Jackson is a mountain town in Teton County, Wyoming, at the southern end of Jackson Hole, a high valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre ranges. The town is often simply called Jackson Hole, after the valley, and serves as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park and, farther north, Yellowstone National Park. About 10,800 people lived in Jackson at the 2020 census, making it the largest incorporated town in Wyoming.
Visitors come for the jagged Teton Range, abundant wildlife such as elk, bison and moose, skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain, and a western town square framed by elk-antler arches. Almost all of Teton County is public land, which keeps the valley open and wild but limits housing. Vacation rentals include condos in town and at Teton Village, mountain homes and cabins, though local rules restrict short-term rentals in many residential areas, so stays are concentrated in designated lodging districts; check current rules before you book.
The town of Jackson is the most convenient base, with walkable streets, the Town Square, galleries, restaurants and Snow King Mountain on the edge of downtown. Condos and apartments here suit visitors who want evenings in town and easy drives into Grand Teton National Park, which begins a few miles north.
Teton Village, about 12 miles northwest at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is the choice for skiers who want slope-side condos and homes, and in summer it gives quick access to the Moose-Wilson Road into the park. It suits winter trips, groups and families with keen skiers.
Wilson, a small community between the two, offers a quieter setting near the foot of Teton Pass, though county rules allow short-term rentals only in a few approved developments outside town. Over the pass in Idaho, the towns of Victor and Driggs in Teton Valley offer more space and a calmer pace, with Grand Targhee Resort nearby, but add a mountain drive to Jackson.
Grand Teton National Park covers about 310,000 acres, including the major peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range and much of the valley floor. Grand Teton itself reaches 13,775 feet, rising more than 7,000 feet above Jackson Hole, and nine other peaks top 12,000 feet. The park was established in 1929 to protect the mountains and greatly expanded in 1950 with land that John D. Rockefeller Jr. had bought and donated.
Highlights include Jenny Lake, with a short hike to Hidden Falls; 15-mile-long Jackson Lake; the Snake River, popular for scenic floats and fishing; and the historic barns of Mormon Row against the mountains. Bison, elk, moose, pronghorn and bears live here. Keep well back from wildlife, carry bear spray on trails, and follow park rules on viewing distances. Lodging inside the park is run by concessioners and books up early.
Yellowstone National Park lies about 10 miles north of Grand Teton National Park, linked by the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Its South Entrance is less than 60 miles north of Jackson, so a long day trip to the geysers, including Old Faithful, is possible, though many visitors prefer to spend a night or two closer.
Most Yellowstone roads are open to regular vehicles from spring through the end of October, and several entrances, including the South Entrance, close to cars in winter. The South Entrance is usually among the last to reopen, often in May. Check the National Park Service road status before you go.
Closer to town, the National Elk Refuge, created in 1912, borders Jackson and shelters an average of about 7,500 elk each winter, when horse-drawn sleigh rides take visitors among the herd. The National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooks the refuge.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at Teton Village opened in 1966 and is known for steep, challenging terrain on Rendezvous and Apres Vous mountains, with a vertical drop of 4,139 feet. Its aerial tram rises to 10,450 feet, and about half of the terrain is rated expert, though the lower mountain has slopes for beginners and intermediates.
Snow King Mountain, on the southeast edge of town, is Jackson's original ski hill, where locals ski after work and visitors take in views over the valley. Grand Targhee Resort, about 42 miles away on the west side of the Tetons in Alta, is known for deep snow and a quieter feel, reached by crossing Teton Pass into Idaho.
Winter also brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife tours and sleigh rides at the elk refuge. The ski season usually runs from early December into April; check each resort's dates.
Jackson Hole was used by Native Americans for hunting and ceremonies, but it was not known to have year-round settlement before the 1870s. John Colter, a former member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is credited as the first European-American to see the valley, around 1807. Fur trappers called it Jackson's Hole after David Edward Jackson, who trapped beaver here in the late 1820s; to them, a hole meant a mountain valley.
Homesteaders arrived in the late 19th century, and the town took the name Jackson in the 1890s and incorporated in 1914. In 1920 it elected an all-woman town government. Because the soil was poor for crops, cattle ranching and then dude ranches shaped the economy, and tourism grew with the national parks. Today less than 3 percent of Teton County is privately owned.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), about 7 miles north of town, is the busiest airport in Wyoming and the only commercial airport in the United States located inside a national park, Grand Teton. Nonstop flights increase in the summer and winter seasons. Some travelers instead fly to Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), roughly two hours away over Teton Pass, when routes or prices suit.
Jackson sits at the junction of US 26, 89, 189 and 191 and Wyoming Highway 22, the Teton Pass road to Idaho. Mountain roads can be closed or slow in winter storms, so allow extra time and carry winter gear in the car.
START buses connect Jackson with Teton Village and nearby communities, which is especially useful in ski season. To explore the national parks, however, a car is the most practical choice, and parking at popular trailheads fills early in summer.
At about 6,237 feet, Jackson has warm summer days, cool nights and long, very cold winters. Freezing temperatures have been recorded on almost every day of the year, so pack layers even in July. Summer, from late June to early September, is peak season for hiking, rafting and wildlife watching. September and early October bring golden aspens, the elk rut and fewer crowds.
Winter, from December to March, is ski season, with heavy snow in the mountains. Late spring and late fall are quieter shoulder seasons when some park roads and services are still closed.
The high elevation means thinner air and strong sun, so drink plenty of water and use sunscreen. Wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, is common in the region. Learn how to use bear spray, store food properly, and never approach or feed animals.
Not exactly. Jackson Hole is the valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre ranges in Wyoming, and Jackson is the town at its southern end, the only incorporated town in Teton County. People often use Jackson Hole for both. It should not be confused with Jackson, Mississippi.
Yellowstone's South Entrance is less than 60 miles north of Jackson, through Grand Teton National Park and along the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Old Faithful is farther inside the park. The South Entrance road closes to regular vehicles in winter, usually reopening in May.
Stay in the town of Jackson for restaurants, shops and easy access to Grand Teton National Park. Choose Teton Village for skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Teton Valley in Idaho, over Teton Pass, offers more space and a quieter pace but a longer drive.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), about 7 miles north of town inside Grand Teton National Park, is the closest and the busiest airport in Wyoming. Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), roughly two hours away by road over Teton Pass, is an alternative.
Late June to early September is best for hiking, rafting and park roads. September and early October offer fall color, the elk rut and smaller crowds. December to March is ski season. Spring and late fall are quiet but some park roads and services are closed.
Only in some places. The Town of Jackson defines short-term rentals as stays under 30 days and limits them outside its Lodging Overlay, while unincorporated Teton County generally requires rentals of 31 days or more except in approved areas such as Teton Village. Check that a rental is permitted under current rules.
For the national parks, yes. Distances are long, wildlife viewing happens along park roads, and public transport does not cover most trailheads. In town and between Jackson and Teton Village, START buses and walking work well, especially in ski season.
Yes. Families enjoy easy park walks such as Jenny Lake, wildlife spotting, river floats, the elk refuge sleigh rides in winter and gentle ski terrain. Plan for altitude and cool evenings, keep children close on trails, and follow park guidance on bears and other wildlife.
Researched and written with AI assistance, then fact-checked against the sources below. Last checked .