Plan Your Trip - Visit Jackson Hole (2024)

Where to go, where to stay, and how to get there.

Getting to Jackson Hole is easy. The hard part is fitting all there is to do into your trip.

With so many great places to stay, eat, and play and endless activities to experience, planning a trip to Jackson Hole is an adventure in itself. But don’t worry: below we’ve mapped out the best way to get to town, where to stay once you’ve arrived (everything from campgrounds to luxury hotels), how to use public transportation and bike paths to get around, and the can’t-miss places to see and experience while you’re in Jackson Hole.

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Getting Here

Getting to Jackson Hole is easier than ever, with non-stop flights from major cities across the United States to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)—the only airport in a national park and just 20 minutes from the town of Jackson.

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Places to Go

Jackson Hole forms an expansive piece of the West. Learn where the main attractions are, including which spots to hit, from Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park and everywhere in between.

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Places to Stay

Whether you feel like roughing it or living in style, camping spots, hostels, hotels, and luxury digs have you covered.

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There's plenty to explore any season in Jackson Hole.

  • Winter

    A snow-filled landscape offers both wild and cozy experiences for everyone. Along with world-class skiing and snowboarding, you can discover snowmobiling, sleigh rides, hot springs, fireside moments, and so much more.

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  • Spring

    As the snow melts and the Tetons defrost, the Jackson Hole valley comes alive with signs of life: rivers swell with snow runoff, fields and trees burst into green, and wildlife comes out of hibernation with their young.

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  • Summer

    Find your perfect adventure hiking, biking, climbing, and fishing or sit back and take in wild mountain, river, and wildlife views. No matter how you choose to spend your summer days in the Tetons, you’ll be connecting to the wild like you never have before.

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  • Fall

    As the leaves change and mountain peaks get dusted with snow, scenic drives, bike rides, and hikes can offer the area’s most beautiful views of the year. Jackson and the national parks slow down a bit as summer winds down and wildlife begin preparation for winter.

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Plan your trip

Jackson Hole refers to the 42-mile long valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountains. Trappers and mountain men used “hole” to describe high mountain valleys. Within Jackson Hole are the towns of Jackson, Teton Village, Kelly, Wilson, Moran, Moose, and Hoback Junction and also Grand Teton National Park. Jackson, population approximately 10,000, is the largest town in Jackson Hole.

Places to Go

With an authentic, spirited, and distinctive Western mountain character, Jackson Hole is a popular year-round tourist destination. More than 2.6 million people visit the valley annually. Truly, anytime is a good time to visit Jackson Hole. Every season has its own personality. The most popular season is summer. Most summer visitors come for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Grand Teton National Park is in Jackson Hole, and Yellowstone is just north of the valley. Between them, these parks receive upwards of 3 million visitors every year.

According to U.S. News & World Report Travel, the best months to visit Jackson Hole are April, May, September, and October. The magazine picked these months, which are Jackson Hole’s two shoulders seasons, because travelers seeking a value can find lower rates and also restaurant specials then. Also, coming during either shoulder season means there will be fewer tourists.

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Most lodging options are concentrated in the Town of Jackson and Teton Village. If you’re planning to spend most of your time at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, stay in Teton Village to minimize your driving time. If you’re looking to explore more of the valley, including the nearby national parks, stay in the town of Jackson.

The closer you are to the Town Square, the greater the number of restaurants and shops within walking distance. From the Town Square, Teton Village and the southern entrance to Grand Teton National Park are almost equidistant: about a 20-minute drive. Of course, staying in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is also an option; both have developed campgrounds, historic lodges, and modern hotels.

Places to Stay

Make sure to pack appropriately for the weather, since Jackson Hole experiences cold temperatures and snow during the winter months. Jackson Hole lies at 6,237 feet (1,901 meters) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. The valley can experience all four seasons in a single day, even in the summer months, so it’s best to be prepared for any type of inclement weather.

Packing by Season

It’s the best way to experience Jackson Hole! Slow travel is a mindful approach to traveling that emphasizes taking the time to fully experience and appreciate a destination rather than rushing through it in a short amount of time. It often involves using more sustainable modes of transportation, staying in locally owned accommodations, and engaging in authentic cultural experiences.

Slow travel can also help reduce the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment by supporting local businesses and reducing carbon emissions. It allows travelers to connect with the places they visit on a deeper level and gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for their cultures and histories. If you don’t know, go slow!

Yes, both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are open year-round, though access to certain areas and roads changes by season. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the spring or fall, when the weather is cooler and the crowds are thinner. During these months, you can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives while also avoiding the peak tourist season. Winter is a unique and magical time with plenty to do besides downhill skiing.

No matter when you visit, be sure to plan for any kind of weather conditions. As Jackson old-timers will tell you, they’ve seen snow flurries every month of the year! Many of the national parks’ roads and facilities are closed due to snow and ice from late October to sometime in May, so it’s important to check the Wyoming road report, look up Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks’ current conditions, have good tires no matter the time of year, and plan accordingly.

At fine dining restaurants, reservations are always recommended. Between June and early October and December through March they’re absolutely necessary. To make sure you get the seating time of your choice, we recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible. Some restaurants take reservations up to 90 days in advance. During quieter times of year — mid-October through early December and April through early May — it’s possible to make reservations as late as a day or two ahead of time.

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For trip planning inquiries, including questions about area activities, attractions, and services, please contact Visitor Services at info@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316.

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Plan Your Trip - Visit Jackson Hole (2024)

FAQs

How many days do you need to visit Jackson Hole? ›

If you want to get the full outdoor adventure experience, plan at least a week so you can spend sufficient time in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. If your primary reason for traveling to Jackson Hole is so you can hit the slopes, you can likely make do with a shorter trip.

What is the best season to visit Jackson Hole? ›

Fall Season: September-October

If so, fall is the best time to visit Jackson Hole. With average temperatures between 50 and 70, you can enjoy the outdoors in relative comfort. Whitewater rafting season extends into the fall, with many trips still possible well into October.

Is Jackson Hole worth a visit? ›

Jackson Hole is conveniently located near Yellowstone AND Grand Teton National Park. Visitors can see two of the most treasured national parks in one visit. Grand Teton National Park is at the foot of the Tetons and has hiking trails, beautiful alpine lakes, and dynamic views. Both parks are great for wildlife viewing.

Is Jackson Hole closer to Yellowstone or Grand Teton? ›

The Jackson Hole region is filled with resorts, guest ranches, and hotels, just 45 minutes from Grand Teton National Park and two hours from the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

What is dress code in Jackson Hole? ›

Even the valley floor is over 6,000 feet above sea level. Jackson is a casual old west town, so there is no need for dressy clothes. Even at our fanciest restaurants, jeans and a button down is the normal attire.

Do you need a car to get around Jackson Hole? ›

If you plan to visit the national parks or explore beyond the town limits, a vehicle or transportation via guided tours is necessary. Getting around Jackson without a car is fun and convenient thanks to the public Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START) Bus.

Is Jackson Hole expensive? ›

Jackson Hole residents often report a higher cost of living. With the current median price of $3.75 million, Jackson Hole is one of the most expensive places to live in Wyoming, and the cost of living in Jackson Hole is significantly higher than the national average.

Where to fly into for Jackson Hole? ›

Getting to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the only commercial airport in the United States located within a National Park (i.e., Grand Teton). Upon arrival at the airport, you are an easy 36-minute drive to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort by car, taxi or rental car.

What is Jackson Hole best known for? ›

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a vacation destination like no other. In fact, that's what Jackson Hole is famous for—it has skiing, fishing, rafting, ranches, fine dining, and more. There's something for everyone here and that's what makes it such a well-loved vacation spot.

Where do celebrities go in Jackson Hole? ›

This Family-owned Ranch in Jackson Hole Is a Celebrity Favorite — but Its Cozy Log Cabins Are Still Under the Radar. The family behind Diamond Cross Ranch and Teton Cabins has hosted the Kardashians and country singer Thomas Rhett on horseback, but behind the scenes, cowboying is just their way of life.

Why do billionaires live in Jackson Hole? ›

The New York Post cited tax incentives as a primary factor in the immigration of the wealthy to Wyoming, reporting that Wyoming "collects no personal or corporate income tax, and it has one of the nation's lowest sales tax rates (5.36 percent, compared to 8.49 percent in New York)."

How far is Yellowstone from Jackson? ›

Jackson Hole is approximately two hours from the South entrance of Yellowstone and just over five hours to the North Entrance.

Is a teton pass scary? ›

Please keep in mind that Teton Pass in extremely dangerous and is HAZARDOUS FOR OVERWEIGHT TRUCKS. Grade steepness, grade length and curve severity can cause trucks to lose control. DO NOT RISK IT. You can call any Department of Transportation Port of Entry or Permit Station for alternate routes.

What is the best time of year to go to Jackson Hole? ›

June-August

Summer is the most popular time to visit Jackson Hole. Average high temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s and fairly low precipitation levels make for ideal hiking, biking and rafting conditions. Plus, both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park are fully open, offering great daytrip opportunities.

How long does it take to drive from Jackson Hole to Old Faithful? ›

Old Faithful is approximately a two-hour drive from Jackson Hole. It's not always easy to predict geyser eruptions with regularity, but Old Faithful has lived up to its name, only lengthening the time between eruptions by about 30 minutes over the last 30 years.

How many days do you need in Tetons? ›

To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Teton Range and Yellowstone, carve out five days (or more!) You'll have time to visit all the best sights and to sample a wide variety of activities. Relax and enjoy not just the scenery, but the culture that makes this part of the country so unique and memorable.

How many days do you need at Yellowstone? ›

You could easily take two weeks to explore Yellowstone (and you might want to after you spend a day here). To truly experience the best aspects of the park, you'll want to plan at least three days. But if you only have one day to spend in the park, you want to get the most out of your time here.

Which is better, Park City or Jackson Hole? ›

Jackson Hole is ideal for experienced skiers seeking challenging terrain and a rugged mountain experience. Park City, on the other hand, is better suited for families and skiers of all levels, offering a more diverse range of activities and a vibrant town atmosphere.

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