The off-season in Jackson Hole is a great time to visit! With fewer crowds, cooler weather and the changing of seasons, there are plenty of things to do. Enjoy one of these hiking trails, wildlife excursions or scenic drives in Jackson Hole.

Fall Hikes and Scenic Trails

Fall is a gorgeous time to hike in Jackson Hole. It’s hard to beat a hike filled with fall colors and the Tetons as a backdrop! 

If you’re looking for an easy-to-moderate hike with beautiful mountain and lake views, check out the Jenny Lake Loop. The loop is 7.1 miles long, with minimal elevation gain. Or enjoy the forest on a short 2-mile round-trip hike to the Phelps Lake Overlook and back. Reward yourself with a view of the lake and gorgeous fall foliage.

More easy-to-moderate hikes can be found on the trails at Taggart Lake. The Beaver Creek Loop at Taggart Lake is a 3.8-mile loop trail with incredible views of the Teton Range. Or take the Taggart Lake trail to the lake and back for an incredible view of the lake and the Tetons.

Snow King Mountain is home to several trail options of varying difficulty that may allow a photogenic view of a dusting of snow. For a breathtaking view of Mount St. John and the Jackson Hole Valley, take the 3.7-mile loop trail through the trees around String Lake.

Early Winter Activities to Try Now

Get a jump on early winter activities in Jackson Hole before ski season is in full swing! From snowshoeing to tubing to hot springs, there’s something for everyone during the off-season.

Grand Teton National Park offers many flat, scenic trails for snowshoeing in Jackson Hole. Trail options include Colter Bay, Antelope Flats Road, Taggart Lake and Flagg Ranch. The Teton Park Road is closed to vehicles between November 1 and April 30 from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge, and it’s a popular trail for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

For a mostly level cross-country ski route, try Emily's Pond Levee Trail on the shore of the Snake River. A great option for a full-day, guided ski tour is the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Ski Tour, which offers a 2-hour snowcoach journey to the Canyon Area and a guided ski tour covering 6 miles of groomed trail. 

King Tubes at Snow King Mountain offers snow tubing for everyone over 42" tall. The Magic Carpet takes you up the hill, and snow tubes are included with your ticket. 

If you’re looking for a way to warm up after all of the outdoor fun, check out one of the hot springs near Jackson Hole! Yellowstone Hot Springs near Gardiner offers five outdoor, chemical-free pools for your relaxation and enjoyment. Astoria Hot Springs offers six soaking pools with different temperatures in each pool.

The Granite Hot Springs Pool south of Jackson is open in the summer and in the winter. During the winter season, the hot springs here are only accessible via snowmobile, dog sled, skiing and fat biking.

Best Wildlife Viewing in the Shoulder Season

Jackson Hole’s shoulder season offers fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for wildlife viewing. If you’re wondering where to see elk in Jackson Hole, early winter is the best chance to see the nearly 5000 elk that migrate to the National Elk Refuge in Jackson. Mid-December through early April is the ideal time to see the elk. Make sure to book a sleigh ride to see them up close!

Moose-Wilson Road is one of the most wildlife-rich drives in Grand Teton National Park: It's a popular place to see moose, black bears, elk, deer and much more! For prime wildlife viewing, the best times to visit are early morning or evening.

Trumpeter Swans, eagles and waterfowl are also abundant in the area. Birdwatching opportunities can be found at Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Lake Dam.

Scenic Drives and Quiet Moments

As mentioned above, Moose-Wilson Road is a must-see destination for a scenic drive in Jackson Hole. The road passes through a dense forest and marsh with views of the Tetons in the background. The 8-mile road is winding in parts and is not fully paved. Along the way, plan a stop at Phelps Lake for stunning views. The road closes to motor vehicles in early November.

Teton Park Road offers another option for a scenic drive with less traffic during the off-season. The road provides access to trailheads at Taggart Lake, Jenny Lake and Lupine Meadows for hiking. Or plan to drive up Signal Mountain Summit Road for sweeping views of Jackson Hole, which are especially stunning with an early dusting of snow.