Jackson Hole is not a single town but a high mountain valley in northwest Wyoming, framed by the Teton Range on the west and the Gros Ventre Range on the east.
AT A GLANCE
Best time
June to September for hiking and wildlife; mid-December to March for skiing.
How long
Four to five days, more if you add Yellowstone.
Getting there
Jackson Hole Airport sits inside Grand Teton National Park, minutes from town.
Why visit Jackson Hole
Few places in the United States put a mountain range this dramatic so close to a walkable town. The Tetons rise abruptly from the valley floor with no foothills in between, so the views from almost anywhere are striking.
Wildlife is a big part of the appeal. Elk, bison, moose, pronghorn, bald eagles and both black and grizzly bears live here, and many can be seen from the road. Jackson itself keeps its Western character with wooden boardwalks, saloons and a summer rodeo, while also offering galleries, a respected wildlife art museum and serious ski terrain.
The town of Jackson
Town Square and the antler arches
Jackson's Town Square, officially George Washington Memorial Park, is the center of the action. Arches built from thousands of shed elk antlers stand at its four corners, and the surrounding blocks are lined with covered boardwalks, galleries, outfitters and Western-wear shops.
National Elk Refuge
Just north of town, the National Elk Refuge protects winter range for one of the largest elk herds in North America.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Built from local stone into a butte across the highway from the refuge, this museum holds a large collection of wildlife art from around the world, including works by Carl Rungius and Robert Bateman. An outdoor sculpture trail winds along the hillside with views over the elk refuge.
Snow King Mountain
Rising right behind downtown, Snow King was Wyoming's first ski area. In summer, a gondola carries you to the summit for valley-wide views of the Tetons, and the Cowboy Coaster, an alpine coaster, winds down the slope.
Jackson Hole Rodeo
For a taste of the valley's ranching roots, the Jackson Hole Rodeo takes place on summer evenings at the Teton County Fairgrounds, a short walk or drive from downtown. Local cowboys and cowgirls compete in bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and roping, and kids are often invited into the arena for a calf scramble.
Teton Village and the west side of the valley
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the aerial tram
Teton Village, about twelve miles from Jackson, is home to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, known for steep, challenging ski terrain including the famous Corbet's Couloir.
Wilson and Teton Pass
The small community of Wilson sits at the base of Teton Pass, the mountain road that links Jackson Hole with Teton Valley in Idaho. The pass is steep and winding, with a wide view over the valley from the top and popular trailheads for summer hiking and winter backcountry skiing.
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
Inside Grand Teton National Park, off the Moose-Wilson Road, this preserve has a contemplative visitor center and easy trails to Phelps Lake. Parking is limited, so arrive early.
Grand Teton, the Snake River and beyond
Mormon Row and the park's scenic stops
A short drive from Jackson, Grand Teton National Park fills the northern half of the valley. Mormon Row, a line of homestead barns set against the Tetons, is one of the most photographed spots in the West, especially at sunrise.
Snake River rafting
The Snake River winds through the valley in two very different moods. Scenic float trips inside Grand Teton National Park drift past cottonwood groves with views of the peaks and frequent sightings of eagles and moose.
Granite Hot Springs
About an hour south and east of Jackson, a gravel road up Granite Creek in the Bridger-Teton National Forest ends at Granite Hot Springs, a natural hot spring pool with a rock wall and mountain views.
Planning a trip to Jackson Hole?Compare hotels, flights and vacation rentals for Jackson Hole on Expedia.Book nowFood and local flavors
Jackson has a dining scene well beyond its size, driven by tourism and a strong local food culture. Look for Rocky Mountain ingredients such as elk, bison, Idaho trout and lamb, often paired with locally grown greens in summer.
Downtown Jackson has the most variety, from casual burger joints to fine dining, plus several breweries and a distillery.
Popular dishes to try in Jackson Hole
Where to stay
Downtown Jackson suits first-time visitors who want walkable restaurants, shops and nightlife, with easy access to the elk refuge and the park's southern entrance.
Wilson suits travelers who want a quieter, local feel between town and Teton Village. Lodging inside Grand Teton National Park, including lodges and cabins near Jackson Lake and Colter Bay, suits wildlife watchers and photographers who want early starts.
Where to stay in Jackson Hole
Best time to visit
Summer, from late June through August, brings warm days, wildflowers, every road and trail open and the largest crowds. July is peak season.
Winter, from December through March, is ski season, with deep snow at the resorts and elk gathered on the refuge.
Getting there and getting around
Jackson Hole Airport sits inside Grand Teton National Park, a short drive north of town, with seasonal nonstop flights from many major U.S. cities.
A car gives you the most freedom, especially for wildlife drives at dawn and dusk. The START bus system runs between Jackson and Teton Village year round, which is handy for skiers.
A suggested itinerary
First day
Explore Town Square and the boardwalks, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, then ride the Snow King gondola for sunset views of the Tetons.
Second day
Rise early for sunrise at Mormon Row, then drive to Schwabacher Landing and Jenny Lake.
Third day
Head to Teton Village for the aerial tram and a hike along the ridge.
Fourth day
Raft the Snake River in the morning, then drive to Granite Hot Springs for a soak in the afternoon.
Practical tips
- Book lodging, rafting trips and dinner reservations well in advance for summer and the winter holidays.
- Carry bear spray when hiking and know how to use it; the valley has both black and grizzly bears.
- Keep at least twenty-five yards from elk, bison and moose, and at least one hundred yards from bears and wolves.
- Pack layers: Jackson sits at more than six thousand feet, and mornings can be near freezing even in summer.
- Drink plenty of water and take it easy on your first day to adjust to the altitude.
- Watch for wildlife on roads at dawn and dusk, and obey reduced night speed limits.
Find local businesses in Jackson on WiserMap
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