Jackson Hole

State: Wyoming, Teton County. Type: mountain valley (a graben) roughly 55 miles long and 6-13 miles wide, average elevation 6,800 feet, lowest point 6,350 feet. The town of Jackson, at the valley's southern end, had a 2020 census population of 10,760. Home to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King and (nearby) Grand Targhee ski areas, and the National Elk Refuge, which hosts the world's largest elk herd per Wikipedia.

Jackson Hole is the roughly 55-mile-long valley in northwestern Wyoming bounded by the jagged Teton Range to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east, with Grand Teton National Park occupying its northwestern portion and Yellowstone National Park just beyond to the north. The valley's only incorporated town, Jackson, sits at its southern end and has grown from a remote ranching and trapping outpost, named after mountain man David Edward Jackson in the 1890s, into one of the country's best-known adventure-travel and ski destinations. Winters here are severe, driven by radiational cooling off the surrounding peaks (a record low of -56 degrees F was recorded in 1993), while summers are comparatively warm and mild. The valley's economy today centers on tourism tied to its three ski resorts (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King, and Grand Targhee just across the Teton Range), its role as the southern gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, and wildlife viewing at the National Elk Refuge. Jackson's historic town square, with its antler arches, anchors a compact downtown of galleries, restaurants and outfitters.

Jackson Hole is a valley in Teton County, northwestern Wyoming, near the Idaho border, lying between the Teton Range to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east. The town of Jackson sits at the valley's southern end at 6,237 feet elevation; other valley communities include Teton Village, Moose, Kelly, Wilson, Moran Junction and Hoback. Grand Teton National Park occupies the valley's northwestern part, with Yellowstone roughly 60 miles north of Jackson.

Jackson has a humid continental mountain climate with warm summers and very cold winters, per Wikipedia, driven by radiational cooling from the surrounding ranges; a record low of -56 degrees F was set in 1993, while summer highs are warm to mild. Average annual snowfall in town is 78.2 inches, and recorded extremes range from -52 F to 101 F.

Winter (roughly December through March) draws visitors for skiing and snowboarding at the valley's resorts. Summer (June through September) is the peak season for hiking, wildlife viewing and access to the neighboring national parks, with the mildest weather of the year. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) see fewer crowds but some businesses and trails may operate on reduced schedules.

Native American peoples used Jackson Hole for hunting long before European contact. Mountain man David Edward Jackson trapped beaver in the valley in the late 1820s, and the town that grew at its southern end was formally named after him in 1893, founded in 1894 and incorporated in 1914. Jackson gained early national attention in 1920 when it elected an all-woman town government, per Wikipedia. Tourism grew through the 20th century alongside the establishment and expansion of neighboring Grand Teton National Park, and the valley's ski industry, anchored by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, developed into a major economic driver.

Visitors ski or snowboard at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King, or nearby Grand Targhee; view wildlife, including the world's largest elk herd, at the National Elk Refuge; and use the valley as a base for hiking, boating and sightseeing in neighboring Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. The town of Jackson itself offers galleries, shops and restaurants centered on its historic square.

The National Elk Refuge, adjoining the town of Jackson, is a signature wildlife-viewing site. Jackson's historic town square, known for its antler arches, anchors the downtown core. Teton Village, at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and the broader Grand Teton National Park to the north are also core valley destinations.

Jackson Hole Airport, within the valley near the national park boundary, is described by Wikipedia as the busiest airport in Wyoming, with connections to major regional hubs, making it the primary way to fly in. Driving in via Idaho or from Yellowstone to the north (about 60 miles from Jackson) are the main road routes for those coming overland.

The valley itself has no single opening hours, but individual attractions keep their own seasonal schedules: ski resorts generally operate roughly late November through early April, while the National Elk Refuge's visitor programs and sleigh rides run seasonally in winter. Confirm specific attraction hours directly with each operator before visiting.

There is no admission fee to enter the Jackson Hole valley or the town of Jackson itself; ski resort lift tickets, National Elk Refuge sleigh-ride tours, and Grand Teton National Park entrance fees (see the park's own listing) are priced separately by their respective operators.

Most visitors stay several days to a week, using Jackson as a base for skiing in winter or for exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone in summer; a shorter two- to three-day trip can cover the town square, National Elk Refuge and one park visit.

The town of Jackson offers the valley's widest range of hotels, inns and vacation rentals, while Teton Village, at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, concentrates ski-in/ski-out lodging. Additional lodging is spread through smaller valley communities such as Wilson and Moose, closer to Grand Teton National Park.

Jackson's downtown has a dense concentration of restaurants ranging from casual western fare to upscale dining, reflecting the town's role as the valley's main tourism hub. Teton Village adds additional dining options tied to the ski resort, while smaller valley communities offer more limited, casual options.

Grand Teton National Park occupies the valley's northwestern part and is a short drive from the town of Jackson. Yellowstone National Park lies roughly 60 miles north via Grand Teton. The National Elk Refuge sits directly adjacent to town.

Jackson Hole Airport, inside the valley, is the primary air gateway and the busiest airport in Wyoming per Wikipedia. Once in the valley, a rental car is the standard way to reach outlying areas like Teton Village or the national parks, since public transit options are limited, though the START bus system serves some routes within the valley.

Winter driving conditions can be severe given the valley's heavy snowfall and record cold temperatures, so check road conditions before traveling in winter months. As with the neighboring national parks, keep a safe distance from wildlife, particularly elk and moose, which are common near town and the refuge. For any emergency, dial 911.

Heavy winter layers, insulated boots and gloves for the valley's severe winters; in summer, layers for cool mornings and evenings despite warm midday temperatures, plus sun protection at altitude.

Book lodging well in advance for both the winter ski season and the summer national-park season, as the valley's limited housing stock fills quickly. Renting a car is advisable for reaching Teton Village, the National Elk Refuge, and the national parks, though the town center itself is walkable. Pairing a Jackson Hole stay with visits to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone is a common way to structure a longer Wyoming trip.

Dial 911 for any emergency in Jackson Hole and Teton County.

Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board - https://www.jacksonhole.com

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.