Overview

Jackson Hole, Wyoming actually refers to the valley stretching through west central Wyoming, with Jackson the major town in the area and one of the most in-demand modern resort communities in the world.

Location

Jackson Hole is located at the foot of the Grand Teton Range, on US Highway 191, south of Yellowstone National Park.

Services/Amenities

Jackson is the place to go for fine or casual dining. One favorite place for food and entertainment is the Million Dollar Cowboy Steak House, but there are many locations where you can get some great down-home cooking. From bar-and-grills to Chinese food or great barbeque, you’ll find exactly what will satiate your taste buds.

This small town offers the widest variety of lodging options around Yellowstone, including first-class resorts, family-based guest ranches, economy hotel and motels, boutique inns and bed and breakfasts, beautifully-appointed independent properties and a host of individually owned rentals.

Activities

Hiking
You’ll find a lot of great hiking around Jackson Hole. Of course, right in Grand Teton National Park there are lots of trails. A favorite is the hike to Hidden Falls and Cascade Canyon beginning at Jenny Lake. You can take a boat shuttle to the trailhead or hike all the way around the south end of the lake. Right outside of Jackson, you’ll find Goodwin Lake and a popular 2.5-mile hike to the lake in the Gros Ventre Mountain Range. The Teton Crest and Grand Loop in Grand Teton National Park is a multi-day adventure that takes you up three big hills and past three high-country lakes.

Water Activities (Fishing, Boating, Rafting)
Jackson Hole, Wyoming has numerous lakes and rivers where visitors can experience some adventure. Try boating on Fremont, Jackson, or Jenny Lake. Fishing is wonderful on the Snake, Fall, Gros Ventre, and Henry’s Fork Rivers. Do some whitewater and scenic river rafting on the Snake River. There is no lack of water activities around Jackson Hole.

Hunting
Big game hunting is a popular pastime around Jackson Hole. This is the real Western experience. In the wide-open spaces you’ll find elk, bighorn sheep, antelope and mountain goats.

Wildlife Watching
Watching the wildlife in their native habitat is always a thrilling experience. You can take a wildlife tour to get the most out of your time, but no matter where you go, you’re sure to spot some bighorn sheep, elk, bison, grizzlies, moose and much more. During the winter months you can take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, just north of town.

Snow Activities
Winter is a true snow lover’s paradise around Jackson Hole. There are five ski resorts within easy reach, with incredible skiing and snowboarding, including the world renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Get a snowmobile and explore the white landscapes. A snowcoach tour will take you places you cannot access by vehicle. The opportunities are nearly endless.

Attractions

Naturally, you have the famous national parks right nearby and you can’t miss them.

Yellowstone National Park
Here you can take your time to see the sights, from the steaming geysers to the bubbling mudpots. Travel to Old Faithful and watch it blow or visit Mammoth Hot Springs to see the incredible formations the springs leave as they tumble down the rocks.

Grand Teton National Park
Some of the most fabulous scenery exists within the boundaries of Grand Teton. The towering peaks and pristine forests invite you to explore them further.

Scenic Drives
The John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway is one scenic drive you can’t miss. Any drive through Bridger-Teton National Forest will amaze you with the views.

Getting Here

To get to West Yellowstone from Jackson, Wyoming, you can either go around Yellowstone Park or through it. To go around, you take State Highway 22 to ID 33, getting on US 20 East. This will take you right to West Yellowstone – a 2-hour and 47-minute drive. The most scenic drive of all, of course, is to go through Yellowstone National Park. You take US 191 to US 89/287 into the park and at West Thumb, go left to the West Entrance and West Yellowstone.