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Arrival by Air

Air travel is a popular means of getting in and out of Jackson, particularly in the winter when icy roads and winter storms can make driving to the valley challenging, if not dangerous.

The Jackson Hole Airport is ten miles north of Jackson and is the only commercial airport located within the boundaries of a national park. On a clear day, you're greeted by the peaks of the Tetons as you exit the plane. Currently four major airlines service the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) during the peak summer and winter months: American, Delta, Northwest and United.

Due to the limited inventory of airplane seats and the high expense of a typical Jackson Hole fare, many prefer to fly into nearby Idaho Falls, Idaho (2-hour drive) or Salt Lake City, Utah (5-hour drive). These are especially popular options in the summer when roads are sure to be clear of snow and ice.

Driving Entrances

There are four primary driving routes in and out of Jackson Hole:

ID-33, WY-22 (Teton Pass)
The west entrance of Jackson Hole is Teton Pass, connecting the valley to Victor, Driggs and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Despite its steepness, Teton Pass is well-traveled and popular, as it offers access to major highways (including I-15) and other north/south routes. Be forewarned that travel on the pass can be dangerous in the winter. Check with the WY-Dot for road conditions and closings.

US 89, 26, 191, 189 (Hoback Junction)
The South entrance of Jackson Hole is Hoback Junction. Here, two highways merge and head north to Jackson: US 89/26 from Alpine and US 191/189 from Pinedale. US 89/26 is a popular route to the valley from points south, particularly Salt Lake City. The road travels through two different canyons, making for a beautiful drive. However, wildlife and winter conditions mean speeding can be a costly mistake. US 191/189 enters Hoback Canyon from Pinedale, Rock Springs and points east on I-80.

US 26, 287 (Togwotee Pass)
The north eastern entrance of the valley is marked by Togwotee Pass, which connects Jackson with Dubois, WY. This is the preferred route for parties arriving from the south eastern corner of Wyoming, including Casper and Cheyenne.

US 89, 191, 287 (Yellowstone's South Entrance)
The meeting of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks marks the northern entrance of the valley. Be aware, depending on the time of year and day, traffic through Yellowstone can difficult. Many people coming from the north opt to drive around Yellowstone and enter through Teton Pass. Also, as Yellowstone's South Entrance is closed to cars in the winter, this route is only possible in the late spring, summer and fall.

Driving Instructions
Some of the more popular driving routes in and out of Jackson Hole are as follows:

Western Points

Idaho Falls :
Take US 26 to Swan Valley.
From Swan Valley take ID-31 to Victor.
Turn right in Victor on to ID-33.
Take ID-33 over the Teton Pass.
ID-33 becomes WY-22 and takes you into Wilson. (Welcome to Jackson Hole)
Continue through Wilson on WY-22 to get to the town of Jackson.

Southern Points

Salt Lake City (drive 1 - for time):
Take I-15 North towards Ogden.
Follow I-15 to Idaho Falls, ID.
Outside of Idaho Falls take US-20 (bus.) East towards US-26.
Off US-20 take US-26 to Swan Valley.
(follow Idaho Falls directions)

Salt Lake City (drive 2 - for scenery):
Take the US-91/1100 SOUTH ST., exit number 364, towards US-89/LOGAN/UTAH STATE UNIV..
W 1100 S becomes US-89.
Follow US-89 through three states, several canyons and by some beautiful lakes.
US-89 will take you into Hoback Junction. (Welcome to Jackson Hole)
Follow US-89 into the Town of Jackson.

Southeastern Eastern Points

Rock Springs (I-80 option 1):
Take US-191 North.
US-191 will be joined by US-198 just after Pinedale.
Follow US-191, 198 into Hoback Junction. (Welcome to Jackson Hole)
In Hoback Junction, US 89 and 26 will join heading North.
Follow into the town of Jackson.

Rawlings (I-80 option 2):
Take US-287 North towards Lander.
US-287 is joined by US-26 after Lander.
Follow US-287,26 over Togwotee Pass. (Welcome to Jackson Hole)
Take US-89 south at Moran Junction.
Follow US-89 into the town of Jackson.

North Eastern Points

In the summer many people will take Yellowstone's East Entrance through Cody WY.
Exiting off I-90 north of Sheridan on to US-14.
Following US-14 into Cody, on into Yellowstone (Entrance Fee Req.)
Then taking the South Exit out of Yellowstone into Jackson Hole.

In the winter, this route is not possible. A southern detour to US-26 (Follow US-26 goes all the way to Togwotee Pass) or a northern detour on I-90 to loop around the westside of Yellowstone would be required.

Northern, North Western Points
In the summer, some may choose to take the scenic Yellowstone route. Enter the North Entrance of Yellowstone (Entrance Fee Req.) and exit through the south into Jackson Hole. I-90 intersects with US-89 in Livingstone MT. US-89 follows through Yellowstone and into the town of Jackson.

Others may choose to drive around the west side of Yellowstone (required in the winter). This drive will take you through Bozeman, MT and West Yellowstone, MT. Take ID-33 to Driggs, ID. Follow ID-33 over the Teton Pass, on to WY-22 and into Jackson Hole.

Distance Chart