How to Spend 1 Day in Jackson Hole

With its alpine scenery, abundant wildlife, and miles of unspoiled rivers and streams, Jackson Hole is a nature lover’s dream. With only one day, it's best to take advantage of guided park tours and wildlife safaris to see as much as possible. Here are some ideas on how to make the most out of your day in Jackson Hole. 

Morning: Exploring Teton National Park

Head to Grand Teton National Park first thing in the morning when wildlife is most active. You have the best chance of spotting elk, moose, bears, eagles, and more before the park gets too crowded. Join a guided tour of the park to see all the highlights, or explore on your own hitting up Jenny Lake and Oxbow Bend for some of the best views in the park. A scenic drive to Antelope Flats for a viewing of the Mormon Row historic homes is a must. In winter, the Teton Park Road is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 

Afternoon: Wildlife Viewing in Jackson Hole

Book a wildlife safari tour for your best chance of seeing wolves, bison, bighorn sheep, and other animals in the park. In winter, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through National Elk Refuge to get up close and personal with hundreds of elk. In warmer weather, spend the afternoon floating down the Snake River or tackling the rapids in Snake River Canyon. Other options include fly-fishing lessons, horseback rides, or an ATV ride through the mountains.  

Night: Cowboy Bars and Local Eats

Jackson Hole has an abundance of restaurants and a thriving farm-to-table food scene. Look for regional specialties such as bison, trout, and elk, but there's also a variety of Mexican restaurants, pizza spots, and pubs. Since you only have one night, consider booking a food tour to explore a variety of Jackson Hole’s best restaurants, or choose a river trip or wildlife tour that includes a traditional western cast-iron dinner. You won’t want to miss a late-night visit to the Cowboy Bar, where saddles serve as the bar stools and cowboys dominate the dance floor.