We often get questions about the history of Jackson Hole, as there is evidence of its history throughout the valley. Courteous of our friends at the Jackson Hole History Museum and Society, here’s an extremely brief history of Jackson Hole.

After glaciers in the valley floor melted, humans began moving into the valley about 11,000 years ago. Several indigenous groups of Native American tribes would pass through the valley, leaving evidence of their presence (including the West Summit of the Grand where the “Enclosure” rests). Both Obsidian and Bighorn Sheep horns were used in weaponry and trading from the area.

Enter Fur Trappers & Non-Native Pioneers

In the early 19th century, fur trappers would come to the valley for the abundant wildlife, including the Lewis and Clark Expedition and John Colter (who is thought to be the first Anglo-American to enter the valley) in 1803. As the fur trade continued, mountain men like David Jackson, Jedediah Smith, Jim Bridger and William Sublette spent time in the valley and left their marks on it. In fact, David Jackson allegedly spent a winter on the shores of Jackson Lake in 1829.

In 1860, a military mapping expedition came through the valley led by Jim Bridger. The goal was to evaluate the local resources for their potential economic value. Miners came to assess the potential wealth of resources as there was small evidence of gold in the region. In 1871-2, the Hayden Expedition traveled through what is now Yellowstone National Park and encouraged its creation in 1872.

Around 1884, early settlers began to take up full-time residence in the area, thanks to the Homestead Acts. By the 1890’s, Wilson, Kelly, and Moran were created.

Around 1908, the first dude ranch was founded in Jackson Hole. This encouraged visitors from the East looking for a truly Western experience to come to Jackson and boasted the tourism of the area. From 1908 to the Great Depression, dude ranches were extremely popular in Jackson Hole. In 1929, Grand Teton National Park was formed.

After the Depression and the increase in private transportation, visitors would come to the valley on road trips. They were attracted to the abundant wildlife, beautiful scenery and wild west nature of the valley, as many are today.

For a complete history of Jackson Hole, it’s best to visit the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. This trove of great information will be sure to fill you with all the knowledge you need to understand the history of this great valley.

We are getting excited, are you? A good part of Jackson Hole is in the Path of Totality of the Total Solar Eclipse on August 21st. That means that there will be complete darkness in the valley anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes and 33 seconds. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

We did want to post some guidelines to keep everyone’s eyes safe during the eclipse. The last thing we would want is for anyone to have an unpleasant visit to the hospital or eye doctor in Jackson. Furthermore, how would you look at all our gorgeous mountains and wildlife if your eyes were hurt?

After doing a little research, NASA suggested that you should use eclipse glasses or an alternate indirect way of looking at the sun up until the time of the total solar eclipse. After all, you do not want to burn your retinas!

The key is knowing when it is safe to remove your glasses. When the sun moves behind the moon, these flashes of light called “Baily’s Beads” will form on the moon. They will look like a diamond on a ring. You can look at the moon ONLY WHEN ALL BAILY BEADS ARE GONE!

If you are up near the Center of Totality which crosses near Gros Ventre Junction, you will have approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds to look at the sun behind the moon. As soon as you see brightening on the other side of the moon, it is time to put your glasses back on. Shortly after this brightening, Baily’s Beads will show up on the other side of the moon.

Keep in mind that your pupils will expand in darkness. If you look at Baily’s Beads with your pupils dilated, this is where your retinas could get hurt. Please be mindful of the time and put those glasses back on before the diamond ring shows up.

After looking at the Total Solar Eclipse in the Path of Totality in Jackson Hole, you will have plenty to absorb. The Sleeping Indian will be to the west of the Eclipse, Jackson Peak will be directly below it, and the Tetons will be right behind you. Perhaps even our wildlife will come out to view the event!

In exactly one month, a total solar eclipse is planning to make its way across Jackson Hole on August 21st, 2017,  starting around 11:34 AM and lasting for about 2 minutes. Unless you have the means to be an eclipse chaser, this is a once in a lifetime experience. Many people will come to Jackson in advance to enjoy the sights, tastes, and sounds, and we have thus put together a list of Jackson Hole Eclipse events surrounding the day.

August 16th

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Screen Door Porch, Mangy Moose Saloon, 7:30 PM, Teton Village

JH Rodeo, Fairgrounds, $20-Adults, 8 PM, Jackson  

JH People’s Market, Base of Snow King, 4 PM, Jackson

August 17th

Music: Supersuckers, Supersuckers, $20, 8 PM, Pink Garter Theatre

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Canyon Kids, Mangy Moose Saloon, 7:30 PM, Teton Village

Music: Disco Night, Stagecoach Bar, Wilson

Music: Salsa NIght, The Rose, Jackson

August 18th

Music: Quenby and the West of Wayland Band, 7 PM, Silver Dollar Bar, Jackson

Music: Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Bull Moose Lodge, 9 pm, Alpine

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Ian McIver, Mangy Moose Saloon, 7:30 PM, Teton Village

Music: Drunken Hearts, Town Square Tavern, Jackson

Music: Twiddle, Jackson Hole Live at Snow King, $5, 5:30 PM, Jackson

JH Rodeo, Fairgrounds, $20-Adults, 8 PM, Jackson

August 19th

Music: Quenby and the West of Wayland Band, 7 PM, Silver Dollar Bar, Wort Hotel

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Close, but no Seger, Town Square Tavern, 9 PM, Jackson

Party: Wyoming Stargazing Pre-Eclipse Party, 7 PM, Location TBD

JH Rodeo, Fairgrounds, $20-Adults, 8 PM, Jackson

August 20th

Music: Sneaky Pete and the Secret Weapons with Shakewell, Concert on the Commons, 5 PM, Teton Village

Music: Pink Martini with Singer China Forbes, Walk Festival Hall, $95, Teton Village

Music: E.T.’s Solar Eclipse in JH, WY, Mangy Moose, 7 PM, Teton Village

Music: Stagecoach Band, Stagecoach Bar, 7 PM, Wilson

August 21st

Total Solar Eclipse, 10:16AM-1:00 PM, JACKSON HOLE!!!!

Party: Roadhouse Eclipse Party, $125, 9-2 PM, Wilson

Party: Four Seasons Eclipse Party, $375, 8-12 PM, top of Gondi, Teton Village

Party: Dornan’s Eclipse Party, $100, 10-1 PM, Moose

Party: Snow King Resort Party, Free, 8-4:30 pm, Jackson

Party: Eclipse Party at Bodega, Free, 9 AM, Teton Village

Party: Anvil Motel Event, $375, All day, Jackson

Party: Calico, TBD, Wilson

Music: Pinky & the Floyd, Concert on the Commons, 2 PM, Teton Village

Music: Isaac Hayden, Mangy Moose Saloon, 7:30 PM, Teton Village

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Pink Martini with Singer China Forbes, Walk Festival Hall, $95, 8 PM, Teton Village

Music: David Gans: Dead Eclipse, Town Square Tavern, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Ride The Tram at JHMR, 9-1, Teton Village, (currently sold out)

Ride the Snow King Chair Lifts, $125, 9 AM, Jackson

Ride the Gondi, $50, 8 AM, Teton Village

August 22nd

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Stackhouse, Mangy Moose Saloon, 7:30 PM, Teton Village

August 23rd

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Screen Door Porch, Mangy Moose Saloon, 7:30 PM, Teton Village

JH Rodeo, Fairgrounds, $20-Adults, 8 PM, Jackson

JH People’s Market, Base of Snow King, 4 PM, Jackson

August 24th

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Dennis Jones Band, Mangy Moose Saloon, $, 8 PM, Teton Village

Music: Disco Night, Stagecoach Bar, Wilson

Music: Salsa NIght, The Rose, Jackson

August 25th

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Dennis Jones Band, Mangy Moose Saloon, $, 8 PM, Teton Village

JH Rodeo, Fairgrounds, $20-Adults, 8 PM, Jackson

August 26th

Music: Jackson Nelson Band, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5, 9 PM, Jackson

Music: Drag Bingo and the Caravan of GLAM, Pink Garter, $20, 7 PM, Jackson

JH Rodeo, Fairgrounds, $20-Adults, 8 PM, Jackson

August 27th

Music: Mojo Green, Concert on the Commons, 5 PM, Teton Village

We will periodically be updating this list as new events are planned. Check back frequently to get up-to-date information on events surrounding the August 21st Eclipse in Jackson Hole, WY.

Jackson Hole is known for its rustic ways, its beautiful views, and its outdoor adventures. Did you know, however, that the tastes of Jackson Hole are also unique? In fact, Wyoming has several ranches that raise elk and buffalo and hunters flock here for deer, pronghorn, elk, moose, buffalo and bear tags! And boy, is it good! Healthy, fresh, and eco-friendly, especially if you are a hunter. We also have our local produce for vegetarian and vegans that we will mention towards the end.

To taste this local splendor, there are some excellent choices for both purchasing the meat yourself and dining at a top class restaurant in town. Our top choices for buying game meat would definitely be Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Company or Local Butcher. Heed any advice they have about cooking buffalo or elk meat as you definitely do not want to overcook the meat. We would recommend cooking the meat to max medium rare as both these types of meat is very lean and would taste like leather if you went much further.

For a great dining experience, there are a plethora of choices in Jackson Hole. An excellent choice would definitely be the Gun Barrel. This restaurant has a wide assortment of game meat and local fish to choose from and the plates are well sized for the price. While this story is about game meat, the tenderloin medallions in a blue cheese sauce are to DIE FOR!!!

You could also try the Cowboy Steakhouse. The food is superb, the beef is local and grain-raised, the Buffalo is cooked to perfection, and the service is fabulous. The overall dining experience is great.

Lastly, we would recommend checking out the Granary. The food is spectacular and the view isn’t too shabby as well! The Granary offers 180-degree views of the Teton range and often while you are a dining, a moose or a couple of elk will take a sip for a pond just outside of the windows, completing the view. It does not get much better than this.

This is the Wild West and we are mainly about our meats, but we do have some locals produce that is worth mentioning. A farmer down in Pinedale produces Wyomatoes, a Wyoming tomato produced in an organic hot house. These are absolutely delicious and can often be found in Caprese salads in restaurants and at Jackson Whole Grocer and Hungry Jacks. We also have an organic farm, Cosmic Apple, and a year-round greenhouse, Vertical Harvest, that produces excellent produce. These vegetarians options can be found in various restaurants throughout the valley.

The tastes of Jackson Hole melt in your mouth and are easy to find. Buffalo burgers, elk tenderloins, and other game meat are plentiful. You just need to be a little daring and try something new. And be sure to ask for it rare!

Jackson Hole locals love our dogs! What’s not to love? Providers of unconditional love, fabulous ski companions, protectors from scary squirrels and birds, and yet another reason to be outside exercising in paradise. We understand that you want to bring your dogs on your travels and we have a couple of hints to help you along the way.

Pet-friendly places to stay

There is a variety of hotels and vacation rentals in the area that allow pets, including Motel 6, The Antler Inn, Cowboy Village, Flat Creek Inn, The 49’er, Snow King Resort, Teton Mountain Lodge, The Inn at Jackson Hole, The Alpenhof, and Four Seasons Resort. Our Silver Sage Cabin is a pet-friendly vacation rental. Some of them have restrictions on the size and type of animal that they allow, and some charge for your animal to stay with you. When booking your hotel room, it’s best to research this information before you commit to any one place. It would also be prudent to ask about deposits as some hotels may ask for one when you show up for your stay.

Camping is yet another option for dog owners. While this may save on some cost, you will need to keep your dog on a leash at all times if you plan to stay in a designated campground. This is especially true if you are staying in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park or in a designated campground in the National Forest. There are places throughout the valley that are established camping spots and would allow some freedom for your dog to roam. However, for the safety of your dog and passing wildlife, it is important that you keep your dog within your site and command at all times. Try driving up into the Gros Ventres to start.

Pet-friendly places to walk

There are a variety of dog-friendly areas throughout the valley. They can be easily identified by the PAWS Mutt-Mitt bags dispensers at the beginning of the trails. These PAWS dispensers provide you with easy ways to clean up after your dogs. Be sure to grab a few on the way. To keep our wildlife safe and healthy, we clean up after our dogs to prevent the E.Coli in their droppings from spoiling the water supplies. Using these Mutt-Mitts help. In general, we will scoop up the droppings in the bag, tie it up, and grab it on the way out. We often grab our neighbors’ bags as well…it’s a group effort so join us!

The best places to walk your dogs include Cache Creek, Emily’s Pond on the Snake River, the South Side of the Westbank River Dike, the South Park River Dike and Game Creek. Cache Creek can be accessed off of Redmond Street in Jackson. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash while in the parking lot. As you get up the trail a little, you will be able to let them off the leash but be weary of wildlife (moose habitat). Both Emily’s Pond and the Westbank River Dike are accessed on HWY 22 as you head towards Teton Village and Wilson and are on either side of the Snake River. Dog owners love these spots so make sure your pal plays nicely with others. Both Game Creek and the South Park River Dike can be accessed on South Hwy 89, just past the Dump.

Other things to know

Dogs are expected to be on a leash on all pathways and are not allowed in any town parks. Our complete town regulations can be found here.

We have a handful of pet supply stores in Jackson Hole if you run out of your friend’s favorites. Pet Place Plus, Teton Tails, and Jackson Hole Feed and Pet Supply are the main pet stores in the area but you will also find pet food and toys at Albertsons, Smiths, and Big R Ranch in addition to other grocery stores.

We don’t want to mention this, but sometimes emergencies happen. Try Spring Creek Animal Hospital,  Jackson Animal Hospital, or Animal Care Clinic for your emergency needs.

If you need any more help for your dog pal, ask anyone in town. You have a pretty good chance they are a dog owner and will give you a great tip on where to take your dog. So is Jackson Hole pet friendly? Absolutely! We love our pets here!

Did you know that Jackson Hole is home to world-class fly fishing? Our dry summers, snow-filled winters, pristine waters, and remoteness make for some of the most spectacular fly-fishing adventures in the world. Add in one of our stunning backdrops, and you have paradise. But who should you call and where should you go? Let us guide you to some world-class fly fishing…

Where to get supplies?

There are several fly-fishing shops throughout the area that can offer assistance with your fly fishing needs. In Jackson, we would suggest trying JD High Country Outfitters, Orvis, Westbank Anglers and Snake River Anglers for fly-fishing gear and flies. These stores also have mini-reports about the status of various rivers in the area and give suggestions on types of flies to use. In Victor, try WorldCast Anglers and Victor Emporium (don’t forget the Huckleberry Milkshake) for your fly-fishing needs. If you head towards Island Park, TRR Outfitters Fly Shop and Henry’s Fork Anglers LLC will be able to provide you with information about the daily hatch.

Where to find guides?

Several of the fly shops mentioned above run guided tours out of their fly shops. In addition to these shops, there are a handful of companies that make guiding their sole purpose in life, including Wandering Angler, Grand Fishing, Fish the Fly and Reel Deal Anglers. For a truly unique experience, you can also try combining a chef with a fly-fishing guide and dine extravagantly while fly-fishing.

Should I use a guide?

While guides can be expensive and the days may be longer, you can spend more time focused on fishing. Guides will row for you, ties flies for you and even set up lunch for you. On the flip side, fly-fishing on your own can be a truly Zen-like experience. Just be sure to bring bear spray and read up on the various fishing regulations for Wyoming and Idaho.

Which company should I use?

The benefit of using a guide in a larger company is that you can change the location of where you fish depending on the conditions. Often times, incidental factors can affect how a river, stream or lake is fishing. Having the flexibility to change directions can be beneficial.

Where should I go?

We mentioned pristine waters. There are several rivers, tributaries, and lakes in the area that offer world-class fly fishing. In regards to lakes, the big ones include Jackson Lake, Slide Lake, Island Park, Henry’s Lake, and the Palisades. We also have several mountain lakes that are known to have huge fish if you are willing to do a little hiking to find them, including Soda Lake, Turquoise Lake, and Lunch Lake.

In Jackson, there is the Snake River above Palisades and the Gros Ventre as well as the tributaries that feed into these rivers. Towards Pinedale, about an hour and a half south of Jackson, there is the Hoback, the Green, and the New Fork Rivers. Over in Teton Valley, there is the Teton River and north of there is the Warm River and Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. There is also the South Fork of the Snake River, the Greys River and the Salt River that feed into and out from the Palisades in Star and Swan Valley.

World-class fly fishing is everywhere around here! And now that you know where to go, where to buy your supplies and who to go with, it’s only a matter of time before you battle that 20-inch cutbow and show it who’s boss! And oh, what an experience…

What do I Need to Know About Jackson Hole’s Total Solar Eclipse?

Are you planning to come to Jackson Hole for the August 21st, 2017 Solar Eclipse? We have compiled some information about everything you might need to know about the solar eclipse in Jackson Hole this summer.

What is it and when did it last happen? A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon and the sun align and the moon’s size completely blocks out the sun. The last time this type of eclipse crossed the continental United States was on June 8, 1918, when it took a similar path to the eclipse this August. The moon will thus create a shadow on the United States. For a glimpse of the moon’s path and the area near Jackson covered by the total solar eclipse, visit Michael Zeiler’s description at GreatAmericanEclipse.com to see the moon racing across our planet.

When will it happen? The total solar eclipse will happen on Monday, August 21st, 2017. It will start in Jackson Hole around 10:17 AM and end around 12:56 AM. Totality will occur around 11:36 AM.

Where can I see it in the sky?  While the sun is mostly overhead on August 21st in Jackson Hole, it does slip slightly into the southern sky. For that reason, we would suggest moving slightly out away from the north-facing mountain slopes. These slopes might block your view of the approaching sun. Otherwise, all you need to do to see the eclipse is to start looking up around 10:17 AM.

If there is an overcast sky
in Jackson on August 21st, will I be able to see the eclipse? While it is common to get afternoon storms caused by a season wind pattern in Jackson after 3:00 PM, it’s unlikely that it will be overcast in the late morning in August. In the off chance that we have a storm come through, you will not be able to see the sun, but you will still have the experience of the eclipse. The moon will completely block out the sun and the entire valley that is called “Jackson Hole” will go completely dark, as if it is nighttime.

Where to watch? You should watch the eclipse where you would like to be after it is over. Everywhere in Jackson Hole is breathtaking. Jackson Hole, however, is small and has three major highways. With a number of people who are planning to come for the eclipse, our roads will be crowded. We would suggest watching the eclipse where you would like to be after it happens and suggest getting up early to get there. Try Colter Bay in Grand Teton National Park for a nice reflective view. Slide Lake in the Gros Ventre Range near Kelly will also offer a nice reflective view with a pretty landscape.

2017 solar eclipse racing over Grand Teton National Monument, Wyoming from Michael Zeiler on Vimeo.

What are the best hikes for viewing the solar eclipse in Jackson Hole? You will want to be in open areas to view the eclipse. Thus, a handful of hikes in Grand Teton Park have some good vantage points that would make for awesome views of both the sky and the surrounding area. Phelps Lake has a jumping rock that you can hike to and offers an open view to the southern sky. Inspiration Point at Jenny Lake is wide open and offers you a view of the Cathedral Group and a wide open view of the sun. Emma Matilda and Two Oceans Lakes are both flat and you will easily be able to see the sky from their northern shores. The Rockefeller Trail off Moose Wilson Road has a big open field that allows for easy viewing of the sky and is a delightful trail for small children. And if you are feeling especially athletic, try for Amphitheater Lake under the Grand Teton. But in order to make it to the lake in time for the eclipse, you will have to get up really early.

Where can I stay? Rentals and hotels have been booked in our area for several months. While you can always check our website for last minute cancellations, you should not rely on this. At this point in time, your options may be camping. While there are several campsites in the park and surrounding area, they are a first come, first serve set up. Please plan ahead.

How can I view it? To view the eclipse, you must never look at the sun directly but rather through special solar filters. Several of our gas stations are selling these specialized glasses and you can also order them online at Amazon.  NASA has provided an excellent description of how to view the eclipse. Be sure to use a specialized solar filter on your camera if you plan to take a shot of the eclipse. You can also view the eclipse by “taking a selfie” with the sun on your phone. Finally, you can make a pinhole projector that will show you the stages of the solar eclipse.

What else do I need to know? As Jackson Hole and the surrounding area are in the prime path, there will be many visitors. Plan ahead by buying groceries in advance as our groceries stores will be crowded. Leave early for scheduled events. For more information about how the eclipse actually works, please visit the NASA website.

Pretty much anywhere you are in Grand Teton National Park, you will be wowed! Views of Grand Teton National Park are breath-taking. But maybe you want to know where the best photos are…read on.

First of all, we would suggest coming in August or September as the leaves are starting to turn, or in early Summer when the snow has melted in the valley floor and the trees are a vibrant green. This creates a great contrast with the snow-filled mountains and stark blue skies.

A Grand Teton Close-Up- Schwabacher’s Landing– Accessed on the outer park road on the left hand side just beyond Antelope Flats and Moose is a half-pavement/half-dirt road down to the Snake River and Schwabacher’s Landing. Follow the foot path to the right of the parking area and you will find a pond area that provides a great reflection of the Grand Teton that sits right in front of you.

For Panoramic Tetons-National Forest Access Road, Left Side of Triangle X– Accessed on the outer park road on the left side of Triangle X is a dirt road that will take you up behind Triangle X. Follow the road up 1 switchback and you will come to a big opening. You will have an unobstructed view of the Tetons and the Snake River Valley. Photo heaven.

For a Mount Moran Portrait- Oxbox Bend, 3 Miles from Moran Junction- Accessed within the park gates on the left side, this photo spot has a turn-off and is hard to miss. Mount Moran reflects beautifully in the Snake River at Oxbox Bend, a still spot in the water where plenty of bird species call home. Try a morning photo shoot and Mount Moran is sure to please.

For a Cathedral Group Close-Up-North Jenny Lake Rd, Left Side Turn Out-The Cathedral Group (Mt Owen, Teewinot and the Grand) pose perfectly together at the North Jenny Lake Rd where you access String Lake. There is a turn-off on the right side about a mile in. If you park, and walk into the trees a little, you would have a gorgeous view of the Cathedral Group with some green to outline them. Spectacular.

A few other noteworthy shots. Mount Moran reflects nicely on Leigh Lake, Inspiration Point is a steep, yet short hike that gives you a neat view of Jenny Lake and the Cathedral Group, the top of the Tram at Teton Village give you a great view of the Valley floor, and Colter Bay provides a nice Northern View of the Tetons, especially when storms are coming in.

Views of Grand Teton National Park really need to be experienced first hand. And even though we provided you with a handful of fabulous shots, we personally guarantee that you will find more!

The clocks have moved forward and it is now springtime in Jackson Hole. Grizzly Bear 399 has already been spotted, this time with two cubs in tow. Elk have begun migrating off the Elk Refuge and the moose have left the open plains of the airport, moving north into Grand Teton National Park to grab the fresh new willows along the Snake River and its inlets. We thought this would be the perfect time to remind our visitors of how to continue to protect our wildlife and natural ecosystem.

Sure, you want to grab the perfect photo shot. Everyone does. But crowding the animals will not guarantee you a perfect photo. It will put you, everyone around you, and the animal in harm’s way. Please be considerate of the animal and everyone else around you.

Grand Teton National Park has some safety precautions on their website that outline exactly what you need to know. In short:

• Keep a distance of 300 feet from bears and wolves and 75 feet from other animals.  If they change their behavior, you know you are too close and need to back up slowly.
• The parks are NOT petting zoos. Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are the same as wild animal safaris in Africa, although a lot closer to home.
  
• Lock your food away at all times, clean up after yourself, and throw away your garbage. A fed bear is an animal they will eventually have to put down because it will come to close to humans for food. Besides, we want to keep this natural paradise pristine for our children.

We have a few other things to keep in mind to keep everyone safe while allowing you to enjoy this wild, natural paradise.

• Wildlife with babies are the most dangerous. If you have ever heard of the saying “She’s a Mama Bear”, you should understand. We suggest giving them even more space and avoid making any large movement or sounds. Under no circumstances, should you get in between the mom and baby.
• As a natural ecosystem, there is an ebb and flow. For all animals to exist in balance, occasionally some have to die. As humans, we have natural inclinations to save a struggling baby animal and want to rescue it. Unfortunately, when we interfere in the natural world, we seal their fate and they have to be put down as the herd will not accept them back. If you struggle with this (as most would), keep driving and remind yourself that this is the “wild, natural world finding its balance.”  
• If you see some wildlife and want to take some photos, pull over onto the shoulder of the road. Stay in your car and use a zoom camera to get those close up shots.
• Have a conversation, use a bell, or otherwise make noise on a hiking trail to alert animals that you are coming. If they haven’t already smelled you, they will appreciate the notification that you are on your way.  
• Lastly, if you find yourself too close to an animal on a hike and they charge you, do not run. Get into the fetal position and protect your head and neck.

To give you a little further incentive to keep your distance from the animals, we wanted to give you an idea of how fast our animals can run. Bear run at 30 mph (48kph), moose run at 35mph (56kph), bison or American Buffalo run at 40mph (64kph), and elk run at 45mph (75kph). Additionally, moose can swim at 6mph (9kph).  By comparison, an average healthy adult human runs somewhere between 10-15 miles per hour. If you stay in the safety of your car, you do not have to worry about how easily any one of these animals will catch up to you.

We may sound overly cautious but our goal is to keep you safe! We do not like hearing about our visitors or our wildlife getting hurt. Viewing wildlife in the distance is the best place to see them for all involved.

But how? And where? Oh yes! So our wildlife likes to avoid humans. In order to see wildlife, you have to be where other humans are not. Thus, you must:

• Search in the early morning (before 8 am) and very late evening (after 7 pm).
• Look near watering holes.
• Drive extra slow (they are stealthy and blend in).
• Be quiet (but only if you are in your car).
• Follow scarcely traveled public dirt roads.
• Hike on the higher elevation trails.
• Drive farther back in the Gros Ventres, Hobacks, or the Wyoming Range.
• Camp overnight away from populated campgrounds.
• Search in areas of their favorite food groups…bears like huckleberries, moose love willows, elk, deer, pronghorn, & bison feed on grasses, coyotes and fox enjoy small mammals, and wolves and mountain lions prey on bigger mammals.

And if you really want to see wildlife, come visit Jackson Hole in April or in October. They are everywhere you look! Just be forewarned, the weather is a little variable this time of year…and don’t forget to prepare for your travels!

Jackson Hole has music playing ALL THE TIME! It’s EVERYWHERE!

It’s starts with an elk bugle…add a little rushing river, a osprey cry, a wind gust, and a willow bush being rustled by a moose and you get… sounds of Jackson Hole. Our nature sounds are 100% unique and can not be bottled up into a CD or audio file! In Jackson Hole, all you have to do is put on your coat and enjoy the wet, cold early Spring weather (AKA Mud Season) to hear it! The melting river, winter winds, and occasional chirps will be music to the ears!

OK, OK. That’s not why you are here. You are looking for tunes of a different genre and we are going to direct you to that music scene as well.

In Jackson Hole, you can find live music most nights of the week. There are a handful of venues that have recurring bands and other venues where bigger name artists come to perform. Here’s a list in no particular order:

• The Town Square Tavern, Town Square, Jackson: Tickets in advance/at door- Check website for schedule. Genre: Funk, Reggae, Rock…Variety.
• The Cowboy Bar, Town Square, Jackson: Cover charge at door-Monday-Saturday. Genre: Mostly Country, Rock
• The Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel, Near Town Square, Jackson: No Cover Charge-Tuesday, Thursday(Recurring Band), Weekends. Genre-Mostly Swing, Country, Rock, Bluegrass.
• The Virginian Saloon, South of Town Square on Broadway, Jackson: Occasional cover charge-Fridays and Saturdays. Genre: Country, Rock.
• The Granary, Spring Creek Ranch, Gros Ventre Butte East:- No cover charge-Jazz on Friday, Piano Bar on Saturdays.
• The Pink Garter: Near Town Square, Jackson: Tickets in advance/ if available at door-Check website for schedule. Genre: Depends on the artist.Variety.
• The Center for the Arts, Cache Street, Jackson: Tickets in advance/if available at box office- Check website for schedule. Genre: Depends on the artist. Variety.
• The Stagecoach Bar, Hwy 22, Wilson: No Cover Charge- Check website for schedule. Famous Stagecoach Band plays Sundays nights from 6-10 for past 40+ years. Disco Night Thursdays (DJ).
• The Mangy Moose Saloon, Teton Village: Tickets in advance/at door- Check website for schedule. Genre: Depends on the artist. Variety.
• The Grand Teton Music Festival, Teton Village: Tickets in advance. Summer July-August. Genre: Classical.
• The Knotty Pine Supper Club, Victor, ID: Tickets in advance/at door-Check website for schedule. Genre: Depends on the artist. Variety.

A couple other venues that occasionally have music include Eleanors, the Roadhouse (DJ), and Dornans (the Hootenanny and Open-Mic Night).

Whether your taste is musical notes, a DJ, or the relaxing sounds of nature, music in Jackson Hole is plentiful and bound to appeal to any mood you find yourself in. Come experience our sounds for yourself!