Wilderness And Wellness: Why Fall Is The Best Season In Jackson Hole

19.09.2023 - 10:45 / forbes.com / Jackson Hole

Certainly there’s never a bad time to visit Jackson Hole, the high-altitude Wyoming mountain town (pop. 10,698) surrounded by spectacular jagged mountains and adhereing to those “old timey” western ways. Plus: autumn’s crisp air ushers in amber-hues and golden aspens that seemingly pop everywhere you look in Grand Teton National Park. And, with thinner crowds and lower hotel rates, you’ll also find bugling elk and a snow dusting on the mountaintops (and just before the winter ski bunnies descend).

These days, as weary and tech-addicted travelers long to connect to the natural world, the notion of “wellness” now extends to “bathing” concepts (translation: reflection and immersion in nature). To wit: a 2019 Journal of Happiness study showed nature connectedness directly benefits one’s health and well-being. Blessed with vast hiking trails, pristine lakes and rivers, starry skies and teeming wildlife, travelers won’t have to travel far for top-notch natural experiences in Jackson Hole. Rounding out the offerings are healthful meals and rejuvenating spa treatments at top resorts.

Rise early and enlist in a gradual hike up Wildflower Trail at base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Just shy of 4 miles, switchbacks for a steady climb (pause for tip top valley views). Or take the scenic tram whose 4,139' ascent in a mere 12 minutes affords 360-degree views of Teton Valley (you can also fuel up at Corbet's Cabin). Meanwhile, a 6-mile hike at Grand Teton National Park’s Inspiration Point offers a meandering, out-and-back trail through peaceful meadows (keep your ears peeled for elk bugling) and passing by Jenny Lake with epic views of Mt. Owen, Teewinot and the fabled Grand Teton peaks. Gentle stroll? Putt Putt Trail follows a handsome old road without that famed Jackson Hole elevation.

Wildlife observation: the grounding and awe-inducing practice of watching animals roam in their native habitat. In fact, a 2021 study, found a strong corrolation of calmness in humans encountering and watching wildlife. Hailed as the “Serregeti of the West,” Jackson Hole offers a first-class animal viewing in the back drop of the changing seasons. A golden-hued tour with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris (whose varying tours include informed and super-friendly naturalists) lets you check out herds of bison, elk, coyotes and bears. You’ll also eat healthy, locally-sourced picnic-style salads and wraps courtsey of Teton Lunch Counter. Of course if you’re jonesing for a day-long trip to Yellowstone National Park — you’re almost guaranteed further visions of bison, bald eagles, moose, grizzlies and black bears. And — if you're lucky — you might even spot a lone, elusive wolf.

The sport of fly-fishing is often compared to meditation in