fbpx
From the pages of I RVing: Summer 2021
high life at high altitude i heart rving

High Life at High Altitude

Jackson Hole has made a name for itself as an unforgettable year-round getaway. In winter, the town bustles with travelers seeking to slosh down the snowy slopes of the Tetons. But Jackson Hole in summer is a marvel of natural grandeur. The warmer weather offers easy access to Grand Teton National Park, so outdoor enthusiasts can enter the serene, mountainous landscape. Here, wildlife that once ranged across the continent still roams free. Here, white-water rivers race down from mountain snows ready to carry thrill seekers with them.

The park itself is reason enough to make a summer trip to Wyoming worthwhile, but with a top-notch food scene and ever-growing nightlife, Jackson Hole itself has become a destination in its own right: a quirky, charming outpost with lively sights, sounds, and culture that will delight every camper.

Join us as we head West in a travel log that takes you to heart of the Tetons—with campgrounds, craft beer, and R&R that will make your three-day stay like no other.

Day 1

Make Your Base Camp a High Point

STAY

Connect with nature like never before with Teton Valley Resort, the ultimate base camp destination on the quiet side of Jackson Hole. Situated just 25 miles from town, Teton Valley Resort offers luxury cabins, tipis, tent glamping units, and back-ins in every size accommodation one could need.

Once situated at the Teton Valley Resort, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Have laundry to do from the drive? Stop by the guest lounge and laundry facilities before heading out to grab a bite to eat and take in the local scenery.

EAT

Head into Jackson Hole to stretch, stroll, and grab a late lunch. Bin22, a high-end general store, restaurant, and bar, has something for everyone. Inspired by time spent abroad in Tuscany and throughout Europe, owner Gavin Fine opened Bin22 to offer Jackson Hole the same wine ship and grocery experience he found in Italy. Stop in for some small plates, and a glass of wine or craft beer and stop off at the grocer to pick up a bottle of wine and hand-curated food items to take back to the resort. Bin22’s menu items range from cured meats and cheeses to grilled hanger steak, cucumber salad.

EXPLORE

Head out from Bin22 and stroll the quarter mile down West Broadway to Jackson town square for a family photo op with the iconic elk antler arches at the four corners of the area. With the first arch erected in 1953 by the local Rotary Club the antlers have become as much a staple to the Jackson experience as the Tetons themselves.

ENTERTAIN

A trip to Jackson Hole would not be complete without stopping by the historic livery stable turned playhouse. Built in 1915, the Jackson Playhouse. serves as Jackson’s oldest building and offers a taste of old-fashioned fun in the form of Wild West and family friendly shows like “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Advance ticket sales are available for purchase via their website and strongly encouraged during peak vacation seasons.

Day 2

Walk Among the Wildlife

EXPLORE

Head into Teton Village, a 27-mile drive from Teton Valley Resort to catch the first bus out for Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris. This half-day trip includes breakfast and winds along the western boundary of the National Elk Refuge to Grand Teton National Park. Wildlife frequently encountered along the route include bison, elk, deer, moose, pronghorn (aka antelope), fox, coyote, bear, bald eagle, trumpeter swans, and occasionally wolves.

Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris offers several options for their trips, including personalized wildlife photography safaris, a safari/river combo excursion, and multi-day bear and wolf tours.

EAT

After a full safari experience, return to Teton Village and grab lunch at Spur Restaurant. The entire staff at Spur, from executive chef Kevin Humphreys to the waitstaff are dedicated to supporting local and regional food sources as well as organic and sustainable farming. Menus are seasonal, offering the freshest dishes.

ENTERTAIN

Before heading back to the resort, take the eight-mile detour to Stagecoach Bar and Restaurant. It is so worth the extra 10 minutes to grab a drink at this 70-year-old local institution. Open seven days a week, a can’t-miss experience is Sunday “church” from 6:00 to 10:00 pm where the world-famous Stagecoach Band plays a mean country music two-step—in addition to their current repertoire of more than 2,500 shows over the last 44 years. A true down-home establishment, Stagecoach Bar offers eight beers on tap and all the cocktails anyone could ask for after a day in the mountains.

STAY

Head back to Teton Valley to relax with a massage or full-body polish in the resort spa, or take a short trip to the Grand Targhee Resort and the Dreamcatcher chairlift to the 9,862-foot summit of Fred’s Mountain. Once at the top of the lift, enjoy unsurpassed views of the Teton Range and surrounding states of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. There is a leisurely, 45-minute loop trail that passes an overlook and provides limitless photo opportunities. Teton Valley Resort provides transportation—and even a hiking guide!

Day 3

Leave a Comment

Scroll to Top