Why a Tour of Jackson Hole is Just as “Grand” as Yellowstone

When people dream about visiting the American West, Yellowstone National Park usually takes center stage, and for good reason. Geysers, bison, and a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world draw visitors year after year.

But just south of Yellowstone lies another national treasure that’s every bit as awe-inspiring: Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park.

At Yellowstone Day Tours, we believe both places deserve equal time in the spotlight. Here’s why you should consider taking a guided tour through the majesty of the Tetons.

Morning view of the Teton Mountains.

A Land of History and Change

Before cabins and cowboys, Jackson Hole was home to Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, and Nez Perce, to name a few. For thousands of years, these tribes moved through the valley following seasonal migrations, hunting, fishing, gathering, and honoring the land. That deep spiritual connection to the Tetons is still felt today in the landscape, traditions, and stories that remain.

In the early 1800s, the valley caught the attention of fur trappers, including David Edward “Davey” Jackson, a partner in the once-legendary Rocky Mountain Fur Company. He was one of the first non Indigenous people to explore the region extensively. The word “hole” was used by trappers to describe a high mountain valley, so “Jackson’s Hole” became the name we now know as Jackson Hole. Just to clarify: Jackson Hole refers to the entire valley, while Jackson is the name of the town within it.

It wasn’t until 1884 that the first permanent settlers began to homestead in the valley, establishing roots along what is now the southern end of the National Elk Refuge. Over the next few decades, the population grew steadily. By 1920, Jackson had about 1,381 residents, a number driven by the opportunities offered through the federal Homestead Act, which granted settlers 160-acre plots of land, often used for cattle ranching and agriculture.

This rugged legacy still runs through the heart of Jackson Hole, but it’s only the beginning of the story.

Horses on ranch land near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

How Jackson Hole was Protected

As Jackson Hole’s population grew and development pressures mounted in the early 1900s, concern over preserving the natural beauty of the valley began to rise. In 1929, Grand Teton National Park was established to protect the iconic Teton Range, but it didn’t include the valley floor; Jackson Hole itself remained unprotected.

That’s when John D. Rockefeller Jr. stepped in. After visiting the area and falling in love with its landscape, he became deeply concerned about unchecked development. To help preserve the land, Rockefeller quietly began purchasing large parcels through a front company called the Snake River Land Company. Over time, he acquired around 35,000 acres across the valley.

In 1950, Rockefeller donated all of that land to the federal government. That gift, combined with the original park boundaries, helped shape the expanded Grand Teton National Park we know and love today. Without his vision and commitment to conservation, much of Jackson Hole could have been lost to private development.

It’s a story you can still feel in the landscape today, especially with an experienced guide who knows how to bring it all to life.

The entrance into Grand Teton National Park.

A Living, Breathing Piece of the Yellowstone Ecosystem

More than just a pretty valley, Jackson Hole plays a vital role in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest nearly intact temperate ecosystems in the world. Wildlife migrate through the valley just as they do within the borders of Yellowstone National Park.

That means you’ll find the same incredible animals and geological wonders that make Yellowstone so iconic, just in a different setting.

Think jagged, towering peaks instead of geysers. Alpine lakes instead of hot springs. And yes, plenty of wildlife.

What to Expect on a Grand Teton Tour

Jackson Hole is a haven for wildlife of all kinds. You might’ve heard of Grizzly 399, the beloved mother bear who raised 18 cubs over her 28 years in the valley. Tragically, she was recently killed in an automobile accident, but her legacy lives on. Our expert guides were some of the best in the industry at consistently spotting her, and there’s still a good chance of seeing a few of her offspring roaming the same areas she once frequented.

On our tours, you’ll have some of the best chances to spot wildlife, including moose, wolves, grizzly and black bears, elk, pronghorn, bison, coyotes, and more, all with the safety and insight of a knowledgeable guide.

Spotted: An elk resting on fresh spring grass, nestled in the mountain landscape.

During our full-day Grand Teton tour, we’ll visit historic points of interest, cross Jenny Lake by boat, and enjoy an optional one-mile unguided hike to the stunning Hidden Falls. Along the way, you’ll take in incredible scenery, iconic viewpoints, glacial lakes, crystal-clear streams, and unique alpine foliage, all tied together with the rich history that makes this region so unforgettable.

Should You Tour Jackson Hole or Yellowstone?

Here’s the best part: you don’t have to choose.

With Yellowstone Day Tours, you can experience both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks on our expertly guided 2-day and 3-day trips. It’s the ultimate way to explore the entire Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem without the stress of planning it all yourself.

Geysers and glaciers. Bison and bears. Canyons and craggy peaks.

A seamless, hassle-free, and unforgettable experience, with one company that handles it all.

Beautiful views are reflected in the calm lake under a clear blue sky.

Let Us Show You Why Jackson Hole is So Special

There’s something about Jackson Hole that stays with you. Maybe it’s the way the mountains catch the light, the sound of an elk bugling across a field, or the feeling that you’ve stepped into a place where time slows down and nature takes over.

At Yellowstone Day Tours, we make sure you don’t just visit this place, you feel it, you live it, you remember it.

Book your Grand Teton Tour with us and let our guides lead the way. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back for more, we promise a day that’s unforgettable from start to finish.

Visit yellowstonedaytours.com to lock in your spot.