The 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 ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesYoung cowgirl Esther Allen trout fishing in String Lake. Teton Mountains behind. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesExterior of The Cowboy Bar with patrons hanging out outside. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesGuests 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 ImagesRoom full of patrons gambling at The Cowboy Bar. Gambling permitted during tourist season. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesBroadway, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesHighway 189 entering Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesJackson 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 ImagesJackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesMoose feeding in stream, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 1948.Alfred Eisenstaedt—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesEntering 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
