Unearth The Voyage
Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park sit at the heart of Wyoming’s most dramatic scenery, where jagged peaks meet Old West charm. A weekend here can pack in iconic wildlife sightings, alpine views, cowboy culture, and some seriously memorable meals.
Whether you’re chasing sunrise reflections or just want to float down a river with the mountains watching over you, these 13 stops will give you the perfect mix of adventure and easy-going fun.
1. Walk through the Elk Antler Arches on Jackson Town Square
Four towering arches made entirely of naturally-shed elk antlers mark the corners of Jackson’s Town Square, and they’re basically the town’s handshake. Thousands of antlers, stacked and woven into graceful curves, frame the park and give every photo that unmistakable Jackson vibe.
Morning light works wonders here. Fewer tourists, softer shadows, and that golden glow make for cleaner shots without the midday crowd.
Blue hour is another winning move. When the string lights flicker on and the sky turns deep purple, the whole square feels like a movie set.
You’ll want to linger, grab a bench, and soak in the mountain town magic before dinner.
2. Step inside the National Museum of Wildlife Art
Perched on a bluff overlooking the National Elk Refuge, this museum houses one of the country’s finest collections of wildlife-inspired art. Bronze sculptures, oil paintings, and contemporary pieces all celebrate the animal kingdom in ways that feel both grand and intimate.
It’s a perfect rainy-day refuge or a thoughtful break between hikes. The building itself blends into the hillside like a modern fortress, and the views from the windows rival some of the art on the walls.
Seasonal hours shift throughout the year, so double-check their schedule before you plan your visit. But once you’re inside, give yourself at least an hour to wander the galleries and appreciate how artists have captured the wild for centuries.
3. Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram for sky-high Grand Teton views
In just 12 minutes, the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram rockets you 4,139 vertical feet to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. The cabin holds about 100 people, and as you rise, the valley floor shrinks and the Teton Range spreads out in front of you like a postcard come to life.
At the top, the air is thinner and the views are enormous. You can see into Idaho on clear days, and the jagged peaks feel close enough to touch.
Summer operations follow a posted schedule, so check the resort’s website to confirm ride dates before your trip. It’s one of those experiences that makes you feel wonderfully small in the best possible way.
4. Eat Top of the World waffles at Corbet’s Cabin
At 10,450 feet, Corbet’s Cabin serves what might be the highest-altitude waffles in the Lower 48. After the tram ride up, you’ll step into a rustic ski cabin with huge windows, wooden beams, and a menu built around comfort food that tastes even better in thin air.
The waffles are thick, golden, and served with all the toppings you’d hope for. Pair them with hot coffee and a view that stretches across three states, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast story worth retelling.
It’s open during the summer tram season, so this is a warm-weather treat. The vibe is relaxed, the staff is friendly, and the whole experience feels like a travel flex without any pretense.
5. Take a scenic Snake River float (the relaxing kind)
A calm-water float down the Snake River is one of those rare activities that delivers maximum scenery with zero stress. You’ll settle into a sturdy raft, let the current do the work, and watch the Tetons glide by while your guide points out eagles, moose, beavers, and osprey along the banks.
Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips is a trusted local operator with decades of experience. Their scenic floats focus on wildlife and views, not rapids, so it’s perfect for families, photographers, or anyone who just wants to breathe deeply and float.
Bring layers, even in summer. Mornings on the river can be cool, and the sun doesn’t always break through the cottonwoods right away.
6. Do the Jenny Lake boat shuttle + Hidden Falls + Inspiration Point combo
This is the Grand Teton National Park trifecta: boat across Jenny Lake, hike a short wooded trail to Hidden Falls, then climb a series of switchbacks to Inspiration Point. The boat shuttle cuts out two miles of hiking each way, so you save energy for the good stuff.
Hidden Falls is a cool, misty reward after the easy walk through the pines. From there, the climb to Inspiration Point is steeper but short, and the payoff is a sweeping view over the lake and valley below.
Jenny Lake Boating runs the shuttle seasonally, and their website lists exact dates and departure times. Get there early if you want to avoid the midday crowds and catch the best light on the water.
7. Hike Taggart Lake for the easiest how is this view legal payoff
Taggart Lake is the hike you pick when you want stunning alpine scenery without turning your legs into jelly. The trail is just over three miles round trip, mostly flat with a few gentle climbs, and the lake at the end sits in a glacial basin with the Tetons rising straight up behind it.
Wildflowers bloom along the path in early summer, and the water is so clear you can see rocks on the bottom. It’s a popular spot, so the National Park Service notes that the trailhead fills up fast on weekends.
Go early, bring snacks, and plan to sit by the shore for a while. This is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re only an hour from town.
8. Catch a glassy morning reflection at Schwabacher Landing
Schwabacher Landing is where photographers go to capture the Tetons at their most mirror-like. On a calm morning, the peaks reflect perfectly in the slow-moving water of the Snake River, and the whole scene feels almost unreal.
The dirt access road is short but bumpy, and the walk from the parking area to the riverbank is easy and flat. Sunrise is prime time, when the light is soft and the air is still.
This is an official National Park Service location, so you’re not wandering off-trail to find it. Bring a wide-angle lens if you have one, and even if you don’t, your phone will do just fine.
The view does most of the work for you.
9. Pull over at Oxbow Bend for wildlife and Mount Moran magic
Oxbow Bend is one of those pull-off-the-road overlooks that punches way above its weight. The Snake River curves here, creating a slow-moving oxbow with Mount Moran rising in the background.
On calm mornings, the reflection is stunning, and the marshy edges attract herons, pelicans, moose, and sometimes even bears.
You don’t need to hike anywhere. Just park, grab your binoculars, and scan the shoreline.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife, and the light is softer too.
It’s a recognized viewpoint on the park map, so you’ll see other cars and maybe a ranger or two. But even with company, the view never gets old.
10. Stand where Ansel Adams made history at Snake River Overlook
This is the spot where Ansel Adams captured one of his most famous images in 1942. The overlook sits along the main park road, and the view is instantly recognizable: the Snake River winding through the valley with the Tetons stacked up behind it.
Even if you’re not a photography buff, standing here feels like stepping into a piece of American art history. The National Park Service has marked the location and added context about the image and the landscape.
It’s a quick stop, but a meaningful one. Bring your camera, take your own version of the shot, and appreciate how little the view has changed in more than 80 years.
11. Take the gondola or chairlift up Snow King Mountain
Snow King sits right above downtown Jackson, earning it the nickname Town Hill. A gondola or chairlift ride to the summit gives you sweeping views of the valley, the Tetons, and the town spread out below like a toy village.
It’s a quick, easy way to get high up without committing hours to a hike. The ride itself is smooth and scenic, and at the top, you can wander around, take photos, and soak in the 360-degree views.
Snow King’s trip-planning page lists seasonal ride schedules and ticket options, so you can plan ahead. It’s a great option for families, couples, or anyone who wants a big view without big effort.
12. Go full Western at the Jackson Hole Rodeo (seasonal)
If you want your weekend to feel like Wyoming, the Jackson Hole Rodeo is the place to be. Held weekly during the summer season, the rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and all the classic events that make the West feel wild and real.
The action is fast, the announcers are funny, and the crowd is a mix of locals and visitors all cheering together. Kids love it, adults love it, and even if you’ve never been to a rodeo, you’ll get swept up in the energy.
The schedule runs on a clear pattern with posted days, times, and season windows, so you can plan your weekend around it. Grab a seat in the stands, buy some popcorn, and enjoy the show.
13. Pick your legendary Jackson night at these still-open icons
Two names define nightlife in Jackson, and both are still going strong. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar sits right on Town Square, with saddle barstools, live music, and enough Western charm to fill a dozen Instagram stories.
It’s open daily, and the vibe is equal parts honky-tonk and history.
The Mangy Moose is up in Teton Village, a post-mountain hangout with decades of stories, cold drinks, and a crowd that knows how to celebrate a day well spent. It’s been a Jackson institution since the 1960s.
Choose your vibe, or hit both if you’re ambitious. Either way, you’ll end your weekend with a night that feels authentically Wyoming.
