Everyone knows that you go to Aspen for the winters, and then stay for the summers. But what’s not necessarily mainstream is that there’s an even more expensive zip code about an hour’s flight away (who even knew that was possible?). Welcome to Jackson, also known as the billionaire’s hideout. And while the skiing is tops in Jackson, summer is the high season, and the scenery gives new meaning to God’s country. Welcome to the ultimate guide to Jackson, Wyoming.
We sat down with the man, who with the help of his team, knows most everything there is to know about Jackson. Morgan Bruemmer, Founding Partner and CEO of The Clear Creek Group gave us all the hottest tips on where to stay in Jackson (hint: it’s something to do with The Clear Creek Group), where to eat, where to drink, and what to do. It doesn’t get more inside-scoop-on-Jackson than this, and there is no better guide to Jackson than The Clear Creek Group.
Jackson Overview
Between 3 and 4 million people come through Jackson over the course of the year. It’s at least 5-600,000 in the winter, and about 2.5 million in the summer. Jackson also now has a modern airport, which is about a 14-minute drive from downtown Jackson. And, there are now direct flights from Dallas, Houston, Newark, Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City, LA, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, and Atlanta — so there’s really no excuse.
“The nice thing is that Jackson is at about 6,200 feet altitude, compared with 9,000+ in a lot of the Colorado resorts. So, the altitude isn’t as problematic for guests. We do have good access,” Morgan told us.
Why Visit Jackson?
The summer season is all about the parks, and outdoor recreation — from fly fishing to horseback riding. There are two national parks, one of which is adjacent to the town of Jackson. The other, Yellowstone, is less than an hour drive, just north of Grand Teton National Park. Only 3% of Teton County is privately held land — the other 97% of Jackson is public land. Winter is equally worth it. Jackson is consistently rated the best ski mountain in North America.
It’s not only a nature destination. Jackson hosts the Grand Teton Music Festival, led by conductor Donald Runnicles (who is also a conductor at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra). Most symphony seasons are in the winter, but Jackson Hole brings the musicians out in the summer. There is a new music venue at the very top of Snow King Mountain, a smaller ski slope in the town of Jackson. One of the highest publicly accessible observatories is at the top of Snow King. And it’s all accessible by a cable car.
When we asked Morgan what the optimal time to spend in Jackson was, he replied, “Three months.” He was joking, of course. “If you want to touch on everything and still not feel like you’re rushed, I would say — two weeks.”
The Clear Creek Group
Villa Rentals and Caretaking Services
The Clear Creek Group is a hospitality, villa-rental firm that also provides caretaking services. They have more than 180 homes that they care for, and about 82 properties that they rent out. So, they provide the physical care of the properties they represent in the villa rental program. It gives them control over the properties, over the quality, the maintenance — they can rent them with assurance that they’re well cared for. And those 82 properties are some of the highest end rental homes in Jackson. The beauty of The Clear Creek Group operating only in Jackson, with Jackson spanning only about 25 miles north to south, means they can access any of their properties quickly and efficiently, and serve their guests well. Jackson is their world.
Background
“The company was founded in 2005 to focus on multi-generational travel, which did not exist in Jackson at the time. And we had to create both sides of the market in Jackson — there were no distinctive homes to rent in Jackson for multi-generational travel, or high-end homes in general. We’ve since expanded our repertoire to homes that lie within resort zones, which can be rented without restriction. Also, to the most distinctive homes that lie outside resort zones, which may only be rented on a monthly basis. This year, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary,” Morgan told us.
When you’re renting a home from The Clear Creek Group, you know you can rely on a certain standard. “For example, we might have grandparents who rent a very large, expensive home for the month of July, with their adult kids and grandkids coming and going. Then, they might want to come back out in September for the Fall Arts Festival, just the two of them. So, they might rent a small home from us for the second trip. But they will know that the small home is going to be distinctive, fun, unique, and it’s going to be prepared and cleaned, and have the same amenities, the same standard, as the more expensive home that they rented in the summer. We try to accommodate every guest’s needs within the context of having a wide variety of homes in size — but not quality,” Morgan explained.
Concierge Team
The other thing about The Clear Creek Group is that they have an expert concierge team, who are the ultimate connoisseurs of all things Jackson. And your wish is their command. They can arrange anything, from the pedestrian activities to the most exclusive. And it can be as creative as you want.
They can arrange for naturalists to go with your family into the national parks. A private wooden boat tour with a picnic. A private float. They can take you down Snake River in the early evening (because they know that that’s when you’re most likely to see the wildlife). Hook you up with some champagne. Of course, they can arrange for a photographer to come along for the ride and capture every family candid. It can be a helicopter tour, glider flights, taking a flight lesson, or fly fishing. It could be hiking into a remote stream. An exclusive horseback ride into the mountains — into a dinner camp with a renowned chef in the Gros Ventre. They have options for everyone: individuals, families, young people, old people, with varying levels of fitness.
And, if you’re ever stuck for what to do in Jackson, you can visit their Local’s Insights page, and find all that you may need and more.
Where to Stay in Jackson
The Clear Creek Group is decidedly the ultimate “where to stay” in Jackson. But if renting a home isn’t for you, there are ample other lodging options in Jackson. You can stay somewhere else, and use The Clear Creek Group for their concierge services.
Hotels
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
The Four Seasons in Jackson sits in Teton Village, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. It is located right by Grand Teton National Park (as is most of Jackson). The rooms, suites, and private residences are elegant, as always, all with mountain views. There is a spa, fine dining (the Ascent Lounge offers an exclusive omakase sushi experience), an outdoor heated pool, and of course, ski-in/ski-out access.
The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa
The Rusty Parrot is your boutique hotel in the heart of Jackson. It’s known for its cozy yet upscale atmosphere — it’s charmingly rustic and beautifully modern. The rooms here are equally sophisticated, with Italian linens, fireplaces, and private balconies. Their Wild Sage Restaurant is renowned around the town, serving gourmet, locally-inspired cuisine. And there is, of course, a rejuvenating spa (The Body Sage Spa).
Guest Ranches
Triangle X
The Triangle X Ranch is a historic dude ranch located in Grand Teton National Park, just 26 miles north of Jackson. Established in 1926, it is the only remaining guest ranch within the national park system. It’s family-owned, and operated by the Turner family for five generations — so get ready for some authentic Western hospitality. The accommodation is all rustic log cabins with stunning views of the Tetons, and dining is hearty Western-style meals served family-style.
Moose Head Ranch
The Moose Head Ranch is another privately-owned guest ranch, located in Grand Teton National Park, offering a scenic and authentic Western experience. Established in 1925, it’s currently managed by the Davenport family. Again, think stunning views, horseback riding, and gourmet dining, and personalized, well, everything.
Darwin Ranch
The Darwin Ranch is your most remote option. Located in the Gros Ventre Wilderness, it is known as the most remote guest ranch in the lower 48 states, offering a secluded, high-altitude retreat, surrounded by landscapes as though from an old western film. You’ll stay in rustic 100-year-old cabins with modern comforts. You will eat farm-to-table meals featuring locally sourced organic ingredients. Best of all, this off-grid lodge has hydropower-generated electricity, because of their commitment to environmental conservation. For the most intimate experience, the Darwin Ranch sleeps only 16 guests at a time.
Where to Eat and Drink in Jackson
Snake River Grill
The Snake River Grill is your rustic, elegant, intimate bar with over 300 wines and signature cocktails. In the summer, you’ll sit on the deck, and in the winter, by the roaring fire in the dining room. The menu includes local fish, free-range chicken, assorted game dishes, prime steak, pastas and salads with organic, seasonal produce. And, Eskimo Bars for dessert are a must. This is one of The Clear Creek Group staff’s favorites.
The Wild Sage at the Rusty Parrot
Located in the famous Rusty Parrot hotel, The Wild Sage is one of Jackson Hole’s finest dining experiences. It offers Western sophistication in an intimate setting, featuring seasonally inspired dishes made with locally sourced and wild ingredients. Expect modern interpretations of classic flavors, such as bison marrow soup, elk carpaccio, and lobster thermidor. After all, the restaurant is led by Chef Hugo Goodwin, blending French culinary sensibility with mountain-west flavors.
Kampai
Kampai is another staff favorite for The Clear Creek Group. It’s led by none other than Chef Chris Massad (of San Francisco’s Akiko’s, Pabu and Nobu), as he brings his take on Japanese cuisine to Wyoming. It’s new and familiar sushi that you love, but elevated. The aesthetic is modern, with warm architecture, and some of the best table service in Jackson.
Teton Thai
Thai food is very much a go in Jackson. Teton Thai is all about authentic Thai food, in a lively, buzzing environment. Owner and Chef, Suchada Johnson’s dishes range from pad gar pow to Muslim-style, masaman curry, all made from family recipes. Heads up, though: they don’t take reservations. So, cavort with the locals while you wait, or get take-out (to one of your Clear-Creek-rented homes, no doubt).
Teton Tiger
Indian food also has a place in Jackson. Helmed by Chef Sununta Haworth, Teton Tiger features crowd favorites like crispy pappadom and garlicky naan baskets. Look out also for kimchi noodle soup, bison pho, and panang curry with seared ahi or pork belly dot the menu, as well as classics, such as lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala. It’s also the place to stop by for a drink with friends during happy hour.
Street Food at the Stagecoach
Located in the historic Stagecoach Bar, Streetfood at The Stagecoach is where you go for home-made favorites from around the world. The menu features starters like Korean BBQ Wings and Curried Chicken Satays, as well as sandwiches like the Cuban and House-made Basil Falafel. This is another staff favorite for The Clear Creek Group.
Nora’s Fish Creek Inn
Nora’s Fish Creek Inn is one of those beloved local spots. Housed in a historic building, it was once the local post office and general store, before becoming a Wild West-themed bar in the 1970s. In 1982, Nora Tygum took over and transformed it into the iconic eatery it is today. The cuisine is classic homestyle cooking, with a focus on Western flavors. The signature dish is the Famous Huevos Rancheros — a must-try breakfast staple.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
It’s not all eating and horseback riding in Jackson. Cowboys drink, too. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a historic bar and music venue, located in the heart of Jackson Hole. Since 1937, it has been a Wyoming landmark, famous for its Western-themed decor, live music, and saddle bar stools. As you can imagine, the ambiance is that of a classic Wild West saloon, with authentic cowboy charm. They have nightly live music performances, signature cocktails, and late-night bites.
Mangy Moose Restaurant & Saloon
The Mangy Moose Restaurant & Saloon has been named one of the top 10 après-ski bars in world by Forbes. And for good reason. They do it all — food, drinks, live music, merch, a wine shop, and even a grocery store. The cuisine is, of course, American — locally sourced meats and game, with signature dishes such as Bison burgers, wood-fired pizza, and hearty breakfast options. The Mangy Moose is also a concert venue, and often has decently big artist names coming through.
What To Do in Jackson
In case you haven’t been following, Jackson is hardly short of activities to keep your whole entourage entertained. But, to break it down by specifics, The Clear Creek Group’s concierge team have helped us out. This is only some of what Jackson has to offer. The rest is pretty much anything else that you can imagine.
Fly Fishing
The Tetons are a world-class fly fishing destination. The pristine waters are teeming with cutthroat trout, brown trout, and Utah chub. You can explore rivers and streams throughout Greater Yellowstone, and fish by wading or drifting. The Fish the Fly guides (as recommended by Morgan) accommodate all skill levels too — so don’t worry if it’s your first rodeo.
Horseback Riding
This one is pretty much non-negotiable. And you have options. Willowcreek is great for a scenic ride, located about 30 minutes south of Jackson in the Bridger Teton National Forest. They offer private breakfast and lunch rides, and are good for beginner-intermediate riders. JH Outfitting Co. is about 40 minutes North of Jackson near the town of Kelly, with spectacular views of the Tetons. In addition to trail rides, they offer Teton Tapas dinner rides on certain dates. This is Clear Creek Group’s preferred vendor. “You simply cannot believe the views of the Tetons, and their service is phenomenal,” they told us. They cater to beginner-advanced riders, and unlike most of the other outfitters, you can canter/lope on this experience.
Scenic Floats
There are options for a scenic float both inside Grand Teton National Park, and outside in the surrounding Jackson valley. Triangle X Ranch offers a 10-mile scenic float in the Park, and is open to the public (you don’t have to be a guest at the ranch). Vintage Adventures operates on a portion of the Snake River in Wilson, WY. Their beautifully restored vintage wooden boats will carry you along a peaceful stretch of the river, with opportunities to spot bald eagles and other wildlife. After the float, you will arrive to the private Tipi Camp where breakfast, afternoon appetizers, or a full dinner can be prepared.
Paragliding
Here, The Clear Creek Group recommends letting the professional tandem pilots at Jackson Hole Paragliding elevate your Wyoming adventure. After a few running steps, you’ll soar high above Jackson Hole and the Teton and Snake River mountain ranges. With over 2,000 flights each summer, this is one of Jackson’s most popular activities for thrill seekers.
The Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
This one is another must. The luxury Spa at the Four Seasons is recognized as one of the top resort spas in the U.S. It offers massages, facials, body scrubs, IV therapy, yoga sessions, HIIT workouts, and oxygen therapy. Signature treatments include the Sacred Earth Ritual, Sports Recovery Massage, and geothermal mud wraps. There are even salon services, with hair and nail treatments for a complete spa experience. All that, surrounded a mountain landscape. Need we say more?
Wildlife Tour
We’ve mentioned the wildlife in this Ultimate Guide to Jackson again and again. Now it’s time to talk about actually seeing some. Ecotour Adventures is your go-to for that in Jackson. They do it all: wildlife safaris, photography tours, and outdoor excursions in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Their guides will educate you, and help you connect with everything that surrounds you. You can do sunrise and sunset tours to spot bison, elk, moose, bears, and wolves. In the winter, you can go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife tracking. And the best part is, you can customize and personlize your adventure as much as you want — they’re up for it (we checked).
Naturalist Guide
Guided Hiking in Grand Teton National Park is not permitted, but there are some self-guided trails that The Clear Creek Group can recommend. Guided hiking is allowed in the surrounding national forest, and Hole Hiking Experience is one of Jackson’s original nature companies. The naturalist guide will cater to the interests and physical abilities of the group, with family-friendly, aerobic/active, and nature-focused options. The wildlife tour companies, Ecotour Adventures, also hire experienced naturalist guides. So, whether you are hiking or exploring Yellowstone, their guide will share knowledge about the flora, fauna, geology, and history of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Other Local Activities
Golf
As with most things in Jackson, The Clear Creek Group are your go-to for golf. The Jackson Hole area is home to some of the most engaging golf courses in the world — with occasional wildlife.
Stargazing
You can only imagine it, right? For this, the Wyoming Stargazing company is your best bet. They offer public and private stargazing programs, wildlife tours, solar astronomy programs, planetarium programs, indoor astronomy presentations, and online virtual astronomy programs.
Jackson Hole Farmer’s Market
The Jackson Hole Farmer’s Market runs in the Town Square on Saturday mornings, from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM, from April through mid-September.
Jackson Hole Rodeo
Your Jackson vacation would, let’s face it, be incomplete without experiencing the legendary Jackson Hole Rodeo.
Grand Teton Music Festival
The Grand Teton Music Festival is a celebrated classical music festival in Jackson Hole, running since 1962. It attracts world-class musicians from over 90 orchestras and 40 institutions worldwide, and runs July–August.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
The NMWA is the nation’s only museum dedicated solely to wildlife art, representing wild animals from around the world. Founded in 1987, it houses over 5,000 artworks featuring animals from around the world.
FAQs
Q: What is the address of the Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa?
A: The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa is located at 175 N Jackson St, Jackson, WY 83001.
Q: Does the Triangle X Ranch offer any activities?
A: Yes, the Triangle X Ranch offers horseback riding, scenic float trips on the Snake River, hiking, wildlife viewing, and square dancing.
Q: How do I get in touch with The Clear Creek Group?
A: You can get in touch with them by email ([email protected]), phone ((307) 732-3400) or by filling out the Contact Form on their website.
