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Epic Guide to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Duration: 4 to 5 days
Best Season to Visit: Summer for national parks and hiking, winter for snowmobiling and skiing
Budget: Expect high prices year-round, with winter being especially expensive due to ski season and guided tours
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is one of those destinations that feels like stepping into a postcard. Whether you’re chasing snow or sunshine, this town delivers incredible views, access to world-class national parks, and a bit of Wild West charm. But just a heads-up- this is not a budget-friendly trip. Everything from lodging to activities adds up quickly, especially during both peak seasons. Knowing that information going in, it is still worth every cent if you plan it right.
Check out this epic guide to Jackson Hole (jump to section) itinerary!
- Getting to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Getting Around
- Where to Stay in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Grand Teton National Park AND Yellowstone National Park Access
- Seasons in Jackson Hole
- Helpful Tips for your visit to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Final Thoughts on Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Getting There and Getting Around
Jackson Hole Airport may be small, but it’s one of the most stunning airports I’ve seen. It sits right in front of the Teton Mountains, making the whole experience feel pretty dreamy. You step off the plane straight into those incredible views- it’s honestly unforgettable.
Delta offers a direct daily flight from Atlanta to Jackson Hole. Some other airlines serve the area too, usually with a stop in Salt Lake City. Once you land, you will need a rental car. Jackson Hole is not a place where you can rely on public transit or walk everywhere. We rented from Dollar Car Rental. Their location was downtown, not at the airport, but they offered a free shuttle to and from the terminal. There are plenty of other rental companies to choose from, depending on your schedule and budget.
Where to Stay
There are many hotels and lodges around Jackson Hole, but we stayed at The Rockwell and had a great experience. It was clean, centrally located, had an electric fireplace in the room that was worth every penny, and felt very “Wyoming” in the best way. The included breakfast was also very good!
Depending on whether you are in the area for skiing, consider the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as a pricier option! It has a lodge and spa!
National Park Access
If you plan to visit both Grand Teton and Yellowstone, consider getting the America the Beautiful annual parks pass for $80 and visit MORE of the parks in one year! The pass is honored at over 2,000 sites managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Otherwise, it’s $35 per car for each park per visit.
Check out my Yellowstone National Park Guide
Check out my Grand Teton National Park Guide
Activities and What Things Cost in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place, but here’s a quick look at some activities and price points:
- Snowmobiling: $425+ per person for a half day
- National Parks: $35/car per park
- Horseback riding: $150-200 per person
- Skiing/Snowboarding: Expect several hundred dollars for lift tickets and gear
- Elk Preserve Winter Sleigh Ride: $25 (kids) to $40 (adults) per person
- Elk Refuge (in summer): Free to drive through
What to Do in All Seasons
Spend time exploring the town of Jackson itself. The downtown square is full of unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. A few food spots we liked were Liberty Burger, Jackson Drug, and Gun and Barrel Steakhouse. Everything has a bit of western flair, and it’s fun to walk around in the evenings when the lights come on and people gather in the square.
Summer Guide to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- With a visit to any of the parks nearby, there is no shortage of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more available for your epic adventure-filled trip.
- Grand Teton National Park is just a short drive from Jackson Hole and offers an abundance of hiking trails, scenic drives, and iconic spots perfect for photography. One must-see is Mormon Row, famous for its rustic barns set against the stunning backdrop of the Teton Range. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just want to take a leisurely drive, there’s plenty to explore at your own pace. Make sure to bring a camera- you’ll want to capture the breathtaking views and wildlife along the way.
- Yellowstone National Park makes for a longer day trip from Jackson Hole, but it’s definitely doable if you plan carefully. To make the most of your visit and see the major highlights in one day, you’ll want to start early. Be sure to visit Old Faithful, where you can catch the famous geyser’s powerful eruptions. The vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring are a must-see, along with the dramatic views at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. If your route takes you north, don’t miss stopping by the historic Roosevelt Arch, which marks one of the park’s entrances. With good planning, you can fit a lot into one day and get a great taste of what Yellowstone has to offer.
Yellowstone, America’s first National Park, is seriously one of the most diverse places in the country and definitely worth all of the hype! Seeing the colorful thermal pools, the gushing geysers, the rushing waterfalls, and the animals will make you realize that everything you have seen didn’t do the park justice. This expansive park has it all! Check out the Yellowstone Guide here!
Winter Guide to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Snowmobiling is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the Jackson Hole area in winter. We booked through a local tour company and had an incredible day from start to finish. The guide was a total pro, knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about the backcountry. The ride took us through jaw-dropping scenery, with frozen rivers, open fields, and the occasional bison sighting. Along the way, we racked up one minor crash into a snowbank, four near-misses (including moments where half the snowmobile was airborne), covered about 60 miles, and hit speeds of up to 50 mph in freezing temperatures. It was adrenaline, laughter, and awe all rolled into one. Absolutely an epic bucket list adventure.
- Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, where you can glide quietly across the snow-covered landscape while hundreds of elk graze just a few yards away. The crisp winter air, soft jingle of harness bells, and sweeping views of the Teton Range make it a serene and unforgettable experience. Knowledgeable guides share insights about the refuge’s history and the wildlife that call it home, adding a layer of connection to the stunning scenery. More info here
- Skiing and snowboarding are among the main reasons people flock to Jackson Hole in the winter. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, located in Teton Village, is world-renowned for its steep terrain, deep powder, and backcountry access, making it a favorite for experienced skiers and snowboarders. It also offers beginner-friendly runs and a lively après-ski scene, so there’s something for all skill levels. If you’re looking for a more low-key or conveniently located option, Snow King Mountain Resort sits right on the edge of downtown Jackson. Known as “The Town Hill,” it’s great for a quick ski session, night skiing under the lights, and even non-ski activities like tubing and an alpine coaster- perfect for families or those short on time.
Helpful Tips
Albertsons is a great grocery store if you need basics. We grabbed premade sandwiches and fruit and packed lunches for the days we were driving through the parks. It gave us more flexibility and saved time. While there are some restaurants inside the parks, options can be limited or crowded.
Final Thoughts
Jackson Hole is stunning no matter what season you visit. The pace is slower, the views are nonstop, and whether you’re carving down a ski run or sipping coffee by the elk preserve, there’s always something memorable around the corner. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s also one of those places that makes you feel like you’re away from it all. Just plan, build in time for both adventure and rest, and enjoy everything this unique part of the country has to offer. But make sure you keep this guide to Jackson Hole, Wyoming handy!!
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The cool aunt. Plant novice who loves to travel to cool places, eat unadventurous food, and take pretty photos.
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