The Complete Guide to a Perfect Fall Weekend in Jackson Hole

How to get to Jackson Hole

Visitors can fly or drive to reach Jackson in the fall.

Flights are available from 9 major US cities and, contrary to popular myth, excellent prices are available year-round. Especially in the fall! You’ll arrive into the Jackson Hole Airport, the only airport in a national park, and can grab a rideshare or Uber to get to your hotel. If you rent a car, drive slowly into town or take the long way around, via Moose-Wilson Road, to get your first taste of fall colors and try your luck at hearing the elk bugle.

If you’re driving into Jackson, you’ll likely come in over Teton Pass or through Hoback Canyon, both of which offer incredible views of the changing leaves. Make sure to plan extra time for photo opps!

Where to stay

Jackson boasts accomodations for all budgets in town and in Teton Village. In autumn, a stay on the north side of town offers quick access to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, both of which can be reached on a day trip from Jackson Hole. However, a hotel in the Village will feel peaceful and secluded with walking access to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

For all your lodging options in Jackson Hole in the fall, explore here.

Fall activities in Jackson Hole

Wildlife tours. Jackson’s wildlife – including bear, elk, moose, bison, and wolves – are more active in the fall. Plus, it’s the one time in the year when you can catch elk bugling. Book a wildlife tour for the best chance at spotting rare animals.

Scenic rafting. Rafting on the Snake River offers, in my opinion, THE best views for leaf peeping in Jackson Hole in the fall. Or, for the anglers out there, fall is one of the best times for a full-day guided fly fishing trip for hunting trout.

Scenic chairlift rides. Both Snow King Mountain Resort, located in town, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, located in Teton Village, offer scenic rides to the top of the mountain. Once at the top, the views are unbeatable.

But first, coffee

Personal opinion: espresso and cinammon is the only way to start a fall weekend day. And Jackson serves coffee at local shops that have become famous for their friendly baristas, calm interiors, and sweet treats.

Snake River Roasters serves coffee and seasonal donuts, like house-made apple fritters. Persephone is a little cafe downtown that is “Insta famous” for it’s cute design and rich hot chocolate. Or Cowboy Coffee can be great for a latte on the run with their drive-thru shop.

Fall drives in Jackson Hole

A drive through Grand Teton National Park in the fall is unlike anything you’ll see in the United States. For a full itinerary on how to do it in a day, click here.

A longer drive, but well-rewarded with other-wordly experiences, is the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park. Again, we’ve already mapped out how you can visit Yellowstone National Park from Jackson Hole in a day.

For a less-popular route, I’d recommend going south of town. Driving through Hoback Canyon, and stopping at Astoria Hot Springs, can make for a full-day of leaf-peeping, animal watching, and hot spring soaking.

Grab a bite

For a small town, Jackson Hole has a BIG food scene. Especially in the fall when local ingredients and produce are at their peak. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner locations are spread throughout the Valley and vary from really good bar food to upscale Italian cuisine and beyond.

To find a good spot to refuel for your fall adventure, check out our dining page.

Shopping

Another thing that Jackson knows how to do well. Grab a ring in the shape of the Tetons, a Jackson Hole sweatshirt, or a custom-made hat at a number of shops in downtown Jackson or Teton Village.

Check out our shopping page to see the best places to pick up a unique souvenier for your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Jackson Hole Nightlife

Stagecoach Bar. This watering hole is located in Wilson, WY and has locals flowing in and out, regardless of the time of day. Arguably the best day to visit is Sunday when “Cowboy Church” features live music and swing dancing.

Silver Dollar Bar. The famous landmark is known for the Silver Dollars embdedded into their bar and the wide variety of entertainment throughout the week. Check out the schedule and make it a priority to visit some time during your trip.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. The most famous bar in Jackson Hole is definitely worth the hype. Patrons can “sadlle up” to the bar and, if you’re lucky, catch world-famous surprise guests who grace the stage without warning.