Jackson Hole: Travel Guide

Jackson Hole refers to the valley — a 48-mile-long glacial valley at 6,234 feet in northwestern Wyoming — rather than the town of Jackson (population approximately 10,000), which sits in its southern end. The valley is bordered to the west by the Teton Range (the youngest mountain range in the Rocky Mountains, with no foothills masking the abrupt rise from the valley floor) and to the east by the Gros Ventre Range. Grand Teton National Park occupies the central portion; Yellowstone National Park begins at the valley’s north end, approximately 60 miles from the town of Jackson.

The combination of Grand Teton scenery, world-class skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of the highest concentrations of wildlife viewing in the lower 48 states, and direct Yellowstone access makes this one of the most visited destinations in the American West — and one of the most expensive.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park entrance fee: approximately $35 per vehicle, valid 7 days as of 2026 (covers entry at all gates). The most impactful approach is from the south (Moose Entrance Station, approximately 12 miles north of Jackson on Teton Park Road) or from the east (Moran Entrance Station, on US-287).

Oxbow Bend (approximately 25 miles north of Jackson on US-89) is the most photographed single viewpoint in the park — the Snake River bends around a calm oxbow with the Teton range reflected in still water at dawn. Wildlife (moose, osprey, eagles, beaver) is consistently active here. No fee to stop; within the park boundary.

Jenny Lake (approximately 20 miles north of Jackson) is the most visited interior location: a glacially-carved lake at the base of Cascade Canyon. The Jenny Lake Visitor Center is open daily in summer; a boat shuttle crosses to the west shore and the trailhead for the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point hike (approximately 2 miles round trip from west shore; moderate). Boat shuttle approximately $18 round trip as of 2026.

Snake River Float Trips: Several outfitters operate float trips on the Snake River through the park, with the Teton Range as the western backdrop. Solitude Float Trips and Grand Teton Lodge Company are two established operators. Half-day trips approximately $60–$85 per adult as of 2026; no rapids (scenic float only).

Wildlife: Grand Teton and the surrounding National Elk Refuge and Bridger-Teton National Forest support year-round populations of elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, black bear, and grizzly bear. The Antelope Flats area (northeast of Moose Junction) is reliably productive for pronghorn and bison. Grizzly bears are frequently seen in Willow Flats (north of Jackson Lake Junction) in early summer.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (3395 Cody Lane, Teton Village, approximately 12 miles northwest of Jackson) is consistently rated among the top ski resorts in the US. The key statistics: 4,139 vertical feet (the greatest continuous vertical drop in the US), 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, and average annual snowfall of approximately 459 inches at the summit.

The Aerial Tram (the “Big Red Tram”) ascends to the 10,450-foot summit of Rendezvous Peak in approximately 9 minutes. Summit access in both winter and summer is possible; summer tram rides (mid-June to early October) are approximately $40–$50 for adults as of 2026.

Winter lift tickets range from approximately $200–$260 per day in peak season as of 2026. Multi-day tickets reduce the per-day rate. Rentals and ski school available at the resort. The ski season typically runs from late November to early April.

Teton Village (at the resort base) has a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and shops. The Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole and the Hotel Terra are the two premium ski-in/ski-out properties here.

National Elk Refuge

National Elk Refuge (675 E Broadway, Jackson; refuge entrance north of town on US-89) provides winter habitat for one of the largest elk herds in North America — approximately 6,000–7,000 elk winter here, visible from the highway and via horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides operate from late December through early April, running into the refuge among the elk herds. Approximately $25–$30 for adults as of 2026; tickets at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center (532 N Cache St). This is one of the few places in North America where you can be among thousands of wild elk at close range.

The refuge is also productive for wildlife viewing year-round along the Flat Creek area; bald eagles in winter, songbirds in spring.

Jackson Town Square

Jackson Town Square (Cache St and Broadway) is the literal center of the town of Jackson — a small square with antler arches at each corner (four arches made from naturally shed elk antlers collected from the National Elk Refuge). The square has a gazebo used for summer events and is surrounded by galleries, restaurants, outfitters, and the historic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar (25 N Cache St) opened 1937; saddles as bar stools, Western taxidermy, a dance floor, and live country music Thursday–Saturday. Drinks approximately $8–$14. One of the most specific Western bar environments in the US.

National Museum of Wildlife Art (2820 Rungius Rd, approximately 2 miles north of Jackson on US-89) holds approximately 5,000 works of American wildlife art in a museum embedded in the hillside above the Elk Refuge. Admission approximately $15 for adults as of 2026. Open daily 9am–5pm.

Yellowstone Gateway

Yellowstone National Park is approximately 60 miles north of Jackson via the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway (US-89/287). The South Entrance to Yellowstone is approximately 57 miles from the Jackson Town Square — typically a 1–1.5 hour drive depending on wildlife jams (bison blocking the road is routine in summer). The entry fee is a separate charge from Grand Teton: approximately $35 per vehicle, valid 7 days. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass (approximately $80) covers both parks for a year and pays for itself on any trip visiting multiple national parks.

Where to Stay

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole (7680 Granite Loop Rd, Teton Village) is the prestige ski-in/ski-out property at the mountain base. Rooms from approximately $650–$1,200+ per night in ski season as of 2026.

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole (3335 W Village Dr, Teton Village) is a ski-in/ski-out boutique property at the resort base. Rooms from approximately $350–$700 per night in winter.

Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa (175 N Jackson St, Jackson town) is a 32-room boutique lodge in the center of Jackson, walking distance from Town Square. Rooms from approximately $250–$450 per night.

Wort Hotel (50 N Glenwood St, Jackson town) opened 1941 and is the classic Jackson hotel — the Silver Dollar Bar with its inlaid silver dollar counter is the most-photographed interior in town. Rooms from approximately $200–$380 per night.

Anvil Hotel (215 N Cache St, Jackson town) is a renovated mid-century motel now a design-forward 32-room boutique property. Rooms from approximately $200–$350 per night. Good value for Jackson.

Where to Eat

The Blue Lion (160 N Millward St) is a casual-upscale Jackson institution: rack of lamb, Wyoming bison dishes, fresh fish. Mains approximately $32–$55. Reservations strongly recommended in summer and ski season.

Local Restaurant + Bar (55 N Cache St) serves American cooking with regional ingredients — bison short rib, Idaho trout, elk. Mains approximately $28–$48. The wine list is the best in the town center.

Snake River Grill (84 E Broadway) is the Jackson fine dining benchmark, housed in a log-accented building on Town Square. Elk tenderloin, Rocky Mountain lamb. Mains approximately $40–$70.

Persephone Bakery (145 E Broadway) is the Jackson morning institution: croissants, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee. Expect a line on weekends.

Café Genevieve (135 E Broadway) serves Southern-inflected brunch — biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, gumbo. Brunch mains approximately $15–$24. Cash and cards accepted.

Teton Thai (170 N Cache St) is the most reliable value dining in Jackson: Thai dishes approximately $12–$18. Useful on a budget in an otherwise expensive town.

Getting Around

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), within Grand Teton National Park boundaries (the only commercial airport in a US national park), is approximately 7 miles north of Jackson town. Rideshare from the airport to Jackson is approximately $25–$35. The START Bus provides free public transit between Jackson and Teton Village during ski season, and paid service in summer. A car is strongly recommended for full access to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and the valley’s dispersed attractions.