How to Plan a Drive From Jackson Hole to Yellowstone

Driving from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone National Park isn’t big on mileage, but it’s big on everything else.

Yellowstone itself is a special place. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular national parks in the United States. To get there, Jackson Hole is a natural start that deserves its own time as a solid Wyoming getaway.

We quickly fell in love with the valley on our first trip there before traveling on to Yellowstone and wish we had budgeted more time for those alpine vibes.

Read on for more on how to make your trip breezy, complete with stops you should make along the way as part of your road trip itinerary.

Is Jackson Hole a good base for Yellowstone?

Jackson Hole is a good place to stay when visiting Yellowstone if you want to be closer to Grand Teton National Park, too. Jackson is just 45 minutes from Grand Teton. You’ll just be driving quite a bit with an itinerary like that.

I’d recommend separate stays in both Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, instead. You can pick and choose Yellowstone accommodations in my guide. I included where I wouldn’t stay in that one, too.

Note: I’ve read that Jackson is the closest town for those who want to tackle both big national parks in the same day, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend that. Not all travel blogger advice is good advice.

How long is the drive from Jackson to Yellowstone?

The distance from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone is at least 57 miles. That’s the mileage to the South Entrance.

Drive time depends on the entrance or area of Yellowstone you plan to visit. The South Entrance is the closest and should take you a little over an hour.

This is the entrance you’d take if you were starting in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton, but it’s also a great entrance for a less crowded start at Yellowstone. Lewis Lake, Grant Village, and the West Thumb Geyser Basin are all accessible from the South Entrance.

Most first-time Yellowstone visitors choose to arrive through the West Entrance, so that’s the more popular route from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone. That’s the closest entrance to Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, the main attractions in the park.

If you want to drive from Jackson Hole to Old Faithful, it’ll take you around two hours and 30 minutes to get there. You can easily extend your road trip from there.

Here’s a rundown on drive times from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone, with the understanding that traffic and road conditions can affect your timing considerably:

1. South Entrance (58 miles): 1.5-2 hours
2. West Entrance (78 miles): 2-2.5 hours
3. East Entrance (80 miles): 2-2.5 hours
4. North Entrance (123 miles): 2.5-3 hours

Note: Jackson is the city in Jackson Hole, and Jackson Hole refers to the surrounding valley that includes additional towns I’ll explore here, like Teton Village. They’re often used interchangeably, but it’s good to know the difference.

For those traveling to West Yellowstone from Jackson Hole, expect the drive to take at least two hours and 30 minutes.

Getting to Jackson Hole

The most obvious starting point is Jackson Hole Airport. This Airport is actually in Grand Teton National Park, just north of Jackson. I hear that it’s the busiest airport in Wyoming, but it’s still Wyoming. That means you’ll still experience less traffic than the big city hubs.

If you’re working with more time and love a scenic road trip, flights to Salt Lake City are much cheaper. Jackson Hole to Salt Lake City and vice versa will take you about five hours. Just remember that you’ll have more driving from there to get to Yellowstone.

Salt Lake City is great for a longer stay, by the way. We spent a full month in the town and definitely felt some feels about leaving.

Getting Around Jackson Hole

I love some good public transportation, but renting a car will offer you the most flexibility on your journey. Assign your reservation to the airport you’re flying into so that you can just grab your car after you land and hit the road.

If you’re only visiting the city of Jackson on your journey, you could get away with exploring the city without a car. There is a free town shuttle that serves the downtown, in addition to the START Bus.

That bus will also take you to Teton Village on certain routes. For more information on schedules and routes, see this guide to the START bus.

I know you’re here to see Yellowstone, though, so renting a car will allow you to do that.

Considerations for Winter Travel

You can drive from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone in winter, but most of the popular entrances to the park are closed in the snowy months.

The only road open year-round to vehicle traffic is the North Entrance. This is the entrance closest to Mammoth Hot Springs.

If you have to travel to the region in winter, I’d recommend just sticking to Jackson Hole, even if you don’t ski. I don’t ski and still find winter cabin weekends quite charming.

Things to Do in Jackson Hole

If you have some time for Jackson Hole, you won’t regret it. We were there in the summer, but your options for Jackson attractions will differ in July vs. February. Think winter sports vs. hiking amongst the valley’s natural wonders.

Jackson Hole’s ski season is generally Thanksgiving through early April. The peak summer season for the national parks around Jackson Hole is July-August, so accommodations throughout the valley will be pricier during that time.

Keep all of that in mind as you plan so that you’re able to have the trip you want.

Explore downtown Jackson.

Jackson is, at its core, super cute.

We were there in the summer so didn’t get those snowy ski town vibes, but what we got instead was a walkable town square and all the Western wear we could ever want.

If you feel like you don’t need the overview at the visitor center, start at George Washington Memorial Park, or the Jackson Town Square. The park was dedicated back in 1934, and you’ll know you’re there when you see the giant elk antler arches.

Fun fact: The origins of the antlers aren’t nefarious, by the way. They were collected from the National Elk Refuge nearby during the natural antler shedding process.

Those looking for some evening entertainment might enjoy taking in a show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse. They have packages that include dinner with your show, too.

Eat (and drink) your way through Jackson.

After exploring the city a bit, you’ll likely need some sustenance. Our top recommendation is Cafe Genevieve, despite its feature on an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Guy Fieri did redeem himself some with his excellent pandemic response and donation abilities when people needed it the most, but he’s since biffed it in other ways. In any case, the curb appeal at this cafe has got it going on.

Fun fact: The Main Street eatery is housed in a log cabin that’s more than 100 years old.

The entire menu is stellar, but if you’re a meat eater, don’t leave without trying the pig candy, which is candied bacon but turned up a notch.

This is a popular establishment. Reservations are encouraged by calling 307-732-1910. If you have the room, pop in to CocoLove, a chocolate cafe, for dessert.

Sip on a pint at Snake River Brewery.

We had a fabulous time at the Snake River Brewery, but keep in mind that we did indeed indulge in quite a few brews there. The bartender was feeling overly generous while we were there, so our tasters included some freebies.

They have a decent-looking pub menu, too, and live music some nights.

Not interested in beer but love yourself a glass of wine? Visit the Jackson Hole Winery for wines made with the best grapes out of California and Oregon.

Choose your favorite Jackson Hole ski area.

There are three ski areas for you to explore in Jackson Hole if you’re there for the powder: Snow King Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort. Here’s a little more detail on those:

• Snow King, Wyoming’s oldest ski resort, is convenient for skiers at a variety of levels looking to stick closer to Jackson.
• Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village is well-known around the country as one of the more difficult ski resorts.
• The Grand Targhee Resort is about 75 minutes away from Jackson in the town of Alta, but offers more options for the average skier.

Get those Western vibes on.

If you brought along a pair of cowboy boots, this is their time to shine.

Every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the Jackson Hole Rodeo celebrates all things cowboy in their outdoor arena.

If you’re interested in some horseback riding, Jackson Hole is a great place to do that. There are outfitters like the Grand Teton Lodge Company that will even take you into Grand Teton National Park on horseback.

If all of that caused you to work up an appetite and you want something a bit more unique than the rodeo concessions stands, seek out a chuckwagon dinner in the valley.

The chuckwagon tradition celebrates coming together over good grub, good company, and good story-telling under the stars.

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce has lots of options for you if this sounds up your alley, along with information on reservations so you’re not disappointed.

Meet some elk at the National Elk Refuge.

Remember those antler arches you saw adorning Jackson’s main square? The National Elk Refuge is where they came from.

If you’re in Jackson Hole in the winter, you’ll be able to see them from your car or on a sleigh ride organized by the refuge. I’m not joking about that second option. It’s all very winter wonderland.

This is all assuming you’re there in the winter months when the refuge gives the local elk herds a place to munch. Otherwise, they’re likely foraging outside of the refuge’s boundaries. The park is free.

Soak in the Granite Hot Springs.

You may be in need of some relaxation after all of those outdoor adventures. The Granite Hot Springs is the place to do that.

The natural hot springs are in the Gros Ventre Mountains and open year-round, with more limited hours in the winter months. The waters in the winter get up to 112 degrees, so you’ll be nice and toasty even if it’s snowy outside.

Just 30 miles from the town of Jackson, it’s an easy trip out to the springs for a few hours of soaking and taking in the views. The springs are 7,000 miles above sea level, which does in fact mean views for days while you’re having your terrific natural spa times.

Call ahead at 307-690-6323 if snowy weather has you worried whether you’ll be able to visit.

READ MORE: I’ve had some weird experiences in hot springs. Check out my review of a classic bathhouse in Hot Springs!

Go on a guided tour of Jackson.

I get it. Travel in the more remote corners of the country can be intimidating. I’m about the self-guided life, but there’s always room for guided experiences, too, especially if that’s what makes you feel more comfortable traveling.

Check out some of the fun you can have on guided tours in and around Jackson Hole:

Where to Stay in Jackson

If you take my advice to spend some time in Jackson Hole, you’ll need somewhere to spend the night before continuing your travel from Jackson, WY, to Yellowstone.

We stayed at the Antler Inn during our visit to Jackson Hole, and I’d highly recommend it. We liked how walkable it was, with easy parking available, too.

We were initially eyeing The Lodge at Jackson Hole because of its shuttle service, but it was completely booked during our trip. Guests rave about the breakfast here, too.

If you’d like to comparison-shop, use the map below:

Things to See Between Jackson Hole and Yellowstone

There is so much to see between Jackson and Yellowstone. You’ll likely pass Grand Teton National Park, for starters, especially if you’re targeting the South Entrance of Yellowstone.

Grand Teton isn’t better than Yellowstone if size is the only thing that matters. Yellowstone is a much bigger park, so it’s easier to escape the crowds and find some solitude while you’re at Yellowstone.

Don’t sleep on the Tetons, though. Grand Teton National Park gives intrepid visitors some of the most scenic views you’ll find in the United States, along with excellent wildlife spotting.

Lucky for you, I have a guide to the best hikes and sights in Grand Teton.

Traveling to the more popular west entrance of Yellowstone from Jackson Hole? You’ll still pass Grand Teton National Park and the Teton Valley on the shortest route.

If you choose the route through Ashton, instead, you’ll hit:

• Upper Mesa Falls:  This waterfall in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is nearly 115 feet high and 200 feet wide. If you tack on a stop, expect your trip to Yellowstone to take a little over three hours from Jackson.
• Harriman State Park: You’ll cut right through this park on routes through the town of Island Park, Idaho. A visit will give you a taste of Yellowstone before you get into the park, as this one is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

If you love a scenic drive even if it adds time to your road trip, a third route from Jackson to Yellowstone takes you further west into Idaho.

You’ll still travel through Ashton, but you’ll drive west from Victor instead of north straight to Ashton at that point. Expect a drive without any stops to take about three hours and 30 minutes along this route.

With more time, don’t miss:

• Swan Valley: Anyone into fly fishing already knows all about beautiful Swan Valley. If you’re not at all into fishing (that’s me!) you should visit anyway, as this is peak Idaho for outdoor adventurers.
• Heise Hot Springs: This year-round resort is a great way to relax before or after big hiking trips to Yellowstone National Park. You’ll have access to the outdoor pursuits along the Snake River from here, too.
• Rexburg: This Idaho town is home to the Legacy Flight Museum, the family-friendly Rexburg Rapids, and plentiful green spaces for folks traveling with pets or an urge to picnic.

Arriving in Yellowstone

You’re not just here for Jackson Hole. You’re here for Yellowstone. This is one of the most impressive — if not the most impressive — national parks in the country. It deserves some time as you work your way through the main attractions.

I recommend at least three days to do the park some justice and put together a Yellowstone itinerary to help you do just that.

If you’re here for the highlights, here are a few stops you should make on a first-time trip to this epic park:

• Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin
• Grand Prismatic Spring
• Norris Geyser Basin
• Lamar Valley
• Yellowstone Lake
• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

I highly recommend getting off of the boardwalks for deeper explorations into the park. You’ll lose some of the bigger crowds and find corners of Yellowstone that you likely wouldn’t otherwise.

For those here for scenic drives, it takes at least four hours to drive any of the major scenic loops through Yellowstone. That’s without construction or wildlife traffic jams, and certainly without stopping.

READ MORE: Love a good wildlife traffic jam? Plan a trip to Custer State Park.

After your time in Yellowstone, you can return back from whence you came or continue your national park adventures with travel to Glacier.

Jackson Hole to Glacier National Park is an eight-hour drive. Yellowstone to Glacier is still around seven hours, but you can stop in Bozeman along the way to break up the trip.

That’s what we did on a two-week trip throughout Montana and Wyoming. If you want to tack on Glacier, check out my Glacier guide to help you plan a more efficient trip.

Otherwise, whatever time you have for these parks is worthwhile. You’ll just want to come back to the region at some point.

Driving from Jackson Hole to Yellowstone is impressive.

A trip to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone involves one the most scenic drives in the United States. Expect lots of opportunities for stops, including involving wildlife if you’re lucky.

The best way to experience the drive is to spend a few days on either end. Jackson Hole is just as deserving of your time as the spectacular Yellowstone National Park. I know I’d like to return to both someday!

Planning Colorado travel, too? Check out these travel guides:

• A Guide to Fort Collins, CO, a New Fave
• Winter or Fall, Colorado’s Breck Has It All!
• See the Real South Park in Fairplay, CO
• A Complete Itinerary for Colorado Springs
• How to Plan Your Next Colorado Trip

Love national parks? Read these next:

• A Road Trip Itinerary for Utah’s National Parks
• How to Plan Your Time at Crater Lake
• See the Best Hiking Spots in Arches National Park
• A Detailed Itinerary for Zion National Park
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