BONUS XOMU: Melissa goes to Jackson Hole

My 4-day solo trip itinerary in the Tetons

This bonus XO, MU is for paid subscribers only. It’s just $6 a month—and I firmly believe my traveler’s guides are worth the spend, not to mention my Kiss, Marry, Kill series.

Jackson is just a 5-hour drive from Salt Lake, so we visit every year, in either summer or winter. This year, I drove up alone with plans for epic hikes, yoga classes, burgers on patios, and lots of downtown strolling.

Pro tip: Jackson is the town itself. Jackson Hole refers to the entire valley, which includes Jackson, Teton Village, Moose, and other areas.

When to visit

Mid-May to September will bring you the best weather, open visitor centers, and the fewest road closings. However, Jackson hiking can get up to some pretty high altitude (10,000+ feet), so be prepared for snow to stick around until July, at least. During this trip (over 4th of July weekend) there were still some trails I couldn’t access because of snow.

Where to stay

I strongly prefer to stay in Teton Village instead of the town of Jackson. One, it’s closer to Grand Teton National Park by about 20 minutes. Two, it’s far quieter than downtown Jackson, and the village has its own little ecosystem, with restaurants, spas, and a beautiful gondola.