Where are the Bear and Elk?

April 5, 2012 7:08 PM

Hurry! What to do in Jackson Hole for two days?

On short notice I find myself in Jackson Hole, WY tonight through Saturday night. Me, Mrs. Northwest and Number One Daughter and Son Northwest (Teens) are all here. Skiing is out, Yellowstone is closed. Any ideas for hiking, nature viewing or sightseeing?

posted by Northwest to Travel & Transportation around Jackson, WY (9 answers total)

Go drink at Snake River Brewing. Then drive to Denver and bring me some OB-1, dammit. Oh, and call OARS (they have an office there) for other ideas.
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 7:11 PM on April 5, 2012

National Museum of Wildlife Art! Granite Hot Springs! Skate pond in the center of town, if it's isn't melted.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:22 PM on April 5, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'll vouch for Snake River Brewing nd the Granite Hot Springs.

If Snow King has thawed, that's a fairly pleasant hike with a great view.

Several nice hikes on the southern end of Grand Teton park as well; Jenny Lake for a light hike, and depending on snow level, Lake Solitude (I got some weird stares a few years ago when I unexpectedly found myself with a day to kill in Jackson Hole, hiking to Lake Solitude in a business suit)
posted by kaszeta at 7:28 PM on April 5, 2012

Seconding the National Museum of Wildlife art!
posted by Picklegnome at 8:02 PM on April 5, 2012

I'd call the rangers in the Tetons tomorrow morning to see what they recommend. I like the Bunnery for. a restaurant pick.
posted by sugarbomb at 8:04 PM on April 5, 2012

I'm a big fan of the Cascade Canyon trail on the west side of Jenny Lake. Spectacular. I have no idea if it's open this early in the season. As Sugarbomb suggests, check at a ranger station - they'll be able to tell you precisely where to hike for the type of hiking your family wants to do.

But yeah, the Tetons are not to be missed.
posted by OHSnap at 11:16 PM on April 5, 2012

nthing the southern side of the Grand Tetons. Even if you can't hike up there, get as close as you can on the roads. It's really beautiful country.
posted by erst at 11:34 PM on April 5, 2012

Seconding OHSnap, that's an amazing hike around the lake OR ferry ride across in the summer. Ditto on knowing if it's open but ask someone and I'm sure they'll be able to tell you.

Just drive north and enjoy the scenery.

Window shop around downtown, see the antler arch in the park, drink the great beer at the breweries in town. Maybe they do something in the Elk Refuge? I'd ask locals.
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:48 AM on April 6, 2012

If you like riding bikes, Yellowstone has a period before it's opened to motor traffic but after the roads are plowed when you can ride a bike around on the park roads without any cars (except park vehicles). That period began in late March, and extends through mid-April, i.e., you happen to be there during that time. More info here.
posted by richyoung at 8:44 AM on April 6, 2012