A pilot coming down the Rockies from Alaska might be tempted to stop in Jackson, Wyoming (KJAC) as I did. This is quite a rude shock if you’re accustomed to the easy pace of most Alaskan towns. Jackson is clogged with cars, trucks, RVs, etc. waiting at various traffic lights. The sidewalks are clogged with realtors trying to sell each other $5-10 million ranches (enough to buy a ranch in Argentina that is 10X the size, a bizjet to get back and forth, a pilot for the bizjet, and still have a few $million left over). The popular hiking trails get at least 1000X as much usage as a typical trail in Alaska. The sprawl of development extends out every road for 30 miles in every direction. There are “no dogs allowed” signs in the main square and in various other strategic spots around town (also in the Grand Teton National Park where, unlike in Canadian national parks, leashed dogs are not allowed on trails). The airport itself is sort of disappointing. There is one sad little Cessna 172 available for rent and a single instructor. The FBO works well for Hollywood stars and corporate looters coming to visit their tax-evasion homes (if you can claim Wyoming as your residence you won’t have to pay any state income tax) but it is not a place where you’re likely to meet other owner-pilots.
Driggs, Idaho (U59) is probably a better place for an airplane or helicopter nerd to hang out. It is about a one-hour drive from Jackson if you must get into town for dinner or to visit the photography galleries. The airport is slightly lower than Jackson, has a longer runway, and is in a more open valley. Driggs has a lot of flight instruction going on and an airport restaurant where pilots congregate. The surrounding area has a lot of National Forest trails with similar wildlife to what you find on the other side of the ridge in Jackson.
Jackson is no driggs and we certainly have our share of overdevelopment and excess. But with a modest amount of effort, the real wyoming shines through. It is a very dog friendly town.
philip, Michael and I just got home from Jackson 2 weeks ago. There is one family restaurant I like most, it’s Teton Steak House.