Cowboycation: Saddle Up for a Summer Escape with Caldera House 

When authentic Western spirit meets five-star luxury, you get Caldera House—a boutique alpine retreat nestled in the heart of Jackson Hole’s Teton Village.

Come summer, the valley surrounding Jackson Hole transforms into a playground for modern cowboys and cowgirls in search of wide-open skies, horseback trails, and whiskey-soaked nights…

Often hailed as the “last of the Old West,” the spirit of Jackson draws visitors for epic skiing each winter, but it’s allure of the cowboy lifestyle in warmer months that holds the promise of a different kind of warm weather getaway. Come summer, the valley surrounding Jackson Hole transforms into a playground for modern cowboys and cowgirls in search of wide-open skies, horseback trails, and whiskey-soaked nights that end in plush, design-forward suites. 

At Caldera House, the line between ski lodge and Western sanctuary blurs in the most stylish of ways. Equal parts rugged and refined, this eight-suite hideaway reimagines Jackson Hole through the lens of elevated comfort and personalized adventure. And while it may be perched at the base of a ski resort, Caldera House is hardly a one-season wonder. Whether you’re seeking a place for a family reunion, a girls’ trip that requires a trip to Kemo Sabe for matching hats, or a romantic escape where fly fishing doubles as foreplay, Caldera House offers a gateway to the ultimate “cowboycation”—that sweet spot where luxury comes with a lasso.

The Lay of the Land

Tucked into Wyoming’s Teton Range, Caldera House is nestled into the heart of Teton Village. And while it’s just a thirty-five-minute drive from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)—which offers direct flights from NYC, L.A., and other major hubs—it feels like another world entirely. Here, jagged peaks pierce bluebird skies, and the scent of pine mingles with the sound of the tram clinking up the mountain.

The property offers ski-in/ski-out convenience during snow season, but in warmer months, it’s your base camp for trail rides, river floats, mountain hikes, and small-town Western charm. 

Winter may bring powder hounds to the region’s famous slopes, but summer is when Jackson Hole truly shines for adventure-seekers with a taste for the West. The property offers ski-in/ski-out convenience during snow season, but in warmer months, it’s your base camp for trail rides, river floats, mountain hikes, and small-town Western charm. From the doorstep of your suite, it’s minutes to the entrance of Grand Teton National Park—where wildlife safaris, alpine lake paddles, and starlit hikes await. Then, it’s Jackson’s historic downtown where boot shops, art galleries, and iconic watering holes set the scene for the kind of nights you’ll still be talking about by next summer. 

Home on the Range (But Make It Chic)

Design lovers, rejoice: this isn’t your typical log cabin. Caldera House’s eight residential-style suites—four two-bedroom and four four-bedroom options—are the thoughtful result of Los Angeles’ Commune Design teaming up with local legends Carney Logan Burke Architects. The result? A chalet-style aesthetic that combines European elegance with rustic Western soul. 

Each suite spans between 1,500 and 5,000 square feet, offering chef’s kitchens (yes, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can arrange for a private chef), spa-like bathrooms with heated floors and soaking tubs, wood-burning fireplaces, and balconies with postcard-worthy mountain views. These aren’t just rooms; they’re sanctuaries.

That same balance of style and substance extends to the shared spaces: a heated outdoor plunge pool with mountain views, a cedar dry sauna, a fitness studio with Peloton bikes and yoga equipment, and the kind of intimate spa that makes a post-hike massage feel not just deserved, but divine. When it comes to grabbing a bite, Corsa, the onsite Italian restaurant, serves up seasonal dishes with alpine flair, while Southcable Café keeps things casual with coffee and bites perfect for fueling up before your next cowboy conquest.

Calling All Cowboys…and the People Who Adore Them

So, what exactly is a cowboycation? Think: part Wild West adventure and part mountain escape, and fully leaning into the slower, simpler joys of summer out West. At Caldera House, that might mean private horseback rides through wildflower-dappled trails, exclusive rodeo access, or simply sipping something smoky as the sun dips behind the Tetons.

To help you fully picture what your cowboycation could look like, we’re breaking it all down here. 

• Saddle Up and Ride: Join a seasoned wrangler for a private horseback ride through alpine meadows and shaded aspen groves. Whether you’re a beginner or a barrel-racing veteran, there’s a trail to match your comfort level. 

• A Day on the Ranch: For a deeper dive into cowboy culture, Caldera House can arrange behind-the-scenes access to working ranches. Think cattle drives, roping demos, and the kind of hands-on experience that’ll have you tipping your (newly purchased) hat. 

• Horse Whisperer Moments: Witness the deep, intuitive connection between humans and horses with a private demonstration by local trainers. It’s less show pony, more soul connection. 

• The Rodeo, Reimagined: Sure, you can buy a general admission ticket—but why not go behind the chutes? Caldera House can get you exclusive access to Jackson Hole’s famed rodeo, including pre-show meet-and-greets with the cowboys who live it daily. 

• Bourbon Lore x Caldera House: This July, Caldera House partnered with Bourbon Lore to host an intimate, luxury weekend that pairs mountain adventure with America’s favorite brown spirit. Expect tasting menus, guided hikes, and stories that go down smoother than the bourbon itself. 

• A Western Night Out: No cowboycation is complete without a stop at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Pull up a saddle (yes, those are the actual bar stools) and soak in the live music and high-proof history. It’s kitschy, yes—but also completely iconic.

Who’s Checking In?

Caldera House is for travelers who want it all: the privacy of a high-end rental, the amenities of a luxury hotel, and the curated experiences that come when booking with a savvy travel advisor. Its guest list spans multigenerational families looking for a reunion spot, honeymooners who’d rather trade Bali for the Big Sky, and friend groups leaning into more boots than bottle service. 

And while couples will love the romance of the setting, it’s also ideal for “adventure parents” who want their kids to see bison up close by day and sleep in high-thread-count sheets by night. Design-forward travelers, luxury adventurers, and anyone chasing that feeling of space, silence, and starry skies—this one’s for you.

Yeehaw, But Make It Luxe. Ready to trade your city saddle for the real thing? Reach out to your SmartFlyer advisor to start planning your Caldera House cowboycation. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, a romantic escape, or a family trip with frontier flair, there’s no better place to hang your (designer) hat.