After an extraordinary summer of celebrating the National Park Service Centennial and a YTD influx of more than 2.5 million visitors to Grand Teton National Park (up 6.3% from last year), things in the valley are finally starting to settle down. You might be able to snag a table at your favorite restaurant without reserving in advance. The trails unwind before you, quiet and contemplative. Parking near the Town Square gets a bit easier.
Sandwiched between the ascents and river trips of summer and the thrillingly snowy descents of the winter, fall is a bit of a secret season–a brief respite of slow and golden days, ranging wildlife, and new excursions into the outdoors. Here, Chelsea Beets, Senior Villa Rental Agent and Concierge at The Clear Creek Group, shares her list of fall hits. Whether you’re in the mood to cozy up with a bowl of soup, snap a photo of the aspens en fuego, or perfect your fly fishing cast once and for all, she’s got the 411 on how to make the most of each and every day.
It’s fall in Jackson Hole. Now that the crowds are beginning to recede, what is your favorite “locals’ favorite” way to get out and enjoy the season?
Fall has always been my favorite season and Jackson Hole does not disappoint during this time of year! Getting a quick bike ride in after work and taking longer hikes on my days off is how I prefer to spend my time. The occasional trip south of town to Granite Hot Springs is warranted to warm-up and soothe aching muscles in their swimming and soaking pool formed by a natural hot springs.
Fun Fact: Granite Hot Springs was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s.
Chelsea’s Top Five Fall Faves
- Aspen leaves turning yellow, orange, and red.
- Listening to elk bugling and witnessing the herd’s migration down into Snake River Ranch along the Moose-Wilson Road on the way to Teton Village.
- Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival (September 6-17, 2017)
- Teton Gravity Research’s latest flick and other ski film premiers that get us all excited for winter and skiing.
- Fly fishing
What do you think is unique about Jackson Hole at this time of year?
Although the days have started to get shorter and the air a little bit cooler, you can still get out there and tackle almost every activity available in the summer from hiking to mountain or road biking–even kayaking with the right equipment and layers. The area is quieter after local kids have gone back to school, but there is still plenty to do.
Where is the best place to enjoy the fall colors, especially for budding photogs?
While you can witness stunning fall colors almost everywhere you visit in Grand Teton National Park, I prefer to venture to a less traveled area. Here’s an idea: Head north on Highway 89, taking a right at the Gros Ventre junction and traveling along Antelope Flats and through the quaint town of Kelly towards the Gros Ventre and Slide Lake area. Along the way, be on the lookout for wildlife; bison and other animals can frequently be spotted grazing along the roadside. The Kelly Cliffs offer a view overlooking the Gros Ventre River with a full display of orange and yellow-leaved trees lining the banks.
Chelsea’s Favorite Fall Hikes:
My first fall in Jackson, I went on a hike with some friends around String and Leigh Lakes. The aspens had all turned yellow, and I remember it feeling as though we were walking through a tunnel of golden leaves. Since that is one of my first memories “out west,” I make sure to return to that area around this time every year. Another noteworthy, less popular hike that is perfect for fall is Goodwin Lake. Plus, once you’ve made the 3 mile trek up there, you always have the option to venture a little further to the summit of Jackson Peak. (10 miles round trip)
Chelsea’s favorite restaurants to sit, get toasty, and celebrate the changing seasons.
The crisp fall air always makes me start craving heartier, warmer foods like soups and spicy dishes. Pearl Street Bagels is more than just a bagel shop, offering a soup of the day starting around October 1st. With its prime location right across from our office, I often find making a visit a few times a week. Teton Thai–with locations in Teton Village and Driggs, Idaho–is my top pick for spicy Thai cuisine. My standard order consists of their Ka-Nom Jean, salad rolls, or steamed dumplings. Plus a spicy margarita!
I also switch from iced coffee to chai lattes when the temperatures shift. The spices in chai like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice seem to be the perfect fit for the season. For these and other great warm, fall beverages, I recommend Elevated Grounds in the Aspens. If you’re hungry, try their power biscuit for breakfast, or a panini and soup pairing for lunch.
Chelsea’s favorite shop to treat yourself to a new fall layer (or two):
If I am looking for a piece that is more functional, I like to shop at Teton Mountaineering or JD High Country Outfitters. If I am looking for something more fashion forward, my go-to boutique is Accentuate. They also carry a fantastic selection of scarves and hats for every season.
What are some exceptional, not-to-be-missed experiences to pencil in this autumn?
The cooler days bring cooler water temperatures, which means the fish start moving from the deeper parts of the lakes and rivers. Fall is probably one of the best times for fishing in Jackson Hole– just be sure to layer up! Here at The Clear Creek Group, we work with several great companies, such as Fish the Fly and Snake River Angler, who offer half- or full-day guided trips to many prime fishing holes in the area.
Fly Jackson Hole provides an aerial experience of the valley, giving you a bird’s eye view of all our beautiful fall foliage. I’ve been a passenger on two flights myself and I can say that it is truly an unforgettable experience–don’t miss it.
Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures offers float trips in wooden boats down the Snake River to their private, riverside tipi camp. Once at camp, enjoy hot beverages, appetizers, or a gourmet dinner while taking in the scenery. Cozy up to a fire at their outdoor fire pit or a wood burning stove in one of their luxuriously well-appointed tipis.
We offer complimentary concierge services for all of our guests. My colleagues and I are happy to help arrange any of these activities for your group, along with any other Jackson Hole adventure that strikes your fancy. Our team members have been in the valley for a minimum of 5 years, which makes each of us knowledgeable and eager to share our love of the area with you!
