Jackson (Wyoming)

Jackson is the largest town (population 11,000 in 2020) in the Jackson Hole valley in Teton County, Northwest Wyoming, close to the south end of Grand Teton National Park. It is the gateway to two of the United States' best-known national parks, Grand Teton and nearby Yellowstone. Many famous people maintain vacation homes in and around this area. The combined elements of beautiful mountain scenery, Old West heritage, tourist traps and celebrity residents give this small town a unique atmosphere both cosmopolitan and frontier.

Understand

The terms "Jackson" and "Jackson Hole" are often mistakenly interchanged. "Jackson" is the name of the town. "Jackson Hole" refers to either the greater valley area (including, for example, the towns of Wilson and Kelly) or the Jackson Hole ski resort.

Jackson transforms from a popular ski town during the winter into a mecca for travelers here to admire and participate in boundless summer beauty and activities. Meanwhile, in the spring and fall seasons, the town slows down as only the 6,000 or so year-round residents remain (and many of them may leave during this time as well) and many of the hotels and restaurants close for the season. Each of the seasons have their pluses and minuses depending on the visitor's expectations and desires, but it pays to know what time of year is best for what activity, especially in Jackson's unique high-altitude environment.

  • 🌍 Jackson Hole Visitor Center, 532 North Cache St (on your right on the way out of town on Hwy 89 north), ☏ +1 307 739-3606. Mostly a gift shop, but also very friendly staff with good maps and local knowledge, and some wildlife exhibits on the upper floor and outside. (updated Dec 2016)

Climate
Jackson (Wyoming)
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Get in

By plane
  • 🌍 Jackson Hole Airport (JAC  IATA) (7 miles north of the CBD, within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park), ☏ +1 307-733-7682. Year-round flights are provided from Salt Lake City by Delta, and from Denver Airport by United. Seasonal services are provided by American, Frontier, United, and Delta from those cities and eleven others across the US. Alltrans runs a seasonal shuttle from the airport to Jackson and many hotels and motels offer free shuttle service. Rental cars are available at the airport from Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise. (updated Mar 2021)

By car

Jackson is a few miles south of Grand Teton National Park on U.S. Route 191. Wyoming State Highway 22 intersects US-191 in Jackson, connecting to Victor, Idaho. The nearest city of size, Salt Lake City, Utah, served by several major airlines, is 307 miles or about a five-hour drive away.

By bus
  • Mountain States Express has 1-2 round-trips per day to/from Salt Lake City via the U.S.89/U.S.30/U.S189 corridor
  • Salt Lake Express has 2 round-trips per day to Idaho Falls, where connections can be made to the Rexburg - Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls - Grand Falls route.
  • Bundu Bus bundubus.com has 2 round-trips per day to Idaho Falls, with service also available to West Thumb and West Yellowstone

Get around

START Bus (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) serves Jackson, Teton Village, Star Valley to the south as far as Etna, and Teton Valley as far as Driggs, Idaho. Travel is free within the town limits and north to the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

In addition to the rental car companies at the airport, Dollar and Thrifty both have depots downtown.

The town of Jackson is small enough to be explored by walking, or bicycle.

See
  • 🌍 Town Square (George Washington Memorial Park). On U.S. 26/89/191 (which become Cache Drive), with Deloney Avenue to its north and Broadway Avenue to its south. Jackson's town square has unique arches at each of its four corners. These arches were constructed from hundreds of elk antlers. In the center of the square is a memorial to area soldiers. Surrounding the square are many shops and art galleries. During the summer months, actors stage a shoot-out skit at one corner of the square, complete with bank robbers, showgirls, a stage coach, and a lovable drunk doc. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Jackson Hole Museum, 225 N Cache St, ☏ +1 307-733-2414. W-Sa: 10AM-5PM. Over 50 years old, this museum houses almost 12,000 antiquities that range from Native American artifacts, to objects and tools from the area's first settlers and traders. Also features exhibits on the history of Jackson, Jackson Hole, and the surrounding National Parks. Walking tours available. $5 adults, $4 seniors & students. 
  • 🌍 National Elk Refuge, ☏ +1 307 733-9212, . Every day, 8AM-7PM summer, 9AM-5PM winter. The National Elk Refuge preserves land for the more than 5000 elk that migrate to the area each winter. Though wildlife is easily viewable from the main Refuge Road, a highlight of a visit to the refuge is a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, offered daily every year from December to April, depending on snow conditions. Hiking is limited in the refuge. 
  • 🌍 National Museum of Wildlife Art, 2820 Rungius Rd, toll-free: +1-800-313-9553. Open M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. Features over 5000 pieces of art, focused on wildlife and nature. $10 adults, $9 students/seniors, children 18 and under free. 
  • 🌍 Jackson National Fish Hatchery, 1500 Fish Hatchery Rd, ☏ +1 307 733-2510, . (updated Oct 2020)

Do

Skiing

Skiing is a popular activity during the winter in Jackson, with a handful of top-notch resorts nearby.

  • 🌍 Snow King Resort, 400 East Snow King Ave, toll-free: +1-800-522-5464. The base of this smaller mountain is incredibly convenient to the town, located a mere 6 blocks from the town square. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, 3395 Cody Ln, Teton Village, ☏ +1 307 733-2292 (general info), +1 307 733-2291 (snow conditions), . Featuring a vertical rise of over 4,000 feet, this resort offers world-class skiing, and is in Teton Village, about a 15 minute drive from Jackson. Accessible by bus. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Grand Targhee Resort, 3300 East Ski Hill Rd, Alta (over Teton Pass, about an hour and a half from Jackson), ☏ +1 307 353-2300. This mountain that receives of 500 inches of snow every winter might be worth the trip for a taste of fresh powder. (updated Mar 2021)

Hiking

An extensive network of trails runs through the mountains just outside of town, most easily accessible from the Cache Creek trailhead. Superb hiking opportunities abound in the nearby National Parks.

  • 🌍 Alpine Slide.  - in Jackson Hole
  • 🌍 Horse Creek Ranch, 9600 South US Highway 89, ☏ +1 307 733-6556. Offers morning and afternoon rides up to the top of a mesa for a spectacular view of a section of Lewis and Clark's trail, followed by a pretty good cowboy meal. Guides are helpful and friendly. Great family activity. Around $225 per rider for a 2-hour ride plus meal. 

River trips
  • 🌍 Barker-Ewing River Trips, 945 West Broadway, toll-free: +1-800-448-4202. A family owned and operated Snake River whitewater rafting and float company with guides and gourmet meals. $50-300. 
  • 🌍 Mad River Boat Trips, 1255 South US Highway 89, toll-free: +1-800-458-7238. One of several float companies in Jackson, offering scenic leisurely trips or whitewater rafting trips with up to Class 3 rapids on the Snake River. Great fun with safe and knowledgeable guides. Great for older kids. 

Day spas

Jackson Hole supports a community of people in the healing arts, with some great local day spas whose quality and service rival the big resorts.

  • 🌍 Tootsy's Footsy Lounge, 565 N Cache suite 6 (3 or so blocks N of Town Square), ☏ +1 307 413-4456. Liked for its local charm, character and prices. The signature special is the 1-hour Tootsy Footsy Massage for $44. There are 3 treatment rooms and 5 people can be accommodated comfortably. Also offers therapeutic massage, facials and men's and women's waxing. Advance reservations are requested. 
  • 🌍 Profile Massage ENSO Spa, 235 E. Broadway (2 blocks E of Town Square), ☏ +1 307 413-8949. 9AM to 9PM. Profile is HIPAA compliant, guaranteeing the privacy of your medical records, and the therapists are extensively trained, nationally certified and specialize in outcome-based treatments for relief from pain and stress. The spa features original artwork by Heather Erson and has space for large groups. Profile Massage provides excellent bodywork, not your usual cookie cutter spa fluff. Therapists can also do house calls to your home or lodging. $55-200. 

Buy

The downtown area has all manner of stores spread across several city blocks. Goods offered range from outdoor apparel to artwork to run-of-the-mill souvenirs.

Eat
  • 🌍 The Blue Lion, 160 North Millward St, ☏ +1 307 733-3912. Somewhat pricey but well worth it. The stuffed mushrooms and mud pie are incredible. 
  • 🌍 Dornan's Chuckwagon. 7 miles north of town on Route 89 in Moose. Offers hearty chuckwagon fare for lunch and dinner (beef stew, ribs, beans, corn bread). But the real attraction is the view: picnic table dining at the foot of the Grand Tetons. Great for kids. 
  • 🌍 Pica's, 1160 Alpine Ln, ☏ +1 307 734-4457. Every day 11AM-10PM. Inexpensive burritos made with fresh, healthy ingredients. Excellent guacamole. 
  • 🌍 Snake River Grill, 84 East Broadway, ☏ +1 307 733-0557. Every day, from 5:30PM in summer, 6PM in winter. Offers excellent dinners, with local touches found in not only the atmosphere, but the menu and ingredients, too. Nationally recognized chef. Most sought after reservations in town. Rather expensive, about $40-$50 a person. 
  • 🌍 Sweetwater, ☏ +1 307 733-3553. Corner of Pearl and King St. Great homemade soups and sandwiches for lunch, slightly expensive but awesome dinner (the macaroni and cheese side dish is a must). 
  • 🌍 Pearl Street Bagels, 145 West Pearl Ave, ☏ +1 307-739-1218. Breakfast & lunch. Great service, good vibes, free wi-fi, totally yummy menu (including bagels, sandwiches, coffee), long but reasonably fast moving line. Also has an outlet in the town of Wilson. 
  • 🌍 Jedediah's (at the Jackson-Hole Airport), ☏ +1 307 733-6063, . 6AM-7PM. 
  • 🌍 The Kitchen, 155 N. Glenwood, ☏ +1 307 734-1633. From 5:30PM. 
  • 🌍 Rendezvous Bistro, 380 S. Broadway, ☏ +1 307 739-1100. Dinner only. Authentic French bistro food. Excellent. One of the most popular restaurants in town. [same ownership as Osteria and Q Roadhouse] 
  • 🌍 Trio, 45 S Glenwood, ☏ +1 307 0734-8038. Dinner year round; lunch in summer. Classic American cuisine. Very popular with locals. 
  • 🌍 Gather, 72 S Glenwood St, ☏ +1 307 264-1820, . Monday to Saturday, 5PM to 10PM; Sunday, 5PM to 9PM. Creative local entrees like the popular elk Bolognese. Also small plates like delicious steamed pork buns and Korean ribs. Half-priced drinks daily from 5PM to 6PM. $13 to $39. (updated Feb 2018)
  • 🌍 Palate, 2820 Rungius Rd, ☏ +1 307 201-5208, . Tuesday to Sunday 11AM to 3PM. Locally inspired lunch dishes with great views of the National Elk Refuge. Located in the National Museum of Wildlife Art and offers beer, wine, a kid's menu, and an outdoor patio. $7 to $16. (updated Feb 2018)

Teton Village (base of Jackson Hole ski area)
  • Mangy Moose (Jackson Hole Airport). pizza and bar. Great après ski. 
  • 🌍 Teton Thai, 7342 Granite Loop Road, ☏ +1 307 733-0022. Open M-Sa 11:30AM-9PM. A short walk from the tram building, where the locals go for excellent Thai food at a reasonable price. 

Drink

Sleep

Generally speaking, hotel prices and availability in Jackson can fluctuate wildly by the season. During the summer months (and especially summer weekends) hotel rooms can be very difficult to obtain without a reservation or without a lot of money. During the wintertime, there are typically always rooms available, however prime rooms near the ski resorts may require advance planning and additional funds. On the other hand, during the off-season, many hotels in town close due to lack of demand.

Budget
  • 🌍 The Hostel, 3315 McCollister Dr, ☏ +1 307 733-3415. Teton Village. Perhaps the best deal in the best location in Jackson Hole. Hostel X is right in Teton Village at the base of the mountain. Sweeping views, cheap rooms and a big rec room make this a nice choice for folks who want a good location at a good price. You can also have dogs in your room, though you should ask about this first. 
  • 🌍 4 Winds Motel, 150 North Millward, ☏ +1 307 733-2474. 
  • 🌍 Super 8 Motel, 750 South US Hwy 89, ☏ +1 307 733-6833. 
  • 🌍 Motel 6, 600 South Highway 89, ☏ +1 307 733-1620, fax: +1 307 734-9175. 

Mid-range

Splurge
  • 🌍 Amangani, 1535 North East Butte Rd, ☏ +1 307 734-7333, . This impressive hotel is one of its kind in the USA. Aman Resorts is one of the world's premiere hotel chains, and this property features just a few rooms, outstanding facilities and location, and very friendly staff. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, 7680 Granite Rd, ☏ +1 307 732-5000, fax: +1 307 732-5001. Loop, Teton Village. This luxurious ski-in/ski-out resort makes your experience in Teton Village a memorable one. The resort has great features, such as outside heated pools to warm you up after a day out on the slopes. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, 3335 West Village Rd, ☏ +1 307 739-4000, . Teton Village. Hotel Terra is an eco-boutique hotel that emphasizes modern design as well as environmental responsibility. This luxury green hotel is one of just five LEED-certified hotels in the US. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, 175 North Jackson St, toll-free: +1-800-458-2004. Central Jackson location great for everything from skiing to shopping and everything in between. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 Snake River Lodge & Spa, 7710 Granite Loop Rd, ☏ +1 307 732-6000. Teton Village. Snake River Lodge & Spa is in Teton Village, at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The Lodge houses a 17,000 square foot spa. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 Snow King Resort, 400 E. Snow King Ave, toll-free: +1-800-522-5464. Slopes-side location on Snow King Mountain - the oldest ski area in Jackson Hole. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 Teton Mountain Lodge, 3385 Cody Ln, toll-free: +1-800-631-6271. Teton Village. A slopes-side mountain resort that offers rustic lodge rooms and suites. This resort features a luxury spa, extensive meeting facilities, a variety of ski services and fine dining at Cascade Grill House & Spirits. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 Hotel Jackson, 120 North Glenwood, ☏ +1 307-733-2200. Very nice and cozy. Conveniently located in the town of Jackson. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 The White Buffalo Club, 160 West Gill Ave, toll-free: +1-888-256-8182. Newest luxury hotel in downtown Jackson. Prime steak house, day spa and fitness center. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 The Wort Hotel, 50 Glenwood St, ☏ +1 307-733-2190. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 🌍 Jackson Hole Town Center Resort, 325 W Broadway. $293. (updated Nov 2021)

Camping

Camping, of course, abounds on the nearby National Forest, National Park, and BLM lands, and can range from isolated dispersed camping to highly sought-after sites reserved months in advance. Most camping spots, however, will require at least a half-hour drive from Jackson town proper.

Go next
Routes through Jackson
Idaho Falls ← Alpine ←  W  E  → Grand Teton N.P. → Casper
Yellowstone N.P. ← Grand Teton N.P. ←  N  S  → Alpine → Logan
END ←  N  S  → Kemmerer → Evanston
Yellowstone N.P. ← Grand Teton N.P. ←  N  S  → Pinedale → Rock Springs


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