This Quiet Wyoming City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

Jackson, Wyoming, in the state’s west, is home to only 10,600 people and is an underrated gem for nature lovers, perfectly capturing Wyoming's beauty. Near the towering peaks of Grand Teton National Park and the secluded Granite Hot Springs, the quiet community of Jackson is full of majestic spots to explore. The town is also home to the National Elk Refuge, where visitors can watch thousands of elk gather in the colder months. In Jackson’s walkable downtown, travelers can browse more than 25 art galleries, shop for Western gear and custom hats around Town Square, and snap a photo beneath the famous elk antler arches. If you are planning a trip to Wyoming this year, this underrated town should be the first one on your list.

Grand Teton National Park

Jackson is just a few miles south of one of the country’s most gorgeous national parks: Grand Teton National Park. This park gained federal protection in 1929 and expanded in 1950 to encompass 310,000 acres. Throughout the park, travelers can appreciate alpine lakes, mountain meadows, green valleys, and the towering mountain peaks of the Grand Teton Mountain Range.

The national park boasts miles of hiking trails, while lakes such as Jenny Lake, Bradley Lake, and Jackson Lake offer opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Jackson Lake, the largest lake in the park, provides stunning views of Mount Moran, a towering granite peak that rises to 12,605 feet. Additionally, the Snake River flows throughout the park, making it a popular destination for fly fishing and white-water rafting.

Visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature can camp at one of the National Park Service campgrounds within the park. These campgrounds require advance reservations and tend to fill up quickly during the summer months. With over three million visitors each year, the park is one of the ten most visited national parks in the United States.

Other Hiking and Walking Trails

Beyond Grand Teton National Park, there are countless hiking trails to explore near Jackson. Travelers looking for a challenge can hike Snow King Mountain, a steep 1.8-mile winding trail that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the valley from the summit. Travelers can also use the Snow King Mountain trail as an access point for multi-use trails like Game Creek Trail, which passes through pine forests, willows, sagebrush, and wildflower meadows. If you prefer a laid-back excursion, consider hiking the Snake River levees. These trails, between Wilson and Jackson, feature relatively flat terrain, which makes it the perfect hike for families and beginner hikers.

For those looking to explore Teton Village, there are numerous hiking trails available. Starting from the base of the village, visitors can embark on a seven-mile hike to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. Alternatively, for those who prefer not to hike, an aerial tram provides direct access to the top, ascending 4,139 feet in just 12 minutes. Once at the summit, hikers can discover an extensive network of trails that connects Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Hot Springs

There are several natural hydrothermal springs in the Jackson Hole area. Astoria Hot Springs, on the banks of the Snake River, is easily accessible from Jackson. The springs feature six reinforced pools along the hillside: four hot pools, a cold plunge pool, and a shallow pool for children. There are over six mineral compounds in the water, making the springs a renowned place for wellness and relaxation. Travelers looking to reflect and unwind can soak in the two hot pools that are reserved as reflective areas. The shallow pools near the top of the path, meanwhile, have a family-friendly atmosphere. Those who wish to visit Astoria Hot Springs should make a reservation in advance and keep in mind that they are closed on Wednesdays.

Granite Hot Springs is a popular natural spring offering a wonderful soaking experience. This hot spring is in the heart of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and is more difficult to reach than Astoria Hot Springs. Travelers may want to visit the springs on a guided tour, such as Teton Tour Co., which offers snowmobile trips, or Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours, providing a unique dog sledding experience. Alternatively, travelers can reach the springs on their own via a 10-mile cross-country ski trip.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

Jackson is in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which spans 20 million acres and is the last remaining temperate ecosystem in the contiguous United States. This ecosystem is the only place in the country where the same big-game animals from the Lewis and Clark era still roam. One of the best opportunities for travelers to see this wildlife up close is on a wildlife tour. The Guides of Jackson Hole offers year-round wildlife tours of Grand Teton National Park. During this tour, travelers will spend eight hours in the national park, where they may be able to spot species like wolves, bison, elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn, and big horn sheep. In the spring and summer, the park is a great spot to see birds as well, including bald eagles, golden eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes, owls, and hawks.

The National Elk Refuge is a fantastic destination for observing local wildlife. Located on the outskirts of Jackson, this refuge covers over 24,700 acres and consists of grasslands, forests, and wetlands. The ideal time to see elk roaming the refuge is between mid-December and early April. By late spring, the elk begin to migrate to higher elevations in both the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Grand Teton National Park.

Jackson: A Gateway to Wyoming’s Wild Beauty

Wyoming is home to many beautiful places, and Jackson is near some of the most amazing ones. With its smaller, more remote population, Jackson is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to connect with nature and escape the crowds. Whether you choose to take the aerial tram up to the top of Rendezvous Mountain or relax in the waters of Astoria Hot Springs, Jackson provides an opportunity to experience nature in its purest form.