Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole (2026 Guide)
Jackson Hole is the valley, Jackson is the town, and Grand Teton National Park is the backdrop that makes both of them unforgettable. The Teton Range rises 7,000 feet from the valley floor in one of the most dramatic mountain-to-valley transitions on the continent — with Yellowstone an hour north and world-class skiing right in town, Jackson Hole covers more bases than almost any destination in the American West.
Find Things to Do →
The unmissable in Jackson Hole
These are the staple sights — don't leave Jackson Hole without seeing them.
Attractions in Jackson Hole
More attractions in Jackson Hole
1
💎 Hidden Gem by Locals
📍 447 Snow King Ave, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 83001-8948
Compare tours, check availability, and book with free cancellation.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is technically a high-alpine valley (a “hole” in the old mountain man lexicon), but in practice it refers to the entire region surrounding the town of Jackson — a compact, walkable Western town of around 10,000 people that transforms into one of the most visited destinations in the country during peak summer and winter seasons. The combination of Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone day trips, world-class skiing, and exceptional wildlife viewing makes Jackson Hole rare: a place that delivers year-round without qualification.
Best Time to Visit Jackson Hole
Summer (June–August) offers everything open — Grand Teton trails accessible, Snake River rafting running, wildlife prolific, and Jackson’s Town Square buzzing. Fall is spectacular: September brings elk rutting season (one of the great wildlife spectacles in North America), golden aspens, and dramatically fewer crowds. Winter (December–March) is ski season — Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has some of the most demanding terrain in the US. Spring (April–May) is the sleepy season — many businesses close, some high roads remain snowed in, but wildlife is active and lodging prices drop significantly.
Getting Around
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is inside Grand Teton National Park — one of only two commercial airports inside a national park in the US. A car is essential for exploring the parks. START Bus operates free and paid routes throughout the valley in summer and winter, including stops at Teton Village (ski resort base). Rideshare works in town but gets sparse at remote trailheads. For Yellowstone, plan for full driving days — Old Faithful is 60+ miles from the park’s south entrance.
Best Areas in Jackson Hole
Jackson Town Square: The famous antler arches mark this four-block square at the center of town — surrounded by galleries, restaurants, and shops in Western-style wooden buildings. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is an institution. Start any Jackson trip here.
Grand Teton National Park: The valley’s defining asset — 310,000 acres from the Snake River bottomlands to the Cathedral Group peaks. Jenny Lake, Cascade Canyon, and the String Lake loop are the essential day-hike experiences. The Oxbow Bend area is prime moose and waterfowl habitat.
Teton Village: The base area for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, 12 miles north of Jackson town. More resort-polished than the town itself, with ski-in/ski-out lodging and the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram (summer gondola rides in off-season).
National Elk Refuge: 25,000 acres of protected wetlands and meadows immediately north of Jackson town. Winter brings 6,000–7,000 elk to the valley floor for one of North America’s most accessible large-scale wildlife spectacles. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the refuge run December through April.
Moose Area (South Park Loop): The southern gateway to Grand Teton — Moose Visitor Center, Craig Thomas Discovery Center, Menor’s Ferry historic site, and Chapel of the Transfiguration are all in this compact area. Also access to Death Canyon and Phelps Lake trailheads.
Snake River Canyon: South of Jackson on Highway 26/89, the river cuts through a dramatic canyon with whitewater sections popular for rafting. The town of Hoback Junction marks the canyon entrance.
Food & Drink
Jackson’s dining scene reflects its affluent visitor base — several nationally recognized restaurants anchor a food scene that’s overperforming for a small mountain town. The Handle Bar at Four Seasons does excellent elevated pub food with mountain views. Snake River Grill on the Town Square is the long-running fine dining standby — wild game dishes, extensive wine list, packed nightly. For a more casual local vibe, Persephone Bakery is the morning anchor (excellent pastries and coffee), and Rendezvous Bistro is beloved by locals for reliably great dinner without the tourist markup. The craft beer scene is modest but the Roadhouse Brewing Co. covers the local-brew requirement well. Expect elevated prices across the board — Jackson is one of the most expensive small towns in the US.
Practical Tips
- Grand Teton Park entrance fees ($35/vehicle) are valid for 7 days and can be applied toward an America the Beautiful annual pass.
- For Yellowstone day trips from Jackson, leave by 6am — the 60-mile drive to Old Faithful takes 90+ minutes and parking fills early.
- National Elk Refuge sleigh rides (winter) book up — reserve through the National Wildlife Art Museum weeks in advance.
- Teton Village lodging is significantly more expensive than Jackson town — weigh the ski convenience against the cost difference.
- Bear spray is strongly recommended for hiking in both parks — available at any outdoor shop in Jackson.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Jackson and Jackson Hole?
Jackson is the town; Jackson Hole is the surrounding valley. Think of it like New York City (the town) and New York (the state) — Jackson Hole encompasses the town of Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, Teton Village, and the broader valley system. Most people use the terms interchangeably, which is fine in practice.
How many days do you need in Jackson Hole?
Three to four days covers Grand Teton (two days), a Yellowstone day trip, and time in Jackson town. Five to seven days is ideal to add a Snake River rafting trip, wildlife morning tours, and more leisurely hiking. For skiing, plan three to five days to properly explore the mountain terrain.
Is Jackson Hole good for families?
Excellent. Junior Ranger programs in Grand Teton and Yellowstone are well done. Snake River float trips (calmer than whitewater) work for younger kids. The elk sleigh rides in winter are unforgettable for children. The National Museum of Wildlife Art has strong programming for kids.
When can you see wildlife in Jackson Hole?
Year-round, but peak seasons vary by species. Elk are most dramatic in September–October (rut) and December–April (refuge). Bears emerge in late April and are active through October. Moose are at Oxbow Bend and Willow Flats year-round. Birds are spectacular in spring migration (May) and waterfowl concentrate in fall.
Is Jackson Hole worth the high prices?
For the combination of scenery, wildlife, parks access, and skiing in one place — yes. It's genuinely one of the most spectacular locations in North America. Budget-conscious travelers can reduce costs with early booking, staying in Jackson town rather than Teton Village, and visiting in spring or early fall.
Can you visit Yellowstone as a day trip from Jackson Hole?
Yes, but it's a long day — 60+ miles to the South Entrance, another 30 to Old Faithful. Allow 10–12 hours for a productive Yellowstone day trip. Consider staying one night inside Yellowstone to see the park at dawn and dusk when crowds thin and wildlife appears.
What is the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram?
The Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort lifts riders from Teton Village at 6,311 feet to the 10,450-foot summit of Rendezvous Mountain in about 12 minutes. Open in summer for hiking and views, it's the most dramatic mountain summit accessible without hiking in the region. The 360-degree views of the Tetons, Snake River valley, and Idaho to the west are extraordinary.