Off the Beaten Path: These quiet valleys offer real western magic

There are places in the mountain west that feel preserved in time; places where you can close your eyes and hear the river rush by, or a coyote howl in the distance, and feel completely detached from the hustle and bustle of the 21st century. 

That solace is what draws so many of us to the greater Yellowstone area. And you can still find it just outside of Jackson Hole. Star Valley, Wyoming, to the south, and Teton Valley, Idaho, to the west, offer all of the Western charm and outdoor access that draw people to Jackson, without the crowds. They are still truly rural bastions of the West; and the real estate opportunities are still diverse and abundant. 

Star Valley 

Star Valley is a roughly 10-mile-wide, 40-mile-long strip of paradise between the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Salt River Range. Between the rivers that flow through it, the meadows and pastures that sustain both wildlife and livestock, and the mountain ranges on either side, the whole valley practically glistens with wonder and beauty. That might be why early settlers called it the “star of all valleys.” 

Thirteen small towns and communities dot Star Valley, each with their own unique character. Afton, Wyoming, the valley’s largest by population (still just over 2,000 as of 2020), boasts the world’s biggest elk antler arch — yes, bigger than Jackson’s! — over its main street. Downtown is small and packed tight with bars, restaurants and shops that have held firm to their classic Wyoming charm. The whole valley contains a rich, tight-knit community steeped in Western values for those who look. 

The valley also offers some of the best trout fishing in the continental U.S. on both the Salt and the Greys River. 

And in the winter, the valley floors and surrounding mountains become perfect terrain for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. 

Teton Valley 

On the “other side of the Tetons,” Teton Valley is Jackson Hole’s quiet neighbor to the West. Some compare it to Jackson 20 years ago  — Teton views, near limitless outdoor recreation opportunities and fewer crowds. 

Four communities comprise Teton Valley. Victor, the closest to the base of Teton Pass, has become somewhat of a commuter town for Jackson’s workforce in recent years. But young families have also started to settle there more permanently, building community with long-time residents who have been around for generations. The town is beloved for its Main Street, which packs a lot of culture into just a few blocks, and its proximity to some of the best backcountry skiing and mountain biking in the country. 

A little further north, Driggs is Teton County, Idaho’s county seat. Perks include a vibrant downtown, Driggs-Reed Memorial airport for private aircraft, and, of course, easy access to Grand Targhee, just 12 miles down the road from the town center. Driggs homebuyers have their pick of townhomes, single-family lots or remote, rural acreage with full views of the Tetons. There’s also easy access to iconic but lesser-known hikes, like the Darby Canyon Wind Cave, and world-class fishing on the Teton River. 

But while Driggs is the gateway to Grand Targhee, Alta is its true home — and technically a Wyoming community. Alta residents get  the best of both worlds: they can claim Wyoming’s tax benefits (no income or estate tax), and one of its best school districts, from the “Idaho” side of the Tetons. They also get the easiest access to Targhee’s infamous snow and Teton Canyon’s iconic hikes. 

Finally, Tetonia is Teton Valley’s quietest town. It is still an agricultural hub, so it’s not unlikely for your closest neighbors to be cattle. The Teton River flows gently here, and the Ashton-Tetonia trail offers 30 miles of remote gravel trail. This is the best place to buy land with unobstructed Teton views and find true solitude. 

Truly remote western living is still possible. Whether you’re looking to settle into a slower life or invest in real estate, you’ll find both land and lifestyle in Star Valley and Teton Valley. Check out our listings and contact an agent to learn more.