Jackson, Wyoming, is a small Western town with a big reputation. It sits at the south end of Jackson Hole, the high mountain valley beneath the Teton Range, with Grand Teton National Park on its northern edge, Yellowstone an hour or two beyond, and the National Elk Refuge, where thousands of elk spend the winter, right next to town. Around its leafy Town Square, framed by four arches made of shed elk antlers, are wooden boardwalks, galleries, outfitters, cowboy bars and good restaurants. In winter Jackson is a ski town, with Snow King Mountain rising straight out of the streets and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s famous steep terrain at Teton Village, about 12 miles (19 km) away; in summer it is the base for hiking, rafting and wildlife watching in two national parks. It is also one of the most expensive places to stay in the US, so book early and plan your season.
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Jackson at a glance
- Best months: late June to mid-September for the national parks, hiking and rafting; mid-December to March for skiing and elk sleigh rides. Late October to November and April to May are quiet “shoulder seasons” when some businesses close.
- Time needed: two or three days for the town, the Elk Refuge and a day in Grand Teton; a week to add Yellowstone or several ski days.
- Getting there: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is inside Grand Teton National Park, about 8 miles (13 km) north of town; Salt Lake City is about 4.5–5 hours away by car and Idaho Falls about 2 hours.
- Costs (as of October 2026): rooms are among the priciest in the Rockies, especially in July–August and at Christmas; hotel bills add a 5% lodging tax plus sales tax. Entering Grand Teton or Yellowstone costs $35 per car each, plus $100 per person for non-US residents without an annual pass.
- Before you go: entry rules for international visitors (ESTA or visa), driving and tipping are in our United States travel guide.
Jackson, Teton Village and Jackson Hole: where is what
“Jackson Hole” is the whole valley, about 50 miles (80 km) long, most of it national park or national forest. Jackson is the only incorporated town, the county seat of Teton County, at about 6,200 ft (1,890 m). Teton Village, the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with its own hotels and condos, is a separate resort area about 12 miles (19 km) northwest of town at the foot of the Tetons. Smaller communities include Wilson, on the road to Teton Pass, and Moose and Kelly near Grand Teton National Park. Over Teton Pass to the west lie Victor and Driggs in Idaho, with cheaper lodging, and Alta, Wyoming, home of Grand Targhee Resort.
- Downtown Jackson: walkable streets around Town Square, with hotels, motels, restaurants and shops; best if you want to walk to dinner and use the free town bus.
- Teton Village: ski-in, ski-out lodging and the aerial tram; quieter at night and closer to the Moose-Wilson Road and Grand Teton’s southern trails.
- Wilson and the West Bank: cabins and rentals among the trees, between town and the village.
Jackson in fall 2026: what to know now
- Park lodges are closed: Grand Teton’s lodges and campgrounds closed for the season between late September and mid-October 2026 (Jackson Lake Lodge on 4 October, Signal Mountain Lodge on 11 October, Gros Ventre Campground on 10 October), so stay in Jackson or Teton Village.
- Road closures on 1 November: the Teton Park Road closes to cars between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge, and most of Yellowstone’s roads, including the South Entrance road from Grand Teton, close to cars after 31 October. The highway north through Grand Teton to Flagg Ranch stays open.
- Construction: expect about 20-minute delays at the new roundabout near the Moose Entrance Station and on US 26/89/191 south of Moran Junction (October to December 2026); the Moose-Wilson Road between the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Moose is closed until 15 November.
- Fee-free days: US citizens and residents enter Grand Teton and Yellowstone free on 27 October and 11 November 2026.
- Quiet season: from late October until the ski lifts open on 27 November, Jackson is at its calmest and cheapest; elk start moving onto the refuge, and some businesses close for a few weeks. Daylight saving time ends on 1 November 2026.
Skiing in Jackson Hole: the 2026–27 season
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at Teton Village opens for the 2026–27 winter on Friday 27 November 2026, conditions permitting; the resort recommends buying lift tickets in advance, as dates can sell out. It is known for more than 4,000 vertical feet (1,200 m) of skiing, deep snow and expert terrain such as Corbet’s Couloir, though it also has plenty of groomed intermediate runs and a beginner area. The big red Aerial Tram climbs to the top of Rendezvous Mountain in winter and, in summer, for hikers and sightseers; in 2026 its summer season, which gives access to trails in Grand Teton National Park, ran from 16 May to 4 October.
Snow King Mountain, Wyoming’s oldest ski area, rises right at the south edge of downtown. Its steep slopes, night skiing and gondola make it easy to ski for a few hours without driving, and in summer it has a gondola to the summit viewpoint, an alpine coaster and hiking trails. Grand Targhee Resort, on the west side of the Tetons in Alta, Wyoming, is known for deep powder and is about an hour’s drive over Teton Pass. Check each resort’s website for opening dates, ticket prices and season pass partners, which change from year to year.
Top things to see in Jackson
Town Square and the antler arches
George Washington Memorial Park, known to everyone as Town Square, is the center of Jackson: a shady park with an elk-antler arch at each of its four corners, built from antlers that bull elk shed naturally each spring on the nearby refuge. Around it are covered wooden boardwalks, Western-wear shops, galleries and saloons. In summer, a staged shootout has long been an evening tradition, and the square glows with lights in winter.
National Elk Refuge and the winter sleigh rides
Directly northeast of town, the National Elk Refuge protects more than 24,700 acres (100 km²) of grassland and wetland where thousands of elk spend the winter, along with bison, bighorn sheep, wolves, coyotes and trumpeter swans. From mid-December to early April, when the elk are on the refuge, horse-drawn sleigh rides take visitors out among the herds; book through the refuge’s sleigh-ride concessioner, which leaves from the National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on the north side of town (open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). In summer, the refuge is a good place to watch birds and, from the road along its edge, the view of the Sleeping Indian mountain.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Built into a hillside overlooking the Elk Refuge just north of town, the museum holds a large collection of wildlife painting and sculpture, from historic Western artists to contemporary works, plus an outdoor sculpture trail with views over the valley. It is a good rainy-day stop and pairs well with a visit to the refuge.
Grand Teton National Park
The park boundary is only a few minutes north of town. In summer, drive to Moose, Jenny Lake, Mormon Row and Oxbow Bend; from 1 November to 30 April the Teton Park Road closes to cars between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge and becomes a ski and walking route. In fall 2026, construction closes the Moose-Wilson Road between the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Moose (8 September to 15 November). Entry costs $35 per car for 7 days, plus $100 per person for non-US residents aged 16 and over without an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Snow King summit and the town trails
Ride the gondola or hike the switchbacks up Snow King for the classic view over Jackson, the Elk Refuge and the Tetons. Lower down, the town’s pathways and trails, such as those on the hills around town, make easy morning walks; respect seasonal wildlife closures in winter and spring.
Other things to do in Jackson
- Hiking: Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest have hundreds of miles of trails, from lake walks to big mountain days; carry bear spray. See our hiking guide.
- Cycling: paved pathways link Jackson with Wilson, Teton Village and Grand Teton National Park as far as Jenny Lake, and the valley has popular mountain-bike trails. See our cycling guide.
- Rafting and floating: whitewater trips run through the Snake River Canyon south of town, and gentle scenic floats drift below the Tetons inside the national park, mostly from late May to September. See our boat trips guide.
- Wildlife tours: guided trips at dawn and dusk look for moose, elk, bison, bears and wolves in Grand Teton and Yellowstone; in winter they often include the Elk Refuge.
- Rodeo and Western nights: a summer rodeo, cowboy bars with saddle bar stools, and chuckwagon dinners keep the Western spirit alive.
- Arts and food: galleries around the square, summer music festivals, and a dining scene that ranges from barbecue to fine dining, with game such as elk and bison on many menus.
- Winter extras: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobile tours into the national forest, and soaking at hot springs in the area.
Getting there and getting around
By air: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) lies inside Grand Teton National Park, about 8 miles (13 km) north of town, the only commercial airport in a US national park. It has direct flights from several big US hubs, with more routes in winter and summer; taxis, hotel shuttles and car rentals serve the terminal. Idaho Falls (IDA), about 2 hours away, and Salt Lake City (SLC), about 4.5–5 hours, are alternatives with more flights or lower fares.
By road: US 89/191 comes north from the Snake River Canyon and Alpine and south from Yellowstone through Grand Teton; US 26/287 arrives from the east over Togwotee Pass; WY 22 crosses steep Teton Pass from Idaho, with grades up to 10% and restrictions on some large vehicles. The pass has needed major repairs after a landslide in 2024, so check WYDOT (dial 511) before using it, especially in winter. Yellowstone’s South Entrance road, beyond Grand Teton, is closed to cars from after 31 October until May.
| From | Approximate distance to Jackson | Route and time |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) | 8 miles (13 km) | US 26/89/191 south; about 15 minutes |
| Teton Village | 12 miles (19 km) | WY 22 and WY 390; about 25 minutes, or START bus |
| Yellowstone South Entrance | about 60 miles (97 km) | Through Grand Teton and the Rockefeller Parkway; about 1.5 hours (closed to cars in winter) |
| Old Faithful, Yellowstone | about 100 miles (161 km) | About 2.5 hours in summer |
| Idaho Falls, ID (IDA airport) | about 90 miles (145 km) | Over Teton Pass or via the Snake River Canyon; about 2 hours |
| Salt Lake City, UT (SLC airport) | about 275 miles (443 km) | Interstate 15 and US 89; about 4.5–5 hours |
START buses: the Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit system runs a free Town Shuttle around Jackson, and routes to Teton Village (a small fare from town, free from the park-and-ride on Village Road), to Teton Valley in Idaho and to Star Valley to the south, with extra service in ski season. There is no public bus through Grand Teton or to Yellowstone, so for the parks you’ll need a car or a tour. Many road trips continue south to Salt Lake City and Park City.
Day trips from Jackson
- Grand Teton National Park: Jenny Lake, Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend and Signal Mountain, 20–60 minutes north.
- Yellowstone National Park: a long but rewarding day to Old Faithful and the geyser basins from May to October; better with a night inside the park.
- Snake River Canyon and Alpine: whitewater rafting and riverside pullouts south of town.
- Gros Ventre and Slide Lake: red hills, the 1925 Gros Ventre landslide and moose country northeast of the Elk Refuge.
- Teton Valley, Idaho: over Teton Pass to Victor and Driggs for the “back side” of the Tetons and Grand Targhee.
Nearby destinations
When to go and how long to stay
Jackson has two high seasons. Summer, from late June to early September, brings warm, dry days, cool nights, afternoon thunderstorms and the biggest crowds; September is golden and calmer, with elk bugling in the parks. Winter, from mid-December to March, is cold and snowy, with skiing, sleigh rides and wildlife on the valley floor. Between them, late October to November and April to May are quiet, cheaper shoulder seasons when the ski lifts and many park facilities are closed and some restaurants take a break.
| Season | Average high | Average low | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 40–60 °F (4–16 °C) | 18–32 °F (−8 to 0 °C) | Late ski days in March, then mud season; elk leave the refuge; parks reopen in May. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 70–79 °F (21–26 °C) | 38–41 °F (3–5 °C) | Peak season; warm, dry days and chilly nights; book well ahead. |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 68–38 °F (20–3 °C) | 33–16 °F (1 to −9 °C) | Fall color in September; quiet November before ski season. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 26–30 °F (−3 to −1 °C) | 6–9 °F (−14 to −13 °C) | Ski season and sleigh rides; very cold nights; snowy roads. |
Figures are NOAA 1991–2020 normals for the Jackson weather station, at about 6,210 ft (1,893 m). The town gets about 17.6 inches (448 mm) of precipitation a year, including about 78 inches (199 cm) of snow; the mountains at Teton Village receive far more.
Altitude
At over 6,000 ft, and more than 10,000 ft (3,000 m) at the top of the tram, you may feel short of breath, sleep poorly or get headaches on the first day or two. Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol and take it slowly at first; the sun is also much stronger at altitude.
A long weekend in Jackson
In summer: day one on Town Square and up Snow King, with dinner in town; day two in Grand Teton for Jenny Lake and a scenic float; day three at the National Museum of Wildlife Art and a whitewater trip in the Snake River Canyon, or an early start for Yellowstone. In winter: ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for two days, take a sleigh ride on the Elk Refuge, and drive into Grand Teton for snowy views and moose.
Where to stay in Jackson: prices and lodging tax
Downtown has the widest choice, from older motels to boutique and luxury hotels, all close to restaurants and the free Town Shuttle. Teton Village is best for skiers, with slopeside hotels and condos; Wilson and the West Bank have cabins and vacation rentals; Victor and Driggs in Idaho, over Teton Pass, are usually cheaper but mean a mountain drive each day. Summer and the Christmas–New Year period are the most expensive and book out early; the shoulder seasons are the best value, though some properties close. Many vacation rentals have minimum stays.
Lodging tax: room rates are quoted before tax. Every hotel, motel and rental stay in Teton County carries a 5% lodging tax, 3% for the state’s tourism office and 2% for the county, which Teton County spends on visitor management and services. Wyoming’s 4% state sales tax plus local sales tax also apply, so expect roughly 11–12% on top of the room rate, plus any resort or cleaning fees.
Practical tips for Jackson
- Book early: rooms, rental cars, popular restaurants and lift tickets fill up in summer and over the holidays.
- Wildlife on the roads: moose and elk cross the highways around town, especially at dusk and in winter; drive slowly and watch for wildlife speed zones.
- Winter driving: have winter tires or chains, and check WYDOT before crossing Teton Pass or Togwotee Pass.
- Bear country: carry bear spray on any trail outside town (it can’t go on planes; buy or rent it locally), hike in groups and make noise.
- Shoulder seasons: in late October–November and April–May, check opening hours, as some restaurants, shops and tours close.
- Time zone: Mountain Time; daylight saving time ends on 1 November 2026. Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for Jackson
In summer, pack layers: a fleece and rain jacket for cold mornings and storms, hiking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, a refillable bottle and binoculars for wildlife. Dress is casual everywhere, even in good restaurants. In winter, bring a warm insulated jacket, thermal layers, waterproof boots with good grip for icy sidewalks, a warm hat, gloves and goggles; ski gear can be rented in town and at Teton Village.
Jackson travel FAQ
Is Jackson the same as Jackson Hole?
Not quite. Jackson Hole is the whole valley below the Tetons; Jackson is the town at its south end. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is at Teton Village, about 12 miles (19 km) from town.
When does Jackson Hole Mountain Resort open for 2026–27?
The resort plans to open on Friday 27 November 2026, conditions permitting. Snow King Mountain in town and Grand Targhee over Teton Pass set their own dates.
When are the National Elk Refuge sleigh rides?
From mid-December to early April, when the elk are wintering on the refuge. Rides leave from the visitor center on the north side of town; book ahead in the holiday weeks.
What is the hotel tax in Jackson, Wyoming?
A 5% lodging tax (3% state, 2% Teton County) plus Wyoming state and local sales tax, roughly 11–12% in total on top of the room rate.
Is the bus free in Jackson?
The START Town Shuttle around Jackson is free. Buses to Teton Village charge a small fare from town but are free from the Village Road park-and-ride; commuter routes go to Idaho and Star Valley.
How far is Jackson from Yellowstone?
About 60 miles (97 km) to Yellowstone’s South Entrance through Grand Teton, roughly 1.5 hours, and about 2.5 hours to Old Faithful. That road is closed to cars in winter.
How far is Jackson Hole Airport from town?
About 8 miles (13 km), or 15 minutes by car. The airport is inside Grand Teton National Park, but you don’t pay the park entrance fee to use it.
What is the best time to visit Jackson?
Late June to mid-September for the national parks and outdoor activities, or mid-December to March for skiing and the Elk Refuge. September is a lovely, calmer compromise.
How high is Jackson, Wyoming?
About 6,200 ft (1,890 m) in town, and over 10,000 ft (3,000 m) at the top of the Jackson Hole aerial tram. Drink water and take it easy on the first day.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. The lodging tax comes from Teton County; the 2026–27 opening date from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort; Elk Refuge sleigh-ride season and visitor center from the US Fish and Wildlife Service; Grand Teton fees, road closures, construction and aerial tram dates from the National Park Service; climate from NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for the Jackson station. Bus fares, sales-tax totals, distances and drive times, Teton Pass repairs, Snow King and Grand Targhee details and some attraction descriptions are flagged for checking. Prices, dates and rules change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our United States travel guide.
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