Category Archives: Jackson Hole Summer

Announcing The New Paddles and Saddles Package

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Name: Paddles & Saddles
Start Date: weather dependent 5/15
End Date: weather dependent 10/1
Price: Starting at $105 per adult

Description: Our Paddles and Saddles program offers a combined horseback ride, rafting trip and lunch at the Granary for a full day of excitement.

Includes: Guided horseback ride atop the East Gros Ventre Butte
- Your choice of classic whitewater, 8-man adventure whitewater or scenic float trip
- Lunch at the Granary
- View full details and book trips here.

Restrictions: All ages welcomed for the horseback ride, must be 6 and over for the whitewater and 3 and over for the scenic float.

Jackson Hole Museum Brings National Geographic Images

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Head Over to the National Museum of Wildlife Art for a Real Treat this Fall

NEVADA COWBOY BRIAN MORRIS, 1970, WILLIAM ALBERT ALLARD, National Geographic Stock.

NEVADA COWBOY BRIAN MORRIS, 1970, WILLIAM ALBERT ALLARD, National Geographic Stock.


Who doesn’t remember being wide-eyed at outstanding imagery while thumbing through that sacred pile of yellow National Geographic magazines on our parents’ shelves or coffee tables as kids?

To this day, the iconic magazine brings us photos from far-reaching places captured by many of the best photographers in the world, including Jackson-area local, Jimmy Chin.

Starting this weekend, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is bringing the best of the best American West photos from those piles of cherished, yellow magazines to life as an exhibit, National Geographic Greatest Photos of the American West, that will be at the Jackcson Hole ‘museum on the hill’ through the end of April.

If you’re a guest of Spring Creek Ranch, we’ll take you over to the museum that you probably passed on the way from the airport or Grand Teton National Park for a day of wild west culture. You’ll have the Rising Sage Café to look forward to if you’re there during lunchtime and you’re hungry from all the artsy browsing.

About the Exhibit

AMERICAN INDIAN BEAUTY PAGEANT WINNER, Oregon, 1997, WILLIAM ALBERT ALLARD, National Geographic Stock.

AMERICAN INDIAN BEAUTY PAGEANT WINNER, Oregon, 1997, WILLIAM ALBERT ALLARD, National Geographic Stock.

“National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West, a collection of iconic Western images gathered by National Geographic over a span of some 125 years, will open in 10 museums across the U.S. on October 27, 2012.

National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West represents the first time a photography exhibition of this magnitude has opened at so many U.S. venues simultaneously. The exhibition presents a powerful and nuanced portrait of the West over more than a century, and it’s exciting that the medium of photography allows multiple openings across the country for greater impact in sharing the combined vision of such an important group of photographers.” –National Museum of Wildlife Art

Take in the Beauty in Beautiful Jackson Hole

RODEO, Nebraska, 1998, JOEL SARTORE, National Geographic Stock.

RODEO, Nebraska, 1998, JOEL SARTORE, National Geographic Stock.


You’re in Jackson Hole–This is the American West, at its best! What better a place to see the exhibit than this place, a place that probably inspired a plethora of National Geographic and other famous photographers over the years.

It’s a place where you can see a real-life cowboy washing his rope at the local laundromat and where rodeos really happen on a regular basis (in several locations on several nights). It’s a place that inspires and to be inspired.

Need more of the American West?

Haven’t had your fill and still have energy after perusing photographs and lunching at the museum and café? Head across the street, or highway, for more inspiring visions at the National Elk Refuge to take your own pictures.

November through April are the perfect months for spotting, as you might expect by the name, elk, but other wonderful wildlife, as well. Birds, swans, moose, deer, antelope, big horn sheep, and even wolves have been seen here. Read more about wildlife viewing on the Elk Refuge here.

Cycling in Jackson Hole

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Jackson Hole, Wyo. is quickly becoming a summertime cycling mecca. Staying at Spring Creek Ranch gives you the perfect location point to access the many cycling opportunities like fun family rides, long road bike tours, exciting downhill mountain biking adventures and more. Here’s a highlight below of some of the Valley’s best places to bike. Spring Creek’s concierge staff can help you find which of the Valley’s roads, pathways or trails suits you best, then, hop on and pedal away.

Road Cycling

The pathway is now complete to ride to Jenny Lake in GTNP. Photo (c) Friends of Pathways Facebook

Road cyclists abound in Jackson Hole in the summertime. Pathways galore, varied terrain with wonderful views, smooth pavement, friendly athletic residents and relatively little traffic make it a must bike for skinny tire lovers.

The League of American Bicyclists recently listed the latest round of Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) and Jackson/Teton County was named a Gold BFC, one of only 16 cities across the country to earn Gold designation.

Don’t miss North 89 Pathway, which is a recently completed pathway that makes it possible for cyclists to ride from the town of Jackson to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park on a 20-mile, auto-free path with fabulous views of the Teton Range, the National Elk Refuge, and Grand Teton National Park. Here’s a map to all the pathways in Jackson Hole (note: this map hasn’t been updated since Northway 89 Pathway was completed, so disregard the “future” part).

Spring Creek Ranch is located at about 7000 ft. elevation atop East Butte, which is a popular road bike climb in the Valley. If you stay here, you’ll get to climb almost 1000 ft. of winding switchbacks after every ride! Or, drive over to the Stilson parking lot and climb the Teton Pass via the Old Pass Road.

If you’re a hardcore athletic type or a racing cyclist or triathlete, try your hand (or legs) at the Tuesday night training ride, which starts from the Jackson High School at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. depending on the season. Ask one of the five, or so, bike shops for the details or for other group rides available in the Valley. It’s a great way to meet locals while getting your workout in.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking in Jackson Hole, WY - Photo credit: Friends of Pathways
Jackson Hole’s mountain biking trails offer everything from fun, cross country course to lung-busting hill climbs.

There’s something for every ability level, but you have to know where to go. Here are a few trails to check out before your stay is over.

Putt-Putt is a fun, single-track trail on open grassland/aspen bench that’s a very popular bike trail, which is suitable for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers. Short loop options with Cache Creek trail and Cache sidewalk via short connector trails.

The 18-mile Cache Creek to Game Creek Loop starts out on a gentle climb up an old, dirt road. Although congested for first 1.5 miles (watch for wagons on trail in evening) it’s a beautiful ride along a windy creek. Take the junction to the Game Creek trail at approximately mile 4. Climb a bit and you’ll be rewarded with a kind of technical, but super fun downhill in to Game Creek canyon. You’ll be dumped out on to Squaw Creek Road at the trailhead, which you can take to the Pathway along Highway 89 to take back to town (or shuttle some cars to cut some miles). The trail often offers animal sightings, as the name “Game Creek” suggests.

Munger Mountain is a spectacular, secluded spot for mountain biking. Although it’s about 14 miles from Spring Creek, the trail and the scenic drive up makes it worth it! Follow Hwy. 22 west to Wilson. Follow Fall Creek road south to the bridge crossing Fall Creek in willow bottom.

Perfect for intermediate to advanced riders, the trail features rocky climbs and beautiful scenery with excellent views of Jackson Hole and surrounding mountains. Although you won’t encounter many other riders, you may run into some grazing cows on the trail. Don’t be afraid, just tell them to, “moo-ve!”

Downhill Mountain Biking

Downhill mountain biking, or freeriding, in the Valley has really taken off (pun intended). This adventure-seekers sport can be accessed at the ski resort via chairlift and on the Teton Pass via car or riding up. Read on for the details.

Lift-Served Downhill Mountain Biking

Downhill Mountain Biking at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR). Photo (c) JHMR
Created two summers ago, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) bike park consists of six trails from beginner to expert, all accessible from the Teewinot chairlift.

Stop in to JH Sports to rent a downhill-specific bike, or sign up for a day with the resort’s mountain bike guides. Click here for a map of the trails. Check out a video of some of the sweet terrain at the bike park.

Teton Pass Downhill Mountain Biking Trails

Image of the Interactive Map of Teton Pass Trails by The Mountain Pulse
Teton Pass is a high mountain pass in the western United States, located at the southern end of the Teton Range of western Wyoming, between the towns of Wilson, Wyoming and Victor, Idaho.

“The Pass,” as it’s called by locals, has some of the gnarliest freeride mountain biking trails in the country. Created by a group of riders from the Valley in combination with the US Forest Service, these trails are a popular destination for thrill seekers and those with advanced bike handling skills.

There’s a great movie, called Freedom Riders, by KGB Productions about the evolution and progression of trail building in the US and tells the inside story of this group of riders that built these Teton Pass trails.

The Mountain Pulse has a great, interactive map of the Teton Pass trails with color-coded difficulty ratings reminiscent of skiing (green = easiest, blue=intermediate, black = expert only). Take heed of these cautions. If it’s blue or black in Jackson Hole, it’s going to be extremely extreme! Be prepared.

You must have the proper safety gear including a downhill helmet and body armor such as knee and elbow pads. Stop in Wilson Backcountry Sports on the way to learn more, get a map, rent a bike and get some tips from their knowledgeable staff.

Jackson Hole Cycling Resources

Please visit Friends of Pathways for a list of many useful cycling resources including maps and bike shop links.

Strava, Map my Ride and Trails.com are all great online resources for finding road and mountain bike ride maps and details.

Float the Famed Snake River

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Floating the Famed Snake River in Jackson Hole Offers a Fresh Perspective

The Snake River winds itself through much of the Pacific Northwest of the United States including the Jackson Hole Valley. Why not follow its path during your stay to see the spectacular sites from its perspective?

Float Trips through Grand Teton National Park are something everyone should have (and knock off) their bucket list. Spring Creek Ranch will set you up with the float trip that’s right for you and your family.

Snake River Whitewater Rafting Float Trips

Barker-Ewing Whitewater Rafting - Drenched but smiling!

Barker-Ewing Whitewater Rafting - Drenched but smiling! Photo: Barker-Ewing


The Snake River is internationally known as one of the best and most consistent white water adventures in North America.

Running through rapids with names like the Big Kahuna, Three Oar Deal, the California Curl, Taco Roll, and Lunch Counter, you know that you are in for a top-notch adventure.

On a scale from I-VI, the rapids on the Snake River are class II-III during normal water flows and are termed, “pool and drop,” which means they are spaced out with calm water sections in between.

You don’t need any experience to whitewater raft and it’s a great activity for most people. Usually the minimum age is six years old, but can change with varying river conditions. Spring Creek Ranch representatives will set you up with the right trip and may even recount some of their own tales from firsthand experience.

Whitewater Rafting Float Trip Essentials

Spring Creek’s qualified whitewater rafting outfitters provide type V personal floatation devices (PFD’s), or “life jackets,” and shuttles to and from the float. You should dress in clothes that can get wet like swimsuits or quick-dry shorts, avoiding cotton and relying on wool or polypro layers if you need warmth. Wear water shoes like Teva or Chaco sandals (but, they shouldn’t be flip flops or the slip-on type) or sneakers that can get wet. If you wear sunglasses, use a retention device like Croakies, so they won’t get lost if they come off. Wear plenty of sunscreen and bring some water.

Since whitewater rafting is a wet activity by nature, you could consider bringing a change of clothes and a towel along to leave in the shuttle car or bus in case you get wet. Don’t bring binoculars or a camera along, unless they are waterproof. Some outfitters sell disposable, waterproof cameras. A local company called Float O Graphs will take your picture while you are going through either Big Kahuna or Lunch Counter rapids. They are located in the town of Jackson and photos of your trip can be viewed after you get back from town or online when you get home.

Snake River Scenic Float Trips

Solitude Scenic Float Trip - What Wildlife Will You See? Photo: Solitude

Solitude Scenic Float Trip - What Wildlife Will You See? Photo: Solitude


A scenic float trip down the Snake River is a perfect way to see wildlife in their natural habitat peacefully going about their daily lives without the intrusive nature of a vehicle. In the summertime, Grand Teton Park teems with wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, bison, eagles, osprey, a large variety of ducks, song birds, and small mammals.

View all this with the awe-inspiring Teton Range as backdrop. Chances are high that you’ll learn a lot about the area and its animal inhabitants, as well. The Valley’s tour guides have countless river trips under their belts and often have educational expertise in wildlife biology, geology or other related fields.

Photo opportunities abound on your tranquil float down the river. Bring a camera and have it ready for special wildlife sightings and unfathomable Teton views. Guides will often alert you to popular photo ops or those with historical significance, so listen up!

Scenic Float Trip Essentials

Spring Creek’s qualified outfitters provide personal floatation devices (PFD’s) and usually rain panchos, and shuttles to and from the float. You should dress in casual clothes (including layers like a sweater/jacket in case of cooler temps) and wear soft-soled shoes, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars and a camera. It’s recommended to have a secure strap to hold binoculars or cameras, so that they do not fall into the water, and maybe even a dry bag.

Spring Creek’s Packages and Specials

The Spring Creek Ranch Summer Adventure Package includes whitewater rafting. Find a Spring Creek Ranch summer special that’s perfect for you during this magical time! Call today to learn more about packages and specials (800) 443-6139.

Saddle up! Horseback Riding is Here.

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Spring Creek Horseback Riding in Jackson Hole Offers a Grand Time

Horseback Riding at Spring Creek Ranch Stables - Jackson Hole, WY

Horseback riding in Jackson Hole offers a priceless way to experience sweeping mountain views and live the wild west lifestyle. Spring Creek Ranch is the only lodging option located close to town and the “Westbank” with stables on site, and guests and non-guests alike are invited up for an affordable and unforgettable ride.

Beginners and experts and all ages are welcome! You’ll be matched with a four-legged friend that suits your experience level. Choose a guided horseback ride atop the East Gros Ventre Butte with Spring Creek Ranch’s W.W. Guides. Unique views of the Teton Range, Sleeping Indian, Gros Ventre Range, Jackson Hole valley, and the town of Jackson are available to you at about 7000 ft. (plus about 16 hands) from the top of the horse. Rides are offered for one to four hours.

Breakfast/Dinner Horseback Rides are also available. Take a one-hour ride with Spring Creek Ranch’s W.W. Guides atop the ridge at Spring Creek with a hearty meal to follow outside the corral area. Minimum of six people. All ages welcome.

“Like most trail rides, the horses know the way. Our guide rode up front and the 6 of us all followed in a line. The views were stunning. We saw Jackson’s downtown area and Snow King as well as sweeping views of Grand Teton National Park and the famed Tetons.” — Painted Buffalo

Spring Creek Ranch Horseback Riding Essentials

Spring Creek Ranch Jackson Hole, WY - Horseback Riding
Experienced wranglers will saddle and fetch a horse for you. Experts in “equine sciences,” they’ll take a quick history of your horse ability, suss you up, and bring you the “proper” steed, like “Little Joe,” “Dusty,” “Major,” etc. All you have to do is step up off the stool and grab hold of the reins and go!

Dress comfortably in long pants like jeans and, as always in Jackson Hole, bring a few layers in case it gets cold. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended since the sun at high altitude is particularly strong. Boots or sneakers are suitable for horse friendly footwear.

If you want to wear a cowboy hat or cowboy boots, there are plenty of places to shop for them in town.

Après Horseback Riding

Spring Creek Ranch - Horseback Riding in Jackson Hole
Horseback riding in Jackson Hole will undoubtedly work up a good appetite for you. Good thing Spring Creek has several choices for you to quell your appetite and quench your thirst! Check out the Granary restaurant or bar for a relaxing bite and drink while taking in the best view of the valley.

Tired or sore after a day in the saddle? No problem, après at the Spring Creek Ranch spa. You could opt for one the spa’s famous massages, sit in the sauna, and soak in the hot tub.

Spring Creek Ranch Horseback Riding Packages and Review

Make horseback riding a part of your Spring Creek Ranch Summer Adventure Package or come on up even if you’re not a guest. Contact us at 800.443.6139 to reserve your spot.

Read a recent review of Spring Creek Ranch Horseback Riding here. There are more reviews that feature comments about horseback riding available at Trip Advisor.

“Great views, great horses. Nice location and great riding stable with very well trained and responsive horses.” — DrMaryC from Trip Advisor