Religion and Spirituality

No Matter Your Denomination, Jackson Hole's Community Delivers

Spirituality and a profound respect for the land distinguished the rituals and customs of Jackson Hole's early inhabitants. The Shoshone believe that mountains hold a connection to the spiritual world and they found “life force” in nature.

After traversing Teton Pass, Mormon homesteaders arrived with their large family clans and held the first official services as early as 1890. Mormon Row, now a Jackson Hole historic landmark in Grand Teton National Park near Moose Junction, exemplified the community’s strength. They worked together to build a livelihood from scratch. Jackson Hole owes many of its firsts to these settlers. In addition to the Mormon influence, Episcopalian and Baptist churches found their way into Jackson Hole's early history. One of Grand Teton National Park’s most cherished relics is the Chapel of Transfiguration. Built in 1937, it still stands with one picture window looking upon the Grand Teton peaks.

People still find spiritual connectedness to the mountains and reflective streams. With a bit of irreverence perhaps, Jackson Hole locals will say they worship the “powder day” or a certain angle of the landscape. However, it’s hard not to believe in miracles when looking out from a vantage point at 10,000 feet, the earth’s peaks and valleys cast beneath unrelenting skies.

For a more organized approach to worship, Jackson Hole also provides a sanctuary. Approximately 25 churches of all Christian denominations, including LDS. Since 1997 the Jackson Hole Jewish Community or Chavarim has gathered to celebrate their high holidays and foster a sense of shared culture locally. There is an active Christian Science group, a Jackson Hole Quakers and people that meet for Tibetan Buddhism discussion and mediation.

Jackson Hole churches are a great place to get to know the community for recent buyers of Jackson Hole real estate. Whether you’re religious or not, Jackson Hole has a strong sense of local culture that accepts and encourages diversity.  //