Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole Travel Guide

Northwest Wyoming is mountain country, where high peaks -- some of which remain snowcapped year-round -- tower above deep, glacier-carved valleys. In addition to the tallest, most spectacular peaks in the state, there's a diverse wildlife population that includes wolves, grizzly bears, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and antelope. Here you can hike through mountain meadows, challenge white water, explore Native American culture, and trace the history of westbound 19th-century emigrants.

Jackson Hole, the valley to the east of the Tetons, is a world-class ski destination, with literally thousands of ways to get down the slopes. In the valley the town of Jackson works to maintain its small-town charm while at the same time serving as the area's cultural center. In the Wind River Mountains the Oregon-California-Mormon trail sites near South Pass merit a visit, and you can learn about Native American traditions on the Wind River Reservation.

Wildlife watching in northwest Wyoming ranks among the best in the state: look for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep at Whiskey Mountain near Dubois; buffalo, elk, and even wolves in Jackson Hole; and moose near Pinedale or north of Dubois. One of the best ways to admire the landscape -- mountain flowers, alpine lakes, and wildlife ranging from fat little pikas to grizzly bears -- is to pursue an outdoor activity.