Jackson Hole Wyoming to Bozeman Montana

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole was first inhabited by Native American Indians 200 years ago. Evidence of their vision quest sites, lodgings, tools, and hunting sites can still be found today. After Lewis and Clark exposed the West in the early 1800s, more explorers began to pour into the Jackson Hole area. Mountain men who trapped beavers for fur were some of the first non-indigenous peoples to settle here. Jackson Hole was named after David E. Jackson who was a partner in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. The "Hole" of Jackson refers to the geological appearance of the area. The low-lying valley floor surrounded on all sides by steep mountains create the feeling of being inside a hole.

Life in Jackson was hard, making homesteaders, cattle ranchers, and dude ranchers struggle to survive. The creation of Grand Teton National Park and other government lands such as the National Elk Refuge and Bridger National Forest, brought monumental change to Jackson. The government lands encroached on the cattle grazing, while tourists poured in to enjoy the natural wonders.

Today, an average of 3 million tourists visit Jackson Hole a year. The summers yield spectacular hiking, climbing, horseback riding, and camping in Grand Teton National Park. Kayakers and whitewater rafters can been seen on the Snake and Hoback Rivers. Anglers from all over the country come to fish in the famous Flat Creek, or participate in the annual One Fly competition. Wednesday and Saturday nights are designated rodeo nights at the fair grounds all summer. Come watch real cowboys and cowgirls barrel race or rope cattle.

Skiing is the sport of choice in the winters. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers an aerial tram that goes to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450 feet, gaining a 4,139 ft. vertical rise. The resort has 9 other lifts including an 8 passenger/car gondola lift. The terrain is rugged, drawing expert skiers from all over the world to its powdery and steep slopes.

Not only does Jackson offer the best of the best in outdoor recreation, you can find tasty eats for every craving and budget. Jackson offers famous steak and game at the Cowboy Steak House in the Cowboy Bar, as well as at the Gun Barrel Restaurant. Fine diners enjoy the Snake River Grill, the Blue Lion, and Off Broadway. Always hoping with just as many locals as tourists is the Rendezvous Bistro. Jackson also provides international cuisine with Italian, Thai, Mexican, El Salvadorian, and Chinese restaurants. Some popular local watering holes include the Cowboy Bar, Silver Dollar Bar and Grill, the Snake River Brewery, and the Virginian Saloon.

If you are traveling with kids, Snow King Resort offers an Alpine Slide, and just down the road is Amazin' Jackson Hole with walk-through mazes.

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