moose, and bears along the banks. It’s a serene, unforgettable journey through the very soul of Jackson Hole, with the entire Teton Range laid out before you. It is the definitive Teton experience.
Beyond the Top 10: Honorable Mentions
- Ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: For expert skiers, this is a pilgrimage site, renowned for its steep chutes and deep powder. So don’t miss the opportunity to ski in Jackson Hole.
- Visit the Chapel of the Transfiguration: This small, rustic chapel in Moose frames the Grand Teton perfectly through its altar window.
- Go Snowshoeing in Grand Teton: Experience the park’s winter silence and spot animal tracks in the fresh snow.
- Attend the Jackson Hole Rodeo: A summer staple that offers a fun, authentic night of cowboy culture for the whole family.
No matter which activities you choose, from the adrenaline-pumping to the peacefully sublime, a trip to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park is an investment in memories that will last a lifetime.
