Jackson Hole is a valley in the northwest of the state of Wyoming, USA - and quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is surrounded by National Forests, the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park is 50 miles north and Grand Teton National Park occupies the western half of the valley, along with the mountains for which the park is named. Jackson Lake is in the northern part of the valley and the town of Jackson is at the southern end.

Jackson What?

Jackson Hole got its obscure name from the early fur-trappers who entered it from the north. They had to descend into the valley along relatively steep slopes, and the overall sensation was of entering a large hole. The Jackson part is related to the nearby town and lakes and just about anything else in the region (like stray elks or beavers) that received monikers in honour of 'Davey' Edward Jackson, an early 19th Century 'mountain man'. Though used by Native Americans for hunting and ceremonial purposes, the valley was not known to have any settlement prior to the 1870s.

Descriptions of the valley and its features were recorded in the journals of John Colter, who had been a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. After returning to the Rocky Mountains, Colter entered the region in 1806 in the vicinity of Togwotee Pass. His reports of the valley, the Teton Range and of the Yellowstone region to the north were viewed by people of the day with skepticism, not believing the 'wilderness' could be so beautiful.

Why Visit the Hole?

The average altitude of the valley is over 6,500 feet, so Jackson Hole is a very popular destination for alpine skiers, but trailheads for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding are also located in the immediate surroundings. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee ski areas, and nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National parks, are major tourist attractions all year round. The National Elk Refuge also appropriately stagnates all expansion of development upon the land, therefore preserving the beauty for everyone to see. The numerous elk use the valley as grazing range during the winter, and the site of these magnificent creatures is well worth the trip. Because of the wildlife in the area, Jackson Hole also holds the annual Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, where documentary makers come to show off their wares and win awards.

The Teton Village (located 10 miles north of town) is a ski resort known for its world-renowned variety of terrain along with the surrounding backcountry. Although ticket prices are steep (along with parking fees), carpooling is free (3 or more). Plus the attendants of the parking lots and the lifts have been known to 'barter'...¹. Sleigh rides are also offered to tourists, but again the outlay may not be worth your while.

Up the Piste...

Night life consists of drinking, drinking, and more drinking. It's also a filthy rich area, infested with trustfund babies and 'Illuminati' types...along with people who enjoy the isolation, outdoors, skiing and all the other wonderful stuff that people tend to love and hate about mountain towns in the middle of nowhere. This may include the inevitable cold weather, arrogant visitors, strange local traditions, poor heating, chains for your car, snowball fights and weird smells.

Budget Accomodation

If it's summer, bring a jacket, a sleeping bag and a tent with a rain cover rather than getting a hotel (very expensive) as the camping is close, convenient, and well worth it. If it's winter, bring lots of money or prearrange a job and a warm place to stay, because it gets really cold. The high altitude and steep mountain slopes on all sides of the valley often cause ordinarily calm winter nights to be very cold. Being on the continental divide, snow fall can reach up to 12 feet and in the winter of 1993, the morning low temperature got down to -48°C (-56°F)! Thermals are a must!

Down the Hole

Getting to Jackson Hole can be accomplished by various means. A number of domestic airlines serve Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) with most connections from Salt Lake City, Denver and Chicago, though select direct flights are available from other centres. You disembark all planes outside, with a short walk to the terminal, so if visiting in the winter dress accordingly! A shuttlebus is available from the airport to the Hole.

A regular bus service runs to Jackson Hole from Salt Lake City also, and while in the valley a good public transport system called the START Bus (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) is a cheap and efficient way of travelling around.

If you want to get to the valley by road, follow the Interstate-15 from Salt Lake City or alternatively follow the Interstate-80 from Rock Springs, Wyoming. Then you have the choice of driving along the Wind River Range or Snake River Canyon to the US-191, then into Jackson on Highway-22. This can be done either in your own vehicle, or by hitchhiking².

Further Information

For more on the 'Hole'.