Jackson Hole Traveler Tips
Getting Here
Jackson is about 300 miles northeast of Salt Lake City and 500 miles northwest of Denver. There are four driving routes into the valley. U.S. 189/191 and U.S. 89/26 meet at Hoback Junction, about 13 miles south of Jackson. Wyo. 22 travels over 8,429-foot Teton Pass from the west. Highway 26/287 comes in from the east over Togwotee Pass. During the winter, it’s not uncommon for one or all of these routes to close. During the summer, U.S. 89/287 through Yellowstone National Park is also open.
Jackson Hole Airport is located 10 miles north of Jackson. It is the only airport located within a national park and is one of the few runways whose elevation is greater than its length. American Airlines, Delta/Skywest and United Express fly into Jackson Hole year-round.
Another option is the Jackson Hole Express, which provides daily shuttle service to and from both the Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls airports. There are plenty of car rental companies in Jackson, though many are based out of the airport. Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit or START provides public transportation year-round. Routes travel around Jackson and to Teton Village. Pick up a map and schedule at any bus stop or call (307) 733-4521.
Geography
Jackson Hole refers to the long, wide valley that sits in the center of Teton County, Wyoming. The town of Jackson, at the southern end of the valley, is the only incorporated municipality in the county, but there are other communities: Moose in Grand Teton National Park, Kelly near the mouth of Gros Ventre Canyon, Wilson at the base of Teton Pass, as well as Moran at the northern end of the county and Hoback Junction at the very south.
The Tetons are Jackson Hole’s most famous landmark, but there are other impressive ranges in the area too, most notably the Gros Ventre (pronounced Grow Vont) Mountains to the east and the Snake River Range south of Teton Pass. The Snake River flows through the heart of the county.
The mighty Snake originates in Yellowstone and passes through Jackson Lake where it picks up much of its volume in the form of run-off from the Tetons. The Snake is joined by dozens of other tributaries on its trip south, including the Gros Ventre River.
Weather
Jackson Hole’s seasons are fickle, but they do follow some general trends. Spring is usually wet, warming to the 50s in the afternoon and cooling to the 20s at night. By June, average temperatures are above 70 – above 80 in July and August – but evening temperatures almost always cool back to the high 30s and low 40s.
Fall is drier than spring, but the temperature range is similar. Winter days alternate between snowy and sunny; average high temperatures are in the 20s, with lows in the single digits, and often dipping below zero; such bitter cold can last for a week or more.
Weather along the Teton Range can change without warning, so it’s wise to be prepared for extremes. Dress in layers you may add or shed as conditions warrant, starting with a T-shirt or long-sleeved top, a layer or two of warm fleece or wool, and a wind-proof jacket. Remember: cotton when wet will chill the skin; a shirt made of synthetic material such as polypropylene will wick moisture away from the skin and dry quickly.
High Altitude (and other) tips
The elevation of the valley bottom is about 6,200 feet, so the air in Jackson Hole is both drier and thinner and may leave you fatigued or short of breath. Although it takes some time for a body to adjust, you can help yourself acclimate by getting plenty of rest and drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day.
The thinner air also means the sun’s rays are more powerful than at sea level – without sunscreen, you can get a burn even on overcast days. Whatever your plans are for a day outing, several simple items will make the adventure more comfortable, and could even save a life in an emergency. The basics include sunscreen, warm clothing, a map, jacket, food, water, matches or a lighter, pocketknife, sunglasses and a hat. Other useful items to bring include binoculars, a cell phone, cash, pepper spray and bug repellent.
