#6 Jackson, Wyoming

Population: 9,800

Getting there: If you have time and the weather permits, take the scenic route through one of two majestic mountain passes – Teton Pass or Togwotee Pass – or through Snake River canyon for stunning scenery. If flying, several major airlines fly direct to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) from national hubs like Chicago, Dallas, New York and Los Angeles.

Named after mountain man, trapper and trader David Jackson, Jackson, Wyoming naturally attracts those who dream of mountain majesty. It’s home to world class skiing, but today, Jackson offers a little something for everyone with fantastic dining, art galleries, and spas forming a perfect union with the rugged outdoorsy culture.

Jackson’s location, between picturesque mountain ranges and a few miles west of the Continental Divide near the center of the Snake River headwaters, makes it an outdoor lover’s dream with no shortage of recreation year-round from skiing and fishing to hiking and biking.

Of the nearby mountain resorts, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the best known.  However, Snow King and Grand Targhee mountain regions also offer excellent skiing and accommodations, and in many cases, you’ll find better rates than the more popular resort. The National Elk Refuge, northeast of Jackson, is home to thousands of elk. During the winter, sleigh rides are the best way to ensure a sighting.

Where to stay: Family owned and operated, the The Rusty Parrot Lodge isn’t what you’d expect of a 30-room lodge. It’s a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and feels intimate, personal, and truly acts as a home away from home. Staff members become friends and guides, displaying utmost attention to hospitality and service, no doubt contributing to their AAA Four-Diamond status for 18 years in a row. The name is a bit of a quandary. While there, be sure to ask the owner Ron Harrison to tell you the story, as well as why there’s a parrot behind the front desk.

Side trip: Grand Teton National Park

Jackson is a convenient gateway to the Grand Tetons, just 20 minutes away. It’s not uncommon to check the National Park Service’s website and see alerts like “Bears are active – travel in groups, make noise, and carry bear spray” or “Area is closed for wildlife protection” as in nesting peregrine falcons or elk births and denning. And that’s in the summer! The winter brings a whole other set of alerts and closures.

But even if some obstacles present themselves, the park is home to some of the country’s most stunning terrain with more than 200 miles of trails. In the summer, a float on the Snake River is an epic experience. Like Yellowstone, Grand Teton’s history goes back to the early environmentalism of President Roosevelt, who declared the area a monument in 1943. Land was later donated and added by John D. Rockefeller. If inexperienced in the outdoors, particularly in bear territory, explore with a guide. The NPS has many excellent Ranger-led programs for all levels of physical fitness.

More info: www.jacksonhole.com, www.nps.gov/grte

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