I have been looking at going to Jackson Hole for YEARS, but the flights are $$$$$, so we have always pushed it off. Jackson Hole is the only airport in the country that you fly into a national park, and it is tiny. There were (no lie) ten private jets sitting there and three commercials when we flew in. So that showed us we were on a new level- hah! When we booked this flight, I found flights that were a fraction of the cost (like 1/4!). So I booked it immediately.
When to Go
The Tetons summer/fall season closes in early November, and we were there Halloween weekend. That is most likely why going at this time was a lot cheaper! However, if you go during this time, your plans might drastically change. If it snows, roads in the Tetons and the main road to Yellowstone may close. We went two days after a snowstorm, so the roads were clear enough for us to drive through. But during this time, 90% of all visitor centers are closed! We had to pack our snacks and water because there are not many places to get them once you are out there. And restrooms are glorified porta-potties.
Side Note: Dress in layers! While hiking, the wind chill can change drastically! Check out my favorite outfit I wore HERE.
Lodging
We stayed at The Lodge at Jackson Hole, and we enjoyed staying in the town of Jackson. Being out in the Tetons (Moose, WY area), there is not much to eat or do, but the views are insane! Next time we go, we may rent a cabin in the national park to be closer to the wildlife, hikes, etc. We enjoyed this lodge, but think of it as a Best Western with a cabin vibe. We got a room with a fireplace, which made it very cozy to come home to!
One thing to note about staying in Jackson is if you are driving to Yellowstone, it is a 1.5-hour drive to get to the entrance. Then it is another 1.5 hours to get to Old Faithful and geyser areas. Yellowstone is huge, so don’t expect to do it all in one day. Coming in through the south side, we knew we would only do the southwest corner.
*DOWNLOAD THESE APPS BEFORE YOU GO*
All Trails– Find hikes in the area you are going and download the map to know where you are going if you lose service.
Yellowstone– You will not have cell service when you get to the Yellowstone entrance. Download this app (and the map!), so you will not get lost while driving around.
Geyser Times– This app will tell you when the geysers last erupted and when they predict it will next. These times are essential to gauge when you need to move on to your next spot.
Grand Teton National Park- This app will give you insight into Lakes, rivers, etc.
We mainly hiked in the Tetons on this trip. We did the Taggart Lake Loop and Jenny Lake, and both were incredible. Taggart Lake Loop is about 3.6 miles, and Jenny Lake Loop is around 8 miles. We did not hike all of Jenny Lake Loop because we found a trail off of that loop, Moose Ponds Trail, that was supposed to be pretty (it was just okay, hahah). But it began and ended at Jenny Lake, so it was not a wash!
Food
Roadhouse Tap Room – the cutest brewery in Jackson, and they have great food!
Coelette– A fancy steakhouse with GREAT vibes. I got the pork chop, and it was drool-worthy!
The Gun Barrel- Just meh. If you want to eat Elk/Bison, go here. Other than that, save your money.
We can not wait to get to go to Jackson Hole again. If you want strong fall foliage (Wyoming mainly only gets yellow leaves from the Aspen trees), be sure to go in mid to late September! There were a few leaves left when we went, but mostly just the pine trees. We loved this trip so much!
