Recent News From Jackson Hole

Most commonly associated with skiing or summer touring in the national parks, people often forget that Jackson Hole is a year-round destination. Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, avoid the crowds, and take advantage of great deals on lodging and activities.  Chose from any number of outdoor pursuit, such as fly fishing, hiking and whitewater rafting, and attend one of the many special events taking place this spring.  From Elkfest and Old West Days, to American Craft Beer Week and Firefest, you will never run out of things to do in Jackson Hole!

Jackson Hole Central Reservations agent, Bryan Thompson, reflects on spring in the Tetons and offers insider tips to making the most of your vacation.   Give him a call at 888-838-6606 today to book your trip.  He will make planning your Jackson Hole vacation easy and fun!

Spring weather in Jackson Hole has been amazing this year (unlike last year, where it snowed through June).  It has been one of the best early seasons for fishing in many years, with spring runoff minimized by a smaller than normal snowpack and gradually increasing temperatures through March and April.  The tea-colored water in the Snake River is producing large cutthroat trout on a variety of fly patterns. 

 The pleasant weather has allowed for many wildlife sightings throughout the valley.  Local grizzly bear 399 and her cubs have been active in Grand Teton National Park, with visitors getting spectacular photographs helping to retain invaluable memories.  Along with the bears, spotting moose, elk, wolves, coyotes, and bison is not difficult this time of year.  Yesterday, I saw an extremely large adult bald eagle drinking from the Snake River south of town, and I don’t think I’ve ridden my bike in Grand Teton National Park yet this year without seeing moose near Moose Junction.

 For those looking to escape the crowds while touring both of our National Parks, May through mid-June is the time to come to Jackson Hole.  The animals are becoming more and more active, and with so few people around right now, it’s a great time to be here.  Rafting trips are starting, and the wildlife viewing trips are taking visitors to both parks to enjoy viewing animals in their natural environment.  Early season means less expensive lodging as well as many restaurant and shopping specials in Jackson. 

Cathy Shill, local guide, naturalist, hiking expert and owner of the Hole Hiking Experience, shares reflections on the winter season and updates on area wildlife activity, nature news and a suggested spring hiking tour:

Bluebells have begun to bloom!

This past winter we received about 375 inches of snow at 9000 feet so below average. However, water conditions are near normal in this northwest corner of the state. The rest of Wyoming is experiencing a mild drought. We had some good rain last night but the month had been much drier than last year. Trails are beginning to open.

Bert Raynes, a local naturalist, pointed out that an early spring makes plants mature early. Birds migrate and nest based on their internal clock. If their food is already gone by the time to feed chicks it could compromise our bird populations. A noteworthy situation so keeping bird feeders stocked could be a big help.

Spring flowers are emerging in all their glory. Snow buttercups follow the melting snow. Yellow bell lilies and spring beauties are close behind. If you see these two flowers, look for steershead which is a true spring find. They only bloom for a short time, about an inch high and look just like a steers’ head. In the sage flats, I have seen phlox and bluebells. The leaves of bluebells taste like the ocean. Truly.

The famous grizzlies with cubs, 399 and 699, have left their winter dens and can be found near Jackson Lake and Oxbow Bend. They have already delighted many.  A problem grizzly was euthanized in Victor, Idaho. She had knocked over bee hives and killed two piglets. She was very close to homes.   The white female wolf was also euthanized in Jackson. She was seen near homes but never miss behaved. She seemed to be claiming her territory and was too close to town. I would never want an injury to occur but it still hurts my heart. May all species be free.

Our hiking season has begun. The Aspen trees now have leaves and Cottonwoods are close behind. I left the valley on 4/20 and when I returned on 4/25, the green hue of spring dotted the hillsides. New leaves are a vibrant green and contrast nicely with the snow and brown vegetation.

Throughout the winter many trails are closed to protect wintering wildlife so opening day, May 1, creates a valley frenzy. Locals scour the hills in search of antlers. Boy scouts also gather antlers on the elk refuge. The Elk Antler Auction is May 19 on the town square so boy scouts make money for the care and feeding of the elk and the lucky antler hunter can sell his bounty.

Town is still quiet but locals are preparing for the upcoming summer season. Bike tires are filled with air. Kayaks brought from storage. My hiking boots are waterproofed. Here’s to a glorious summer!

What’s in the woods:

• 4/1-4/7- Hilton Head Island- night heron, great blue heron, egrets, turtles, alligators. Sandpipers, dowitchers, gulls, terns
• 4/7- ospreys have returned and on nesting sites!
• 4/9- snow almost melted in southern end of Grand Teton Park
• 4/10- high school butte- mourning cloak butterfly, lots of walkers
• 4/12- rain in valley, snow in mountains
• 4/14- Gros Ventre Road- moose, elk, bison, big horn sheep, ravens, magpies, juncos,
• 4/16- snow in valley
• 4/16- mosquito creek- two moose, sandhill cranes, male and female mountain bluebird
• 4/20-4/25- Ketchum, Idaho- Perkin’s Lake- osprey, pine marten, mountain bluebirds, sandhill cranes, snow melting, leaves budded on Aspens while I was gone
• 4/28-high school butte- blooming phlox and bluebells

Tour Suggestion:

Options change daily. Snow is still an issue anywhere above the valley floor. Cache Creek is open near town but a bit muddy. It is easy to make a nice loop. You can walk up the old pass road to Crater Lake. High School Butte has been dry. The Gros Ventre Range will have dry trails sooner than the Tetons. If you are coming this month, shoot me an email and I will give you an update. Have fun!

Call Jackson Hole Central Reservations at 888-838-6606 to add a hiking tour to your summer itinerary!

Grand Targhee Resort is host to a great summer music scene.  The season kicks off with the 8th Annual Targhee Fest.  This multi-day festival, held on July 13-15, provides great music, camping and fun for the whole family.   Fans can catch Toots and the Maytals, Drive By Truckers, Josh Ritter, JJ Grey & Mofro and many more all-star bands!

Then on August 10-12, the classic Bluegrass Festival takes place.  With a lineup of folk and bluegrass legends, this year’s festival features Steep Canyon Rangers, David Grisman Quintet and Leftover Salmon .

Also on Tagrhee’s summer musical lineup is the Grand Targhee Music Camp on August 7-10.  These 4 days will be filled with personalized instruction, great meals, quality company, comfortable lodging, lots of inspiration and tons of jamming!

Festival passes, tickets and camping permits are on sale now!  And don’t forget, Jackson Hole Central Reservations is always here to help plan your trip.  So give us a call to learn about discounted travel and lodging options at 888-838-6606.

Hang on! Andy lead climbing.

One of the things that sets Jackson Hole Central Reservations apart from other travel booking companies is our staff.  We are a group of local skiers, climbers, national park enthusiasts, skate skiers, road and mountain bikers, fly fishermen, kayakers and rafters.  While we all have different interests, the one thing we have in common is our love of these mountains and the opportunity we get every day to share that enthusiasm with others. When you call us, you can trust that whomever answers the phone will have the best insider tips and suggestions for your vacation…not to mention the best deals and specials around!

This winter, Central Reservations’ agent, Andy Cummins, shared some advise on making the most of a long ski weekend in Jackson.  As the snow melts, Andy trades his ski boots for a pair of climbing shoes and hits the rock.  If you are passing through Jackson Hole this summer, check out a few of Andy’s insider tips to area climbing destinations!

Another Central Reservations employee, Hillary Murphy, on Rodeo Wall this spring.

Grand Teton National Park has a rich history of climbing and mountaineering, but Jackson Hole has a few fun sport climbing areas too.

Taking the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram is easily one of the most unique ways to approach a wall. Ride up with site-seers and hike around to the bottom of the famous Corbet’s Couloir to find bolted climbs ranging from 5.10 – 5.13. An added benefit: as the tram goes up and down for the day you can impress the ladies (or the fellas) with your super sweet climbing skills.

Another cool crag in the valley is Black Tail Butte. Located in Grand Teton National Park this multi-wall area has some of the hardest sport climbing in the valley, but also offers easier climbs a short hike from the parking lot. With it’s majestic location make sure you take plenty of pictures of you and your friends hanging from the rock with the Grand Teton in the background so you can spray on Facebook later.

Finally, those looking for more mellow climbs the Rodeo Wall, near Hoback Junction, is probably the best bet. Climbs here pretty much top out at 5.11 and you’ll get to see whitewater rafters as they float down the Snake River. Make sure you hop on “Time Flies While You’re Alive In Wyoming”, probably one the area’s best climbs.

If you would like to experience rock climbing or other activities for yourself, call Jackson Hole Central Reservations at 888-838-6606 and our friendly staff will customize your dream vacation.  Whether it’s Jackson Hole, Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park, we offer unbeatable savings on all of our summer packages!

Courtesy of National Park Service

Not unlike Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone extends a unique opportunity to bikers, walkers, runners and roller skiers with the opening of roadways to non-motorized vehicles in early spring.  The south entrance, which is closest to Jackson Hole, opens to all traffic on May 11, but park officials are anticipating the prospect of an early bike season, as temperatures and conditions are unseasonably warm.   Yellowstone in the spring is peaceful and wildlife is very active.  What better way to experience the park than by bike?  Avoid the crowds of summer and come to Jackson Hole this spring for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Keep an eye on Yellowstone’s Spring Bicycling page for up to date information on road openings or call 307-344-2109 before heading to the park.  Cyclists are urged to respects the rules of the road and ride with caution, as road conditions can be unpredictable.  Remember that services are limited in the park, so be prepared with plenty of water and food.  And respect wildlife!  If you come across bison in the road, consider turning around.

From special events, festivals and discounted lodging to scenic float trips, wildlife viewing and bike riding in our two national parks, Jackson Hole is the ideal spring vacation destination.  Call Jackson Hole Central Reservations at 888-838-6606 to book your trip today!

The camera used to capture the footage. Courtesy Photo

If a trip to Yellowstone isn’t in the cards for you this year, don’t fret.  You can still get the chance to see an Old Faithful eruption, bubbling thermals at Fountain Paint Pots or the cascading waters of Gibbon Falls with the new Nature Valley Trail View website.  This site serves as a portal to 360 degree views of Yellowstone National Park.  Nature Valley deployed a crew, armed with the same cameras Google originally used for their Street View application, into 3 national parks.  For 2 weeks, over 300 miles of trails were covered and every step was recorded.  The resulting footage now offers visitors virtual park tours and information about each of the natural features and highlighted attractions.  This site is not only a great way to raise awareness of our national parks, but it will also serve as a useful tool for those planning their trip out west.

If you are among those who will be making a visit to Yellowstone, don’t forget that Jackson Hole is located just outside of its southern entrance.  Call Jackson Hole Central Reservations to book one of our Yellowstone vacation packages today at 888-838-6606!

Love Ridge Condos with Teton Views

Enjoy discounts on mountainside accommodations this spring and summer at Snow King Resort.  When you book your stay by April 30, 2012, receive up to 30% off*!

Within walking distance to town square, Jackson Hole restaurants and shopping, Snow King condos back up to the Gros Ventre wilderness.  So while you are close to the conveniences of town, you will feel a million miles away from it all when you retreat to your private condo.  The alpine slide, miniature golf, horseback riding and scenic chairlifts will open on Memorial Day weekend, but hiking, nature walks and bike rides are available year-round.  Guests will have access to all hotel amenities, including the swimming pool and hot tub.

So take advantage of this special offer and plan your spring or summer Jackson Hole vacation today!  Check our events calendar to plan your visit around special spring events such as the Elkfest, Old West Days and the Jackson Hole Half-Marathon!

Call Jackson Hole Central Reservations at 888-83-6606 by April 30 to book this exclusive deal.

Old Faithful Sunset

Take advantage of free admission to all 397 of our national parks from April 21-29, 2012!  Jackson Hole is close to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, so why not base you adventures from here and take advantage of everything this old west town has to offer?  From rodeos and town square shoot-outs to farmer’s markets and concerts, you will never run out of things to do in Jackson.  Grand Teton National Park is only about 12 miles from Jackson and Yellowstone is less than 70!

To make your savings even sweeter, take advantage of a Jackson Hole Central Reservations vacation package.  Add discounted airfare, lodging, transportation and other activities such as whitewater rafting and guided fly fishing trips for one low price.  Call 888-838-6606 to find out more!

For a unique spin on “dinner and a movie” check out this year’s Jackson Hole Film & Food Series.  The Center for the Arts will be hosting three nights of movie premiers matched with a local chef’s culinary creation.  April 24th’s showing of El Camino del Vino (The Ways of Wine) will kick off with a wine tasting, Q&A and seminar with world-renowned sommelier, Charlie Arturaola.  Guests will enjoy a food pairing  with Jarrett Schwartz, the executive Chef at Jackson’s Kitchen.

Eames: The Architect and the Painter (May 24) and Jiro Dreams of Sushi (June 24) are the other two films in the series.  Food pairings for these films have yet to be determined, but each event will have a slightly different format and feature a dynamic interaction between the featured film guests, local chefs and audience.

If you enjoy independent films, wine tasting and gastronomy, then this series is for you!  Call Jackson Hole Central Reservations to book your lodging, airfare and transportation: 888-838-6606.

"Old West Days" photo credit: Spring Creek Racnh

This weekend marks the official end of the ski season at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.  And while Grand Targhee Resort will stay open until April 22, our minds have started to shift towards the spring and there is a lot to look forward to over the coming months.

Jackson Hole Central Reservations is offering specials on lodging and activities packages in conjunction with these festivals and events.  Pick an event (or 2!), call our travel experts at 888-838-6606 and add lodging, transportation and other activities for one low price.

Coming for the Elkfest?  Why not add a scenic float trip through Grand Teton National Park, a guided wildlife expedition in Yellowstone and 2 nights lodging for $379*?  Is your family coming to cheer you on in the Half Marathon?  We’ve got a package that includes whitewater rafting and lodging.  While you rest up for the race, let them have some fun on the Snake River!  Click here for more details on featured vacation packages.

Spring Events:

• EcoFair: May 12, 2012
• ElkFest: May 19-20, 2012
• WY Whitewater Championships: May 25 – 27, 2012
• Old West Days: May 25 – 28, 2012
• FireFestival: June 15 – 20, 2012
• Half Marathon: June 16th, 2012
• Plein Air Festival: June 16, 2012
• RapotorFest: June 17th, 2012