Planning A Road Trip To Jackson Hole
The open road beckons...
Longer days, warming temperatures and wildlife abounds make the perfect recipe for a memorable road trip to Jackson Hole. There is no better way to experience the vast geography of the U.S. - from quaint roadside stops to iconic architecture and bustling cities to wide open spaces. Now is the perfect time to hit the road for an adventure to the mountains & valleys of the Jackson Hole region this summer.
Whether solo, with friends or with the whole family, revel in your time on the road and discover new places while making lasting memories.
Planning Your Route
Whether you’re coming from the North, East, South or West, be sure to plan how long your entire trip will take, so that you can plan your stops accordingly. Ideally, you won’t want to go over 8 hours each day, as you may find yourself overly fatigued.
The main routes into Jackson, WY include:
- South: Highways 15 & 25
- Los Angeles, CA – 936 miles, 15 hours
- Phoenix, AZ – 910 miles, 15 hours
- Santa Fe, NM – 777 miles, 13 hours
- Las Vegas, NV – 677 miles, 11 hours
- Denver, CO – 519 miles, 8 hours
- Salt Lake City, UT – 277 miles, 5 hours
- North: Highways 15 & 89
- Helena, MT – 277 miles, 5 hours
- Bozeman, MT – 216 miles, 4 hours
- West: Highways 84 & 80
- San Francisco, CA – 918 miles, 14 hours
- Seattle, WA – 860 miles, 14 hours
- Portland, OR – 800 miles, 13 hours
- Reno, NV – 700 miles, 10.5 hours
- Spokane, WA – 583 miles, 9 hours
- East: Highways 70, 80 & 90
- Chicago, IL – 1,390 miles, 22 hours
- Dallas, TX – 1,285 miles, 20 hours
- Oklahoma City, OK – 1,149 miles, 17.5 hours
- Wichita, KS – 1,020 miles, 15.5. hours
- Omaha, NE – 927 miles, 14 hours
Prepping The Car
Ensure your car is tuned up before embarking on the road, and maybe even make a stop into the mechanic just to be sure. Another great tip is to try and fuel up the day prior so you won’t need to stop right away. Load the car with your bags, a cooler, a snack bag and a bag of necessities such as chargers.
You may want to pack a basket with a few essentials such as paper towels, silverware & plates, handi wipes, toilet tissue, sanitizer and a first aid kit just in case. We would also recommend having a jumper box and/or cables, as well as a few tools in case of any unexpected stops.
Packing a cooler with healthy snacks is a great way to ensure you’re not making unplanned food stops or relying solely on fast food to fuel you. Pre-made sandwiches and quick bites like individually-wrapped snacks, nuts, jerky, string cheese and cut veggies are great cooler-ready options especially if you are traveling with children. Be sure to also pack water to stay hydrated and for any stops, just in case.
Packing Your Bags
Ensure you have everything you need to get any work and/or studying done from the road, such as books, laptops, headphones and charging cables. For families with kids, it’s always a good idea to bring a bag of a few toys, paper, crayons/markers and tablets if they have them.
Double (maybe even triple!) check that you’ve packed for the Jackson Hole weather. While summer days can enjoy highs in the 70s and 80s, quick drops in temperature are normal, especially at elevation.
- Be sure and pack several layers and a light jacket
- Pack proper footwear for any outdoor activities like hiking and biking
- Swimsuits to enjoy our pool and hot tub
- Hats and sunscreen
Settling In
Once you check into your room or suite at The Cloudveil, take advantage of the storage options and unpack your belongings. This will help you feel less as if you’re living out of a suitcase, and give you more space to spread out and relax.
Our location places you at an idyllic jumping off point to access all that Jackson Hole has to offer. The only hotel on Jackson’s iconic Town Square, everything is literally at our doorstep. From Farmer’s Markets to live music, the Old West Shootout to dining options galore, you can simply walk out our doors to explore downtown Jackson.
We are only 10 miles from Grand Teton National Park, 12 miles from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and 55 miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone. Our Pathfinders can help map out the perfect plan for you to explore on your own, or book a guided tour.
Your Time In Jackson Hole
Our Pathfinders are here to help you make the most of your time and to provide you with inside knowledge on everything that’s happening around the area. You can also check out our other Guide Notes for recommendations from our Pathfinders on what to see and do while during your time in Jackson.
Plan some time each day to get out and explore Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the Snake River and many more sights just a quick drive away. Yellowstone National Park is an easy day trip and includes some bucket list attractions you’ll want to experience.
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