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Best day trips from Jackson Hole

The best places to escape Jackson Hole for a day — drives, train rides, and easy outings within 1–3 hours of the city.

Jackson Hole, WY, USA· Airport: JAC
Jackson Hole — Day trips | CheapoTrav travel guide

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Key facts

  • Most notable day trips from Jackson Hole focus on the adjacent Grand Teton National Park and nearby Yellowstone National Park.
  • A rental car offers the greatest flexibility for exploring independently; book well in advance, especially for summer travel out of JAC.
  • Be aware that many scenic roads, particularly within national parks and mountain passes, close seasonally from late fall to late spring.
  • Idaho is an easy day trip option, with destinations like Teton Valley offering a different perspective of the Teton Range.
  • Consider guided tours for Yellowstone to handle navigation and learn from local experts about its geothermal features and wildlife.
  • Cell service can be unreliable once outside developed areas or national park gateways; download maps and plan routes beforehand.
  • Wildlife sightings are common on drives; maintain safe distances and carry binoculars for observation.

Jackson Hole serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse landscapes of Wyoming and beyond. While Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are the obvious drawcards, venturing slightly further afield reveals other compelling options that offer different experiences, from wildlife viewing opportunities away from the main crowds to historical sites and even a foray into Idaho's quiet ranching country.

Understanding the driving times and seasonal access is crucial when planning these excursions. Many roads, especially within the national parks and mountain passes, are subject to winter closures, typically from late October or early November through late May or early June. Always check the National Park Service or state DOT websites before setting out.

A rental car provides the most flexibility for day trips from Jackson Hole, allowing you to tailor your itinerary and stop at overlooks or trailheads as you wish. However, guided tours are available for popular destinations like Yellowstone, which can be a good option for those who prefer not to navigate or want expert commentary on the region's geology and wildlife. These tours often pick up directly from Jackson Hole lodging.

When planning, factor in not just driving time but also time for exploration, photography, and potential delays due to wildlife or road construction, which are common in this region. Packing layers, water, snacks, and a full tank of gas is always advisable, as services can be sparse once you leave the valley floor. Consider consulting with a CheapoTrav agent if you need assistance mapping out a multi-day itinerary that incorporates several of these day trips efficiently.

In this guide

  • Top picks for day trips
  • How to get there from Jackson Hole
  • Best for nature
  • Best for food and drink
  • Tips for planning

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get to Yellowstone National Park from Jackson Hole for a day trip?
Driving yourself via U.S. 26/89/191 North is generally the best approach for a day trip to Yellowstone from Jackson Hole. This route takes you directly through Grand Teton National Park before entering Yellowstone's South Entrance. The drive is scenic, offering frequent wildlife viewing opportunities. Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours just for the drive to the park entrance, not including any stops within Grand Teton or Yellowstone itself. Guided bus tours are also available from Jackson Hole if you prefer not to drive, often focusing on the Lower Loop's highlights.
Are there any day trip options from Jackson Hole that aren't national parks?
Yes, several appealing day trip options from Jackson Hole exist outside of the national parks. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest, just over the pass into Idaho, offers hiking, fishing, and scenic drives, often with fewer crowds than Grand Teton. The town of Driggs, Idaho, in Teton Valley, is about an hour's drive and provides a glimpse into a quieter, agricultural community with excellent views of the Tetons from a different angle. The National Elk Refuge, immediately north of Jackson, can be explored via sleigh rides in winter, offering a unique wildlife experience outside the main park gates.
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How far is Jackson Hole from Grand Teton National Park, and can I do a day trip there?
Grand Teton National Park essentially starts where the town of Jackson ends, making it an ideal and very accessible day trip. The southern entrance, Moose Junction, is only about 15-20 minutes north of downtown Jackson. You can easily spend a full day exploring Grand Teton, driving the scenic loop, stopping at overlooks like Mormon Row or Oxbow Bend, and enjoying short hikes or lake cruises. Given its proximity, it's also feasible to return to Jackson for dinner and venture back into the park for sunset views.
What should I pack for a day trip from Jackson Hole?
For any day trip from Jackson Hole, packing layers of clothing is essential, as mountain weather can change rapidly. Include a waterproof or windproof outer shell, even in summer. Always carry plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are important due to the high elevation. Binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera, and physical maps (as cell service is spotty) are also highly recommended. In winter, extra warm layers, traction devices for footwear, and emergency supplies are crucial.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares
Can I visit multiple national park sections on a single day trip from Jackson Hole?
While ambitious, it is possible to combine elements of Grand Teton National Park and the southern section of Yellowstone National Park into a single, long day trip from Jackson Hole. This typically involves driving through Grand Teton and continuing directly into Yellowstone's Lower Loop, focusing on major attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Be prepared for a very long day with significant driving time and limited time at each stop. Prioritize which sights you want to see most to avoid feeling rushed and missing key experiences.
Are there any unique or lesser-known day trips from Jackson Hole?
For a distinctive day trip, consider visiting the Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer, Wyoming, about a 2.5-hour drive southwest. This site offers a chance to see remarkably preserved ancient fish and plant fossils from an ancient lakebed. Another option is a scenic drive over Teton Pass into the Teton Valley in Idaho, perhaps visiting the small towns of Driggs or Victor for a meal or local craft brewery, which provides a different cultural experience and views of the Tetons' western slopes.
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