Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is a fifty-mile valley pressed between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. The town of Jackson sits at the southern end, while ski slopes and national parks claim the north. You navigate the valley via Highway 89 and Highway 22, where winter storms and summer park traffic govern your timing. High altitude and steep prices dictate the tempo of daily life.

Dining in Jackson Hole spans high-end steak places to rustic saloons. Game meats like bison and elk appear on almost every local dinner menu. High altitude alters baking times, making local artisan sourdough and pastries notable accomplishments. Reserving tables two months in advance is essential during peak summer and ski seasons.

• Bison and Elk

  Try grilled bison ribeye at Snake River Grill or game sausage at local taverns. These meats are lean, local staples cooked over wood fires.

• Bakery Queues

  Persephone Bakery serves artisan sourdough and French pastries on Cache Street. Arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid forty-minute lines.

• Slope-Side Waffles

  Corbet's Cabin at the top of the Aerial Tram serves hot waffles topped with brown sugar and bacon at 10,450 feet elevation.

Native tribes including the Shoshone hunted in Jackson Hole during warm summer seasons. Fur trapper David Edward Jackson gave the valley his name in 1829. Homesteaders arrived in the late 1800s, establishing cattle ranches across the harsh terrain. Conservation battles in the 20th century transformed these working cattle ranches into protected national parks.

1. 1829

   Valley Named

   Trapper David Edward Jackson spends winter in the valley, giving rise to the name Jackson Hole.

2. 1890

   Settlement Begins

   Homesteaders settle in the valley, establishing cattle ranches despite sub-zero winter temperatures.

3. 1943

   National Monument

   President Roosevelt creates Jackson Hole National Monument using land donated by John D. Rockefeller Jr.

4. 1950

   Park Expansion

   Congress combines the monument with Grand Teton National Park, securing the valley floor against development.

Choose your base based on your primary activity and budget. Town offers night life, shops, and direct bus routes to the slopes. Teton Village places you directly at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for ski-in convenience. Wilson and Moose offer quieter nights closer to wilderness trails.

• Steep-slope skiersTeton Village — Step directly onto the Aerial Tram without morning shuttle rides.
• Summer park visitorsMoose — Wake up minutes from Grand Teton trailheads and Snake River launches.
• First-time visitorsDowntown Jackson — Walk to dining, galleries, and the START Bus transit hub.
• Budget travellersFind slightly lower lodging rates while staying near Teton Pass.

Jackson Hole covers large distances between town, Teton Village, and the national parks. The public START Bus system connects town to Teton Village, but exploring the national parks requires your own vehicle. Renting a four-wheel-drive car is essential during winter snowstorms.

• The local bus costs $3 per ride between Jackson Town Square and Teton Village. Buses run frequently during peak ski and summer seasons.

• Reserve rental cars six months ahead for summer. Ensure winter rentals include winter tires and all-wheel drive for mountain passes.

• Highway 22 over Teton Pass closes during severe winter blizzards and avalanche control work. Check condition reports before driving.

• Grand Teton National Park has no public transit system inside its gates. You must drive or book commercial tours to reach lakes.

Jackson Hole ranks among the most expensive resort destinations in North America. High real estate costs and seasonal demand push prices up for food, rooms, and activities. Planning ahead and cooking some meals helps control overall expenses.

• Day Ski Lift Ticket: $180-$265

  Single-day lift passes vary by date. Buying online weeks early saves up to twenty percent off window prices.

• National Park Pass: $35

  A seven-day vehicle pass for Grand Teton National Park costs $35. An annual America the Beautiful pass costs $80.

• Casual Lunch Main: $18-$28

  Expect to pay around $22 for a burger or sandwich at mid-tier town restaurants and mountain lodges.

• Aerial Tram Sightseeing: $50-$55

  Non-skiing summer visitors pay for scenic tram rides to Rendezvous Peak for high-alpine views.

• High Altitude

  Jackson sits at 6,237 feet elevation. Drink plenty of water and allow one day to acclimate before doing strenuous mountain hikes.

• Bear Safety

  Grizzly and black bears inhabit the entire valley. Carry EPA-approved bear spray on all hikes and keep it easily accessible.

• Sun Protection

  UV radiation increases at high altitude. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat even on overcast winter ski days.

• Wildlife Distance

  National park regulations require staying 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from elk and moose.

• Winter Driving

  Keep winter supplies, blankets, and full gas tanks in your vehicle when driving through remote canyon passes.