A Health & Wellness Travel Guide for Jackson Hole

With year-round offerings for outdoors enthusiasts and athletes, and dozens of ways to unplug and recharge, Jackson is a perfect place to support a healthy lifestyle.

The outdoors can do wonders for your well being. A recent study found that walking in nature for just 90 minutes can do wonders for your overall happiness and health. When visiting Jackson Hole, you can stay active and soak up the natural beauty of two national parks. It’s the perfect destination to get your outdoors fix.

If you are planning a trip to Jackson, here are our top five tips for staying active, getting outdoors, and promoting overall health and well being:

1. Get Out On the Trails

Summer and fall in Jackson Hole offer unlimited outdoors fun. Runners, walkers, and hikers will love the gorgeous trail system throughout Grand Teton National Park. There are 242 miles of trails to explore and pristine lakes and waterfalls to enjoy. If you are staying in Teton Village, then you may also hike up the trails of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, or take the Aerial Tram to the top and gain access to many trails from there. If you are staying in historic downtown Jackson, there are also networks of trails that you can access directly from town, which will take you into the hills and mountains. Many locals will hike up Snow King Mountain in Jackson during the summer months for a thigh-burning workout and the payoff of an amazing view of the entire valley. There are many options for guided hikes as well, including Yoga and Mindfulness hikes. Hiking with a biologist guide will provide an educational background on all the plants and wildlife you experience.

2. Not Just for Skiers & Snowboarders

Yes, Jackson Hole is known in the winter months as a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing offer wonderful off-mountain alternatives for active visitors. Both cross country and snowshoeing offer a great cardio workout while being easy for different age groups and skill levels to enjoy. Go on a guided tour to explore trails throughout Grand Teton National Park and spot wildlife, learn about local ecology, plus burn a few calories!

3. Challenge Yourself With Unique Adventures

Jackson is the perfect place to try a new challenge and test yourself with unique “only in Jackson Hole” experiences. As a world-class destination for climbing and mountaineering, climbers come from all over the world come to tackle Jackson Hole’s many peaks. Local guides offer climbing and mountaineering expeditions, including trips where you can summit “The Grand,” the tallest peak in the famous Teton Range. Jackson Hole’s Snake River is also well-known for its exciting Class III whitewater rapids. A guided whitewater rafting tour will take you paddling over famous rapids like “Lunch Counter” and “Big Kahuna” - for a truly thrilling experience.

4. Unplug and Relax

As a counterbalance to all the fantastic exercise and activities available outdoors, be sure to spend time relaxing and recharging while you’re here. One of Jackson Hole’s greatest gems is Granite Hot Springs, a naturally occurring hot spring in a remote wilderness area, where visitors can soak in the crystal blue waters. In the winter, visitors can access the springs as part of a snowmobile or dog sledding tour. There are also plenty of exceptional spas throughout Jackson Hole offering bodywork and spa treatments to help you unwind and feel your best.

5. Plan Your Trip Around An Event

Plan your visit to Jackson Hole around one of our top health and wellness events. Here’s the top races and events happening in the area:

• Targhee Hill Climb - Race up the Grand Targhee Mountain Resort’s slopes this June.
• SnowKing Hill Climb - Runners climb the daunting “hill” at SnowKing Mountain Resort in July.
• LOTOJA - A September bike race from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
• Jackson Hole Marathon - In September, runners will enjoy a beautiful course through Jackson Hole.