10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Trip to Jackson Hole
...and one must-do that will prove you fit right in.
1. Visiting the most popular sites during peak hours
This is perhaps the biggest rookie mistake a visitor can make in Jackson Hole. Any local will tell you that you shouldn’t be at Jenny Lake in the middle of the day, you shouldn’t be driving from Grand Teton National Park to town at 5 pm, and you certainly shouldn’t show up to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at 10am on a powder day and expect to walk on the tram.
Since you’re visiting, take advantage of making your own schedule! Sunrise adventures? Yes, please. Apres at 11 am? Why not. Dinner at 9? The vibes are better anyway.
2. Doing it for the ‘Gram
Yes, Jackson Hole, Teton Village, and Grand Teton National Park provide a beautiful backdrop for your Instagram photos. But true adventurers don’t need to prove anything to their followers. They do cool things because they want to connect with nature, friends, and the community.
If you do post your Jackson Hole photos on Instagram, don’t tag specific locations. We like to keep our wild places wild by tagging “Tag Responsibly, Keep Jackson Hole Wild.”
3. Not making reservations
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of the most popular destinations in the world! In the summer, we’re renowned for our incredible access to the outdoors and in the winter, we offer world-class skiing at THREE major resorts. It’s no secret that people want to come here and behold the spectacle.
If you want to do the activities you’ve saved for all year and get a table at the best restaurants, you have to make reservations in advance! This goes for hotels, restaurants, activities, and transportation. Want to do it all at once? Book with JHRR, bundle, and save.
Receive up to $400 off airfare for four people when you reserve your roundtrip flights, lodging and qualifying activities through Jackson Hole Resort Reservations (JHRR).
Learn more4. Calling it the wrong name
Jackson is the name of the town. Jackson Hole is the name of the region. Either is acceptable in most instances. Trying to get creative and calling it “The Hole” will leave locals looking at you like you’re trying too hard.
5. Forgetting your layers
Regardless of the season, weather in Jackson Hole can change in an instant. Sometimes it will snow in July, and sometimes it will be 70 and sunny while you’re skiing. Always wear, or bring layers. In the summer, this means an extra jacket and a pair of close-toed shoes. In the winter, this could mean snow pants, a down coat, and one or two base layers.
In addition, you’ll draw attention if you’re skiing in jeans. UNLESS you’re participating in Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s ski in jeans day!
6. Getting too friendly with the wildlife
In Jackson, we live in natural harmony with the animals that call this ecosystem home. It’s one of the few places in the world you can see buffalo, elk, moose, and wolves in their natural habitat. To ensure that remains the case for future visitors and future generations, they need to be protected.
People are required to remain 25 yards from moose, elk, and bison and 100 yards away bears and wolves.
7. Not Being Patience
Jackson Hole locals are a generally friendly bunch, so upsetting them is difficult to do. But if you’re unkind to our wildlife, our ecosystem, and especially our people, the community won’t take it well. A little kindness goes a long way!
Cross at dedicated cross walks and be aware of oncoming traffic. Properly recycle and dispose of waste. Always say “please” and “thank you” to those helping you at restaurants and guided activities.
Here’s the bonus content that will make you look like a local from the jump… smile and wave. It’s a small town thing. We’re not afraid to connect with strangers. When I’m on the trail, I’ll always say “hello” to those I pass. When I order at a coffee shop, I ask the barista how their day is going. When I’m on a new adventure, I’m never too proud to ask for suggestions.
8. Underestimating the altitude
The elevation of Jackson Hole is 6,237 feet. For those coming from sea level, this can have a major impact on your body. At higher elevation you’ll be out-of-breath more quickly and get dehydrated very easily.
Jackson locals know that water can be your best friend. They also know to take it slow. Both when it comes to outdoors adventures and indoor partying (people feel the affects of alcohol much more quickly at 6,000 feet.)
9. Honking and speeding
In Jackson Hole, aggressive driving is unessecary and dangerous. It puts our people and our wild animals at risk. If you’re renting a car, know that honking, speeding, and generally crazy driving will result in nothing but angry looks and traffic tickets.
10. Only visiting the “Top 10”
Jackson is for explorers. It’s for the people who love an off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s for the ones who aren’t afraid to work for a good view and who earn their beer at the end of a long day. Lists found online and in social media are the enemy of this explorer spirit.
Discover hidden gems on your own. Ask a local for a lesser-known recommendation. Try a backcountry adventure. Those who truly find inspiration and purpose in Jackson Hole endure their own journey to get there.
Places to Stay
Whether you feel like roughing it or living in style, camping spots, hostels, hotels, and luxury digs have you covered.
ExploreThings to Do
Looking to watch wildlife in its natural state? Challenge yourself by climbing jagged mountains? Raft class III rapids? Hook an 18-inch cutthroat? Watch cowboys rope calves at the rodeo? Picnic atop a mountain while watching the sunset over the Tetons? You probably can't do that at home, but in Jackson Hole all those adventures (and much more) await.
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