Millions of visitors flock to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, every year. This destination is popular among all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.
However, you might want to reconsider if this tiny town is on your bucket list. It’s marketed as a quiet, picturesque village, but times have changed.
We’re digging into the details of Jackson Hole to help you decide if it’s right for your next vacation.
Let’s get started!
Where Is Jackson Hole, Wyoming?
Jackson Hole sits between two mountain ranges in the northwest corner of Wyoming, next to Idaho. The valley lies between the Tetons to the east and the Gros Ventre Range to the west. The closest big city to this remote region is Salt Lake City, four and a half hours south.
Nearby attractions include the Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, located about 12 miles north and 60 miles south, respectively.
At over a mile above sea level, this location gets more snow than almost any other part of the state. In an average year, Jackson Hole sees more than 70 inches of snowfall. During the summer, brief mountain thunderstorms occur frequently.
What Is Jackson Hole Known For?
Many visit to ski or snowboard at the famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The town also boasts two other ski resorts, Grand Targhee and Snow King. Other winter activities include dog sledding and snowshoeing.
During the summer, it becomes popular for white water rafting and fly fishing in the rivers. Visitors like hiking and backpacking in this area too. It has prestigious golf courses with scenic backdrops. Tourists also come through this town on their way to the nearby national parks. July and August are the peak season.
The town’s picture-perfect mountain setting has made it a favored movie backdrop. You might’ve seen it in Rocky IV or Django Unchained. The video game franchise turned HBO series, The Last of Us, revolves around a post-apocalyptic settlement in Jackson Hole.
Pro Tip: Avoid the crowds of Jackson Hole by spending the night at one of these 7 Best Free Camping Spots in Wyoming.
5 Reasons to Avoid Jackson Hole, Wyoming
We just hyped up all of the outdoor fun to be had in Jackson Hole, but there are plenty of other national parks that offer these activities. Let’s look at some downsides of visiting this remote destination.
#1 It Can Be Cold
It probably won’t surprise you that this northern destination can be frigid. The valley in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, traps cold air. The warm air rises, and the cold air settles into the glen. The temperature usually stays below freezing from December to February, with lows dropping into the thirties all summer long.
The surrounding mountains make forecasting precipitation nearly impossible. Surprise thunderstorms and blizzards occur commonly throughout the year. If you like predictable, warm weather on your vacation, you won’t want to stop through this town.
#2 It Has Dangerous Animals
Wildlife can be very dangerous, and there’s no shortage of animals here. Big game, such as elk and moose, roam freely in the mountains and sometimes wander into town. The area also has charging animals like big horn sheep and bison.
The most dangerous animals lurk in the woods. Grizzly bears and wolves rule the landscape. Jackson Hole is home to more than 1,000 bears.
Bald eagles have been known to try to pick up small dogs in the area. Luckily, these birds have small talons and can’t carry a dog for long. It can be hard to stay the recommended 100 feet away from these wild creatures when they live all around!
#3 It’s Expensive
Everything in this town tends to be a little pricey, especially the real estate. Only about two percent of the land has residential and commercial property on it, making it very expensive. This, in turn, drives up the cost of everything else. With limited lodging options and high demand, staying in Jackson Hole gets costly fast.
Getting supplies to this remote location can also be difficult and expensive. Restaurants pay more for their ingredients, so you’ll pay more for your meal. We’ve wisened up to the price gauging and would rather visit another location.
Pro Tip: The costs of a visit to Jackson Hole can add up quickly! We took a closer look at Have Rich Folks Ruined Jackson Hole?
#4 It’s Touristy
Another reason the town tends to be expensive is that it can be considered a tourist trap. Vacationers usually don’t think twice about paying a few extra dollars for a meal or souvenir, so everything costs more. The remote location also means that tourists don’t have another option.
This town of just 10,000 people hosts millions of visitors each year. Its entire economy depends on tourists, and they cater to the crowd. Everything is pricey, and nothing is authentic.
#5 It Gets Crowded
When a small town hosts so many visitors throughout the year, it can get really crowded. It has become increasingly difficult to find housing, and traffic can be horrendous, especially during summer.
The infrastructure was built to sustain a small population, but over four million people visit annually. Tourists flock to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, from June to August. The snow melts, and the temperatures usually fluctuate between 70 and 90 degrees. As the town fills up, finding accommodation becomes nearly impossible and very expensive.
Is Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Worth a Visit?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, can be a convenient place to stop, especially if you’ve been planning a road trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. But as far as a standalone trip is concerned, we think there are better places to visit.
You can get more for your money at other spectacular locations in the area that are less touristy and don’t have nearly as much traffic.
Keep driving and spend an extra day in one of the surrounding national parks instead. You won’t regret it.
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below:
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: