If you're planning a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you're likely wondering about what to expect during your trip. This Jackson Hole travel guide will explain why you should visit the town, when to go, and how to get around. It also covers the best time of year to go.
About Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is a valley located in Wyoming, between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. It is home to the town of Jackson as well as Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The valley was named after David Edward Jackson, a trapper who explored the area in the early 1800s.
Today, Jackson Hole is a popular tourist destination for its skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The town of Jackson is known for its Western heritage and cowboy culture. Grand Teton National Park offers visitors scenic views of the Teton mountains, while Yellowstone National Park is home to geothermal features such as geysers and hot springs.
Why Go to Jackson Hole
The town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offers an excellent small-town atmosphere with lots of outdoor activities. It has been named one of America's 20 Best Small Towns for Christmas and offers many reasons to visit during the holiday season. Visitors will find beautiful snow-covered mountains, cozy fireplaces, and an incredible amount of natural beauty. The Grand Tetons are just one of the many attractions that make this small town a perfect destination for a vacation.
If you're traveling with children, you should take them to the Jackson Hole Children's Museum. There are exhibits that will entertain the whole family, from a Wild Wind Machine to a Mountain Market. You can also purchase tickets that include dinner and entertainment. This is a great way to experience the Old West style of life while supporting the local arts scene.
If you're an avid skier, you'll love the 2,500 acres of terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Whether you're an experienced pro or a beginner, you're sure to find a ski slope to suit your abilities. Jackson Hole also offers many hikes that offer great views of the surrounding area.
Best Time to Go
Jackson Hole is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but the best time to go depends on your interests. Summer is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, while winter brings some of the country's best skiing and snowboarding. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
No matter when you visit, you'll be treated to stunning scenery. Jackson Hole is home to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, as well as the Snake River and several alpine lakes. The area also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene.
How to Get Around
If you’re looking to get around Jackson Hole, Wyoming, there are a few options available to you. The most popular way to get around is by car, and there are a few different routes you can take. The first option is to take US-89 from Grand Teton National Park through Yellowstone National Park. This route will take you past some of the most popular attractions in the area, including Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
If you’re looking for a more scenic route, you can take US-191 from Idaho Falls through Grand Teton National Park. This route will take you past some of the most beautiful scenery in the area, including Jackson Lake and the Teton Range.
Finally, if you’re looking for a shorter trip, you can take US-287 from Cody through Yellowstone National Park.
Best Restaurants
When you're looking for the best restaurants in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you'll find plenty of options. Rendezvous Bistro is a popular spot for classic French-American bistro fare and boasts a wine list and a raw bar. Snake River Grill offers seasonal fish dishes and signature cocktails. Piste Mountain Bistro is located at the summit of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and serves American cuisine with Rocky Mountain roots. The views from this location are incredible.
While you're in Jackson Hole, consider visiting the Teton Village American Pub, a slopeside restaurant owned by celebrity chef Michael Mina. This upscale pub offers an extensive selection of classic pub food, as well as signature cocktails and beers. The view of Grand Teton National Park from the patio is another perk of eating here.
Picnic Coffee & Cafe is another excellent spot for breakfast or lunch, offering gourmet fare and unique beverages. Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is another great option for dinner. It offers a taste of the south in Jackson Hole, including wagyu beef burgers and cast iron rib eye.
Things to Do
There are a number of things to do in Jackson Hole. For a date night out, head to the Jackson Hole Playhouse, a rustic performing arts house. Built in 1918, this venue features a rotating series of live dramas and musicals. It also hosts playtime events for children. There are also theatre camps and regular dinner theatre events.
While visiting Jackson Hole, make time to check out the famous Jackson Hole Rodeo. This annual event is held on Wednesday and Saturday nights and is one of the many fun things to do in Jackson Hole. There is also a special rodeo held after Labor Day to raise money for the Shriners Hospital for Children. The rodeo also features a Behind the Chutes Experience, which lets visitors see the animals outside of the arena.
If you'd like to see the surrounding scenery, you can take a tour in a helicopter or a hot air balloon. Helicopter tours are quicker and cover larger distances, but hot air balloons allow you to see the scenery more slowly. Besides being cheaper, hot air balloon tours also allow you to see the wildlife that calls the area home.
Neighborhoods to Know
There are a number of neighborhoods to choose from in Jackson, Wyoming, with many boasting incredible views of the Grand Teton Mountains and the Snake River. The neighborhoods are close to downtown Jackson, yet still, maintain a sense of privacy. Some are even located right near the iconic Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
West Jackson has a few interesting neighborhoods to choose from. The Solitude subdivision is a hidden gem, a secluded 586-acre subdivision near the Jackson Hole airport. The area offers a great blend of town amenities and the pristine wilderness of protected lands. Residents can choose between open meadows with Teton Mountain Range views and homesites that are densely forested.
The historic Town of Jackson is the cultural and social hub of Jackson Hole, surrounded by the best nightlife in the valley. While living in Jackson Hole doesn't mean giving up access to the surrounding wilderness playground, there are plenty of trails and hiking trails nearby. The Snow King Ski Area and Cache Creek Park are both located near town, and bike paths and multi-use trails are available throughout the city.
Weather
If you're planning a vacation to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you'll want to know about the weather there. Jackson Hole has a temperate climate, but you should know that temperatures can sometimes be cold. Regardless of the season, you can still find plenty of fun activities and events. You can also check the weather in Jackson Hole by checking the local webcam.
This summer, Jackson Hole will likely be warmer than normal, according to the National Weather Service. The region should experience a dry and warmer summer, but you should check the long-range forecast to be sure. In addition, temperatures will likely be a bit warmer than average, and that means a higher risk of fires.
Snowfall can vary throughout the year, depending on the time of year. Snowfall in the Tetons peaks in December and January and gradually declines through February and April. However, it can still snow heavily, particularly in the lower elevations and in the valley.
