A trip from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone National Park isn’t big on mileage, but it’s big on everything else.
Yellowstone itself is a special place. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular national parks in the United States. To get there, Jackson Hole is a natural start that deserves time its own time as a solid Wyoming getaway.
We quickly fell in love with the resort town on our own first time there before traveling on to Yellowstone, and wish we have budgeted more time for those alpine vibes.
Read on for more on how to make your Jackson to Yellowstone trip an efficient one, complete with stops you should make along the way.
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Is Jackson Hole a good place to stay when visiting Yellowstone?
Jackson Hole is a good place to stay when visiting Yellowstone if you want to be closer to Grand Teton National Park, too. You’ll just be driving quite a bit with an itinerary like that.
I’d recommend separate stays in both Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, instead. You can pick and choose Yellowstone accommodations in my guide. I included where I wouldn’t stay in that one, too.
Note: I’ve read that it’s the closest town for those who want to tackle both of those parks in the same day, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend that. Not all travel blogger advice is good advice.
How far is Jackson Hole from Yellowstone?
The distance from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone is at least 57 miles. That’s the mileage to the South Entrance.
How long is the drive from Jackson to Yellowstone?
The drive from Jackson to Yellowstone depends on the entrance or area of Yellowstone you plan to visit. The South Entrance is the closest and should take you a little over an hour.
This is the entrance you’d take if you were starting in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton, but it’s also a great entrance for a less crowded start at Yellowstone. Lewis Lake, Grant Village, and the West Thumb Geyser Basin are all accessible from the South Entrance.
Most first-time Yellowstone visitors choose to arrive through the West Entrance, so that’s the more popular route from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone. That’s the closest entrance to Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, the main attractions in the park.
If you want to drive from Jackson Hole to Old Faithful, it’ll take you around 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there. You can easily extend your road trip from there.
Here’s a rundown on drive time from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone, with the understanding that traffic and road conditions can affect your timing considerably:
- South Entrance (58 miles): 1.5-2 hours
- West Entrance (78 miles): 2-2.5 hours
- East Entrance (80 miles): 2-2.5 hours
- North Entrance (123 miles): 2.5-3 hours
Note: Jackson is the city in Jackson Hole, and Jackson Hole refers to the surrounding valley that includes additional towns I’ll explore here, like Teton Village. They’re often used interchangeably, but it’s good to know the difference.
Is Jackson Hole closer to Yellowstone or Grand Teton?
Jackson Hole is closer to Grand Teton. If you drive directly, it should take you less than 45 minutes to get to the heart of the park. We experienced quite a bit of smog on our own trip to the Tetons, but still had a fantastic time hiking and checking out the scenery.
If you do have time for Grand Teton National Park but are short on that time, check out these highly-rated guided experiences:
Jackson Hole to Yellowstone: Logistics
Let’s assume you’ve decided to drive from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone. There are a few things you’ll need to plan out before hitting the road, especially if you’ve never been to either your starting point or your destination.
Getting to Jackson Hole
The most obvious route is Jackson Hole Airport to Yellowstone. Jackson Hole Airport is actually in Grand Teton National Park, just north of Jackson. I hear that it’s the busiest airport in Wyoming, but it’s still Wyoming. That means you’ll still experience less traffic than the big city hubs.
Flights don’t typically come cheap outside of the big cities, either. Those who have the time to watch flights on a tool like Skyscanner will be rewarded with the best deals.
If you’re working with more time and love a scenic road trip, flights to Salt Lake City are much cheaper. Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City and vice versa will take you about five hours. Just remember that you’ll have more driving from there to get to Yellowstone.
Salt Lake City is great for a longer stay, by the way. We spent a full month in the town and definitely felt some feels about leaving. Much like this region in Wyoming you’re road tripping, the Salt Lake City area is scenic as heck.
Getting Around Jackson Hole
I love some good public transportation, but renting a car will offer you the most flexibility on your journey in and around Jackson Hole and on the drive to Yellowstone from there. Try a site like HotwireorPriceline for the best deals.
Assign your reservation to the airport you’re flying into so that you can just grab your car after you land and hit the road.
If you’re only visiting the city of Jackson on your journey, you could get away with exploring the city without a car. There is a free town shuttle that serves the downtown, in addition to the START Bus. That bus will also take you to Teton Village on certain routes. For more information on schedules and routes, see this guide to the START bus.
I know you’re here to see Yellowstone, too, so renting a car will allow you to do that.
Things to Do in Jackson Hole
If you have some time for Jackson Hole, you won’t regret it. We were there in the summer, but your options for Jackson attractions will differ in July vs. February. Think winter sports vs. hiking amongst the valley’s natural wonders.
Jackson Hole’s ski season is generally Thanksgiving through early April. The peak summer season for the national parks around Jackson Hole is July-August, so accommodations throughout the valley will be pricier during that time. Keep all of that in mind as you plan so that you’re able to have the trip you want.
Interested in a map of all of the highlights I’ll mention in this guide? Check out the Google map below:
GIMME MY JACKSON TO YELLOWSTONE MAP!
Explore downtown Jackson.
Jackson is, at its core, super cute. We were there in the summer so didn’t get those snowy ski town vibes, but what we got instead was a walkable town square and all the Western wear we could ever want.
If you feel like you don’t need the overview at the visitor center, start at George Washington Memorial Park, or the Jackson Town Square. The park was dedicated back in 1934, and you’ll know you’re there when you see the giant elk antler arches at the entrances.
Fun fact: The origins of the antlers aren’t nefarious, by the way. They were collected from the National Elk Refuge nearby during the natural antler shedding process.
Those looking for some evening entertainment might enjoy taking in a show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse. They have packages that include dinner with your show, too.
Eat (and drink) your way through Jackson.
After exploring the city a bit, you’ll likely need some sustenance at some point. Our top recommendation is Cafe Genevieve, despite its feature on an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
Guy Fieri did redeem himself some with his excellent pandemic response and donation abilities when people needed it the most, but he’s since biffed it in other ways. In any case, the curb appeal at this cafe has got it going on.
Fun fact: The Main Street eatery is housed in a log cabin that’s more than 100 years old.
The entire menu is stellar, but if you’re a meat eater, don’t leave without trying the pig candy, which is candied bacon but turned up a notch. This is a popular establishment. Reservations are encouraged by calling 307-732-1910. If you have the room, pop in to CocoLove, a chocolate cafe, for dessert.
Sip on a pint at Snake River Brewery.
We had a fabulous time at the Snake River Brewery, but keep in mind that we did indeed indulge in quite a few brews there. The bartender was feeling overly generous while we were there, so our tasters included some freebies. They have a decent-looking pub menu, too, and live music some nights.
If you want a few more pints while in Jackson, Roadhouse Brewing Co. and Melvin Brewing in nearby Alpine and at Thai Me Up in Jackson proper are a few more options.
Not interested in beer but love yourself a glass of wine? Visit the Jackson Hole Winery for wines made with the best grapes out of California and Oregon.
Choose your favorite Jackson Hole ski area.
There are three ski areas for you to explore in Jackson Hole if you’re there for the powder: Snow King Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort. Here’s a little more detail on those:
- Snow King, Wyoming’s oldest ski resort, is convenient for skiers at a variety of levels looking to stick closer to Jackson.
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village is well-known around the country as one of the more difficult ski resorts, so if you’re looking for a challenge and have the skills to back that up, this one could be for you.
- The Grand Targhee Resort is about 75 minutes away from Jackson in the town of Alta, but offers more options for the average skier.
Get those Western vibes on.
If you brought along a pair of cowboy boots, this is their time to shine. Every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the Jackson Hole Rodeo celebrates all things cowboy with bucking broncos and all the other horseplay you’d expect in their outdoor arena.
If you’re interested in some horseback riding, Jackson Hole is a great place to do that. There are outfitters like the Grand Teton Lodge Company that will even take you into Grand Teton National Park on horseback.
If all of that caused you to work up an appetite and you want something a bit more unique than the rodeo concessions stands, seek out a chuckwagon dinner in the valley.
The chuckwagon tradition celebrates a coming-together over good grub, good company, and good story-telling under the stars. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce has lots of options for you if this sounds up your alley, along with information on reservations so you’re not shut out once you get there.
Meet some elk at the National Elk Refuge.
Remember those antler arches you saw adorning Jackson’s main square? The National Elk Refuge is where they came from.
If you’re in Jackson Hole in the winter, you’ll be able to see them from your car or on a sleigh ride organized by the refuge. I’m not joking about that second option. It’s all very winter wonderland.
This is all assuming you’re there in the winter months, when the refuge gives the local elk herds a place to munch. Otherwise, they’re likely foraging outside of the refuge’s boundaries, because freedom.
Oh, and the park’s free, by the way.
Soak in the Granite Hot Springs.
You may be in need of some relaxation after all of those outdoor adventures. The Granite Hot Springs are the place to do that.
The natural hot springs are in the Gros Ventre Mountains and open year-round, with more limited hours in the winter months. The waters in the winter get up to 112 degrees, so you’ll be nice and toasty even if it’s snowy outside.
Just 30 miles from the town of Jackson, it’s an easy trip out to the springs for a few hours of soaking and taking in the views. The springs are 7,000 miles above sea level, which does in fact mean views for days while you’re having your terrific natural spa times.
Call ahead at 307-690-6323 if snowy weather has you worried whether you’ll be able to visit.
Go on a guided tour of Jackson.
I get it. Travel in the more remote corners of the country can be intimidating. I’m about the self-guided life, but there’s always room for guided experiences, too, especially if that’s what makes you feel more comfortable traveling.
Check out some of the fun you can be having on guided tours in and around Jackson Hole:
Jackson Hole Hotels
If you take my advice to spend some time in Jackson Hole, you’ll need somewhere to spend the night before continuing your travel from Jackson, WY, to Yellowstone.
We stayed at the Ranch Inn Jackson Hole during our visit to Jackson Hole, and I’d highly recommend it. Weliked how walkable it was, with easy parking available, too.
We were initially eyeing The Lodge at Jackson Hole because of its shuttle service, but it was completely booked during our trip. Guests rave about the breakfast here, too.
If you’d like to comparison-shop, use the map below:
What is there to see between Jackson and Yellowstone?
There is so much to see between Jackson and Yellowstone. You’ll likely pass Grand Teton National Park, for starters, especially if you’re targeting the South Entrance of Yellowstone.
Is Grand Teton better than Yellowstone? Grand Teton isn’t better than Yellowstone if size is the only thing that matters. Yellowstone is a much bigger park, so it’s easier to escape the crowds and find some solitude while you’re at Yellowstone.
Don’t sleep on the Tetons, though. Grand Teton National Park gives intrepid visitors some of the most scenic views you’ll find in the United States, along with excellent wildlife spotting. Lucky for you, I have a guide to the best hikes and sights in Grand Teton.
Traveling to the more popular west entrance of Yellowstone from Jackson Hole? You’ll still pass Grand Teton National Park and the Teton Valley on the shortest route.
If you choose the route through Ashton, instead, you’ll hit:
- Upper Mesa Falls: This waterfall in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is nearly 115 feet high and 200 feet wide. If you tack on a stop, expect your trip to Yellowstone to take a little over three hours from Jackson.
- Harriman State Park: You’ll cut right through this park on routes through the town of Island Park, Idaho. A visit will give you a taste of Yellowstone before you get into the park, as this one is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
If you love a scenic drive even if it adds time to your road trip, a third route from Jackson to Yellowstone takes you further west into Idaho. You’ll still travel through Ashton, but you’ll drive west from Victor instead of north straight to Ashton at that point. Expect a drive without any stops to take about three hours and 30 minutes along this route.
With more time, don’t miss:
- Swan Valley: Anyone into fly fishing already knows all about beautiful Swan Valley. If you’re not at all into fishing (that’s me!) you should visit anyway, as this is peak Idaho for outdoor adventurers.
- Heise Hot Springs: This year-round resort is a great way to relax before or after big hiking trips to Yellowstone National Park. You’ll have access to the outdoor pursuits along the Snake River from here, too.
- Rexburg: This Idaho town is home to the Legacy Flight Museum, the family-friendly Rexburg Rapids, and plentiful green spaces for folks traveling with pets or an urge to picnic.
Arriving in Yellowstone
You’re not just here for Jackson Hole. You’re here for Yellowstone. This is one of the most impressive —if not the most impressive — national parks in the country. It deserves some time as you work your way through the main attractions.
I recommend at least three days to do the park some justice. If you’re not able to see the park on your own, there are a number of self-guided tours for you out there that are highly rated:
Otherwise, check out my Yellowstone itinerary to see how you could be spending your time in the park.
If you’re here for the highlights, here are a few Yellowstone stops you should make on a first-time trip to this epic park:
- Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Lamar Valley
- Yellowstone Lake
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
I highly recommend getting off of the boardwalks for deeper explorations into the park. You’ll lose some of the bigger crowds and find corners of Yellowstone that you likely wouldn’t otherwise.
After your time in Yellowstone, you can return back from whence you came on a road trip from Yellowstone to Jackson Hole or continue your national park adventures with travel to Glacier.
Jackson Hole to Glacier National Park is an eight-hour drive. Yellowstone to Glacier is still around seven hours, but you can stop in Bozeman along the way to break up the trip.
That’s what we did on a two-week trip throughout Montana and Wyoming. If you want to tack on Glacier, check out my Glacier guide to help you plan a more efficient trip.
Otherwise, whatever time you have for Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton national parks is worthwhile. You’ll just want to come back to the region at some point!
Jackson, Wyoming, to Yellowstone: FAQs
Is Jackson Hole part of Yellowstone?
Jackson Hole is not part of Yellowstone, but it’s close enough that many road trippers group the two together for one fantastic trip.
Can you drive from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone in winter?
You can drive from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone in winter, but most of the popular entrances to the park are closed in the snowy months. The only road open year-round to vehicle traffic is the North Entrance. This is the entrance closest to Mammoth Hot Springs.
If you have to travel to the region in winter, I’d recommend just sticking to Jackson Hole, even if you don’t ski. I don’t ski and still find winter cabin weekends quite charming.
How long does it take to drive through Yellowstone?
It takes at least four hours to drive any of the major scenic loops through Yellowstone. That’s without construction or wildlife traffic jams, and certainly without stopping.
I always recommend sticking to one area of the park per day so that you can fit in some hikes and account for unexpected delays.
How is the drive from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone?
The drive from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone is one of the most impressive drives in the United States. Expect lots of opportunities for scenic stops, including wildlife spotting if you’re lucky.
The best way to experience the drive is to spend a few days on either end. Jackson Hole is just as deserving of your time as the spectacular Yellowstone National Park. I know I’d like to return to both someday!
Ready to Go to Jackson Hole & Yellowstone?
Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use Skyscanner. It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.
Deals to Jackson Hole aren’t the easiest to come by. If you’re able to watch flights for a bit, that’ll serve you well. Scroll up for more tips on getting to Jackson Hole and getting around once you’re there.
For adventurous folks who travel on the reg, I also subscribe toGoing, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get cheap flight deals from your home base straight to your inbox.
Your Accommodations: Generally, I usually book on sites likeBooking.comandHotels.comfor our accommodation needs. Both offer loyalty programs, which are great as you collect points and stays. My favorite Airbnb alternative these days is Vrbo, andHostelworld is great for travelers on a budget.
Scroll up for my picks on where to stay in Jackson Hole. Need accommodations in Yellowstone? Check out my guide for where to stay in Yellowstone, including options in West Yellowstone and towns outside the park.
Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more general information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.
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Planning a longer road trip? Check out these travel guides:
- Deadwood: Is it Worth Your Travel Time?
- Top Things to Do in Cheyenne, WY
- A Guide to Fort Collins, CO, a New Fave
- Winter or Fall, Colorado’s Breck Has It All!
- See the Real South Park in Fairplay, CO
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