Editor's Note: A Western Greeting

Yonder is Jackson Hole, the last of the Old West. One of the last places to see wild bison roam the sage plains, to catch a native cutthroat trout or to enjoy the splendor of an undisrupted starry night. 

For generations, it’s been a place that invites both deep reflection and the persistent invitation to be a different, better version of ourselves. There’s something about crisp air and towering peaks that casts the world into a different perspective. 

In times that feel troubling to many, this place offers timeless wisdom. It’s my sincerest hope that whether it’s your first time in the Tetons or you’ve called it home for years, you can find renewed inspiration this summer. To that end, here are a few themes that I hope you’ll discover both in these pages and in all of your summer adventures. 

The untamed landscape reminds us that good stewardship is vital. Caring for wild places and their inhabitants has been at the core of Jackson Hole’s character since before the inception of the national parks. It’s long been the ethos of hunters and anglers; enjoy the ecosystem without inflicting damage, and it will continue to thrive. 

Those who lived here before us remind us that when times get tough, community gets us through. In the face of blizzards, floods or forest fires, people learned to collaborate. Creativity, grit and honesty have helped to build the best parts of what endures. 

Finally, it’s my deepest belief that Jackson Hole is tangible evidence that even when it’s an uphill battle, some things are worth fighting for. Simply look around; there’s authentic good. Compassionate caregivers and engaged philanthropists, boundary-pushing artists, inspiring athletes — it’s a buzzing hive of people who desire to see a better world. It’s a microcosm of the best elements of humanity itself, representing a bright and hopeful future.

It’s not to say that we don’t face challenges; we do. It’s not to say that tragedy doesn’t strike; it does. But there’s something vital at the confluence of Western grit and the boundless resilience of the landscape that awakens the truest part of ourselves. 

This summer, I hope you’ll encounter many things that awaken your truest self. Whether it’s a mountain sunrise, music around a campfire, a stroll through the farmers market, an unforgettable trail ride or something else entirely, accept the invitation. Allow it to change you for the better.  

Happy trails,

Melissa Thomasma