Best Mountain Towns: Jackson Hole Wyoming

September 10, 2020 By

Ready for a Western vacation in a breathtaking setting? Jackson, Wyoming is one of the best vacation towns for families, in any season. We love to visit in summer, where we can base ourselves in Jackson to explore Grand Teton National Park, the Snake River, and area lakes and hikes. Here’s what you can expect in Jackson Hole, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat. Read on for our Jackson Hole Wyoming guide:

jackson-hole

During a time when many vacations are not possible, outdoor activities in road trip-accessible locations offer the ability to safely social distance. Hotels.com asked me to share my favorite activities and tips for exploring Jackson Hole, so start here as you plan a safe and responsible vacation.

The center of Jackson Hole is pedestrian-friendly, with a central square decorated with elk antlers and more than a few Western wear clothing stores and outdoor stores. You’ll find plenty of cowboy bars and casual eateries in the center of town, too. Along the outskirts, families will find the larger resorts, including the ski resorts of Snow King (just outside town) and Jackson Hole (a few miles away). The entire region is framed by the majesty of the Tetons….Grand Teton National Park is only 20 miles away, up Hwy 26 or Hwy 390.

Where to stay:

There are as many types of lodging in and around Jackson as there are ways to enjoy this town. Families can opt for luxury at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole or the Teton Village area, or find lower-budget motels in town (book early!). One travel hack for this area is to book a stay at the Snake River/Jackson Hole KOA just outside town. By far the nicest KOA we’ve stayed in, their luxury cabins are immaculate, and include full kitchens and bathrooms. Located directly on the Snake River about 15 minutes from Jackson Hole, this KOA also offers its own float trip in season. In addition to luxury cabins, they offer standard cabins for well under the cost of a hotel room, and standard RV and tent camping sites, some of which are directly on the river.

koa deluxe cabins

As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk. If you do decide to travel at this time, here are our recommendations:

  • Wear a face mask.
  • Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands on a regular basis.
  • Check official websites before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures and status of local businesses.
  • Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.

What to do in Jackson Hole:

Plan at least one full day in town. Find parking once, then leave the car during the busy summer months and hoof it from place to place…everything is close by. Browse the fun shops in the heart of town, then head down Snow King Avenue to Snow King Mountain Resort. Try the alpine slide here, or the other summer recreational offerings.

maze 2 web

In warm weather, head next to the Amaz’n Jackson Hole Maze, where kids are given a water gun and sent into a large wooden maze to wage their water wars. This is good old fashioned fun at its best! Be sure to leave time to catch the historic Jackson Hole Rodeo, which performs every Wednesday and Saturday night in summer. Bring sweaters or a blanket…once the sun goes down over the Tetons, the summer air gets chilly!

Just outside of town, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers mountain biking with lift access during the summer months (and world-class skiing in winter). Families can also ride the ariel tram, try the bungee trampoline, or find hiking trails from Teton Village, at the base of the resort.

On a second day, plan a Snake River float trip from one of many operations based in Jackson Hole; we love to go with OARS. With the Tetons as a backdrop, Snake River floats are scenic but not high adrenaline affairs; look for wildlife and expect a packed lunch en route.

oars-jackson-lake

Head into Grand Teton National Park, entering the park at Moose to hike along Phelps Lake (we enjoyed bear sightings here), or continue on to Jenny Lake and String Lake for excellent swimming. Park at String Lake for the best kayaking, SUPing, and wading, but get there early in the summer months…it fills up fast. Farther into the park, rent canoes on Jackson Lake or take a horseback ride at Colter Bay Village.

horseback 2 web

Where to eat:

We’re not foodies. When we travel, we usually want healthy dining options in a casual atmosphere. In Jackson Hole, we love Pizzeria Caldera, MacPhail’s Burgers, and the Snake River Brewing Company. For great coffee and wifi, the Bunnery is our go-to morning location.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we are partnering with Hotels.com to bring you this post on Jackson Hole.

The Amaz’n Jackson Hole Maze

July 28, 2010 By

All-American fun at the Amaze’n Maze!

45 E Snow King Avenue
Jackson, WY

There’s no shortage of family fun to be had in Jackson, WY, but if you visit in the summer months, it may be easy to overlook the Amaze’n Jackson Hole Maze, located across from the Snow King Ski Resort. A local business with a very homegrown feel, this beloved Jackson institution is one part maze, one part water play, and three parts kid-heaven.

What makes this maze unique are the fun challenges added: kids (and adults) can enter the elaborate wooden maze and explore at their own pace, can try a timed challenge (get out in under 3 minutes and you win a free pass), a series of challenges, or can join group play with each guest armed with a super soaker water gun.

Naturally, my kids chose the latter, which gave them 15 minutes of free reign water play in the maze with about 10 strangers. (Kids who opt to go in without water guns cannot be squirted.) The maze is equipped with water filling stations that even my five-year-old could easily operate and raised platforms which could be used as sentry stations. (One such platform is used as an observation deck only, and is off-limits for water gun fire.)

Bottom line: The Amaze’n Jackson Hole Maze is based on a simple premise of good, old-fashioned fun your kids will love.

Tip: Young kids may want to sit out the water gun fight option if they’re at all fearful of getting lost or completely soaked (both will occur). The good news is that parents can direct younger kids from the observation deck and talk to them if they get lost!

Date last visited: July 4, 2010

Distance off the interstate: Five minutes from Hwy 191/89.

Admission Prices: $7 without a super soaker, $9 with a super soaker (multi-entrance packs available).

Hours of Operation: Seasonal. When we went, hours were 10-6 pm daily. Call for exact hours.

Food Services: Snack foods and cold drinks are sold on premises.

Bathrooms: Public restrooms across the street at the city park.

Website: None.

Phone: (307) 734-0455

Directions: From Highway 26 (89), take S. Cache Street into downtown Jackson until you reach Snow King Drive. Turn left. The maze will be on your left.
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