Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Granite Hot Springs
En route from Jackson to Pinedale, some 12 miles south of Hoback Junction on U.S. High-
way 189/191, is the turnoff for
Granite Hot Springs
(307/734-7400, 10am-8pm daily sum-
mer, 10am-6pm daily winter, $6 adults, $4 children). The 10-mile-long scenic drive is on
a gravel road that ends at the parking lot for the hot springs. Camping is allowed along the
road but not within the last 1.5 miles before the springs. In the winter the road is groomed
to allow access on skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, or dogsleds. The pool is situated below
the Gros Ventre mountain range and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933.
The water is usually about 93°F in the summer and 112°F in winter. There is a nice deck
for lounging, and changing rooms are available. There is also a nearby campground (June-
Sept., $15), run by the same people who manage the hot springs.
If you are visiting during the winter, a popular way to access the hot springs is by
dog sled.
Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours
(307/733-7388 or 800/554-7388,
www.jhsleddog.com
)
offers full-day trips to the hot springs and include a hearty lunch and
a steak or trout dinner (prepared on-site while you are enjoying a dip in the springs).
The
Green River Rendezvous
(307/367-4101 or 877/686-6266,
www.meetmeonthegreen.com
)
is a huge community event that takes place the second full
weekend of July. The city prides itself on the fact that 6 of the 15 Rocky Mountain Ren-
dezvous were held here in the Green River Valley at Horse Creek. The first rendezvous
was held in 1825 and continued each summer until 1840. For about three weeks trappers,
traders, and Native Americans would come together to trade and resupply their outfits, ex-
change stories, catch up with old friends, get incredibly drunk, and participate in all sorts of
boisterous behavior.
Today the Green River Rendezvous is more family-friendly while still bringing the era
of the mountain man to life. There are plenty of games, crafts, living-history demonstra-
tions, guest speakers, a mountain man encampment, programs for children, and a rodeo.
The pageant, which is usually held on Sunday, should not be missed. It is an entertaining
reenactment of an 1830s rendezvous. The participants, in original costumes, are lively char-
acters who barter, trade, and duel.
