Hoback Junction Wyoming
Located approximately 15 miles south of Jackson on Hwy. 189/191 is Hoback Junction and the northern entrance into scenic Hoback and Snake River Canyons. Known for their amazing whitewater, fantastic fishing and dramatic beauty, both bodies of water constantly weave their way along the road. At Hoback Junction, the Hoback and Snake Rivers collide creating one of the major confluences in northwest Wyoming. From rafting to rock climbing to just plain relaxing, both canyons provide ample means of enjoyment for every visitor.
If you plan on approaching Jackson from near the Idaho border and southwest Wyoming, you will pass through the gateway town of Alpine upon entering the Snake River Canyon. If coming from the eastern part of the state, your journey will take you through the rustic and quaint settlement of Bondurant before entering Hoback Canyon. Whichever way you choose, be prepared for stunning scenery and the opportunity to get your feet wet.
Near the eastern entrance into Hoback Canyon lies the spread-out town of Bondurant (pop. 160), which straggles along the road through a breathtaking mountain valley with its pastures dotted with piles of hay, creekside meadows and grazing horses and livestock. With the Gros Ventre Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop, only a handful of log homes exist-illustrating the quaint areas rustic way of life. Bondurant is named for Sarah Ellen and Benjamin Franklin Bondurant, who were the first settlers. From 1907 and 1927, the two ran a popular dude ranch which included all sorts of wild animals-even young bears!
The town offers lodging, a gas station, general store, cafe, laundromat and country watering hole. The Bondurant Barbecue, a big barbecue feast, takes place at the end of June.
Clinging to the walls of the canyon, the road passes the high face of Battle Mountain, the site of one of the few conflicts between Indians and whites in this part of the state. It was here in 1885 that whites from Jackson Hole mounted an attack on Bannock Indians who had been hunting out of season along the Hoback River. Occasionally blocked by avalanches in the winter, the canyon is a great place to see deer, moose and bighorn sheep.
Just west of Battle Mountain and after enjoying the Hoback River's contours and the canyons endless features, a turnoff to Granite Hot Springs provides a very scenic side trip. In summer, a well-maintained gravel road follows Granite Creek for 10 miles, offering impressive views of the Gros Ventre Range and the 50-foot drop of majestic Granite Falls. The road terminates at a parking lot just a short stroll from the hot springs. Built in 1933 by the CCC, the deep pool includes a deck and changing rooms. A nearby campground is open late June-September. Camping is also permitted along the road except for the final 1.3 miles before the springs.
In the winter, the road is not plowed but is groomed for use by both snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. If you're looking for a unique means of getting to the hot springs in the winter months, consider a dog sled tour for a half-day or full-day.
From the southwest, you will pass through the crossroads settlement of Alpine before entering the Snake River Canyon. Alpine, which is growing in population rather quickly, offers everything from restaurants to accommodations to rafting outfitters. As you enter the canyon on U.S. Hwy. 89/26, the country changes abruptly as the Snake River parallels the road all the way to Hoback Junction, 23 miles north. This is a choice way to enter Jackson Hole, offering dozens of pullouts to view the tumultuous and swift waters of the Snake. Flowing through millions of years of rocky cliffs, the Snake is a great river to raft and kayak. Outfitters and guided trips are available and can be arranged in both Jackson and Alpine. A big, powerful river, the Snake finally dumps into the Columbia River in Washington.
Once at Hoback Junction, you will be greeted by a gas station which offers snacks and refreshments, a kayak/raft rental business and a general store. Get what you need, but the big town of Jackson is only minutes away and has everything you could possibly want.
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