7 Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole for First-Time Visitors

There's a certain kind of freedom that lives in Jackson Hole. It's in the sage-scented mornings beneath the Tetons, the rush of Snake River, the golden light that settles across the valley at dusk. For first-time visitors, the experience feels both cinematic and deeply grounding, wild landscapes paired with quiet moments that stay with you long after you leave.

At Faraway Jackson Hole, adventure begins right outside your door. Set at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, just moments from Grand Teton National Park, our reimagined mountain retreat places you in the rhythm of the valley.

Whether you're here for towering peaks, winding rivers, or the kind of stillness only the mountains can offer, consider this your guide to experiencing Jackson Hole for the first time.

1. Explore Grand Teton National Park

No first visit to Jackson Hole is complete without stepping into Grand Teton National Park. More than 300,000 acres of peaks, glacial lakes, evergreen forests, and open sagebrush valleys unfold just beyond Teton Village.

From Faraway Jackson Hole, the park is only minutes away, making spontaneous morning drives and full-day adventures equally effortless. Begin with Jenny Lake, where crystal-clear water reflects the dramatic rise of the Tetons. A shuttle boat carries visitors across the lake toward Inspiration Point, revealing sweeping mountain vistas that feel almost unreal.

For those who prefer exploring by car, Teton Park Road winds through some of the valley's most iconic scenery, with frequent pull-offs for wildlife sightings, photography stops, and panoramic views of the Grand Teton towering above the valley floor.

Before you head out, download the National Park Service app for real-time trail maps, park alerts, and navigation.

2. Discover The Best Hikes in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole was made for wandering. Here, trails weave through wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, pine forests, and ridgelines that seem to stretch forever.

For an Easy Morning Adventure: Taggart Lake Loop

This approachable loop offers a gentle introduction to the Tetons. The trail moves through quiet forest before opening to wide lake views framed by rugged peaks. It's peaceful, scenic, and ideal for first-time hikers.

For Panoramic Valley Views: Signal Mountain Trail

With steady elevation gain and expansive views over Jackson Hole, this trail rewards every step. Expect sweeping overlooks, fresh alpine air, and one of the valley's best summit perspectives.

For a Full Alpine Experience: Amphitheater & Surprise Lakes

This challenging climb leads to glacial lakes tucked beneath towering granite peaks. The terrain grows quieter as you ascend, trading forest for alpine stillness and dramatic mountain scenery.

For Effortless Access to High Alpine Terrain: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Trails

One of the greatest luxuries of staying at Faraway Jackson Hole is how quickly the mountains unfold around you. Just steps away, the Aerial Tram rises more than 4,000 vertical feet to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, where ridgeline trails and panoramic views begin almost immediately.

From the top, you can walk between Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest while taking in views of Cody Peak, distant valleys, and endless western sky.

Mountain weather shifts quickly here, even in summer. Bring layers, water, sunscreen, and bear spray for every hike.

3. Experience Snake River Rafting, Floats & Water Sports

Snake River shapes the rhythm of Jackson Hole. Some travelers come for the adrenaline of whitewater rapids; others drift quietly beneath cottonwoods, watching bald eagles trace the sky overhead.

Scenic Float Trips

A scenic float through Grand Teton National Park is one of the valley's most iconic experiences. Morning floats feel calm and cinematic, while sunset excursions bring warm alpine light and cooler evening air.

Whitewater Rafting

South of Jackson, Snake River Canyon delivers a different kind of energy. Here, canyon walls rise dramatically above Class III and IV rapids, creating one of the region's most exhilarating summer adventures.

Kayaking & Canoeing

For a slower pace, paddle across Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake beneath the Tetons. Calm mornings on the water feel almost impossibly still, with mountain reflections stretching across the surface.

Fly Fishing

Jackson Hole's rivers are legendary among anglers. Guided fly-fishing experiences offer everything from beginner instruction to full-day float trips through pristine backcountry water.

4. Take The Best Scenic Drives in Jackson Hole

Some of Jackson Hole's most memorable moments happen between destinations. Scenic drives through the valley reveal sweeping mountain vistas, wildlife crossings, and historic landmarks that define the spirit of the American West.

Teton Park Road

The park's main corridor winds through meadows and beneath towering peaks, offering endless opportunities to stop, wander, and take in the landscape. Sunrise and sunset are especially striking when the Tetons glow gold against the valley.

Antelope Flats Road & Mormon Row

This quiet stretch of road leads to one of Wyoming's most photographed scenes: the historic barns of Mormon Row framed by the Tetons in the distance. Arrive early for soft morning light and the chance to spot bison grazing nearby.

Signal Mountain Summit Road

A short but rewarding drive climbs to panoramic overlooks above Jackson Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Gros Ventre Road

For a quieter experience, head east along Gros Ventre Road, where open meadows and riverbanks create ideal conditions for spotting elk, mule deer, and pronghorn.

5. Where to See Wildlife in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole sits within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the last truly intact temperate ecosystems in North America. Wildlife sightings here feel less like chance encounters and more like part of the landscape itself.

National Elk Refuge

Just north of downtown Jackson, the National Elk Refuge is home to one of the country's largest elk herds. Winter sleigh rides through the refuge are legendary. While the elk migrate away during the summer months, the landscape remains active year-round with pronghorn, birds, and wide-open valley views.

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve & Phelps Lake

The southern section of Grand Teton National Park is known for moose sightings, black bears, and peaceful lakeshore trails lined with aspens and wildflowers.

Willow Flats & Oxbow Bend

These two areas near Jackson Lake are among the valley's most reliable wildlife-viewing locations. Sunrise often brings moose, waterfowl, and mirror-like reflections across the water.

Guided Wildlife Safaris

For travelers hoping to spot grizzly bears or wolves, a guided safari offers the best opportunity. Local guides track wildlife patterns daily and use high-powered spotting scopes that reveal extraordinary detail from a respectful distance.

The quiet hours around sunrise and dusk are when the valley feels most alive.

6. Visit Jackson Town Square & Western Culture

About twenty minutes from Teton Village, downtown Jackson blends Western heritage with mountain-town creativity.

The Town Square's famous antler arches frame a walkable collection of art galleries, independent shops, outfitters, and lively restaurants. Summer evenings often include free shootouts in the square, while nearby saloons and cocktail bars carry the energy long after sunset.

For a cultural stop, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooking the National Elk Refuge. The collection spans thousands of works inspired by wildlife and the natural world, all set against sweeping valley views.

7. Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram

Even if hiking isn't on your itinerary, the Aerial Tram is worth the journey alone.

Departing just steps from Faraway Jackson Hole, the tram climbs to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450 feet, revealing panoramic views across the Tetons, Jackson Hole Valley, and neighboring Idaho.

At the summit, crisp alpine air and endless mountain ridgelines create the kind of perspective that makes the rest of the world feel very far away.

Plan Your Stay at Faraway Jackson Hole

At Faraway Jackson Hole, the best of the valley unfolds in every direction. Grand Teton National Park is moments away. The Aerial Tram rises just outside your door. Scenic trails, wildlife corridors, river adventures, and alpine experiences all begin here.

And when the day winds down, return to warm interiors, fireside cocktails, and the inviting atmosphere of Surehand Restaurant & Bar.

Whether you arrive for powder days in winter or wildflower trails in summer, Faraway Jackson Hole is your basecamp for discovering the untamed beauty of the Tetons.