America’s national parks are not a force to be reckoned with. Each park brings something different to the table – for thrill seekers, hikers, and sight seers alike. You can experience one at a time, or do a few in one go. I chose to do a three in one – Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park. I will say this was the perfect three combo. Each one was incredibly beautiful, and incredibly unique to the one before. It’s amazing to think that places like this are only a state away from each other, but provide such different experiences! A hint for getting the park fees at a better price – pay for entries to all of the National Parks for 1 year! I know that’s hard to believe, but that price is better than paying for separate entries to the three below parks. Hopefully this will give you the extra push to explore more of America’s National Parks!

Grand Teton/Jackson Hole

Located in the northwest of Wyoming, Grand Teton and Jackson Hole is a place to go if you want a mix of a ranch style vacation, hiking, backcountry camping, trout fishing and nice restaurant selections. Also known for it’s luxurious ski lodges in the winter, the summertime is just as good a time to venture out!

Typical Costs

Food: If you’re staying in an apartment style lodge with your own kitchen, this will help you save on costs for breakfast and lunches as you can easily prepare a packed lunch with snacks to bring out for a day. Restaurants in Jackson Hole are more on the pricier side as it’s a popular destination to stay in when exploring the Grand Tetons. If you’re not dining at a fast food joint (which will be much cheaper), you can easily spend anywhere between $15-$30 per person at mid-range sit-down restaurants. Some restaurants will go up from there as there are a few fine dining selections in town.

Accommodation: Hotels are not cheap in Jackson Hole. Most start at around $100 per night and go up from there. If you’re trying to go on a budget, it would be best to share an apartment style hotel room with a few people.

What to Do in Grand Teton/Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole Cowboy Adventure:

• What to Wear: Something comfortable since you will be spending the whole day on a horse! Also make sure to pack plenty of sunblock and chapstick.
• This experience is great for all ages. Run by a father and his son, you get to see what it’s really like to live and work out on a ranch for a day. They carefully select a horse for each person depending on your riding experience and show you how to tack them up and get them going. Once your comfortable riding around in the ring, you head out into the big open country side to round up the cattle. The huge open fields you ride through are absolutely stunning and run along the Grand Teton mountains. Talk about scenic views! These guys showed us how to use the horses to bring the cattle together and then walk with them into the ring. Your not sitting on the side lines watching, you’re in it! Get your cowboy hats ready and your boots strapped tight!

Jackson Hole Shoot Out:

• This free event is located in the town square of Jackson Hole and is performed daily at 6pm! Actors come together and put on a little show of what the town was originally like in the “old west”. Shoot outs, robbers, the sheriff – all bringing you a little piece of history! If you’re looking for killing some time before dinner, check this out!

Local Rodeo Show:

• Runs from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend
• Time: 8PM
• Cost: Adult $20.00, Youth 3-15 $15.00, Senior 55+ $15.00
• This rodeo show runs three generations deep, and holds a lot of history for Jackson Hole as a town. It’s a great way to spend an evening with family and friends. Watch cowboys and cowgirls ride bucking broncos, bucking horses, barrel races, and team cattle roping! You may even be selected from the crowd to take part in some of their fun events 😉

Whitewater Rafting with Lewis & Clark:

• What to Wear: Bathing suits – they will provide wet suits for rent unless you’d like to bring your own. Also make sure to pack water shoes – you will be getting wet!
• Probably one of my favorite things I did. Depending on the season, the ride can last anywhere from 55 minutes in the spring time to 1 hour 45 minutes in August. This is all pending on the river speed and water levels. Great for first timers, the guides at Lewis & Clark are trained to work with all levels and make it fun at the same time! The ride along the river has it’s quiet relaxing moments that give you the opportunity to spot some wildlife like hawks and bald eagles!

Hot Air Balloon Ride:

• This experience is something you must do in your life – and what better place to do it than overlooking the Grand Teton mountains at sunrise? Pick up from your hotel is between 6-6:30AM. They then take you to the field where you’ll witness the hot air balloon get put together from start to finish. The ride itself last for an hour and is absolutely breathtaking!

Hiking Options in Grand Teton:

• There are multiple options when it comes to hiking in Grand Teton, mainly based on difficulty levels. The day hike options from Teton Village provide amazing views from the Southern Tetons. Enjoy your time at the top for photos and hiking – the tram comes every 15 minutes during operating hours.
• You can hike from the summit to the bottom at Teton village – give yourself time for this as it will take you a few hours depending on how fast you can walk, etc.
• Another option is hiking halfway down to the gondola summit where you can treat yourself to a cold beer and some food before hoping on the gondola back down to the bottom.
• Trails from the aerial tram: Rock Springs Loop, Rock Springs Overlook, Green River Overlook, Top of the World, Corbet’s Trail, Cody Bowl.
• Trails from the Gondola: Wildflower Trail, Cirque Trail, Casper Ridge Loop, Saratoga Loop, Seven Bridges Trail, Lower Faces Loop, Yurt Trail.

Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventure:

• This tour is provided at sunrise and at sunset – the two best times for spotting wildlife. The tour guides are absolute pros when it comes to knowing where the best spots are for spotting wildlife! Get ready to see moose, foxes, bears, bison, wolves, coyotes, eagles, hawks, snakes, and more!

Restaurants Suggestions:

• Cowboy Bar
• Thai Plate
• Liberty Burger
• Kazumi
• Cowboy Coffee