How to Spend 3 Days in Jackson Hole

The Jackson Hole valley boasts some of the best outdoor attractions in the West. With three days to visit, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Grand Teton National Park, explore the sights in the town of Jackson, and even have time for a trip to Yellowstone National Park. Here are a few suggestions for how to spend your three days in Jackson Hole. 

Day 1: Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Visitors to Grand Teton National Park can enjoy endless outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, climbing, boating, rafting, wildlife viewing, and photography. The winter months bring snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other cold-weather activities. Grand Teton National Park is massive, so book a guided excursion to ensure you see as much as you can in a short timeframe. You can also opt for a combined Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park multi-day tour. 

While at the park, visit Mormon Row, an historic homesteading settlement that includes the T.A. Moulton Barn, one of the most photographed barns in America. Enjoy views of the Tetons from Oxbow Bend and Signal Mountain, and catch the sunset at the Snake River Overlook—a plaque marks the spot where Ansel Adams took his famous photograph of the area. Alternatively, if you visit in winter, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge.  

Day 2: The Snake River and In-Town Sightseeing

The Snake River, which winds through Grand Teton National Park, is home to a vast array of wildlife and also offers numerous recreation possibilities. Visitors can enjoy a scenic float trip through the park, a whitewater adventure through Snake River Canyon, or a guided fly fishing excursion. To round out the day, book a tour that includes a traditional Western-style meal cooked in a cast iron pot. 

Alternatively, spend a second day enjoying other activities in the park, and go on a hike, a wildlife safari, or a guided fishing excursion. You can also cycle along the 56 miles (90 kilometers) of paved trails that link Jackson to Grand Teton National Park and Teton Village. In winter, head to  Snow King or the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for downhill skiing, or enjoy the groomed cross-country trails in Cache Creek. In the evening, head to downtown Jackson to browse in local shops and enjoy some Western dancing at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. 

Day 3: Yellowstone and Beyond

The south entrance to Yellowstone National Park is just 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Jackson, and many of the park’s highlights can be visited in a day. Book a full-day tour that includes transportation from Jackshon to get the most out of this long trip, and visit the lower-loop of Yellowstone, which includes Old Faithful, the Fountain Paint Pots, the Firehole River, and a variety of other sights. 

During the winter months, the south entrance to Yellowstone is closed, but you can visit the park on a guided snowmobile or snowcoach tour. With fewer visitors, frequent wildlife sightings, and the beauty of the geysers surrounded by snow, winter is a truly magical time to visit Yellowstone National Park, and a trip to enjoy the park’s famed landscapes is a great way to end your trip to the region.