Jackson Hole vacations offer wild outdoor fun

On the west side of Wyoming lies a valley that offers adventure-seekers endless kicks. From skiing to hiking to whitewater rafting, Jackson Hole vacations offer tons of opportunities to get in touch with the valley's beautiful and dramatic scenery.

Commonly confused for a city (the city of Jackson is the only incorporated city in the valley), Jackson Hole was originally given the name Jackson's Hole by mountain men and fur trappers who entered from the surrounding mountain ranges. Legend has it they named it after a fellow beaver trapper in the area and the steep drops caused them to think of it more as a hole than a valley.

To the northwest of the valley is the well-known Teton Range, which rises 7,000 dramatic feet about the valley's floor. Grand Teton National Park, named after the mountain that reaches 13,770 feet above sea level, is only about an hour drive to the north of Jackson. If you're thinking of visiting, be on the lookout for cheap flights, as the Jackson Hole Airport is an even shorter drive from the national park. The park features nearly 200 miles of trails for hikers to explore the giant peaks and the large and gorgeous Jackson Lake, which sits at almost 7,000 feet above sea level.

If you're thinking the sightseeing ends at Grand Teton, think again -- the massive Yellowstone National Park neighbors Grand Teton on the north. Often called the "American Serengeti," the park is home to hundreds of species of animals and has thriving wolf, grizzly bear and bison populations. The park's many geysers, including the famed Old Faithful, are perhaps its most popular attraction. Recreation opportunities abound in the park, with more than 2,000 campsites, 1,100 miles of hiking trails, snowmobiling and fishing opportunities.

And you can't mention Jackson Hole without talking about the skiing. Multiple ski areas are all an easy trip from Jackson Hole Airport. The number of ski resorts in the area comes as no surprise with the area's plentiful snowfall and mountainous terrain. Jackson Hole Mountain resorts features a 4,100 continuous vertical drop and many professional skiers train at the mountain. Snow King is a smaller resort to the southeast of Jackson and is popular with those looking for bargain skiing close to the city.

With the Snake River running through the valley from Yellowstone, there are also numerous whitewater rafting opportunities in and near Jackson Hole. Visitors can check out rafting packages from a multitude of rafting guide services in Jackson and the surrounding area.

For more on Jackson Hole vacations, visit Travelocity.com for information on flights, lodging and rental cars.

Courtesy of ARAcontent