I’ve wanted to go to Jackson Hole pretty much since the first time I heard of this magical place. Granted, I always envisioned visiting in the height of winter when the city was buried under a blanket of white fluff, but how can you not love a place that’s this pretty in the spring, as well?
After we left Yellowstone, we drove to Jackson for four days. The first three were spent indoors, doing a little anti-rain dance. The final one—the day we were supposed to leave early for Montana—was gorgeous, if not a bit chilly (think: parka weather). We went on a brisk morning float along the Snake River with Solitude Float Trips, then wandered around town a bit before making for the Idaho border.
The downtown was cutesy and full of character, with both tourist draws like stagecoach rides and quirky attributes such as these antler sculptures sprinkled around the city.
I loved everything about Jackson Hole, but particularly how it embraces its Western heritage.
Some towns that try to do so in quite the same manner come off as cheesy; I found the Old West vibe of Jackson endearing and, more than anything, just plain old-fashioned fun.
Jackson Hole, expect a return trip from these travelers—hopefully next ski season, if you’ll have us!
*All photos taken with a Canon T1i and Canon 24-105mm lens and Sigma 10-20mm lens.
**For more Photo Friday fun, visit Delicious Baby.
I’ve been very interested in Jackson Hole as well. Not because I know anything about it, but it’s something about the name. Sounds like it belongs in the wild west of the past. And from your absolutely gorgeous photos, it looks like it, too. Time to go back to the USA for a visit, I think 🙂
My thoughts were on the name as well! A “Hole” is a valley of sorts and some dude named Jackson mined the streams up in there so the name stuck.. Wait, did I just say a-hole?
I don’t know whether that antler arch is creepy or cool.
When I was about 10 years old we flew into Jackson Hole, and did a pack trip (on horseback) over the Teton mountains and it was unforgettable. Until the ranch hands started saying my (old) horse “Blue Eyes” was going to be sold to the glue factory – I think this was their way of getting kids to beg their parents to “save” their horse. But I forgive them 🙂
Cannot wait for my trip – have been checking out all your posts on this area (I think I’m going to be traveling the same path or similar as you). The antler arch is a little odd, but what the heck – they’ve got a ton of them, right? So curious, though – did you see the “big five” while you were there?
I don’t even know what the Wyoming “big five” would be! Elk, grizzly bears, moose, bison and…um…no clue on the fifth?
caribou!!! (Although how that differs from elk, I have no idea – aren’t they all members of the deer family?)
Fantastic Pictures! You really showcase the big skies of the area. FYI: Your link from Delicious Baby seems to be broken.
Thank you, Jessica! Went back and fixed it!
When we were there it was constantly packed with people, making it tough to thoroughly enjoy. The setting is incredible.
Yeah, I think I would have been a little overwhelmed if we were there, say, in July or maybe around Christmas time. Other than being cold, early June was about the perfect time to visit.
I loved Jackson, such a great little town! And I know that antler-decor is huge in the West, but it always creeps me out a bit. To me it’s the same as making towers (or furniture, or accessories) out of bleached animal bones. Creepy. But hey, it’s Western tradition, and when in Rome….er, or something. 😉
xox
I found it kind of fun and so token Western! Since, as someone pointed out, they didn’t kill the animal and strip them of antlers, but rather the elk shed their racks each year!
Gorgeous!
Cool photos, its a pretty amazing place. Love the proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone! I ate at the Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse. The name is an accurate description of the price, but I think you can do better foodwise…
Ha! We didn’t eat anywhere in Jackson–just at gamefish in Teton Village (oh and a sandwich shop for lunch)–but they looked like they had some good food. I have no doubt that it is indeed overpriced, though.
I’m from Wyoming, and Jackson is a beautiful place, if overrun with celebrities and tourists. I just wanted to note that the antler arches on the main square aren’t really creepy if you consider that the elk and deer who contributed to their construction grow and drop their antlers annually. The arches are made from shed antlers, not from hunting (if it were from hunting, someone would have those antlers on their wall, not stuck in some outdoor arch!).
That’s a very good point Shylan. NO ANIMALS were KILLED in the production of the antler arches. A friend’s uncle used to be a migration corridor for elk and had PILES of them in his front yard.
I loved the antler ornamentation! I’m not pro-hunting in the slightest, but I think it’s pretty obvious the city collected discarded antlers rather than killed their owners for sport; otherwise, PETA would have washed Jackson in a nice coat of red paint years ago =)
We didn’t run into any celebrities (darnit) and we must have hit at the right time (first week in June) because tourists, too, were at a minimum–thank God!
Great photos! I’ve been meaning to check out Jackson Hole for awhile- trying to explore more of the US instead of always traveling outside of it.. what’s the closest airport to there? I’ve been toying with a ski trip to check out the western frontier…
There’s actually an airport in Jackson…but it’s ridiculously expensive. My friend came from there to SF last winter, and it was $650 round trip…in coach! I’d say the next “big” airport is Salt Lake City–it’s about a five-hour drive. That area of the country is just so remote–it’s why it took me so long to finally get out there, and when I did it was by car!
That pix of antlers brought a fleeting brief flashback of my visit when I was a kid with my family. I need to go back to Jackson Hole soon. I wouldn’t fly there, though. I would just drive up there since I am in California. I know, no excuse not to go up sooner. 🙂
Looks like a cool place, love the wide angle lens shots!
I went there after Yellowstone too! I actually saw it as gimmicky and touristy, but I just drove through. I didn’t bother to explore it on foot so I didn’t get a good feel for the area. I did like the antler arch.
This place is super cute! I am all about visiting the uber campy Western towns. I think they are fun. One day I’ll make it up there.
The clouds look awesome in all of these photos! And that first one is phenomenal… never thought about visiting Jackson, but now I definitely want to.
I love that first picture, with the flower. The downtown looks a touch kitschy for me, but I like the wide-openness right next to the mountains. So pretty!
Luckily, I love me some kitsch! I’m totally the sucker for whom (some) tourist traps were created 😉
I love love love that picture of the antler sculpture! Captivated by your travel snaps, as always. 🙂
Flattered by your compliments, as always =)
That first photograph really set the tone. I love the view you are giving us of these seldom written about states. What sorts of things are you collecting as souvenirs from the places you visit like this?
Photos =) I don’t collect anything else, as most everything I find anywhere–domestic or international–is junk these days. And I despise knickknacks! But we blow up and frame many of our photos, which I think are the most valuable souvenirs!
I love those clouds and the blue sky! So pretty.
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