If you're visiting the Jackson Hole area for the first time this summer, A) What took you so long?, and, B) Congratulations — you are embarking on the trip of a lifetime! To help prepare you for a memorable visit to the Tetons, here are some things you'll need to know about our two popular ski areas and their trove of summer activities, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and our rich history of art and culture, as well as our weather, high altitude, what to pack, and how to get around.
Traveler Tip: Book in advance! Not just your lodging, but also tours, tickets for activities/entertainment, and even dinners out.
Click here to read our article on What To Book in Advance for Jackson Hole.
PREPARE FOR HIGH ALTITUDE
With the town of Jackson above 6,200 feet and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram taking hikers and sightseers to an elevation of 10,450 feet plus the elevation of 7,808 feet that Snow King Mountain’s Scenic Gondola (pictured above) travels to, some travelers to the area may experience difficulty adjusting to the altitude.
Hiking one of the Tetons can also be a surprise to the system if you’re not well-hydrated and adjusted. More water should be consumed to stay ahead of the ill effects of altitude sickness. To stay hydrated, you may want to limit caffeine and alcohol consumption as well.
Traveler Tip: Two skincare companies born and raised in Jackson Hole have an array of skin care products to address the dry climate out here and help you hydrate your skin beyond your wildest dreams: Alpyn Beauty and Trilipiderm. Visit their websites to check out the various all-natural, plant-based face and body creams, cleansers, serums, toners, exfoliators and toners. Both websites have a list of local stores where you can purchase products.
RELATED STORY: High Altitude Health Tips
WHAT TO BRING TO JACKSON HOLE
The often unpredictable summer weather in the Northern Rocky Mountains can sometimes offer up all four seasons in a day! Given Jackson Hole's high altitude and dry climate, temperature swings can be 40 to 50 degrees from early morning to the heat of the day, so you need to dress in layers. Bring lightweight clothing that can be layered and peeled off for sunny, warmer days spent working up a sweat doing numerous outdoor activities. Think essentials such as a sleeveless, short or long-sleeved shirt as a base layer, a fleece pullover or zip-up, a waterproof jacket for drizzly days and even a light puffy (yes, you read that right: a puffy coat in summer for eventual 50s to low 60-degree evenings here in the mountains; you may need that puffy or warmer jacket in the morning, too, especially if camping overnight).
Sunscreen is another important item to ward off sunburns that can sneak up on visitors even on cloudy days.
Traveler Tip: Jackson Hole is a pretty casual place to be and even five-star dining can be done in sandals. Nevertheless, if you plan to partake in one of the area's many cultural offerings, a nice sundress or tucked-in shirt can be nice, too. Just note that if you arrive in full rodeo regalia, locals will immediately sniff you out as a non-local.
RELATED STORIES: Packing List For Sumertime in Jackson Hole, How To Dress Like a Jackson Hole Hiker
GETTING AROUND JACKSON HOLE
You'll need to figure out how to get from place to place around here. Activities in Jackson Hole are fairly spread out across our wide and wonderful valley, especially in summer, when a full day of action can take you all over the place from the Snake River Canyon, to the National Parks, and back to the Town Square.
Taxis, Lyft, Uber, hotel shuttles, and Avis, Hertz and Enterprise rental cars are all available options to get from the Jackson Hole Airport to town or Teton Village. The town of Jackson is located approximately 12 miles from Teton Village where the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is in addition to popular hotels, restaurants, shops, and condos.
For those who decide to stay in town, there is a convenient bus service to and from Teton Village, as well as around town. The Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit — or START bus — will deliver you to Teton Village for a $3 fee each way. It is a good idea to have exact change on hand because bus drivers are not able to make change for fares. Transportation around town on the START bus is free.
RELATED STORY: Getting Around
WHERE TO LAY YOUR WEARY HEAD
While many summer visitors choose to stay at one of our two ski resorts that are within walking distance from hiking trails, scenic gondola and chairlift rides (such as Snow King Resort at the base of Snow King Mountain), or the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort/Teton Village (think Snake River Lodge & Spa, Alpenhof, or Hotel Terra), staying in town has its advantages, too.
Beautiful hotels in Jackson, such as the Rockwell Inn, Hotel Jackson, White Buffalo Club, the Wort Hotel, the Lodge at Jackson Hole, or the Wyoming Inn, (pictured above) offer luxurious amenities at competitive prices. You could also consider getting your cowboy on and staying at an honest-to-goodness dude ranch.
Whether you choose to stay in town or Teton Village, there are many activities, restaurants and stores within walking distance.
RELATED STORIES: Where To Stay in Jackson Hole, Alternative Lodging Options in Jackson Hole
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH JACKSON HOLE
From casual, quick meals to family-friendly eateries to upscale — and up on high — dining, to classic, landmark Jackson Hole restaurants, there’s a spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner for you.
Check out our related stories below for more in-depth information.
RELATED STORIES: Family-Friendly Restaurants in Jackson Hole, 7 Spots For Lunch on Town Square, 7 Spots for Breakfast, Cheers To Jackson Hole Breweries, Private Dining in Jackson Hole, Excellent Ethnic Eateries in Jackson Hole
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Feel free to branch out from hiking and touring Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Visit the vast Bridger-Teton National Forest for a scenic drive or hiking and biking within it. Other activities in which to indulge include fly fishing, riding the Cowboy Coaster or Alpine Slide at Snow King and stargazing at its summit Observatory and Planetarium, taking a horseback ride, a pack trip (pictured above), or a memorable sunset into nighttime wildlife tour with Wyoming Stargazing. Paraglide, hit the Jackson Hole Rodeo, or ride the rapids on the Snake River. The Jackson Hole Shooting Experience is a different kind of bucket list that is a “blast” for you and your family — and it's rated No. 1 on Trip Advisor for “Fun and Games in Jackson Hole!”
RELATED STORIES: Adventures in Jackson Hole: The Essentials, Unique Things To Do in Jackson Hole, Top Attractions in Jackson Hole, Whitewater Rafting: The Essentials, Jackson Hole Wildlife Tours: The Essentials, Horseback Riding in Jackson Hole: The Essentials