July 10, 2015 8:00 AM EDT
T he Jackson Hole valley today is a major hub of tourism in the American West: skiers in the winter, national park-goers in the summer and mountain lovers all year round. But its primary tourism draw—long before the word “resort” became associated with the peaceful Wyoming locale—was once its dude ranches. Back then, its cowboy bars served actual cowboys, its main street was paved with dirt and its vast expanses were more populated with bison than with people. In 1948, LIFE photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt captured the region’s quiet yet dramatic beauty in vivid Technicolor, preserving it—at least on film—for posterity.
Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk .
Snake River with the Grand Tetons in the background, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Young cowgirl Esther Allen trout fishing in String Lake. Teton Mountains behind. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Exterior of The Cowboy Bar with patrons hanging out outside. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Guests sitting around fireplace and listening to live music at Bearpaw Dude Ranch.
Jack Huyler, son of owner, is playing guitar. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Room full of patrons gambling at The Cowboy Bar. Gambling permitted during tourist season. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Broadway, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Highway 189 entering Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Lake and Grand Teton Mountain Range seen from the Ranch owned by Mr. and Mrs. Berol. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Moose feeding in stream, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Entering Jackson Hole from the east along the Blackrock Creek with the Grand Tetons in the background. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948. Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images More Must-Reads From TIME Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work? Why We're Spending So Much Money Now The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time