Jackson Hole Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Jackson Hole is more than just a valley; it is a mythic landscape that captures the very soul of the American West. Flanked by the jagged, unforgiving peaks of the Teton Range to the west and the rolling Gros Ventre mountains to the east, this destination offers a visceral connection to nature that few places can match. It is a place where moose wander through parking lots, cowboys still ride the range, and the spirit of adventure is palpable in the crisp mountain air.

While the town of Jackson has evolved into a hub of luxury and fine dining, it retains a rugged authenticity. Wooden boardwalks creak underfoot in the town square, and the nightly “shootout” in summer reminds visitors of its lawless past. Whether you are carving through deep powder in globally renowned bowls or drifting down the Snake River beneath the shadow of the Grand Teton, Jackson Hole demands that you be present, wide-eyed, and ready for the wild.

The Last of the Old West

Jackson Hole’s history is as dramatic as its skyline. Originally a summer hunting ground for indigenous tribes and later a hub for fur trappers, the valley was one of the last places in the lower 48 states to be permanently settled due to its harsh winters. This isolation fostered a unique culture of self-reliance and preservation. Today, that legacy lives on not just in the aesthetic of the town, but in the serious commitment to conservation, over 97% of Teton County is permanently protected public land.

Culturally, Jackson walks a fine line between denim and diamonds. You are just as likely to see a billionaire in bespoke ski gear as you are a ranch hand in dust-covered Wranglers. The arts scene is unexpectedly vibrant for a mountain town, with the National Museum of Wildlife Art serving as a crown jewel, offering a sophisticated counterpoint to the raw wilderness just outside its doors.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Grand Teton National Park - Just 5 miles north of Jackson, this park features the most dramatic mountain front in the Rockies. Entrance is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.

Jackson Town Square - The heart of the town, famous for its four arches made of thousands of shed elk antlers. It is free to visit and located at the intersection of Broadway and Cache.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort - Located in Teton Village, 12 miles from town, this is a world-renowned ski destination. The Aerial Tram costs approximately $45 for sightseeing in summer.

Mormon Row Historic District - Home to the most photographed barns in America, this historic homestead area is located inside the national park, about 14 miles north of town. Free with park entry.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Jackson Hole is easier than ever with the expanded Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), the only commercial airport located entirely within a national park. However, flights can be pricey. Once you land, renting a car is highly recommended if you plan to explore the national parks at your own pace, though the START Bus system provides excellent and affordable public transit between the town of Jackson and Teton Village.

Packing for Jackson means preparing for layers, regardless of the season. Summer days can hit 80°F but drop to 40°F at night, so a fleece and rain jacket are essential. If you are visiting in winter, heavy insulated coats and waterproof boots are non-negotiable. Also, remember that you are at high altitude (over 6,000 feet); drink twice as much water as usual to avoid altitude sickness.

Jackson Hole is a destination that stays with you long after you leave. The image of the Tetons piercing the blue Wyoming sky is a memory that beckons travelers back year after year. Whether you come for the adrenaline of the slopes or the serenity of the sagebrush flats, you will find that the Wild West is not only alive here, it is thriving.