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When to Visit Jackson Hole

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One of the main questions we get from travelers is “when is it the best time to visit Jackson Hole?” In reality, when isn’t the best time to visit Jackson would be a better question. Besides the off-seasons (April-May and October-November), our little town has a lot to offer visitors year round.

Contrary to many beliefs, Jackson during the summertime can be even more fun than visiting the winter wonderland that it’s best known as. Hiking, horseback riding, camping, biking, trail running, swimming, rock jumping, When to Visit Jackson Hole - Hiking in Summertubing, paragliding…and the list goes on. Jackson offers endless activities in an outdoor paradise.  It also doesn’t hurt that our neighbors are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States.

One of the best and most popular activities during the summer here in Jackson Hole is rafting on the Snake River. The Snake River is home to two different types of trips: calm, scenic stretches where you can spot all types of When to Visit Jackson Hole - Rafting in Summerwildlife, and our class II/III whitewater trip for adventure seekers. No matter which trip you choose, you are bound to have a great time.

On the flip side, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort boasts over 116 trails and record snowfall. Teton Village, located about 20 minutes from Jackson hosts the globally recognized resort known for its challenging terrain, vertical drop, and aerial tram. Whether you are interested in learning how to pizza or dropping into Corbets Couloir, JHMR has something for everyone in the family!

When to Visit Jackson Hole - Skiing in Winter

Wintertime in Jackson isn’t just limited to downhill skiing and snowboarding at the resort or the town ski hill, Snow King Mountain. Jackson Hole has tons of groomed nordic skiing paths and places to snowshoe. In addition to the winter wildlife safaris, be sure to check out the estimated 7,000 elk wintering in the National Elk Refuge.

Jackson is a great place to visit and offers travelers a variety of activities depending on the season. There’s always something going on- it’s just a matter of choosing what you want to do!

 

April Snow brings May Flows for Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole

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Jackson-Hole-Whitewater-Rafting-Discounts

Book Your Whitewater Trip for 10% Off!

Living in a mountain town is magical. Imagine a place where you can play outside all year long. In a blink, what was blanketed under a coat of white for 6 months, is suddenly appearing as if coming out of hibernation. In the next blink, however, it’s as if we are standing once again in a snow globe. While the mountain-free zones are experiencing “April showers brings May flowers,” Jackson Hole is on a different plane all together. It’s still what most would consider winter here. As we operate whitewater rafting in Jackson Hole, I like to say “April snow brings May flows.” While I grew up in Georgia and imagine a weekend of morning coffee on the porch, time in my garden and evening BBQs with friends this time of year, I do love what the long winter and late spring snows bring: a morning of coffee by the river, a day of fabulous whitewater rafting in Jackson Hole and evening BBQs with friends (just wearing a layer or two extra here!). It’s never too early to book. Jump online to jump on board with us this summer! Reserve your trip now for 10% off (better than 2013 rates) and free rentals (up to $15/person in savings). Come celebrate 51 years with Barker-Ewing Whitewater, and let us give you the trip of a lifetime.

Barker-Ewing is voted Best of JH’s 2014 Best Outfitter silver medalist!

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Barker-Ewing Whitewater is voted Best of JH 2014’s silver medal winner for Best Outfitter! Thank you for all your support over the last 51 years to all our friends, family, guests, supporters and colleagues. We appreciate YOU! Thanks for voting us one of the best outfitters in Jackson, Wyoming. We wouldn’t be here without YOU! Come join us for a Snake River whitewater rafting adventure or scenic float this summer in Jackson Hole! Celebrating 51 Years | 1963 – 2014

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Whitewater Rafting Is The Coolest Thing You’ll Do All Summer!

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Wildwater rapids!

Summer vacation planning? If you’re looking for an adventurous family vacation or a cool family reunion idea, Jackson, Wyoming is a great place to put at the top of your list! The perfect summer activity in Jackson Hole is whitewater rafting on the Snake River… a must! All of us at Barker-Ewing Whitewater invite you to celebrate 51 years on the Snake River with us this summer. We’d love to take you whitewater rafting in the Snake River Canyon or guide you on a relaxing scenic float with views of the Tetons. The great thing about a long winter in Jackson Hole is the amount of snow that accumulates and melts into big, fun whitewater rapids on the Snake River. While we enjoy seeing the snow fall for our favorite winter activities like downhill skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, skate skiing and snowboarding, we can’t help but daydream about the river season to come. Whitewater rafting on the Snake River is the coolest thing you’ll do all summer!

 

Barker-Ewing Whitewater WINS Silver Medal for Best Outfitter in Best of Jackson Hole 2013!

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Best of Jackson Hole 2013This is a huge honor, and we are so grateful for the recognition! From horseback to fishing to biking outfitters, we were voted by locals and beyond for 2013’s Best Outfitter Silver Medal. Thank you to everyone who participated! We are Celebrating 50 Years this summer, so this just adds icing to the cake. We appreciate your loyalty and your confidence in us as a river outfitter and hope you’ll jump on board a raft and celebrate with us this summer! Ready. Set. Go… Rafting! 1963 – 2013

Maria Wyllie’s “Staycation”

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Following graduation from the University of Virginia in May of 2012, I immediately packed up the car and headed west. What was initially intended as a four month summer break before entering the so called “real world” has now become a 14-month break– a little something I like to call “staycation.”

It’s safe to say my parents have been a little concerned about my line of work out West– cleaning toilets, folding t-shirts and handing out wetsuits does not require a college degree (so they like to remind me). I keep explaining to them that I am fully aware of this and that I am simply working to support my staycation before I commit myself to a full time career.

This summer I’ve gone on staycation with both locals and tourists, allowing me to experience a wide variety of summer activities. I kicked the summer season off with a moonlight rafting trip down the Snake River (ask our guides why it’s called that). I unsuccessfully went fly-fishing in Kelly, successfully jumped off the cliffs in Kelly, went for a not so refreshing dip in the Granite Hot Springs, tubed down Flat Creek, did some disco dancing at the Coach and some bluegrass dancing at the Wort, hiked to Goodwin Lake for a quick dip, got down at Targhee Fest, sailed on Jackson Lake, drove over the Pass for a huckleberry milkshake, kayaked on Lake Yellowstone, played disc golf in the Village, poached a hot tub or two, went up the Gondi for some margaritas and fried mushrooms, and enjoyed some tasty wild rice pancakes with my mom followed by a ride through the Big Kahuna on Barker-Ewing’s scenic/whitewater Breakfast Combination trip (my personal favorite). While my list might seem long, these excursions are just a sampling of the many activities Jackson has to offer.

Being endlessly enthused about the place you live and being able to go on so many adventures without having to travel far is a wonderful thing. This past winter, for instance, I went paragliding off the Tram during my lunch break. I don’t think most people can admit to having done something as cool as that in the middle of their work day. Every season continues to offer new challenges for even the most experienced athlete. However, regardless of expertise, the impressive Teton Range physically and mentally challenges hikers, climbers, and skiers ranging anywhere from novice to expert. So, even if this is your first time in Jackson, I hope you will not be fearful of exploring these beautiful, humbling mountains.

I won’t be here forever, but I’m not ready for my staycation to end yet– there are too many mountain trails and ski slopes that I have yet to conquer. I hope you enjoy your time here in Jackson amongst the river rats and ski bums, and I invite you to keep coming back, as there will always be new adventures waiting for you.  – Maria Wyllie

The Clintons and Barker-Ewing Whitewater… a float down memory lane!

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The last official Barker-Ewing River Trips sighting of the First Family was in August 1996 when I had the honor of taking the Clinton family down the Snake River on a float. In total, there were 11 boats in the floatilla. For a while, I was pretty sure they had the wrong guide in mind when I was pulled aside and counseled on what to do if we were shot at… yikes, I thought! Isn’t that what the two “counter assault” rafts are for?

All in all, it turned into a beautiful afternoon with wonderful conversation in my boat and a huge education for me looking at the bigger picture. Mostly, it was a great honor that I was chosen to share what I consider to be one of the most special places on earth with Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton!

I hope there will be another summer visit by the Clintons to Jackson Hole – and that they might consider joining me on another float trip along the now “Wild & Scenic” Snake River.

– Heather Ewing

FOOD&WINE | Travel+Leisure | TripAdvisor

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“Barker-Ewing’s four-hour whitewater rafting expedition down the Snake River is beginner-friendly and travels through some of the deepest gorges in the river.” – FOOD&WINE

“Take on the Snake River in a raft-on request, the guides will do all the work so you don’t even have to paddle. Barker-Ewing River Trips can organize an outing that’s as relaxing or exciting as you want.” – Travel+Leisure

For over 40 million trusted traveler reviews & opinions and unbiased client river experiences with Barker-Ewing Whitewater, check out www.tripadvisor.com.