Just when you thought you’d checked every destination off your must-visit list, you find time to enjoy a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and inevitably fall in love with travel all over again! Jackson Hole is an adventure seeker’s dream come true, but it’s equally appealing for those who are looking to simply sit back, unwind, and relish their scenic surroundings at a slower pace when they have downtime to spare. Jackson Hole’s place in a picturesque Wyoming valley means the Grand Tetons define the local terrain. These peaks are found in addition to lush waterways, rocky cliffs, wide open spaces, hidden away retreats, and gorgeous landscapes that allow an amazing number of wildlife to thrive in impressive numbers.
Jackson Hole has something for everyone to savor in all seasons, whether you’re drawn this way to hit the ski slopes when the fresh powder falls, or you can’t wait to make the most of National Park hiking trails in the warmer weather months of the year. While some come to see the fall foliage when autumn rolls in, others are keen on spending time here in the spring when wildflowers are in full bloom and bear immerge from hibernation. From time shopping and dining your way across Town Square to afternoons in amazing local museums and galleries, Jackson Hole never fails to impress when it comes to the sheer lineup of options available to enjoy during your stay. When you’re excited to be planning your first-time trip to Jackson Hole this year, consider this your ultimate guide to getting started for the first time you visit Jackson Hole.
How to Get Here
No matter where your journey happens to begin, getting to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to enjoy some well-deserved time away from the hustle of life is easier than you might imagine. The vast majority of travelers choose to fly into town and when they do, they land at Jackson Hole Airport. This convenient and easy-to-navigate stop is found just 9 miles from Town Square and just about 20 miles away from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It’s an extremely accessible destination and offers nonflight stops from around 13 major cities. It’s an airport that has the unique distinction of being the only commercial one of its kind within national park boundaries and is served by airlines like American, Alaska, United, and Delta to name a few. If you’re hoping to build a scenic road trip into your visit, it can happen on the way in when you choose to fly into places like the Salt Lake City International Airport instead. This airport is about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Jackson Hole while places like Idaho Falls Regional Airport are just an hour and 45 minutes from town.
Convenient Options for Getting Around When You Visit Jackson Hole
How you choose to get around Jackson Hole during your first visit really depends on what you’re hoping to accomplish while you’re here. Many visitors are drawn this way in the name of taking time to explore sprawling places like Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park too. In this case, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have a rental car lined up for the duration of your journey so you can pick and choose when you want to head out to explore with ease. If you’re flying into the Jackson Hole Airport, you’ll find companies like Budget, Enterprise, National, Avis, and Alamo all operate care rental services right on-site as an added convenience to guests.
If you’re hoping to be able to leave your rental car behind for the majority of your stay once you reach your vacation rental in town, this is typically an option. The Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START) system is efficient and easy to use with a free town shuttle operating daily between most area shops, restaurants, and hot spots in and around Jackson Hole and Teton Village. START operates year-round and also serves Wilson and South Park. Travelers who are exclusively planning to stay in and around the center of Jackson Hole during their visit will find the area is extremely pedestrian-friendly. In addition to strolling through at your own pace, there are many local bike rental options to choose from if you prefer to do your sightseeing on two wheels.
The Best Seasons to Visit Jackson Hole
The beauty of booking a first time trip to Jackson Hole is that you really can’t pick a wrong time of year to explore. Every season here comes with its own unique charm as well as a long lineup of options when it comes to local activities, attractions, entertainment, and events. Those who set their sights on a first trip this way in the wintertime will want to be sure they have a passion for amazing ski adventures in place. Jackson Hole is home to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee, and Snow King alike, so you never have to worry about running out of places to pack on the downhill fun.
As the snow begins to melt away and spring rolls in, Jackson Hole is just as enjoyable a destination for first time travelers. This is the time of year when wildflowers burst into bloom across newly thawed-out hiking trails at both the national parks and within Jackson Hole city limits. Wildlife begins to emerge from their winter slumber, making it a great time of year to grab the camera and binoculars and head out to spot incredible creatures of all kinds. Some waterways begin to open up for warmer weather fishing options while Town Square begins to come alive with spring festivities enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
A first time getaway to scenic Jackson Hole in the summer is a great opportunity to be a part of high season fun as mountain trails are fully open for hiking and biking and climbers come out to try out new routes as well. It’s a vibrant time of year out on the local golf courses and water rafting is an entertaining way to spend an afternoon during the summertime as well. The grand Teton Music Festival comes around each summer much to the delight of travelers heading this way and many restaurants keep their patios open for business longer into the evening. While there’s a chance for rainfall in this season, it typically doesn’t last long so having an umbrella in place should be enough to keep your plans on track.
When you’re lucky enough to experience Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the first time in the fall, you’ll find the landscape is awash in vibrant reds, yellows, and golds. This is a beautiful season to hit the trails and enjoy fall foliage at its best as well as wildlife watching and late season fishing too. Your trip will be aligned with the arrival of the annual Fall Arts Festival in town, and end-of-season water rafting is at a peak.
Top Cold Weather Activities to Enjoy
Beyond the vast appeal of skiing at places like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort when travel plans bring you to Jackson Hole for the first time in the winter, your trip is an opportunity to book a one-of-a-kind winter tour alongside a park ranger through Yellowstone National Park. There’s something extra refreshing about seeing iconic stops like Old Faithful when the landscape is glittering with cold, and this time of year, your chances of spotting everything from moose and elk to bald eagles is on the rise as well. If you’re interested in incorporating a backcountry cross-country skiing adventure into your first-time stay in the winter, the experts over at Hole Hiking Experience and Eco Tour Adventures alike are happy to oblige. Create a customized outing that fits your timeframe and skill level and you’ll get a good look at some of the area’s most scenic backcountry routes with insider information on your surroundings as well as local history offered along the way. When you need to warm up during your winter journey to Jackson Hole, The National Museum of Wildlife Art in town is a great place to do exactly that. Here, you can spend time browsing exhibits and displays featuring wildlife art at its best across 25 galleries. The museum hosts unique events throughout the year as well so it’s certainly worth your while to check in on their calendar before you arrive to see what’s slated for the winter season.
Great Warm Weather Adventures to Add to the List
There’s no other way to say it—Jackson Hole is truly an outdoor adventurer’s playground! The warm weather months of the year here open up all the best opportunities for thrills and whether you’re someone who loves to bike, hike, fish, or climb, you’ll have local activities to enjoy that boost your trip to the next level of memorable excellence. When you’re planning on lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails, some of the top-rated routes to explore include the pathways at Snow King Mountain, as well as the Goodwin Lake route and the Cache Creek Trails too. If you’ve set your sights on quality time exploring Grand Teton National Park, you’ll want to make sure you don’t overlook the Phelps Lake route, or the Death Canyon Trail for spectacular views and a fun challenge in nature. The Bradeley and Taggart Lake loops are always worth your while.
Cycling enthusiasts heading to Jackson Hole in the warm weather months of the year won’t want to miss out on time exploring the paved bike trails that connect Jackson Hole, Teton Village, and Wilson. Over at Snow King Mountain, there are cross-country bike trails that highlight gorgeous local aspen groves while the Cache Creek Trail System spans miles of terrific terrain and includes Curtis Canyon, Flat Creek, and Game Creek as well.
For those days when you’re looking to get out and explore but you want a different way to do it, horseback riding in Jackson Hole is a must. There are options to book guided trail rides through local providers like Teton Horseback Adventures, Dry Ridge Outfitters, and Spring Creek Ranch when you want to set your sights on destinations you might otherwise overlook.
Dine in Style
Jackson Hole is a vacation destination on the map where you’ll never have trouble finding a delicious restaurant to enjoy when cravings come calling. If you absolutely have to narrow down your list on your first trip this way, there are a few to make sure you make time for while you’re in town. Bin 22 is a popular local wine bar and tapas restaurant to enjoy where you can savor the flavors of Spain right in the heart of Wyoming. The aesthetic is elegant and the menu is gourmet, but the friendly service and stunning views will have you feeling right at home upon arrival. Their specialties include scallops, piquillo peppers, homemade meatballs, and paella to name a few of many! If you’re in the mood for a French-inspired bite during your Jackson Hole getaway, Persephone Bakery is the place to be. Here, country cooking and French flavor go hand-in-hand and you can drop by to enjoy everything from French toast and sweet pastries to a unique, yet mouthwatering schnitzelwich upon request.
Book Your Stay Today
When travel plans have you heading to Jackson Hole for the very first time, Abode Jackson Hole has a portfolio of beautiful vacation rental options that will make finding just the right home for your getaway easier than ever. Stay near the places you want to explore while enjoying world-class amenities, features, furnishings, and views too when you book your stay through us. Reach out today to learn more!
