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 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 parks, and a bit of Wild West charm. But just a heads-up—this is not a budget trip. Everything from lodging to activities adds up quickly, especially in peak seasons. Still, it’s worth every cent if you plan it right.
Getting There and Getting Around
Delta offers a direct daily flight from Atlanta into Jackson Hole. Some other airlines serve the area too, usually with a stop in Salt Lake City. Once you land, you will absolutely need a rental car. Jackson 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, and felt very “Wyoming” in the best way. You can check it out here: https://rockwelljh.com
National Park Access
If you plan to visit both Grand Teton and Yellowstone, consider getting the America the Beautiful annual parks pass for $70 and visit LOTS of park in one year! Otherwise, it’s $35 per car for each park per visit.
Activities and What Things Cost
Jackson Hole is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place, but here’s a quick look at some activities and price points:
- Snowmobiling: $300 to $400 per person for a half day
- Skiing/Snowboarding: Expect several hundred dollars for lift tickets and gear
- Elk Preserve Sleigh Ride: $25 to $40 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 Must-Dos
- Grand Teton National Park is incredibly close and packed with hiking trails, scenic drives, and iconic photo spots like Mormon Row. Bring a camera and take your time.
- Yellowstone National Park is a longer day trip but doable. If you’re planning to hit the major sites in one day, start early. Don’t miss Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and if you’re driving north, the Roosevelt Arch.
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 picture you have seen didn’t do the park justice. This expansive park has it all! Check out the Yellowstone Guide here!
Winter Must-Dos
- Snowmobiling is a huge draw. We booked through this tour company and had a fantastic experience. The guides are pros and the scenery is unreal. 1 small crash into the snow bank, 4 almost crashes with half the snowmobile in the air, 60 miles traveled, up to 50mph, freezing temps, bison, and the best tour guide and group. Definitely a bucket list adventure!
- Take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. It’s quiet, snowy, and really peaceful with hundreds of elk grazing nearby. More info here
- Skiing and snowboarding are obviously big draws. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the more famous one, but Snow King Mountain Resort is another good option that’s closer to downtown.
Helpful Tips
Albertsons is a great grocery store if you need basics. We grabbed premade sandwiches and fruit and packed lunches for 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 really away from it all. Just plan ahead, build in time for both adventure and rest, and enjoy everything this unique part of the country has to offer.
The cool aunt. Plant novice who loves to travel to cool places, eat unadventurous food, and take pretty photos.
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