A wild valley near the geysers of Yellowstone and in the shadow of the Tetons, Jackson Hole is a mecca for outdoorsy types and wildlife lovers. It’s the kind of place where you’re more likely to come across bison than people—it has the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48. Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are the main draws, with travelers typically basing themselves in the town of Jackson. In summer, hiking, fat tire biking, fishing, and wildlife spotting are top of the things-to-do list, while winter brings with it skiers and snowboarders.
More and more, the best time to visit Jackson Hole is autumn, aka mid-September through October. You’ll be able to avoid the insanity of summer crowds, skip the highest prices, and enjoy pleasantly mild weather. Come October, there's the added bonus of the trees turning shades of gold. Of course, if you’re a skier, you’ll want to visit December through March for all that fresh powder.
If you mostly want to stay in town, the START bus acts as a free in-town shuttle that can get you almost anywhere you need to go (to go outside of the city limits there's a small fee). And in summer, there’s also a route that goes to Teton Village. If you want true independence and the ability to explore on your own schedule, you’ll want to rent a car.
You’ve probably heard Jackson Hole is getting more crowded and more expensive—and that’s not wrong. However, time your visit for winter to be pleasantly surprised with more than just the extended elbow room. Elk come down from the hills and are easily visible at the National Elk Refuge; Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks are virtually silent; and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing make for fun ways to venture into the wilderness.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MDT (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 13 | Tours 150 | Reviews 11,051 |
Jackson Hole is famous for a few reasons. Some know it for world-class skiing and snowboarding at spots like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Others associate it with celebrities who live there—the town attracts wealth thanks to its fantastic scenery, location out of the coastal spotlight, and lack of income taxes.
...MoreYour day in Jackson Hole depends on your interests. Some come for world-class skiing at spots like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and for the après scene. Others come for Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Still, others come to explore the National Elk Refuge or National Museum of Wildlife Art.
...MoreWith two days in Jackson Hole, many take to the slopes at spots like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. You could also explore the nearby Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge, or National Museum of Wildlife Art, or drive up the scenic John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway to Yellowstone National Park.
...MoreYes, Jackson Hole is worth visiting. This celeb-heavy mountain town comes jam-packed with things to do. Within a few days, you can explore Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the National Elk Refuge. You can also take to the world-class slopes at spots like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
...MoreFew towns offer more to do in winter than Jackson Hole. You’ll find a bustling atmosphere both in town and at spots like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, offering some of the country’s best skiing. Winter is also when Yellowstone’s elk live at the National Elk Refuge, five minutes from town.
...MoreKnown for attracting celebrities, Jackson Hole boasts gorgeous mountain scenery and plenty of things to do—while holding onto that Wild West vibe. Sitting in a picturesque valley, the town offers access to Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and world-class skiing.
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