Where Is Jackson Hole? Location and Geography Explained
Jackson Hole is a valley in the northwest corner of Wyoming, flanked by the Teton Range to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east. The town of Jackson sits at the southern end of the valley, and the area serves as a gateway to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. It's about 275 miles from Salt Lake City, the nearest major airport hub, or a direct flight into Jackson Hole Airport — one of the only commercial airports inside a national park.
We operate in this valley, so here's the orientation most first-time visitors wish they'd had before arriving.
Jackson Hole vs. the town of Jackson
This trips people up, so get it straight early: Jackson Hole is the valley — roughly 48 miles long and 6 to 13 miles wide. Jackson is the town at its southern end, where most of the restaurants, shops, and services are. Teton Village, at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, is about 12 miles northwest of town. They're all within the same valley, but the distances between them matter when you're planning where to stay.
What's near Jackson Hole?
The valley's location is a big part of its appeal:
Grand Teton National Park — immediately to the northwest. The Teton Range defines the valley's western skyline.
Yellowstone National Park — about 60 miles north of the town of Jackson (roughly 90 minutes to the south entrance, longer in peak-season traffic).
National Elk Refuge — just east of the town of Jackson.
Bridger-Teton National Forest — surrounding the valley on multiple sides.
The key fact: roughly 97% of Teton County is federal or protected land — national parks, forest, and refuge. That's why the valley feels so wide open and why private land (and everything built on it) is scarce and valuable.
How do you get to Jackson Hole?
By air: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is inside Grand Teton National Park, about 10 miles north of town. It has direct flights from a handful of major U.S. cities (the routes expand significantly in winter and summer). It's small, scenic on approach, and very convenient once you land.
By road: the nearest large airport hub is Salt Lake City, about 275 miles south (roughly 4.5 to 5 hours by car, depending on conditions and season). It's a beautiful drive through Idaho, but it's a long one. Idaho Falls is closer at about 90 miles.
Winter note: roads into the valley can close or require chains during heavy snow. Check conditions before driving, especially over Teton Pass from the Idaho side.
Why does the geography matter for your trip?
Because everything about a Jackson Hole trip — where to stay, what to do, how much you'll drive — follows from the valley's layout:
Teton Village is 12 miles from town. If you want ski-in, ski-out, stay there. If you want restaurants and walkability, stay in Jackson. They're a drive apart.
Yellowstone is 60+ miles north. A day trip is doable but long, especially in summer traffic. Plan for it rather than assuming it's next door.
The valley is spread out. "Jackson Hole" on a listing could mean anything from downtown Jackson to a ranch property miles up the valley. Ask for the specific location.
Our Jackson Hole cabins guide and vacation homes for rent in Jackson Hole break down which part of the valley suits which kind of trip.
Is Jackson Hole in Montana?
No. Jackson Hole is in Wyoming, near the state's northwest corner. Montana begins just north of Yellowstone. The confusion comes from the region's proximity — many visitors fly into Bozeman, Montana and drive south, which crosses the state line. But the valley itself is entirely in Wyoming.
The bottom line
Jackson Hole is a valley in northwest Wyoming, with the town of Jackson at one end and Teton Village and the ski resort at the other, flanked by the Tetons and serving as the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Know the valley's layout before you book — Teton Village and the town of Jackson are 12 miles apart, Yellowstone is 60+, and where you stay inside the valley shapes every day of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Jackson Hole located?
Jackson Hole is a valley in the northwest corner of Wyoming, flanked by the Teton Range to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east. The town of Jackson sits at the valley's southern end, and Grand Teton National Park borders it to the northwest.
Is Jackson Hole the same as the town of Jackson?
No. Jackson Hole is the valley, roughly 48 miles long. Jackson is the town at its southern end. Teton Village, home to the ski resort, is about 12 miles northwest of town. All are within the same valley.
Is Jackson Hole in Montana?
No. Jackson Hole is entirely in Wyoming, near the state's northwest corner. Montana begins just north of Yellowstone. The confusion comes from the proximity and from visitors who fly into Bozeman, Montana and drive south.
How do you get to Jackson Hole?
Fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), which has direct flights from several major U.S. cities and sits inside Grand Teton National Park. The nearest large airport hub is Salt Lake City, about 275 miles and 4.5 to 5 hours by car.
How close is Jackson Hole to Yellowstone?
About 60 miles from the town of Jackson to Yellowstone's south entrance, roughly 90 minutes by car and longer in peak-season summer traffic. A day trip is doable but should be planned for rather than assumed to be quick.