The window doesn’t allow much of a view, at least not from my vantage point. Neck strains awkwardly and I try to catch as much of the sight as I can without invading the personal space of the man sitting next to me. My pre-selected preference for an aisle seat on the airline website always seems to win out and I forget that the short connection, the quick hop, skip and jump onto the valley floor from Salt Lake is worth feeling a little more cramped for a decent view from the window seat.

When the plane banks left to settle into the descent, I only catch the giant’s mid-section. The lower reaches of the Grand Tetons, still unrealistic in its scope, at least to a New Englander. For as many times I’ve had the opportunity to visit Jackson, Wyoming, where the jagged peaks reach against a (nearly always) stark blue big sky, the sight never get’s stale.

Jackson Hole is a small town tucked in among some of the West’s most iconic peaks, the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountain ranges, in Wyoming near the Idaho border. Depending on your scope, it’s a small city or large town which mixes wildness of place with refined grace and culture, a perfect blend of home cooked grits served with a Michelin ranked steak and it is always on my short list for recommendation to friends when they’re looking to travel.

When you’re looking to book your next On-The-Go adventure, consider Jackson Hole. Here’s our guide to 48 Hours of Adventuring Beneath the Tetons.

-Dan

Photography by Ian Coble and Dan Brown

The sun rise viewed from Teton Pass, Wilson, Wyoming
The sun rises over Jackson Hole, Wyoming. p: Dan Brown
Persephone Bakery. p: Ian Coble
Persephone Bakery. p: Ian Coble
Elk Antlers display "Jackson Hole" in the town square.
Elk Antlers display "Jackson Hole" in the town square. p: Ian Coble
Caffeine on tap at Persephone. p: Ian Coble
Fitovers are perfect accessories for long drives
Up & over the pass. p: Ian Coble

Day One: Rise & Shine

  • Rise and Shine to a Crisp, Clear Fall Morning
  • Head to Persephone Bakery in the Town of Jackson to Fuel on Coffee and Local Fare
  • Drive Over Iconic Teton Pass (more on that later)
  • Arrive at the Upper Teton River and Gear Up for a Day on the Water
  • Quick Midday Refuel After Taking the Boat Out
  • Enjoy an Afternoon of Wading Along the Upper Teton
  • Load up the Rig and Head Back to Jackson
  • Visit the Knowledgeable Team at JD High Country Outfitters to Stock Up on the Latest Gear
  • Stroll Historic Downtown Jackson, WY
  • Meet the Team at Sweet Cheeks Meats and Select a Pristine Cut of Local Beef for the Evening Grill – “Ranch to Table”
  • Plan the Next Day’s Adventures in the Mountains
Jonathan Paul Fitovers are a perfect on-the-water accessory. p: Ian Coble
Jonathan Paul Fitovers are a perfect on-the-water accessory. p: Ian Coble
Aviator style fit over polarized sunglasses
Jonathan Paul® now offers its popular Aviator style of Fitovers featuring Kryptek patterns. p: Ian Coble
Gear up for a day on the Teton River. p: Dan Brown
Gear up for a day on the Teton River. p: Dan Brown
The Yamba Fitover Polarized Sunglasses featuring the Kryptek Typhon pattern. p: Ian Coble
Launching a drift boat into
Teton River launch. p: Ian Coble
Mike and George fish from a drift boat in the Teton River
Jonathan Paul Polarized Fitovers help cut thru the glare of the water's reflection.
Men fish from a drift boat with the Grand Tetons in the background.
The Teton River offers some of the best fishing in North America. p: Ian Coble
The Oogee Fitover Sunglasses featuring the Kryptek Highlander Pattern. p: Ian Coble
High Country Outfitters. p: Ian Coble
The Neera Polarized Fitover Sunglasses featuring the Kryptek Typhon pattern.
The Neera Polarized Fitover Sunglasses featuring the Kryptek Typhon pattern.

Day Two: Set Your Sights…

  • Roll Out of the Driveway Before the Sun Comes Up – ”Watch Out for Moose Sleeping in the Bushes!” 
  • Sunrise Coffee Atop Teton Pass
  • Drive to the Nearby Trail Head for a Day of Fall Hiking in the Bridger-Teton National Forest Teton Pass Trail Network
  • Climb into the Hills Amidst the Changing Leaves and Wildlife Stocking up for the Winter
  • Head Back down Teton Pass Before the Sun Goes Down – Scoping Lines for Next Fall’s Hunting Trip
  • Make a Quick Pitstop at the Iconic Stagecoach Bar in Wilson, WY for a Round of Local Beers with the Crew
  • Swing through Nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for an Off-Season Deal on Food and Lodging
Catching the sun rise from up in Teton Pass. p: Ian Coble
Catching the sun rise from up in Teton Pass. p: Ian Coble
Nothing like almost walking into a moose while packing your car early in the AM. p: Dan Brown
Hiking in Teton Pass. p: Ian Coble
Planning the route. p: Ian Coble
The Oogee Fitover Sunglasses in Highlander Kryptek Pattern. p: Ian Coble
The Grand Teton in the morning light.
The Grand Teton in the morning light. p: Dan Brown

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