Jackson Hole (pop 8500) is the prototypical Wyoming town, serving as the gateway to Teton National Park, and playing host to over 3 million visitors a year. Steeped in wild west lore and history, even Jackson's name was derived from trapper lingo of the mid 19th century, the 'hole' describing a valley ringed by mountain ranges. Today, Jackson Hole is known as an ideal venue for almost any type of outdoor endeavor, and many outdoor recreationalists call this place home.
The actual townsite of Jackson Hole is just one small facet of the complete area associated with the Jackson Hole name. In fact, the resort that is located right in downtown Jackson Hole is Snow King Resort, not the legendary Jackson Hole Resort. This greater Jackson Hole area includes the Gros Ventre River Basin, located to the north and east of Jackson Hole and known for its sweeping views of the Teton Range; Teton Village, located to the northwest of town and home to Jackson Hole Ski Resort; Hoback Junction through Alpine Canyon to Alpine Junction where the whitewater section of Snake River reigns supreme; and the Wilson/Victor, Idaho and Driggs, Idaho area to the far northwest of Jackson Hole where Grand Targhee Resort is located. From world class skiing & snowboarding in the winter to fantastic trail systems to explore and rivers to float in the summer, all visitors will delight in the multitude of options available in the Jackson area during any season of the year.
The Jackson Hole area can be accessed by several different routes, and access by car is by far the most popular. There are several road routes from the south, most focused on an origination around the Salt Lake City, Utah area which is the closest airline hub city to Jackson Hole. Perhaps the most scenic route from Salt Lake takes I-80 eastbound to Evanston and then follows the western border between Wyoming and Utah northward through the Star Valley and through Alpine Canyon to Hoback Junction. Another less frequently traveled, but at times faster option is traveling just a bit farther to the east of Evanston on I-80 and then routing northward through Kemmerer and Daniel to Hoback Junction. Visitors exploring Yellowstone & Teton National Parks will find Jackson at the southern terminus of their long journey out of the National Park System. Jackson can also be accessed from the west from I-15 through Idaho by taking a side journey off the freeway eastward through Soda Springs, Freedom Arms, and eventually through Alpine Canyon to Hoback Junction. The Jackson Hole Airport is quickly expanding and offers a variety of national carriers that offer daily service for those with the budget for air tickets and without the time for driving.
Visitors will find a number of lodging options available once in the Jackson Hole area. From 'on-the-cheap' budget hostels to a great number of ritzy luxury resorts, any traveler will find an accommodation to suit their taste in Jackson Hole. After long days of enjoying top-notch outdoor activities, visitors will also have no trouble finding great places to eat in Jackson Hole. The town and surrounding area has a good variety of dining establishments that please the hungry palate with deliciously creative and internationally inspired cuisine.
