Historic Jackson Hole Wyoming Vacation
Explore the Last of the Old West and Grand Teton National Park
Jul 24, 2007
Historical Information on Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is characterized by its rich history and culture. The area around Jackson Hole, first explored in 1808 by John Colter of the Lewis and Clark expedition, was very significant to the fur trappers of the 19th century. Mountain men traveled through the area in the 1820s, as various trails led through Jackson Hole. The city itself is named after a trapper named David E. Jackson. After the height of fur trapping in the 1830s, Jackson Hole was almost forgotten. Then, in the 1860-70s, military and civilian surveys rediscovered the area. Settlers, mainly guides and packers for wealthy hunters, began to call Jackson Hole home during the 1890s. During this time, dude ranches were also established, providing income and economy in the Jackson Hole area. The town was incorporated in 1914. Tourism is now the main economic factor in Jackson Hole, which is nicknamed the “Last of the Old West.”
Visitors to Jackson Hole are amazed at the magnificent mountains that surround the city. The Jackson Hole Valley is 80 miles long, surrounded by high snow-capped peaks. The word “hole”, which was defined by mountain men, refers to a high altitude plateau, ringed by mountains. The description fits Jackson Hole perfectly. The Grand Teton Mountains and the Grand Teton National Park lie just outside of Jackson Hole. Located 30 miles from Grand Teton National Park and 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole is situated among mountain peaks and alongside the Snake River.
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking on the Snake River
Visitors to the area enjoy many outdoor activities, such as rafting and kayaking. The Snake River makes its way down the canyon from Grand Teton National Park, through Jackson Hole. The Snake River Park, south of Jackson Hole, boasts exciting whitewater rafting trips down the Snake River. Experienced Snake River Park Whitewater guides take rafting participants down the river during spring and summer months. Coast Guard approved life jackets are provided to all guests. Participants are encouraged to wear shorts, tee shirts, sandals or sneakers and secured sunglasses during warm sunny weather. If the weather is cold and rainy, make sure to bring wool socks, fleece, raingear and towels. If kayaking and oar rafts suit you better, try kayaking at Lake Lewis or Slide Lake. Take a float through the Snake River Canyon by oar raft at sunrise or sunset, or try fly-fishing while floating the river. Many rafting and boating opportunities abound the Jackson Hole area.
Campgrounds with tent sites, KOA, Kamping Kabins and RV sites are open from April through October.
The Jackson Hole Shootout
Enjoy the festival and events that celebrate Jackson Hole's old west history. Boasted as “a lively reenactment of frontier justice”, the shootout takes place weekdays and Saturday evenings at 6:00 pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, at the Town Square. Watch an old west shootout, performed by the Jackson Hole Shootout Gang, involved in a vigorous gunfight. The Old West Days celebration kicks off the beginning of the shootout during Memorial Day weekend. The Old West Days includes a parade, a chuck wagon feast, stage coach rides, mountain men rendezvous, and more.
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