A moose stands in a meadow surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, with hills and trees in the background.

When is the Best Time to Visit Jackson Hole?

Published on September 9, 2024


There is never a bad time to visit Jackson Hole. Ski season showcases some of the best powder in the country, while summer season offers beautiful temperatures, festivals, rodeos and an array of activities for the whole family. But to visit Jackson Hole in the fall offers a blend of adventure, serenity and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable, peaceful getaway. Here are some of our favorite reasons why visiting Jackson, Wyoming, in the fall is the best time to visit.

Stunning Fall Foliage

The landscape of Jackson Hole in the fall, transforms into a vibrant canvas of gold, red, and orange as the aspens, cottonwoods and other trees change color. The colors against the backdrop of the Grand Tetons create stunning views, making the landscape of Jackson Hole a beautiful and ideal landscape for nature lovers and photographers. Scenic drives including Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road offers a spectacular display and jaw-dropping views of autumn foliage.

Best Weather for Outdoor Adventures

Fall temperatures in Jackson Hole bring cooler, mild temperatures that make outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing and wildlife watching even more exciting. Cooler water temperatures in the fall make fly fishing so much fun because the fish are more active and the rivers are less crowded. Mountain biking in Jackson Hole includes numerous trails including the Cache Creek Trail System, and hiking with fewer people on the trails with mild temperatures provides for optimum conditions.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks Less Crowded

The two most popular national parks in the United States are less crowded in the fall, providing a more tranquil experience. Tourists visiting Jackson Hole will have more opportunities to appreciate the park’s natural beauty without the high foot traffic. Both parks offer numerous hiking trails with stunning fall foliage and wildlife sightings including elk, moose, bear and bison to name a few.

Fall Sees Fewer Crowds

Summer and ski season in Jackson Hole are two of the destinations most crowded seasons, but fall in Jackson Hole sees fewer crowds and offers a quieter, more peaceful experience. Tourists will experience uncrowded trails, less hustle and bustle in town, and less traffic - making a fall visit to Jackson Hole a relaxing respite.

Wildlife Viewing in Jackson Hole

Fall is prime time for wildlife viewing in Jackson Hole including elk, moose, bear and bison because they’re more active. It’s mating season for elk (known as the rut) and you can often hear the iconic bugling of elk. Visiting Jackson Hole in the fall allows tourists the opportunity to witness the majestic wildlife that surround this area as they as prepare for winter, offering once in a lifetime wildlife-watching opportunities in Jackson Hole. Check out Snow King Adventure Tours for more information.

Stargazing

Right outside the door of Snow King Resort is the only mountaintop planetarium and observatory in the United States. Snow King Mountain’s newest amenity sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet and offers guests the opportunity to stargaze with a solar telescope and participate in a host of educational shows and programing that rotate on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just a curious novice, stargazing in Jackson Hole just got a “hole” lot easier with Snow King Mountain’s new planetarium and observatory. Visit snowkingmountain.com for more details.

(Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole)


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