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Why Go to Jackson Hole

YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE

Jackson Hole is the gateway to some of the wildest country left in America. Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks lie just to the north, and millions of acres of national forest and wilderness surround the valley in every direction. The result is wide-open space, abundant wildlife and adventure in every season.


The valley's history is pure West. Homesteaders arrived in the late 1800s and tried their hand at ranching, but the high mountain climate made it tough. Many ranches turned to hosting wealthy visitors from the East as dude ranches, offering a taste of cowboy life. Then in the 1960s, Alex Morley and Paul McCollister created Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and built a tram to the top of 10,450-foot Rendezvous Mountain, launching a new era of mountain recreation.


Today the town is known for art, music, upscale resorts and spas, plus year-round biking, climbing, skiing and wildlife watching. Even with all the luxury, wild mountain country is still the main attraction. I'll plan your lodging, park days and wildlife tours, whether you're coming for summer in the Tetons or winter on the slopes.

BEST FOR

Wildlife watchers, national park explorers, skiers, hikers and upscale ranch travelers

BEST MONTHS

June–September for hiking; December–March for skiing

EXPLORE

  • Jackson Town Square: Walkable restaurants, galleries, shopping and historic town atmosphere.
  • Teton Village: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and slope-side lodging.
  • Wilson / West Bank: Quieter stays near the Snake River corridor and foothills.
  • Moose / Grand Teton Gateway: Access toward Grand Teton National Park and scenic wildlife-viewing routes.
  • Moran / Jackson Lake: Northern valley gateways for Grand Teton and Yellowstone excursions.

SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE

Jackson Hole

North America › Mountain West › USA › Wyoming

Western character at the gateway to the Tetons.

National Parks & Nature

Skiing

Wildlife

Luxury

SIX18 INSIDER TIP

Start park outings early and carry layers; mountain weather changes quickly.

Experiences Worth Exploring

THINGS TO DO

Grand Teton roads and trailheads may close seasonally; keep a safe distance from wildlife.

Grand Teton National Park

Discover the dramatic Teton Range, lakes and wildlife habitats of Grand Teton National Park north of Jackson, with scenic drives and trailheads.

Check park road access, and stay on designated routes near historic buildings.

Mormon Row Historic District

See historic homestead buildings and the celebrated Moulton barns with the Teton Range rising behind them.

The National Museum of Wildlife Art sits above the Elk Refuge; check admission and rotating exhibitions.

National Museum of Wildlife Art

Explore paintings, sculpture and other wildlife-inspired works at the National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooking the National Elk Refuge.

Access is seasonal; stay on marked routes and allow wildlife space.

Schwabacher Landing

Enjoy Snake River wetlands and reflections of the Teton peaks from this scenic Grand Teton National Park viewpoint.

Teton Village lift and recreation services depend on season and weather; verify operating dates.

Teton Village

Visit Teton Village at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a gateway to alpine recreation, restaurants and seasonal aerial lifts.

Historic hotel in the center of Jackson, near the town square and shops. Ideal for travelers prioritizing walkable restaurants, galleries, and town atmosphere.

The Wort Hotel

Downtown Jackson

Hotel Tags

Upscale boutique hotel within the town center, convenient for restaurants, galleries, and evening walks. Useful for visitors mixing guided park excursions with time in Jackson.

Hotel Jackson

Downtown Jackson

Hotel Tags

Intimate lodge-style property close to downtown attractions. Consider it for a quieter base with convenient access to Jackson’s dining and shopping district.

Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa

Jackson town center

Hotel Tags

Luxury mountain resort base in Teton Village, especially convenient for ski-area access and mountain activities. Travelers planning downtown evenings should account for the drive.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

Teton Village

Hotel Tags

Modern lodging in the ski village with good access to mountain activities and resort dining. Best for travelers who want to stay close to the slopes rather than downtown Jackson.

Hotel Terra Jackson Hole

Teton Village

Hotel Tags

Curated Accommodations

WHERE TO STAY

Best Time to Visit Badge

November in Jackson Hole

High 41°F · Low 18°F · Rain 2.1 in

An in-between season for some excursions as winter operations prepare; confirm tour schedules.

June–September for hiking; December–March for skiing. Check the forecast and local opening schedules before committing to outdoor excursions.

Best Times to Visit Jackson Hole

WHEN TO GO

Where to Dine

DINING

Jackson has western-style steakhouses, regional game dishes, cafés and contemporary restaurants. Teton Village offers convenient resort dining; advance reservations help during ski season and peak summer.

PLAN YOUR TABLE

Want reservations handled before you land? Your SIX18 advisor can book standout dinners as part of your trip.

Plan my trip

06

Wildlife and Road Safety

Wildlife on roads, snow and limited cellular coverage can affect rural drives. Build extra time into your return journey.

05

Winter Shuttle Logistics

Mountain resort and ski connections vary seasonally. Confirm whether your hotel provides a shuttle to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

04

National Park Travel

Grand Teton attractions are spread along park roads and often require a rental car or authorized tour. Check park road closures and parking.

03

START Bus

Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit serves Jackson and selected surrounding routes. Check schedules and whether your lodging is close to a stop.

02

Getting Around Locally

Rent a car for park overlooks and trailheads; START buses serve Jackson and Teton Village.

01

Arriving by Air

Jackson Hole Airport lies inside Grand Teton National Park, north of Jackson.

Jackson Hole Airport lies inside Grand Teton National Park, north of Jackson. Rent a car for park overlooks and trailheads; START buses serve Jackson and Teton Village.

Getting Around Jackson Hole

GETTING AROUND

KEEP EXPLORING

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