How to Spend a Long Weekend in Jackson Hole: A Spring or Summer 3 Day Itinerary
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Why You Should Visit Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is an iconic American destination. Not only that, Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park, established on March 1, 1872. Over 150 years later, and it’s still one of the most popular vacation spots for families in the summer. And just beneath it is Grand Teton National Park, established in 1929. Jackson Hole and the surrounding areas are known as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Teeming with wildlife, breathtaking peaks, thick temperate forests, and endless rivers and lakes there is something for everyone to enjoy here. A long weekend in Jackson Hole simply isn’t enough time to explore everything it has to offer, and we will definitely be back for more.
What You Need to Know Before You Go to Jackson Hole
General
Jackson Hole is the term used to describe the area around Jackson, WY up to Yellowstone National Park. Jackson is the name of the main city in the region. If you want to seem more savvy or like a local, remember the difference!
Money
Everywhere takes card, so I don’t think you need cash unless you want to tip guides.
Language
English is the primary spoken language, though there are some seasonal workers from other countries.
Safety
Jackson Hole is very safe—so long as you obey the rules when it comes to wildlife. More on that below!
Tips for Travelers with Anxiety in Jackson Hole
Summer is going to be crowded. Yellowstone has always been and will always be a major tourist destination for the United States (and for good reason!). See below for times to go to have less people around and to be able to enjoy the nature in peace.
It’s expensive. Food, gas, accommodation… Prepare to open your wallet.
Restrooms are available in certain areas of the park, but if you go before everything truly opens (May) they will be limited. I’d assume in the summer too there’s going to be a line! The ranger at the gate will give you a map when you enter that has them marked.
Dress in layers. The weather, especially in the spring/early summer, can be unpredictable. While we were there, it snowed heavily and then was brilliantly sunny! Either way, bring a jacket that will keep you warm.
How to get to Jackson Hole
The closest airport to fly into for your 3 day Jackson Hole itinerary is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). Car rentals are available there as well, and you will absolutely need a car to get around the area unless you plan on exclusively booking tours. If you live close enough to drive, I highly recommend doing that. It was about 5 hours drive from Salt Lake City, and with the breathtaking scenery of National Forests in Idaho and in Wyoming, the drive is anything but boring.
When to Plan Your Long Weekend in Jackson Hole Itinerary
So, when should you plan your 3 day Jackson Hole itinerary? The answer is: it depends. We went in late April to beat the crowds, and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend. April and November are transition months between the two main tourist seasons. A lot was closed in town (restaurants, bars, etc), and even more was closed in the national parks. In fact, we got lucky that the West and North entrances to Yellowstone opened up the Friday we were there.
Now that we live in Utah, we figured most of the snow would have melted by the end of April. I can, in fact, report we were very mistaken! Our first full day there it snowed 6 inches. Only a few spots in Grand Teton National Park were open due to heavy snow still on the roads. And when the park ranger said we’d have a hike in the snow, she meant we’d hike in the snow. Not the mountains of Utah, spikes are okay because it’s not deeper than your ankle most of the time, snow. Sinking down to my thigh snow.
So yes, my recommendation is after May 9 and before mid June if you want to be able to make the most of your trip and not be limited in what you can do. After mid-June, the area becomes overrun with tourists. According to people we spoke with there, July and into August are absolutely insane with people. You could also go in late August if you wanted to catch the bison rut. But in the back half of the season, the snow will be melted from the Teton peaks (which are absolutely breathtaking in the snow, so I highly recommend going early).
The winter season is a different story entirely, so for this blog post I’m focusing on the summer season!
Where to Stay in Jackson Hole
Jackson itself can be incredibly expensive, especially in peak season. We stayed at the Elk Country Inn, and for four nights in April, we paid around $800. But the nightly rate listed in the room was $655 per night. So if you’re on a budget, other options are Victor, ID or Alpine, WY. Both add about 30 minutes onto your drives no matter where you go. There are also camper vans for rent if you want to stay close to the action in the park, but I’m not sure how the pricing goes on those, so do your research! If you’re feeling bougie, you can stay in Teton Village, which is far closer to the park. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you can find suitable accommodation for your long weekend in Jackson Hole!
Long Weekend in Jackson Hole Itinerary
If you plan on visiting both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, purchase an America The Beautiful National Park Pass on your first day! This gets you into both, as well as hundreds of other sites around the United States for only $80. It’s an annual pass, so you’ll have to renew every year. If you do this online, you’ll receive your card in the mail so you need to do it well before your trip.
Day 1: Teton Wildlife Tour
What’s more iconic than a bison roaming the plains in Yellowstone? Or the grizzly bears lumbering through the forests in Grand Teton National Park? Nothing. Which is why you’re going to kick off your long weekend in Jackson Hole itinerary with a wildlife tour. In my opinion, this is the best tour to take for any wildlife destination. Not only will you learn about the history of the place you’re visiting, but you’ll also be with an experienced photographer or guide whose love of the animals shines through in every word they say. We also find it easier to spot wildlife on our own once we’ve done them because your brain becomes accustomed to picking out the distant shapes of the animals. More often than not, they aren’t right up on the road!
A note on safety while around wildlife. The rule is 25 yards (two school buses) from bison and 100 yards (a football field) from bears. This is for your own safety as much as the animal’s. Both are huge, but they are fast. The last thing you want is to be gored by a bison horn or attacked by a bear. Furthermore, do not provoke the animals. Do not yell at them, make kissing sounds to get them to look at your camera, or anything else that might disturb their peace. Not only is it rude, but you will also endanger yourself or anyone around you. And if that animal attacks? They’ll be killed.
Now back to the fun! We went with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, and our guide, Greg was fantastic. We learned so much about the behavior of the wildlife in Jackson Hole as well as some of the geological history and features that make this area of the world unique. In the summer, they offer a variety of tours, but since we went in April the options were limited. We opted for the half day wildlife safari and it was perfect.
That day we saw moose, elk, a skunk, and bears with cubs!
Day 2: Hiking in the Tetons
Now that you’ve gotten your wildlife fix, it’s time to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Grand Teton National Park has incredible hikes and ones for every skill level. In April, most of the roads are closed, leaving your options limited. Check the NPS website for the latest road and weather conditions, which can change in an instant, especially in the spring/early summer.
We went in the Moose Entrance, and the road was only open for three miles after, ending at a single trailhead. We ended up doing the Lake Taggart loop trail, which was absolutely breathtaking frozen over. Three hours later, half of which was spent stomping through thigh-deep snow, we learned that in the winter, out and back is the recommended route. The ranger station at the trailhead also doesn’t open until 10 AM, so you can definitely sleep in this day before getting out.
Other hikes await you at the Moran Entrance, where you can also visit Oxbow Bend, known for its abundant wildlife. From this entrance, you can drive all the way to the South entrance of Yellowstone. Even if it is closed while you are there, it’s still worth the drive for the breathtaking views along the way. Other places to see from this entrance are: Pacific Creek, Willow Flats, and Jackson Lake.
Day 3: Yellowstone
My fingers are crossed for you that the South entrance to Yellowstone is open during your long weekend in Jackson Hole! If not, the West entrance is roughly 2.5 hours from Jackson. Even shorter if you are staying in Idaho since the majority of the route is through that state with a short jaunt into West Yellowstone, Montana. From the West entrance, Old Faithful is approximately 45 minute drive. We got so lucky, we parked, went to the bathroom (there is a massive visitor’s center there), and walked over to Old Faithful. Someone stopped us and said we didn’t have to rush because there hadn’t been any activity in over an hour. We kept walking anyway, and the moment we got settled and I turned my camera on, it erupted! Old Faithful is active every 45 minutes to 2 hours, so if seeing it spurt water and steam into the sky is on your bucket list, plan accordingly.
The whole geothermal area is incredible, with colorful pools, vents both large and small, and plenty of space to walk around. However, on the day we went, two days after that part of the park opened again for the year, it was busy. We didn’t have to wait to take a picture of everything, but the raised walkways through some of the fields were a squeeze to get around. I cannot imagine how crazy they would be in July.
Another unmissable feature is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. From the West Entrance or Old Faithful its a little over an hour and a half drive. We spent too long around the geothermal area and photographing bison, so we didn’t get to go, but we have plans to return for that and Lamar Valley where the wildlife is abundant!
To find the iconic bison in Yellowstone, look in large clearings. The forest is too dense for their big bodies. They truly are huge! You’ll find them grazing and living their best lives. If you’re lucky, they’ll pick their heads up and move around.
The drive through the park is breathtaking, with plenty of pull offs to stop and take in the wilderness. Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many sites and soak in the view while you munch on chips and a sandwich. But be bear aware and ensure all food is properly stored and disposed of so they don’t come wandering for a free snack! If no trash disposal is available, take it with you to throw it away later. Please, please keep our parks pristine!
Other Things to Do in Jackson Hole
Astoria Hot Springs or Granite Hot Springs - perfect after a day of hiking!
National Museum of Wildlife Art - you pass right by it on your way to Grand Teton National Park!
Jackson Town Square - check out the antler arches!
Final Thoughts on Long Weekend or 3 Day Jackson Hole Itinerary
Have I convinced you to spend 3 days or a long weekend in Jackson Hole? Even if you’re not a wildlife enthusiast like my husband and me, there are still plenty of places to enjoy one of the most iconic travel destinations in the United States.