Outdoor

There's incredible hiking in every direction! If you want to experience the full majesty of the Tetons up close the hike to Phelps Lake and Inspiration Point above Jenny Lake are great places to start. For a quick afternoon jaunt with your dog you can't go wrong with Ski Lake off of Teton Pass. If you're in town the hike to the top of Snow King is well worth the effort.

Jackson Hole has great fly fishing  and spin fishing throughout the valley. There's excellent fishing along the Snake, the Gros Ventre, and Hoback rivers, along with smaller streams coming out of the mountains. Favorite fishing spots are usually closely guarded secrets so we highly recommend hiring a fishing guide to take you out for the day. 

If downhill mountain biking is your thing there's three areas of the valley you want to look at: in the town of Jackson close to the base of Snow King or Cache Creek, Teton Village, or the town of Wilson.

The list of stuff to do is a long one! In the summer there's tons of rafting, boating, kayaking and other watersports. There's several great golf courses in the area. And, of course, just meandering through the woods picking huckleberries is a great way to spend an afternoon.

In the fall there are excellent big game and bird hunting opportunities, and in the winter there's cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and more. If you're really brave try paragliding!

As with any wild place, it's really important to approach outdoor activities safely. The #1 rule when heading out for a day of fun is to know where you are going and tell someone your plan. That way if something does go wrong someone will know that you're missing and know where to send rescuers to look. In the summer it's crucial to have bear safety in mind: carry bear spray when out in the woods, and know what to do in case of a bear encounter. Other large wild animals can also be dangerous, and so always be aware of your surroundings and do not approach wildlife for any reason.

Rivers and lakes also have important safety concerns. You should always be wearing a PFD (personal floatation device) while boating or rafting. Be aware that currents in rivers and streams can be extremely strong, and hidden dangers can exist. The water in Jackson Hole is also very cold: it was snow not that long ago! Getting wet on a chilly or windy day can be dangerous.

Weather is also a major factor to consider. Storms can develop rapidly, and a warm blue-sky day can get cold and stormy quickly. Storms are often accompanied by lighting, hail, and wind. In the winter the temperature outside can get as low at -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Blizzards can produce total white out conditions, with enough snow falling to make driving impossible. Stay warm!

Finally, if you choose to travel in the backcountry during the winter, you must have knowledge of avalanche safety, along with proper equipment. Avalanches are a real danger that claim lives here every winter. Take a class, invest in the right gear, and never go out into avalanche terrain alone.