Jackson (Wyoming)
Understand
Jackson transforms from a popular ski town during the winter into a mecca for travelers here to admire and participate in boundless summer beauty and activities. Meanwhile, in the spring and fall seasons, the town slows down as only the 6,000 or so year-round residents remain (and many of them may leave during this time as well) and many of the hotels and restaurants close for the season. Each of the seasons have their pluses and minuses depending on the visitor's expectations and desires, but it pays to know what time of year is best for what activity, especially in Jackson's unique high-altitude environment.
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phone: +1 307 739-3606address: 532 North Cache StMostly a gift shop, but also very friendly staff with good maps and local knowledge, and some wildlife exhibits on the upper floor and outside.
Climate
Get in
By plane
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is 7 miles north of the CBD, within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. Year-round flights are provided from Salt Lake City by Delta, and from Denver Airport by United. Seasonal services are provided by American, Frontier ,United, and Delta from those cities and eleven others across the US. Alltrans runs a seasonal shuttle from the airport to Jackson and many hotels and motels offer free shuttle service. Rental cars are available at the airport from Avis, Hertz, and EnterpriseBy car
Jackson is a few miles south of Grand Teton National Park on U.S. Route 191. Wyoming State Highway 22 intersects US-191 in Jackson, connecting to Victor, Idaho. The nearest city of size, Salt Lake City, Utah, served by several major airlines, is 307 miles or about a five-hour drive away.By bus
- Mountain States Express leaves downtown Salt Lake City daily at 12:40PM, departs the airport at 1PM, and arrives Jackson at 6PM.
- Salt Lake Express leaves downtown Salt Lake City daily at 11:30AM, departs the airport at noon, and arrives Jackson at 6PM.
Get around
In addition to the rental car companies at the airport, Dollar and Thrifty both have depots downtown.
The town of Jackson is small enough to be explored by walking, or bicycle.
See
Town SquareOn U.S. 26/89/191 (which become Cache Drive), with Deloney Avenue to its north and Broadway Avenue to its south. Jackson's town square has unique arches at each of its four corners. These arches were constructed from hundreds of elk antlers. In the center of the square is a memorial to area soldiers. Surrounding the square are many shops and art galleries. During the summer months, actors stage a shoot-out skit at one corner of the square, complete with bank robbers, showgirls, a stage coach, and a lovable drunk doc.
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phone: +1 307-733-2414address: 225 N Cache StOver 50 years old, this museum houses almost 12,000 antiquities that range from Native American artifacts, to objects and tools from the area's first settlers and traders. Also features exhibits on the history of Jackson, Jackson Hole, and the surrounding National Parks. Walking tours available.
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phone: +1 307 733-9212Every day, 8AM-7PM summer, 9AM-5PM winter. The National Elk Refuge preserves land for the more than 5000 elk that migrate to the area each winter. Though wildlife is easily viewable from the main Refuge Road, a highlight of a visit to the refuge is a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, offered daily every year from December to April, depending on snow conditions. Hiking is limited in the refuge.
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National Museum of Wildlife Art
address: 2820 Rungius RdFeatures over 5000 pieces of art, focused on wildlife and nature. $10 adults, $9 students/seniors, children 18 and under free.
Do
Skiing
Skiing is a popular activity during the winter in Jackson, with a handful of top-notch resorts nearby.- Snow King Resort, 400 East Snow King Ave., +1-800-522-5464. The base of this smaller mountain is incredibly convenient to the town, located a mere 6 blocks from the town square.
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, 3395 Cody Lane, Teton Village, +1 307 733-2292. Featuring a vertical rise of over 4,000 feet, this resort offers world-class skiing, and is in Teton Village, about a 15 minute drive from Jackson. Accessible by bus.
- Grand Targhee Resort, 3300 East Ski Hill Rd., Alta, +1 307 353-2300. Located over Teton Pass, about an hour and a half from Jackson, this mountain that receives of 500 inches of snow every winter might be worth the trip for a taste of fresh powder.
Hiking
An extensive network of trails runs through the mountains just outside of town, most easily accessible from the Cache Creek trailhead. Superb hiking opportunities abound in the nearby National Parks.- - located in Jackson Hole
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phone: +1 307 733-6556address: 9600 South US Highway 89Offers morning and afternoon rides up to the top of a mesa for a spectacular view of a section of Lewis and Clark's trail, followed by a pretty good cowboy meal. Guides are helpful and friendly. Great family activity. Around $45 per rider for a 2-hour ride plus meal.
River trips
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address: 945 West BroadwayA family owned and operated Snake River whitewater rafting and float company with guides and gourmet meals.
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address: 1255 South US Highway 89One of several float companies in Jackson, offering scenic leisurely trips or whitewater rafting trips with up to Class 3 rapids on the Snake River. Great fun with safe and knowledgeable guides. Great for older kids.
Day Spas
Jackson Hole supports a community of people in the healing arts, with some great local day spas whose quality and service rival the big resorts.-
phone: +1 307 413-4456address: 565 N Cache suite 6Liked for its local charm, character and prices. The signature special is the 1-hour Tootsy Footsy Massage for $43.99. There are 3 treatment rooms and 5 people can be accommodated comfortably. Also offers therapeutic massage, facials and men's and women's waxing. Advance reservations are requested.
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phone: +1 307 413-8949address: 235 E. BroadwayProfile is HIPAA compliant, guaranteeing the privacy of your medical records, and the therapists are extensively trained, nationally certified and specialize in outcome-based treatments for relief from pain and stress. The spa features original artwork by Heather Erson and has space for large groups. Profile Massage provides excellent bodywork, not your usual cookie cutter spa fluff. Therapists can also do house calls to your home or lodging.
Buy
The downtown area has all manner of stores spread across several city blocks. Goods offered range from outdoor apparel to artwork to run-of-the-mill souvenirs.
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RARE Gallery Jackson Hole Arts
phone: +1 307 733-8726address: 485 West BroadwayJackson Hole Art gallery featuring western contemporary art from Warhol, Lichtenstein, Ansel Adams, Tomas Lasansky, Michael Kalish, and many others.
Eat
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phone: +1 307 733-3912address: 160 North Millward StSomewhat pricey but well worth it. The stuffed mushrooms and mud pie are incredible.
Dornan's Chuckwagon7 miles north of town on Route 89 in Moose. Offers hearty chuckwagon fare for lunch and dinner (beef stew, ribs, beans, corn bread). But the real attraction is the view: picnic table dining at the foot of the Grand Tetons. Great for kids.
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phone: +1 307 734-4457address: 1160 Alpine LnInexpensive burritos made with fresh, healthy ingredients. Excellent guacamole.
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phone: +1 307 733-0557address: 84 East BroadwayEvery day, from 5:30PM in summer, 6PM in winter. Offers excellent dinners, with local touches found in not only the atmosphere, but the menu and ingredients, too. Nationally recognized chef. Most sought after reservations in town. Rather expensive, about $40-$50 a person.
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phone: +1 307 733-3553Corner of Pearl and King St. Great homemade soups and sandwiches for lunch, slightly expensive but awesome dinner (the macaroni and cheese side dish is a must).
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phone: +1 307-739-1218address: 145 West Pearl AveGreat service, good vibes, free wi-fi, totally yummy menu (including bagels, sandwiches, coffee), long but reasonably fast moving line. Also has an outlet in the town of Wilson.
Jedediah's at the Airport
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phone: +1 307 734-1633address: 155 N. Glenwood
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phone: +1 307 739-1100address: 380 S. BroadwayAuthentic French bistro food. Excellent. One of the most popular restaurants in town.
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phone: +1 307 0734-8038address: 45 S GlenwoodClassic American cuisine. Very popular with locals.
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phone: +1 307 264-1820address: 72 S Glenwood St, Jackson, WY 83001Creative local entrees like the popular elk Bolognese. Also small plates like delicious steamed pork buns and Korean ribs. Half-priced drinks daily from 5PM to 6PM.
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phone: +1 307 201-5208address: 2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, WY 83001Locally inspired lunch dishes with great views of the National Elk Refuge. Located in the National Museum of Wildlife Art and offers beer, wine, a kid's menu, and an outdoor patio.
Teton Village (base of Jackson Hole ski area)
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address: Jackson Holepizza and bar. Great après ski.
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phone: +1 307 733-0022address: 7342 Granite Loop RoadA short walk from the tram building, where the locals go for excellent Thai food at a reasonable price.
Drink
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phone: +1 307 773-2190Corner of Glenwood and Broadway. Located inside the Wort Hotel. Offers great drinks and food in an Old West saloon-style setting.
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phone: +1 307 739-2337address: 265 South Millward StA good place to go for an excellent microbrew at the end of a long hike or ski. Award winning beer and a boisterous atmosphere.
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Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
phone: +1 307 733-2207address: 25 N. Cache, on the SquareThe landmark Jackson Hole barnot to be missed; dancing nightly, saddle bar stools, good restaurant in basement.
Sleep
Budget
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phone: +1 307 733-3415address: 3315 McCollister DrTeton Village. Perhaps the best deal in the best location in Jackson Hole. Hostel X is right in Teton Village at the base of the mountain. Sweeping views, cheap rooms and a big rec room make this a nice choice for folks who want a good location at a good price. You can also have dogs in your room, though you should ask about this first.
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phone: +1 307 733-2474150 North Millward.
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phone: +1 307 733-6833address: 750 South US Hwy 89
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phone: +1 307 733-1620address: 600 South Highway 89
Mid-range
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address: 265 North Millward
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phone: +1 307 733-2535address: 43 West Pearl St
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Best Western Lodge at Jackson Hole
address: 80 Scott LnOffers deluxe hotel lodging accommodations with unsurpassed service and amenities. -
phone: +1 307 733-3121address: 120 South Flat Creek DrIndividual log cabins with kitchenettes, porches, BBQs with utensils -- all for about the same price as an ordinary motel room.
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address: 3345 West Village DrYear-round inn located near Grand Teton National Park and the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
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address: 250 Veronica LnFeatures dozens of condos, cabins, and vacation rentals in and around Jackson Hole.
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address: 125 North Jackson St
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address: 475 N. Cache - PO Box 14250Seeking places to stay in Jackson Hole WY? The Rustic Inn resort offers log cabins and luxury lodging accommodations with large private decks. Attractions and activities include fly fishing and skiing.
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address: 285 North CacheOffering deluxe hotel lodging accommodations Located one block north of the Jackson Town Square.
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phone: +1 307 733-4710address: 3725 Shooting Star LnOffers deluxe lodging and accommodations. Breakfast and afternoon homecooked snacks included. Amenities include landscaped grounds and garden and a hot tub. Suites available.
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address: 930 West BroadwayA cozy, inn-like atmosphere located just minutes from downtown Jackson.
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phone: +1 307 739-1411address: 4250 Raven Haven RdA lodge style bed and breakfast in scenic Jackson Hole near Grand Teton National Park
Splurge
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phone: +1 307 734-7333address: 1535 North East Butte RdThis impressive hotel is one of its kind in the USA. Aman Resorts is one of the world's premiere hotel chains, and this property features just a few rooms, outstanding facilities and location, and very friendly staff.
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Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
phone: +1 307 732-5000address: 7680 Granite RdLoop, Teton Village. This luxurious ski-in/ski-out resort makes your experience in Teton Village a memorable one. The resort has great features, such as outside heated pools to warm you up after a day out on the slopes. -
phone: +1 307 739-4000address: 3335 West Village RdTeton Village. Hotel Terra is an eco-boutique hotel that emphasizes modern design as well as environmental responsibility. This luxury green hotel is one of just five LEED-certified hotels in the US.
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address: 175 North Jackson StCentral Jackson location great for everything from skiing to shopping and everything in between.
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phone: +1 307 732-6000address: 7710 Granite Loop RdTeton Village. Snake River Lodge & Spa is in Teton Village, at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The Lodge houses a 17,000 square foot spa.
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address: 400 E. Snow King AveSlopes-side location on Snow King Mountain - the oldest ski area in Jackson Hole.
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address: 3385 Cody LnTeton Village. A slopes-side mountain resort that offers rustic lodge rooms and suites. This resort features a luxury spa, extensive meeting facilities, a variety of ski services and fine dining at Cascade Grill House & Spirits.
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phone: +1 307-733-2200address: 120 North GlenwoodVery nice and cozy. Conveniently located in the town of Jackson.
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address: 160 West Gill AveNewest luxury hotel in downtown Jackson. Prime steak house, day spa and fitness center.
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phone: +1 307-733-2190address: 50 Glenwood St
Camping
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phone: +1 307 733-2792address: 750 West Broadway50 amp full service hookups; moderate walk to downtown and shopping. Beautiful mountain views on all sides. In small town setting.
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phone: +1 307 733-1177address: 2780 N. Moose Wilson Rd. (Hwy 390)Cabins and glamping tents within the boundaries of Jackson Hole Campground - a hybrid between camping, a hotel suite and a private cabin.
Camping, of course, abounds on the nearby National Forest, National Park, and BLM lands, and can range from isolated dispersed camping to highly sought-after sites reserved months in advance. Most camping spots, however, will require at least a half-hour drive from Jackson town proper.
Go next
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park, just north of Grand Teton
- Alpine, a town 30 miles south