Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Where Adventure Meets Serenity

Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Teton Range, Jackson Hole, Wyoming feels like a world apart. From the moment you arrive, the crisp mountain air and sweeping landscapes make you forget the bustle of everyday life. It’s a place where adventure calls, but peace is always within reach. It is the most magical place in the winter.

DAY ONE: ARRIVE & SETTLE INTO THE HOTEL

Check into Hotel – The Rockwell Inn

Located just a 5-minute walk from Jackson Square it felt like the perfect fit for our first time visiting. The property offers a complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, hot tub, and HEATED FLOORS in the hotel room bathroom. They offer a free shuttle to and from the airport as well as Snow King Mountain. Pricing was roughly $285/night – pending the dates that you come.

Drinks at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

A trip to Jackson Hole cannot be complete without a trip to the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Live music is every night starting at 8:30. Grab a saddle at the bar or make your way to the back for a closer spot to the music. The atmosphere is incredible and a time was had!

Day Two: Explore the town

National Elk Refuge

The National Elk Refuge is a must when visiting in the winter. Thousands of elk come down from the surrounding mountains (some even come as far as Yellowstone), leaving behind the cold temperatures to make the refuge their home for a few months.

You can grab a ticket for the horse drawn sleigh (or wagon) ride for $42. During your ride you will get an up-close look at the elk! The tour will leave from the National Elk Refuge Visitor Center (across from The Rustic Inn) between 9a.m. – 3p.m. every day. We bought our tickets online the night before with no issues.

Our guide, Cole, was incredible and extremely knowledgeable. Our tour was roughly an hour long. We did not see anything other than elk, however, it is not uncommon to see coyotes, bison, eagles, and bighorn sheep while there!

Make sure to check the weather before you go and dress accordingly! I also suggest bringing a blanket. The seats on the sleigh can get a little chilly.

Lunch at Liberty Burger

After the Elk Refuge we were starving! My husband was itching for a bison burger, and we had heard incredible things about Liberty Burger. The food was delicious and the service was top tier. The margaritas were not bad either!

Walk & Shop in Town

After we ate, we decided to walk off some of the calories and do a little shopping. All of the shops in Jackson Square are within walking distance making it easy to pop in and out of the ones that catch your eye.

Some of our favorite places were:

MADE: Has the best selection of knick-knacks and unique gifts.

Lee’s Tees: Lee’s had some of the best t-shirt and sweatshirt options. I was able to stock up on sweatshirts and shirts for myself and for our kids back home. There is also a separate gift shop inside that has the cutest stickers and handmade gifts.  

Encounter Hat Co.: You can’t go to Jackson without stopping in to Encounter Hat Co. to have a hat made! Hats range from $550-$2200.

Day Three: Snowmobiling at Yellowstone

We booked a day trip with Scenic Safaris, and it is easily the BEST thing you could do while in Jackson in the winter. It was absolutely magical and the pictures do not do it justice.

We chose the full day tour (12-hours) to see Old Faithful. This includes pick-up, drop off, a light breakfast and a full lunch. It is $525 per driver or $855 for a tandem sled (driver + passenger).

We were picked up from our hotel at 7:05 and arrived at the lodge around 8:30. Typically pick up would be earlier than 7:00, however, the weather the day before was bad and this caused the park to open late. Once at the lodge, you will get suited up. They provide snowsuits, boots, and a helmet. I highly recommend wearing many layers and double socks with hand/feet warmers. The snowmobiles have heated handles for both the driver and the passenger, which truly saved my hands.

I plan to make a separate post about our snowmobiling day, so stay tuned for more details!

Dinner at the hotel:

After returning to the hotel, we opted to take a hot shower and order-in for dinner. We decided on Sidewinders Broadway. I got the Cowboy Mac & Cheese, and it was divine. Jesse got the Mushroom Swiss Burger. It was the perfect dinner cozied up in the hotel room after a long day out in the cold.

Day Four: Snow tube, Cowboy Coaster and Gandola Ride at Snow King Mountain

Triple Play Pass at Snow King Mountain

The Triple Play Winter Pass is the way to go if you are not big on skiing or snowboarding. It gets you one round-trip ride on the scenic gondola, an hour of fun on the Cowboy Coaster and two of snowtubing. Aurora Restaurant offers an elevated dining experience at the summit of Snow King Mountain. Who doesn't love dinner with a view! Reservations are strongly encouraged and a reservation includes the ride in the gondola.

Lunch at Jackson Drug

Jackson Drug and Original Soda Fountain have been a part of Jackson’s history since 1919. They have THE BEST cocktail milkshakes. I decided to try the chicken salad sandwich with sweet potato fries, and it was chef’s kiss. To read more about the history of this incredible spot, check out their website https://www.jacksondrug.com/history

Dinner at Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse

The Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse is located downstairs from the iconic bar and is open nightly from 5pm-10pm. I highly encourage a reservation, however, if you are like us and enjoy flying by the seat of your pants, you can always sit at the bar. The Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse serves classic steakhouse favorites, featuring premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an impressive cocktail and wine selection. It’s a true Jackson Hole dining experience you won’t want to miss.

Wrapped up at Encounter Hat Co.

I couldn't leave Jackson without having a custom hat made! Typically, I am not one to wear a hat, however, I was able to find the perfect hat with the perfect fit. The experience from start to finish takes about 45-60 minutes. You are able to choose the style, color, and accessories for your hat. They are open from 11-8 each day and say that their busiest time is usually after 6pm when everyone is done skiing for the day. Hats range from $550-$2200 based on the material of the hat and the accessories you choose.

Jackson Hole isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience. It’s the thrill of skiing down a powdery slope, the serenity of a quiet mountain lake, and the charm of a town that feels like stepping into a Western movie. One trip here, and you’ll find yourself planning the next.