Surrounded on all sides by national parks, protected wilderness, and wildlife refuges, Jackson Hole is the ideal location for wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking, and photography. The Snake River worms its way through the town, and the Grand Tetons are visible from just about any location, making it one of the most picturesque cities in the country.
Native tribes were the only inhabitants of the area until 1808, when some of the Lewis and Clark Expedition came across the town on their return journey to the East. Once a permanent settlement was established, many famous explorers called this area home for a time, including Jim Bridger, Jedediah Smith, and David Jackson, who gave his name to the area after spending a winter on the shores of Jackson Lake. In the 1930s, investors spent money developing several ski areas and creating a resort town in the process. Today, the area is a popular starting point for visits to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. In addition, it's a resort town that features boutique hotels, restaurants, and art galleries.
No matter which season you choose to visit Jackson Hole, you're bound to have a good time.
When to Visit Jackson Hole, WY
The best time to visit Jackson Hole depends on what type of interests you have. For the avid skier, mountaineer, or explorer, winter is the best time to visit. Although snowfall averages about 12 inches a month from November to February, this precipitation provides a powdery blanket that's considered some of the best in the world for skiing and snowboarding. If you prefer mountains, you can hike, camp, and explore in nearby Grand Teton, which provides picturesque landscapes and grueling climbs to the upper reaches of the mountain range. During this season, you can see an abundance of wildlife, such as moose, elk, and grizzly bears. Prices soar, and supply is short throughout this season, so you may have to do some extensive research to find the hotel for your needs.
In the summer, temperatures reach into the mid-70s during the day, providing excellent weather to go for a hike or a bike ride. You can also explore the historic downtown area, which features old log cabin-style buildings, as well as brand new condos. Don't forget to stroll through the Jackson Town Square, which features 15-foot high arches composed entirely of antlers, as well as numerous sculptures. Because many tourists stay here when exploring Yellowstone, the prices are high and supply is low. Make sure to book your accommodation months early if you wish to stay in Jackson Hole during the summer.
The springtime is the absolute best time for animal lovers to head to Jackson Hole. Many animals emerge from hibernation, so you may get a glimpse of animal feedings. There are also two awesome festivals to get you into the Wild West mood. At the annual Old West Days Festival, you'll be treated to a bow and arrow competition, hawk and knife competition, and free museum walking tour. There's also Elkfest, which features organized tours into the Elk preserve to see the wild bull elk, which are some of the largest bucks in the world. Even with all these events, precipitation is frequent, and it keeps most tourists away from the area. Because of this, it's an ideal time to steal a room at a low price.
From September through October, the tourists have all left for warmer climates, leaving you free to explore the surrounding wilderness. If you can brave the cold, you'll have hiking trails almost entirely to yourself, as well as the crisp, vibrant hues of the foliage. The Fall Arts Festival is a major draw during this season, as people flock to the town to see sculptures, paintings, and carvings from some of the best artists in the country. For the film lover, the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival premieres some of the best documentaries on wildlife; there are also keynote speakers and question-and-answer sessions with the filmmakers. Demands for accommodation vary greatly during this time, meaning that you may find a great deal at the last-minute, while at other times, prices may prove to be less than affordable.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Jackson Hole, WY:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average nightly cost trends by star rating class in Jackson Hole, WY. Analyze these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective time period to book a room in Jackson Hole for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Jackson Hole, WY
4 Star Average Prices: $307.77
If you're looking for the utmost in opulent accommodation, Jackson Hole has numerous hotels to meet your needs. At the Snow King Resort Hotel, you'll love its proximity to attractions such as the Snow King Ski Resort, the Alpine Slide of Jackson Hole, Phil Baux Park, and outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, fly fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewings. When you're done exploring for the day, head back to your room and enjoy benefits such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat screen television, deep soaking tub, designer toiletries from Gilchrist & Soames, an iPod dock to listen to your favorite tunes, and free local calls. The grounds of the Snow King Resort Hotel include fabulous amenities such as an upscale restaurant for a premium dining experience, on-site spa services, hair salon services, a mountain bike rental shop, and a ski and snowboard rental store. Plus, the hotel staff will pick you up from the airport and take you back at no extra charge.
Budget Hotel Options in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
3 Star Average Prices: $237.38
Although Jackson Hole is full of high-end hotels, there are still a few low-cost options if you don't want to break the bank. The Super 8 Motel is one of these hotels. Here, you'll be close to many of the best attractions in the city, including the Jackson Hole Rodeo Grounds, the Teton County Fairgrounds, the Amaze'n Maze, and the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. In-room amenities include a refrigerator, microwave, complimentary wireless internet access, and television with cable programming. Guests also have access to a fitness center, concierge services, an eight-item SuperStart breakfast bonanza, and a free shuttle to nearby points of interest.