Journeying Hounds Explore Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Luie Boone
- Sep 9
- 7 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
Luie Boone zoned out for a moment and thought his hoomans said they were planning a vacation to Donut Hole. He couldn’t believe his luck! He loves donut holes, even though his hoomans always say they’re not for pooches like him. But as he perked up his ears and listened more closely, his donut dreams began to crumble. They weren't going to Donut Hole at all; they were planning a vacation to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Jackson Hole? Who's Jackson? And why does he have a hole? Is it full of donut holes? Is Jackson a generous man who shares his donuts with dogs? To Luie Boone, this is all starting to sound suspiciously not delicious. But just as he was about to spiral into a tail-ticked sulk, something magical happen (and, no, unfortunately not donuts falling from the sky and directly into his mouth). Rather, his hoomans started talking about mountains that touch the sky, rivers that are ready for big cannonballs, and meadows so wide that you could chase a squirrel for hours and never hit a fence. Suddenly, Jackson Hole didn't sound too boring. In fact, it sounded kinda of amazing!
Vacationing with your dog in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a treat for both people and their pups. The valley is filled with wide-open spaces, mountain views, and a community that embraces outdoor living, making it easy to bring your four-legged best friend along for the adventure.
The town of Jackson is the heart of the valley, and it's the perfect starting point for your vacation. With its iconic elk antler arches and walkable downtown, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly patios and accommodations. A stroll through the Town Square with your pup is a must. And when it’s time to burn some energy, the Cache Creek Trail System offers miles of dog-friendly hiking right near town. Many hotels and vacation rentals there welcome dogs with open arms, often providing little extras like water bowls or treats to make them feel right at home.
Just north of town, the Snake River winds its way through the valley. There are plenty of access points where you and your dog can enjoy a quiet walk along the water. In summer, locals often bring their pups to shaded riverbanks, where dogs can cool their paws. Please note that leashes are always recommended with wildlife nearby! The Snake River not only adds to the beauty of Jackson Hole, but it also gives you and your dog a peaceful escape right at the edge of town.
Nearby is Teton Pass, which is a high mountain pass in Wyoming. It connects you to Wilson—a town with a cozy, laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect if you want a quieter base. The Snake River runs close to the community here. You'll find plenty of scenic spots for walks or a riverside picnic with your pup. Wilson’s easy access to the Bridger-Teton National Forest also makes it a great launching point for longer adventures.
Be sure to check out Teton Village, which is located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It is bustling in both the winter and summer months. While your dog won’t be hitting the ski slopes (even though Luie Boone reckons he would rock some skis and grind the slopes), there are plenty of hiking trails and wide-open spaces nearby where they’ll be welcome.
Further north in the valley, there are the small towns of Kelly and Moose, which offer quieter experiences. The town of Kelly is perched along the Gros Ventre River. It has sweeping views and peaceful roads perfect for a calm stroll with your dog. The town of Moose sits just outside the entrance to Grand Teton National Park. It is near one of the most scenic stretches of the Snake River! Please note that national park trails are off-limits for dogs. However, you can still enjoy the riverside with your pup, by taking in mountain reflections and the occasional glimpse of wildlife from a safe distance.
Traveling with your dog in the Jackson Hole Valley is a treat. Just not a donut hole. Sorry, Luie Boone! You can spend your morning exploring trails near Jackson; your afternoons by the Snake River; and yours evenings unwinding in Wilson or Teton Village. Every corner of the valley has something to share with you and your best travel buddy!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Rendezvous House
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 7 beds and 3.5 bathrooms.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
It features the following amenities:
Chalet-style, mountain-side home
Wooded lot
Private hot tub
Outdoor dining area
Gas BBQ grill
Private backyard
Includes access to additional pools, spa, and fitness amenities across the street
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
Have you heard of the Rendezvous House in Jackson Hole, Wyoming? Well, it's a place that promises adventure, comfort, and plenty of new scents to explore! With four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, there’s plenty of space for my humans—and more than enough cozy corners for me to curl up and nap after a day of exploring. What excites me most is the private wooded backyard. Just think about it: the fresh mountain air, the pine scents, and the chance to safely watch wildlife wander by. It will keep my nose busy all day. Outside, the hoomans will have an outdoor dining area with a gas BBQ grill, which I will supervise closely and pull out my best begging eyes for some hotdogs. There's even a private hot tub for my hoomans to toast their buns in. I won’t be hopping in, but I’ll happily lounge nearby while they soak and relax under the sky. The inside of the rental sounds just as inviting, with its big open living area, a chef's kitchen, mountain views, comfy bedrooms, and windows perfect for spotting a cheeky squirrel or two. Hopefully, there will be a donut hole or two in there for me!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming!
Ski Lake
Ski Lake is a great place to take your best friend on a 4.2-mile trail that winds through pine, fir forests and ends at a clear blue water lake! Pack a snack and let your pooch take a swim (and, maybe, do a cannonball or two!). Remember that you are in grizzly country, so always carry bear spray and be on the look-out.
Emily Stevens Park
Emily Stevens Park is located at the east side of the Snake River Bridge. Here, you will find 3 miles of levee trails and other amenities. This trail area is great for walking with your buddy and for looking at the breath-taking views of the Teton range, which is located north of the park.
Jackson Hole Bridger Gondola
Here, you can take your furry friend hiking on the four-mile Wildflower Trail. You'll enjoy panoramic views of Jackson Valley and the surrounding mountains. Once you've taken in the views (and your pooch has howled to their heart's content), you can take a gondola ride back down during the summer season.
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Bridger-Teton National Forest has more than 3.4 million acres of public land to enjoy! Luie Boone wished it had 3.4 million donuts to enjoy, too, but a pooch can only dream. There are, however, a number of trails to explore at this national forest with your canine companion!
History Trail
The History Trail is a moderate 3.8-mile, pooch friendly hiking trail in the Old Pass Road area of the southern Teton Mountains. The route also has the distinction of being the original wagon road used to get over Teton Pass before Old Pass Road was constructed! The latter was replaced with the current route along Highway 22. This is a great place to enjoy nature and take in history!
Jackson Peak
The Jackson Peak hike is a 5.25-mile, one-way trek that climbs one of the peaks surrounding Jackson Hole. Its over 13,500 feet, making it the eighth highest peak in the United States! This hike gives you and your pooch the opportunity to stare deep into the valley of Jackson Hole to infinity and beyond, like Buzz Lightyear would say.
Goodwin Lake
Goodwin Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers picturesque views and a peaceful setting. The lake is accessible via a moderate hiking trail, which winds through lush forests and open meadows. This is a great place to relax, do cannonballs, and spot local wildlife!
Moo's Gourmet Ice Cream
This shop welcomes pups at outdoor tables on their patio! Be sure to check out their selection of delicious frozen treats, while your pooch enjoys a pup cup from their partial dog menu. Luie Boone wonders if they have donut hole ice cream! If not, he'll settle for a few (more like a million) scoops of vanilla.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
My hoomans tell me that there will be big mountains, rushing rivers, and endless trails to sniff in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I’m already imagining cool breezes in my fur and the thrill of discovering brand-new smells around every corner. But there’s one thing that they keep bringing up that makes my ears perk: bears. And these bears are not like my stuffed bear, Bear Bear. Apparently, Jackson Hole is home to both black bears and grizzly bears! Black bears are the “smaller” ones, but they’re still so much bigger than me. They like berries, fish, and sometimes garbage. Grizzlies, on the other paw, are huge! They have strong shoulders and claws that could dig up a backyard faster than I could bury a bone. Bears are definitely not the kind of animal that I’d want to play chase with. My hoomans are thinking ahead, though. They bought bear spray for the trip. At first, I thought it was some kind of fancy forest perfume. Turns out, it’s for keeping bears far, far, far away. If I’m lucky, the only bears that I will meet will be the cuddly kind, like Bear Bear!
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