An increasingly attractive option for second homeowners, retirees, and pure outdoorsmen, Swan Valley, Idaho, is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Conveniently located 45 miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and 40 miles from Idaho Falls, Idaho, this lush valley is sheltered from the hectic pace of life, yet easily accessed from anywhere in the world with connecting flight service through Salt Lake City’s or Denver’s international airports.

Untouched wilderness and rolling farmland give the region its unique character, but the valley’s wildlife and year-round recreational opportunities are the real reasons it has gained so much popularity. Swan Valley’s fertile ground hosts many of the large Rocky Mountain species such as elk, moose, mountain goats, and bear, while the healthy population of fish in the wild rivers and lakes brings a variety of birds to the area. Bald eagles, trumpeter swans, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, hawks, owls, and grouse are common sights.

Visitors often become residents after they tie a fly and hook a big one on the renowned South Fork of the Snake River or spend a weekend just enjoying the crisp mountain air. Boat or water-ski the coves of Palisades Reservoir, hike or mountain bike through numerous national forests, and ski deep powder and world-class terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, Wyoming, or at Grand Targhee Resort in Driggs, Idaho.

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