Wyoming is truly a playground for any outdoor enthusiast. With wide open spaces, Yellowstone National Park, fantastic accommodations and luxury services to boot, Jackson Hole, Wy., is a perfect road trip from Denver for a summer getaway. Pack up the car and hit the road for a weekend getaway to one of the most beautiful, underrated destinations the area has to offer.

Getting There

From Denver, the shortest route is about 8.5 hours to Jackson Hole. A scenic drive, taking I-25 north to Highway 80 west takes travelers past Laramie and Rawlings. Heading north on U.S. 191 at Rock Springs, the Grand Teton National Forest is just ahead with a plethora of fun activities, venues and spectacular sights right in Jackson Hole.

Lodging

Four Seasons Jackson Hole
7680 Granite Loop Road
Teton Village, WY 83025
(307) 732-5000
www.fourseasons.com

Click here for prices and availability

Surrounded by the majestic Grand Tetons, Four Seasons Jackson Hole is home to beautiful luxury mountain retreat accommodations. Mountain views, gas fireplaces and balconies make for an unforgettable experience with 124 guest rooms in all. Near to Yellowstone National Park, The Snake River and Grand Teton National Park, this luxury lodging option is a perfect place to set up camp while traveling to Jackson Hole.

Rustic Inn Creekside Resort and Spa
525 N Cache Drive
Jackson Hole, WY 83001
(800) 323-9279
www.rusticinnatjh.com

Click here for prices and specials

Located nearer to the main town square, Rustic Inn Creekside is nestled on seven lush acres in Jackson Hole. Its log cabins, revitalizing spa and outdoor heated pool all add to the feeling of nature’s solitude, with activities for the entire family. Walking distance to the Town Square, the ying and yang of solitude and nightlife make for a perfect balance in Jackson Hole.

Related: Yellowstone

What To Do

Four Seasons Spa
7680 Granite Loop Road
Teton Village, WY 83025
(307) 732-5000
www.fourseasons.com/

Click here for reservations and special offers

Ranked in the Top 100 Resort Spas in the U.S. mainland in this year’s Conde Nast Traveler (#37), Four Seasons Jackson Hole is an excellent place for relaxation and rejuvenation. With offerings such as the native stone massage, mountain clay body wrap and alpine berry body ritual, guests may enjoy the 11,685-square-foot facility, complete with tranquility lounges and private spa suites as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m.

Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming
(307) 344-7381
www.nps.gov/

Click here for fees, dates and reservations

From Old Faithful Geyser to Yellowstone Lake, this National Park should be on everyone’s bucket list. Extraordinary wildlife and sweeping views from the Continental Divide make for an excellent day-long — or longer — adventure. Moose, bear, elk and other mountain wildlife abound at the park, so remember your camera. Extending into two other states, this massive natural area promises plenty to explore. The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of Earth’s wonders and certainly worth checking out while in the park.

Lewis and Clark Expeditions
335 N. Cache
Jackson Hole, WY 83001
(800) 824-5375
www.lewisandclarkriverrafting.com

Click here for prices

From white water rafting to scenic floating trips complete with a riverside picnic lunch, Lewis and Clark Expeditions is a wonderful way to experience Wyoming’s waterways. With unrivaled views of the Tetons and the Snake River on the 13-mile scenic floating trip, the experienced and friendly guides will have your family talking about this vacation for years to come. For the more adventurous, white water rafting is also available, with a classic eight-mile expedition navigating the Snake River Rapids. Minimum age for the whitewater trips is 6 years old depending on the conditions.

Kayak Yellowstone Lake with O.A.R.S.
Meet at the Grant Village Boat Ramp at Yellowstone Lake
(800) 346-6277
www.oars.com/

Prices: $99 adult/$76 youth

If you are a fan of calmer water, sea kayaking on Yellowstone Lake may be more your style. Natural phenomena including bubbling mud pots and lakeshore geysers make for a fantastic half-day trip. Beginners are welcome after a kayak basics training session starting out the journey, with several stops along the way in the breathtaking Yellowstone Lake. An interesting geological discussion further educates participants with impressive volcanic activity observed from the sturdy sea kayaks from June to September.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram
3395 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
(307) 733-4005
www.jacksonhole.com

Click here for prices

From the calm waters of Yellowstone Lake to the soaring heights of the Aerial Tram, the nine-minute experience takes visitors up 4,139 feet. Nicknamed “Big Red,” the updated tram recently underwent a $31 million and three-year overhaul. Affording guests amazing views of the surrounding Grand Tetons, the celebrated experience is an icon of Jackson Hole. Riding in the 100-person capacity cabin is as thrilling as the Wyoming landscape, dramatic and majestic all at once.

Dining

Snake River Grill
Town Square
Jackson Hole, WY 83001
(307) 733-0557
www.snakerivergrill.com

Whether kayaking or spa-ing, dinner at the renowned Snake River Grill is always a wonderful culinary option. Open nightly for dinner, this Jackson casual restaurant has received some not-so-casual recognition. Touted in Jetset magazine, Travel + Leisure and featured on the Food Network show “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” the “Best Restaurant” of Mountain Living Magazine is worth reserving a table at while you’re in Jackson Hole. Snake River Farms pork chops and lavender-rubbed lamb chop lollipops are just a few of the delicious menu offerings; Alan’s rhubarb pie and half dozen warm doughnuts for the table will bring together even the pickiest of eaters.

Merry Piglets Mexican Grill
160 N. Cache St.
Jackson Hole, WY 83001
(307) 733-2966
www.merrypiglets.com

For a more relaxed and Tex-Mex atmosphere, Merry Piglets is a great place. With fresh salsas, hand-made guacamole and wild fish, this local favorite is great for lunch or dinner. Menu items include cheese nachos, blackened chicken salad and Mexican style surf and turf. Try its sister restaurant in town, the Sidewinder Tavern with a sports bar atmosphere appropriate for the whole family.