The Perfect 3 Days in Jackson Hole Itinerary for Your First Time
This 3 days in Jackson Hole itinerary features the breathtaking mountains and lakes of Grand Teton National Park, with a handy travel guide for visiting the valley in eastern Wyoming.
Watching the sunset behind pointy peaks, hiking to alpine lakes, and touring historic ranches — these are just a few of the best things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
The valley at the base of the Teton Range is best known for its mountain slopes and Grand Teton National Park. Whether you come in winter for skiing and sleigh rides or in summer to float in the river and trek on the trails, the outdoor playground here is one of the best in the state.
I last visited at the end of summer, when the crowds were leaving but the trails were still snow-fee and the lakes sparkling blue.
This Jackson Hole, Wyoming, itinerary will help you plan your first trip. I’ve included ideas for what to do in Jackson Hole, tips for when to visit and what to pack, and suggestions for the best place to stay.
Keep reading for a guide to the beautiful Jackson Hole, and then check out this Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary to plan your national parks trip.
Jackson Hole Map
This map shows all of the locations on this 3 days in Jackson Hole itinerary. You can click the box in the top right corner to open and save a Google Map of the activities.
Where to Stay in Jackson Hole
I was invited recently to check in at the lux hotel to test it out and these were my favorite parts.
Perfect Location
The Lodge at Jackson Hole is about a mile from the center of Jackson, which means you easily access the downtown tourist amenities without the noise and crowds that go along with it. While you could walk to the nearby shops and cafes, The Lodge makes it even easier with a free on-demand shuttle to transport you back and forth from the town center.
I never even needed to use it because there were several restaurants to try right next to the hotel and a delicious buffet breakfast at The Lodge (more on that to come).
Ideal Amenities
The Lodge delivers on that note with a crackling fireplace and lounge, an indoor-outdoor heated pool, a warm indoor soaking tub, a bubbling hot tub, and a dry sauna. Plus, practical needs are met, too, with laundry facilities, a fitness center, and ski rental and storage.
Relaxing in the hot tub under the stars and dry steaming in the sauna was my favorite way to end the day.
Dining Options
I always appreciate a hotel with a free breakfast, and the buffet at The Lodge was one of the best I’ve had in a long time with hot dishes (I piled on the bacon) and all the baked goods you could hope for.
For lunch, the hotel offers a convenient to-go picnic that you can order ahead. At the end of the day, the fireside lounge has a seasonal dinner menu and full bar and delivers room service.
Spacious Rooms
Western-themed decor, cozy sitting areas and contemporary bathrooms come standard at The Lodge, as well as handy perks like a Keurig coffee maker, mini fridge and safe for your valuables. To up the lux and romance, you can even book a room with a fireplace, but you will probably never want to leave!
Jackson Hole Itinerary
This 3 days in Jackson Hole itinerary includes some of the best views and hikes in the park.
Day 1 — Sightseeing in Jackson
Your first day in Jackson Hole is the perfect time to get acquainted with downtown Jackson and explore some of the nearby attractions, especially if you don’t have a full day.
National Elk Refuge
Just outside of town, the National Elk Refuge is the winter home to about 11,000 elk, plus bison, bighorn sheep, moose and mule deer. In the warmer months, you’re more likely to see trumpeter swans, Canadian geese, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and other migratory birds.
Activities on the refuge include a scenic drive, a biking and hiking path and a historic ranch. In winter, visitors can book elk-watching sleigh rides.
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Open year-round, the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson displays a collection of animal art, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures. In addition to the galleries, there is a child-focused discovery area with hands-on activities, books, and costumes.
Mormon Row
The Mormon Row historic district was established in the 1890s, when Mormon settlers began arriving from Idaho and the Salt Lake Valley. Some 27 homesteads once existed here and today you can still see several barns and homes from the era.
A couple of the wooden structures are particularly popular with photographers, who flock here at sunrise and sunset to capture the rustic scene against the mountainous backdrop.
Downtown Jackson
Stop by town square in Jackson to snap a photo of the giant elk antler arches made with shed antlers harvested at the National Elk Refuge. You’ll find lots of places to shop for souvenirs and grab a bite in the surrounding blocks, with many buildings designed in an old-timey rustic style.
Day 2 — Grand Teton National Park Scenic Driving
You’ll want to devote at least one full day to drive through Grand Teton National Park and stop at the many overlooks of mountains and lakes. You can make a loop by driving up Highway 191 and back down Teton Park Road, but you may want to go even farther on the highway to explore the Colter Bay section of the park. You could also do the route in reverse or add in Moose-Wilson Road to make an even bigger loop.
On this 3 days in Jackson Hole itinerary, I recommend spending a full day driving the big loop and other scenic roads along the route, and then returning to a couple of key spots to hike later. There are several clearly marked overlooks along the Highway and Teton Park Road that I haven’t listed, so plan for lots of photo stops as you drive.
Schwabacher Landing
Schwabacher Landing is a favorite photography spot, thanks to the beautiful reflection of the Teton Range in the Snake River here. Unlike most of the other overlooks where you just pull into a paved lot, this one requires a 1-mile drive down an unpaved road. But, I had no trouble driving it in a low-profile car when it was dry.
From the parking area, a short dirt path follows the riverfront, so you can pick your favorite spot to see the reflection.
Snake River Overlook
The Snake River Overlook was immortalized by Ansel Adams and remains a favorite with photographers and artists to this day. From this elevated roadside viewpoint, you can see the Snake River weaving through the landscape at the base of the Tetons.
J.P. Cunningham Cabin
A 0.3-mile walking loop meanders the sights of the J.P. Cunningham Cabin, a low-profile ranch house from 1888 with mountains in the background. The sight is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Oxbow Bend
The Oxbow Bend viewpoint overlooks a scenic bend in the Snake River with an island in the middle. It’s another popular sunrise photography spot and a great place to look for birds and wildlife.
Colter Bay Village and Trail
Colter Bay Village sits on Jackson Lake about 5 miles north of the Highway 191 and Teton Park Road intersection. Head here to fill up on gas, grab some snacks, have a waterfront picnic, or pop into the national park visitor center before heading back south on Teton Park Road.
If you have enough time, the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail makes an easy 2-mile loop along the waterfront.
Teton Park Road
Teton Park road traces the base of the mountain range between the Jackson Lake Dam and the park headquarters in Moose, about 20 miles.
As you start the drive, make a quick stop at the Jackson Lake Dam, where the Snake River meets Jackson Lake. When the water is calm on the lake, you can see a reflection of the mountains.
The road has several scenic pullouts to stop for photos and watch wildlife.
Signal Mountain Road
The winding drive up Signal Mountain Road off Teton Park Road is a must for the stunning views from the summit. Just 5 miles long, the narrow road climbs about 800 feet to a sweeping overlook of the valley, forests, lakes and rivers in Jackson Hole. From another viewpoint just before the summit, you can see Jackson Lake from above.
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
Another scenic drive off Teton Park Road, this one makes a loop along Jenny Lake. This is another beautiful spot to catch the looming mountains reflecting when the water is still. If you have extra time, you can add one of the hikes at Jenny Lake detailed on day 3.
Day 3 — Hiking in Grand Teton National Park
After getting a big overview of the park yesterday with the scenic drives, return to your favorite spots today for some hiking. There are many trails in Grand Teton National Park for every skill level, from easy lakeside walks to strenuous hikes up mountainsides and canyons. I’ve included a couple of popular ones below.
Moose Wilson Road
To sneak in some different views, consider driving into the park from Jackson on Moose Wilson Road, about a 15-mile route that passes the Teton Village ski resort area and hiking trails at Granite Canyon, Phelps Lake and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve.
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Phelps Lake Loop
The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve has a learning center and hiking trails on the south end of the park. From here, you can hike to and around Phelps Lake on a moderate, 7-mile loop.
Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls
A couple of the most popular hiking trails are at Jenny Lake — Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. During the summer season, you can purchase a shuttle boat ride across the lake to the trailhead, but the rest of the time you’ll have to follow a path around the lake.
With the shortcut, it’s about a 2-mile (round trip), moderate climb to Inspiration Point. Hidden Falls is off a short spur trail about midway. It’s closer to 6 miles (round trip) if you skip the shuttle boat and follow the lakeside trail. You can also buy a one-way ticket for and hike the lakeside coming back.
Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop
The 5-mile Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop leads to a pair of alpine lakes with mountain backdrops. You can make it a couple of miles shorter by just hiking to Taggart Lake (3 miles).
Tips for Visiting Jackson Hole
Use this Jackson Hole guide and tips to help plan your trip to Wyoming.
What is the Best Place to Stay in Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole is a valley of the Teton Range with ski areas, a national park, and a couple of towns and villages. The town of Jackson is the best hub for Jackson Hole adventures, with plenty of restaurants, shops, hotels and other tourist amenities.
These are the best places to stay near Yellowstone National Park
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Jackson Hole?
The best season to visit Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park depends on which activities you want to participate in. The summer season runs from May through September when tourist amenities and businesses are fully open. This is one of the busiest and priciest times to visit, but the weather is warm and perfect for all the outdoor activities.
Jackson Hole is also a popular winter destination with a few ski resorts. There are trails and slopes for all the snowy activities like cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, and more.
If you want to avoid the crowds and find deals on hotels, you can opt for a shoulder season visit in early fall. Some amenities and attractions will be closed, but the colors will be beautiful with golden aspens popping in the evergreen forests.
The weather can vary widely at this time. I visited the first week of October and enjoyed daytime temps in the 60s and 70s, but a week later, it was snowing.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Jackson Hole?
I recommend at least three days in Jackson Hole for your first visit, though you can see a good bit of Grand Teton National Park in just a day if you’re passing through on a road trip. With so many trails and rivers in the valley, you could easily have a slower week here filled with hiking or skiing, eating your way around downtown Jackson, and relaxing at a cozy lodge.
Use this guide to Yellowstone if you’re also visiting the neighboring national park.
What Should I Pack for Jackson Hole?
What you pack for Jackson Hole will depend largely on which season you visit in. During any time of year, you should bring some seasonally appropriate and comfortable clothes and shoes for spending time outdoors.
Hiking boots are a good idea if you plan to hit the trails in Grand Teton National Park. You’ll also want layers for cold mornings and chilly evenings, even in summer when lows can hit the 40s and 50s.
For evenings, the vibe is pretty casual in most parts of town, but you may want some nicer sweaters, dark jeans or slacks, and cute boots to go out to dinner.
