Where is Jackson Hole?
Value of wildlife and lands is a must in Jackson Hole, WY. but I notice few people acknowledge this amazing town…Jackson Hole is a valley in the U.S. between the Gros Ventre and Teton mountain ranges in the state of Wyoming, near the border with Idaho. The term “Hole” long time ago was used by mountain men to refer to a large mountain valley area. This valley surrounded by rivers and streams makes it a perfect place for a variety of mammals to live there.
When snow falls, Jackson Hole Listens…
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In addition, given harsh weather conditions (heavy winters and drought over summer) locals normally exercise sustainability practices to be able to maximize the use of resources during the year. For instance, when they hunt livestock, they store and froze as necessary. Local mentions (on an Uber): Every part of an animal has a unique use, 1 bison can feed a family of 4 for a year, that’s all you need there no waste at all”.
If you want to miss the crowds of winter ski season January is a good month. It is really cold there so if you decide to visit, be ready to take your best winter gear. There is plenty of places to dine and shop at Jackson Town Square where you must take a pic around the Antler Arch. For those needed to give a break for red meat intake (like me), there is an amazing sushi place called SUDA I highly recommend it!
Grand Teton National Park
This one is a spectacle, as I drove from the airport to the hotel it is like being inside of a painting, it is a really weird sensation; you feel so small and fragile next to this imposing mountains that rise side by side around the valley. The name of the mountains believe or not makes reference to women’s breast…In the 19 century French speaking trappers that lived in the area named the mountains “les trois tétons” (the three teats) later on shortened to “Tetons”… How do you like that!
Even though the park is only 10 miles to the south of Yellowstone National Park, during the winter months the roads are not accessible and most of Yellowstone is closed as well. There is one unique spot at Grand Teton National Park that describes the scenery in one view: In 1942 the famous photographer and environmentalist Ansel Easton Adams took a picture of the Tetons along the snake river, the picture helped promoting protection of National Parks and that specific spot is today a marker inside the park called “Capturing Nature in a Box” The picture really allow audience to experience the Tetons.
The National Park just seem growing and growing in size, given the efforts of some philanthropists that knows the value of wildlife and nature in general like John D Rockefeller Jr, who fought a battle with the state and the country for 20 years to protect this wildlife paradise. First, it all started with 96,000 acres in 1929. Secondly, John privately purchased and then added to the park 24,000 acres more in 1972. Last, but not least, On 2022 the 93rd anniversary of the establishment of Grand Teton National Park the Conservation fund of Wyoming added 35 acres more as a goal to acquire 6 parcels around the area which they have acquired 3 already. The money comes from offshore energy royalties, families in Wyoming and anyone willing to support land protection to maintain the permanent funding.
National Elk Refuge
This is another beautiful project devoted to value of wildlife and protected land (25,000 acres) where even now different indigenous groups live there, it was created to protect these communities and wildlife from future development since more people started to take residency at Jackson Hole.
The National Elk Refuge is also home of important iconic species like bison, wolves, bald eagles, and bighorn sheep. By car you can take refuge road, during the winter months only a 3.5 mile segment that cross the elk refuge is accessible, since it is peak season for Elk coming to the sanctuary, it is a good practice to not disturb the wild. About 11,000 Elk come to the refuge from different places. you can schedule a sleigh ride here or just like me enjoy the view from the warmth of the car and maybe have handy a good telescope to get views of other species in the wild (hahaha). The value of wildlife at this place has no price!
The Dog Sledding Experience
This one blown my senses. You might think using the dogs for transportation could be seeing today like some kind of abuse. However, the huskies might think quite the opposite! They are so into it and most importantly they are in control. Huskies might get offended if they are not chosen to take a ride with the pack. They know the territory, they take brakes as needed, they have specific roles in the pack and help each other…It is more complex that might look. The musher (driver of a dog sled) knows how to communicate with them and read their needs. They are adorable and before you even start the ride they allow you to engage with them.
Even though, I was concern at the beginning but definitely saw the respect they have for the animals and wildlife in general. They are always reminding people in every place you visit the importance of not disturbing nature… We used Continental Divide Dog Sled Experience. for our dog sled experience.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
This one… how should I call it? Seriously, I couldn’t leave Wyoming on Winter without hitting one of its top ski resorts (even though I am the worst at it ). Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, located at Teton village, the designated place where most of the tourism activity happens…Great lodges and hotels, shopping and restaurants.
I just expend one afternoon there (and almost died…just kidding!). Unfortunately, I can’t give you a full review about the ski resort since I am not that knowledgeable and literally horrible at skiing. However, the resort itself is immaculate, everything is well thought and well put together. In addition, (on a subject I do feel more comfortable) Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Teton village have a great commitment to the environment and sustainability from having an 100% wind powered operations to using their French fry oil to power their mountain trucks.
Moreover, the resort had partnered with different brands that support sustainability to make sure they are also using suppliers committed with the environment some of them include: Yeti, Mammut, Nature Valley and Smartwool among others… Learn more about their sustainability initiatives here
For more information about how to support this pristine lands, use the following organizations to make your donations or volunteer options:
- The Conservation Fund Wyoming
- Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance
- Jackson Hole Land Trust
- The Nature Conservancy Wyoming
I had a wonderful time in Jackson Hole and I learned a lot about the value of wildlife and protection of pristine lands. I think we all should commit to protect a % of land, to be able to supply nature the space they need for survival and with them the assurance of our survival too.
