Stay Wild.

Jackson Hole refers to the 42-mile long valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountains. Trappers and mountain men used “hole” to describe high mountain valleys. Within Jackson Hole are the towns of Jackson, Teton Village, Kelly, Wilson, Moran, Moose, and Hoback Junction and also Grand Teton National Park. Jackson, population approximately 10,000, is the largest town in Jackson Hole.

Places to Go

The combination of wildlife, wide-open spaces, jagged peaks, and Wild West culture is what makes us one of the top year-round destinations in the world. Outdoor adventurers know us as a gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, one of the world’s most challenging ski areas, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and home to America’s first guided climbing service, Exum Mountain Guides. Our most famous celebrity is 26-year-old grizzly bear 399, mother of 22 cubs, although you might also catch a glimpse of actors such as Harrison Ford or Sandra Bullock, since we’ve starred in many Westerns and extreme adventure films. The unique elk antler arches around the Jackson Town Square are one of our most photographed spots. And then there’s the food and art…

Get to Know Jackson Hole

With an authentic, spirited, and distinctive Western mountain character, Jackson Hole is a popular year-round tourist destination. More than 2.6 million people visit the valley annually. Truly, anytime is a good time to visit Jackson Hole. Every season has its own personality. The most popular season is summer. Most summer visitors come for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Grand Teton National Park is in Jackson Hole, and Yellowstone is just north of the valley. Between them, these parks receive upwards of 3 million visitors every year.

According to U.S. News & World Report Travel, the best months to visit Jackson Hole are April, May, September, and October. The magazine picked these months, which are Jackson Hole’s two shoulders seasons, because travelers seeking a value can find lower rates and also restaurant specials then. Also, coming during either shoulder season means there will be fewer tourists.

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Several airlines fly into the Jackson Hole Airport, which is about 20 minutes from downtown Jackson. It is the only airport in the country to be inside a national park. (Make sure to get a window seat.) Getting here has never been easier. There are non-stop flights from major cities on American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines.

In the warmer months, consider making Jackson Hole part of a road trip. There are incredibly scenic routes to the valley from almost every direction and, along the way these trips have interesting monuments and attractions.

Getting Here

A July or August vacation to Jackson Hole requires the most planning because those are the busiest months. The earlier you book your lodging, the more options you’ll have. This doesn’t mean a last-minute summer trip is impossible, but with less than a month’s planning you might not get your first, or second, or third choice of lodging, whether you’re looking at campgrounds or a luxury resort. This advice also applies if you’re visiting for a specific event, regardless of what time of year it is.

In winter, Teton Village is the hot spot to stay for the lively après scene and convenience of being steps from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. April through May and November are best for spontaneous travel. During these months, most of the ski areas and some roads in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are closed, but hotel rooms have more availability compared to busier times of the year.

Places to Stay

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the few remaining intact ecosystems on Earth, is home to more than 200 species of animals including wolves, black and grizzly bears, bison (did you know that Yellowstone bison comprise the nation’s largest bison population on public land?), elk, and nearly 60 other species of mammals. We’re also home to more than 300 species of birds including fantastic raptors like bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. You might not see them, but we also have 16 species of fish, six species of reptiles (non-poisonous), and four species of amphibians.

Please help preserve this incredible natural treasure for future generations by observing wildlife from a distance, never feeding the animals, extinguishing wildfires, and driving slowly.

Wildlife Watching