Fly “first class” for the view.
It doesn’t matter which class you fly, really. Book your seat on the right side of the airplane to see the Tetons as you fly in, as you will be awestruck.
Attack with vigor all of our attractions.
The main attractions in Jackson Hole are our natural setting, wildlife and recreation opportunities. They work in concert in many ways as generally when recreating you may see wildlife and are immersed in the natural setting our area affords. But this requires you choose to engage in it. Get with a local guide service to jump start your trip and knowledge of the area. This is available through tour companies in wildlife, river rafting, hiking, biking and photography.
Bone up on Jackson Hole weather.
Locals are closet meteorologists. Weather rules our planning and you need to be informed as it can swing radically at any moment with our dry climate. Read this article and use our local weather source, Mountain Weather, not the generic weather app on your smartphone.
Burn the candle at both ends.
The best times to enjoy wildlife, nature and recreating is generally early in the morning and late in the afternoon. So get up early or stay out late to savor a sunrise/sunset, delight in animals feeding and relish having the hiking trail to yourself.
Be Prepared: Hydration + Warm + Fuel.
Any outing needs to always include water, extra warm layers and additional food. Bring a small pack and always have it with you when you are outdoors. See our summer and winter packing articles.
Don’t be “that guy!"
Locals covet our small town, laid back and respectful ways and generally live by the “Code of the West.” You will not be well received if you are a jerk. There is no social strata—we are all here for the same reason of living in harmony with our environment and with our peers.
When to avoid Jenny Lake:
It seems everyone coming in the summer wants to visit Jenny Lake. Sure it’s beautiful, but no more so than all the other lakes along the Teton mountain range. If you are dead set on visiting it, do so early, between 8 to 10 a.m., or late, between 4 to 7 p.m.; otherwise, it can resemble being at an amusement park with hordes of people. Chose to hike in from String Lake and you’ll be better off, we promise!
Don’t run over or harass our wildlife.
Please be respectful of the fact that we live among our wildlife, as the growing human population of our valley has reduced their habitat. We all love seeing them, but drive very cautiously or you will likely have a moose coming through your windshield, which is a losing proposition for everyone. Keep in mind when on an African safari you stay in a vehicle for protection. For whatever reason, our visitors think they can walk up to bison, moose or bear. Not only does this stress the animal out, but they might decide to eliminate the threat.