Visit Jackson Hole: A 5-Day Itinerary for Our 5-Day Special
The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and . . . well, you know. We don’t have to tell you what season it is; you’re a grown adult. What we do want to let you know about is our killer spring deal, if you’ll allow us a brief moment of self-promotion. It's this: If your Jackson Hole visit consists of four nights here at the motel, you can get the fifth night free (from now till May 9). Sound good? Great. Wondering what to do all that time while you’re taking advantage of this special spring deal? Read on.
After checking in at Flat Creek Inn and taking a moment to appreciate the cozy rooms and clean beds, it’s time to get your bearings.
Day 1: Arrival and Lots of Elk
Your first stop should be the National Elk Refuge. It’s literally across the street. Winter visits might include a sleigh ride with hundreds of elk. We do a blog about that basically every year.
In the evening, head into Jackson for a walk around Town Square. Get a picture under our iconic elk antler arches. Then grab dinner at the Local, where you can choose between a bison burger, an excellent steak, or plenty of other hearty fare. (Tip: Try the wagyu chef’s burger.)
Day 2: Grand Teton National Park
Just a 15-minute drive north, the Tetons rise up like they’re auditioning for a Patagonia ad. They are, in fact, that majestic. If you’re looking for a solid hike that won’t destroy your calves, try Jenny Lake Loop or the Hidden Falls trail. You’ll get some altitude, a waterfall, and some great Instagram pictures.
Make time for scenic stops like Mormon Row and Oxbow Bend. The so-called Mormon Barn is the most photographed barn in the world, so it’s basically illegal not to pose next to it.
For lunch, grab sandwiches from Creekside Market and enjoy a lakeside picnic. Bring bug spray unless you want the mosquitoes to eat just as well as you are.
Day 3: Yellowstone
Make it a day trip into Yellowstone National Park. When a supervolcano is just over an hour away, you don’t ignore it. (Someday, that volcano will explode and devastate the western United States, but don’t let that stop you from having a fun day trip!)
Old Faithful is as touristy as it gets, but hey, there’s a reason for that. Grand Prismatic Spring looks like someone turned a lava lamp into a lake. West Thumb Geyser Basin is quieter, slightly less eggy-smelling, and still manages to feel like you’re walking through a fantasy novel. (Note: its waters do not have magical healing properties. In fact, it’s the opposite. Do not get close to the water.)
By late afternoon, head back to Flat Creek Inn, put your feet up, and reflect on all the geothermal activity you survived. Maybe grab a microwavable dinner from our convenience store and call it rustic.
Day 4: Cowboy Stuff and Culture
Deep down, everyone wants to try on some cowboy boots and walk with a bowlegged gait. This is the day to get it out of your system. After a hearty breakfast at the Virginian, head to the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum, full of fascinating artifacts and vintage cowboy gear. It’s a great way to relive the Old West without all that pesky cholera.
If the timing lines up (it happens every night except Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day), catch the shootout. Don’t worry, no actual outlaws are harmed in the making of this cherished Jackson Hole tradition.
Round out the evening at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar or check out the rodeo. Chances are, there’s at least one rodeo going on at any point during the summer.
Day 5: Shopping
You’ve done the adventuring. Now reward yourself with local pastries and souvenirs with tacky “Teton” wordplay. Start your morning at Persephone Bakery. Order something flaky and fabulous, find a seat on the porch, and let your mountain mood settle in. Then wander around Jackson’s art galleries and quirky shops. Buy a locally made candle, a flannel shirt you’ll wear twice, or a carved elk figurine that will confuse your cat back home.
End your trip with one last look at the National Elk Refuge. Make a silent pact with the elk that you’ll come back. They'll hold you to it.
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Ryan Kunz is a copywriter and freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics, including media, the outdoors, and whatever else strikes his fancy. He's craving a burger at the Local right now.
