Welcome to Jackson Hole! Whether its your first time in town, you're trying to remember where things are after a few years, or just trying to locate something new, let us help you get started.
To make navigation easier—and give you tons of tips from burgers to bear spray and boots to brook trout—check out our Jackson Hole Traveler print edition and carry one with you! Most stores or coffee shops carry free copies for you to pick up.
Jackson or Jackson Hole?
Welcome to the Old West. Whether you’re seeking wide skies and grand views, world-class outdoor recreation, or an old-style adventure complete with cowboys and saloons, Jackson Hole is the place for you. But what exactly is Jackson Hole? This is actually the No. 1 question asked by visitors.
“Jackson Hole” refers to 13-mile wide, 48-mile long valley that runs parallel to the eastern slope of the Teton Range. It was originally named after 1820s fur trapper Davey Jackson—trappers called a valley, a "hole." The Hole begins at the mouth of the Snake River Canyon and stretches all the way to the shores of Jackson Lake at the southern edge of Yellowstone National Park.
“Jackson,” on the other hand, is our main town (within "the hole") of nearly 10,000 that serves as the seat of Teton County and heart of the area’s mountain culture.
So, Where Exactly Are We?
Jackson Hole is the broad valley that lies at 6,200 feet and runs from north to south along the Snake River, between the Teton Mountains to the west, and the Gros Ventre Mountains to the east.
The town of Jackson is situated toward the southeast of the valley, tucked in under Snow King Mountain.
To our north is Grand Teton National Park, the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson Lake and eventually Yellowstone National Park, as well as Togwotee Pass.
To the west of town you'll cross the Snake River before arriving at the hamlet of Wilson and the southern peaks of the Tetons. A bit further north on that same western side of the Snake River is Teton Village, the home of our world famous skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and a bit past that are the mighty "cathedral group" of the tallest Teton peaks.
To the south our valley ends and narrows into the Snake River Canyon, beginning about 20 minutes from town, where most of the area's whitewater rafting or kayaking activity is concentrated.
To the east of town are the Gros Ventres Mountains and huge expanses of wilderness where you might travel about 80 miles before coming to a paved road. Before all that though, there is the National Elk Refuge, great camping up in Curtis Canyon and hiking or biking trails up Cache Creek.
You really can't go wrong!
In case you do, navigation-wise, here's a map of the Jackson Hole valley (mind the sideways orientation). And a map of the town of Jackson.
Need Information?
In Town
Guests on the way into town from the airport or national parks will recognize the National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center by its sod roof and Rocky Mountain-inspired modern architecture. The Visitor Center is located at 532 N. Cache and not only offers maps and activity information, but also helps guests acquaint themselves with the local ecosystem through a series of dioramas, educational displays and a spectacular wildlife viewing deck overlooking the National Elk Refuge. If that isn't enough, the visitor center sells national park passes as well as hunting and fishing licenses, making this your one-stop destination for adventure planning in Jackson Hole.
In conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service and several nonprofit agencies, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce helps manage the Visitor Center. The Chamber of Commerce is also a standalone, go-to resource for questions about business, activity and travel information in Jackson Hole. You can reach it at 307-733-3316.
Grand Teton National Park
If you’re already out and about in Jackson Hole, or just want a high-tech learning experience, check out the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. It sits at one of the most popular entryways to Grand Teton National Park, just 12 miles north of Jackson in the town of Moose. Models, photo murals, interactive exhibits and steaming video feeds put a 21st-century spin on the Tetons’ timeless grandeur. For a list of upcoming events at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, or general information about Grand Teton National Park, call the center at 307-739-3399 or visit the website.
Yellowstone National Park
With geysers, grizzlies and famously wild terrain, Yellowstone National Park can overwhelm a visitor with possibilities for adventure. Fortunately, the National Park Service operates a myriad of visitor centers scattered throughout the park.
If you're heading into the park from Jackson, check out the visitor centers at Grant Village and West Thumb, located just off the park's main north-south thoroughfare, Hwy 89. The park also operates permanent visitor centers Fishing Bridge, Madison Junction, Norris Geyser Basin, and of course, Old Faithful. Call the Park Service for more information at 307-344-7381.
Jackson Hole Weather
Temperatures can vary widely any time of the year, especially when you change elevation. We have more than 7,000 feet of elevation difference to consider between the valley floor and the top of the Grand Teton, which means that hikers, climbers and skiers need to dress the part, as weather conditions can change quickly with changes in elevation. Make sure to follow the only trusted source for Jackson Hole weather, Mountain Weather, produced by our local weatherman, Jim Woodmencey.
Banks and ATMs
These days, you don't have to go robbing stagecoaches if you need cash in Jackson Hole. There are plenty of 24-hour ATMs in the area operated by both local and national banks. The Bank of Jackson Hole has numerous ATMs situated in hot spots like Town Square, Teton Village and at the airport. Wells Fargo also operates ATMs at the airport, across from Albertson's supermarket, as well as at Cowboy Coffee's location next to Maverick.
Shopping for the Essentials
Whether you're in need of medicine, whiskey, or fresh produce, you won't find yourself wanting for provisions during your stay in Jackson Hole.
The Town of Jackson
- St. John's Health Hospital and Medical center: The assurance of safe, quality care is fundamental to the vision of St. John's Health. Meeting and exceeding the expectations of patients and achieving the best outcomes are central goals to which employees at St. John's aspire. Offers immediate medical attention for injuries and illnesses and onsite x-rays and lab. Walk-ins welcome. Call 307-739-8999.
- Bin 22 on Broadway offers a wonderful selection of local libations and locally-made treats.
- Pearl Street Market on Cache is a locally owned and operated deli and full-service market, featuring organic and locally sourced products, along with a range of gourmet grocery items and a selection of wines.
- Albertson's supermarket is located at 105 Buffalo Way and Smith's supermarket is at 1425 S U.S. Highway 89.
The West Bank and Teton Village
- Bodega: Stop by Teton Village's quaint grocery store and bottle shops for high-quality groceries and provisions, grab-and-go eats, artisan ice cream and more! An in-house butcher, deli and thoughtfully curated bottle shop, all in an existing gas station, make Bodega a must-stop destination. Call 307-200-466.
- Mangy Moose Market & Cellars: Those staying in Teton Village can check out the "Moose's Belly." This honeycomb-like store sits beneath the famous Mangy Moose Saloon and offers a growing selection of groceries and prepared foods, as well as a host of fine wines and local craft beers. Call 307-733-4913.
Wilson
• Hungry Jack's: Open since 1954, Hungry Jack's is an old-fashioned general store that offers a little bit of everything, including fresh produce, sandwiches, sundries, groceries and beer. It’s a great place to put together a picnic and experience a piece of Wilson history.
Go Enjoy!
So, now that you're here, enjoy!
A stay in Jackson Hole offers something for everyone. From the crystalline snows of winter to the waving wildflowers of summer, it's easy to see why residents and visitors alike value and respect this precious area. Jackson’s mixture of world-class restaurants and rodeos, of hoedowns and art galleries, or of relaxation and adventure will have any visitor scheming up ways to delay their flight home.