Making time in a busy schedule for a journey to scenic Jackson Hole, Wyoming is always an experience that’s worth a traveler’s while. As idyllic for scenery seekers as it is for outdoor adventurers and those hoping to unwind at a slower pace as well, Jackson Hole is really a vacation destination with something for everyone to enjoy. While some trips this way are best enjoyed with a meticulous plan in place, a last-minute adventure to Jackson Hole offers up just as much to look forward to. When you’re inspired to head here and looking to make the most of every minute, the following tips for planning a last-minute Jackson Hole vacation will help you elevate your stay every step of the way.
Consider the Opportunities of Each Season
For many travelers, the beauty of booking a last-minute vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is that no matter what season you happen to find yourself here, you’ll have options for fun and adventure of all kinds. Jackson Hole enjoys all four seasons, and if you travel this way on a last-minute vacation in the summer, you’ll be in a place that’s brimming over with great options for hiking, biking, on-the-water fun, and wildlife-watching too. A last-minute vacation to Jackson Hole in the wintertime comes with access to world-class ski slopes as well as trails that are open for snowshoeing adventures at your own preferred pace. Spring is a season of wildflower blooms across Jackson Hole while fall is a fantastic time to unwind on a last-minute vacation with a firm focus on leaf peeping. In absolutely every season of the year, shopping and dining your way to fun in Jackson Hole are options that don’t require much planning and prove to be exceptionally wonderful and accessible.
What to Pack for Your Last-Minute Jackson Hole Vacation
Even if you’re heading out on an impromptu trip to Jackson Hole in the name of fun, knowing what to pack depending on the time you travel will make your getaway that much more enjoyable. Summer is a hot and sunny season in Jackson Hole, making it a time of year that you’re likely to spend ample time in the great outdoors. When you’re last-minute vacation in Jackson Hole has you heading this way between June and August, be sure your suitcase includes a good pair of sunglasses, a sunhat, swimwear for time out on the rivers and lakes, and a collection of SPF 30+ sunscreen so you don’t have to worry about burns on the trails. Count on midday highs hitting the upper 80s this time of year, with evening temperatures comfortable enough to enjoy patio dining at local eateries.
Spring in Jackson Hole is a season for last-minute travelers to make sure they have an umbrella handy as a way to combat those unexpected showers that scatter across the terrain. Daily highs linger in the 60s but evening hours can dip into the 30s so having a coat or sweaters in your suitcase is also a good idea. When winter calls you to Jackson Hole in the name of a last-minute vacation, make sure you have cold-weather clothing readily available. Daily highs only reach the 20s on a typical day, and if you have plans to ski, waterproof boots, pants, parkas, and gloves are the right way to go.
Decide How You’d Like to Arrive in Town
When Jackson Hole is your last-minute vacation destination of choice this year, you’ll be thrilled to find that getting to your final stop is easier than you might have imagined. You don’t have to put a lot of planning in ahead of time to find a great flight into Jackson Hole with many visitors opting to land right at the convenient Jackson Hole Airport. This is by far the most direct route into town, sitting just 9 miles away. There are non-stop flights into the Jackson Hole Airport from 13 cities and airlines like Delta, Alaska, American and United are all served here as well. If you’re hoping to include a bit more scenery into your arrival experience, you’ll have the opportunity to book tickets that see you flying into Salt Lake City or Idaho Falls instead. The Salt Lake City International Airport provides you with a 4.5 hour drive into Jackson Hole while the airport in Idaho Falls is just 45 minutes from town. Either way, both destinations have plenty of car rental options on-site so you won’t have any trouble finding a way to reach Jackson Hole at your own preferred pace.
Enjoy Admiring Wildlife in Abundance
If you find yourself in Jackson Hole on a last-minute vacation, a fantastic sightseeing destination to add to your itinerary is always the National Elk Refuge. This is a must-see in any season and a place that doesn’t require much planning or organization ahead of time to enjoy to the fullest. The National Elk Refuge is a fascinating place to get up close to a vast population of elk, but it’s also home to bighorn sheep, antelope, and a variety of local and migratory birds year-round. In the warm weather months of the year, the National Elk Refuge offers guided tours that offer unique insight into the terrain, wildlife, and history of the area. Of course, if there isn’t space on a tour when you arrive, you’ll find a self-guided experience here can be just as meaningful and memorable. If you happen to arrive in the winter, check to see if there are spots open on the refuge sleigh rides. This is a festive addition to an itinerary but also a wonderfully unique way to see the landscapes covered in snow. There are typically multiple outings a day giving you a good shot at landing a space to participate, even if you’ve found yourself in Jackson Hole last minute.
Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art
Whether you find yourself in Jackson Hole on an unexpectedly rainy day, or you’re simply looking for accessible options to enjoy that balance out your time outdoors, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is a must. Founded back in 1987, this museum showcases over 5,000 works of art in total, including pieces by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. When you drop by, you’ll have access to 14 galleries on-site to explore as well as a museum shop to check out, an on-site eatery to enjoy, and a sculpture trail outside. Be sure to check out the event calendar when you arrive to see if your last-minute vacation might line up with one of the many talks, exhibitions, or events that the museum hosts year-round.
Make Time for Mountain Biking Adventures
For travelers who have an unwavering passion for mountain biking thrills in place, there’s truly no better place to find yourself on a last-minute vacation than Jackson Hole. This destination has long been considered a hub for mountain biking fun and when you’re here, it won’t take long to discover that there are trails for every skill level right at your fingertips. The vast majority are accessible from Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the summertime with lift-access offered this time of year too. While there are plenty of local shops that offer mountain bike rentals across Jackson Hole, travelers who pack their own gear won’t have to worry about inventory options on a last-minute vacation and can maximize their time on the trails instead.
Take a Stroll Through Town Square
A great place to set your sights when you land in Jackson Hole on a last-minute vacation this year is Town Square. This hub of fun, entertainment, shopping, and flavor in Jackson Hole doesn’t require any type of reservation or advance planning and is a picture-perfect place to simply settle in, walk, or people-watch alongside family and friends. Throughout the year, Town Square plays host to a variety of beloved Jackson Hole community festivals and events, so you’ll want to make sure to check the event calendar upon arrival to see if your trip aligns with any fan-favorites like the Old West Days, or the Million Dollar Music Fest to name a few. Of course, your time in Town Square won’t be complete if you don’t have a camera in hand. That’s because this area is adorned with four archways crafted out of elk antlers that are shed naturally over at the National Elk Refuge each year. It’s a terrific Jackson Hole pastime to take a photo in front of the arches, and those who find themselves here over the holidays get the added bonus of seeing the arches adorned with holiday lights from top to bottom.
Spend Time on the Water
Getting out on the water is yet another great way to enjoy time in Jackson Hole when last-minute vacation plans have you heading this way. The Snake River is a prime spot for drift boat fishing as well as whitewater rafting and float trips too. For a slower float experience, you can check out the Tetons’ placid lakes where your time on the water can easily be paired with top-notch wildlife viewing opportunities. While there are many local companies that offer guided whitewater rafting and float trips in and around Jackson Hole, in the event your last-minute vacation doesn’t come with room for a reservation, there’s no need to worry. In nearby Wilson, you’ll find a variety of calm lakes, streams, and rivers to enjoy on your own and over at Rendezvous Park, there are designated swimming ponds as well.
Explore Nearby National Parks
Packing up and heading to Jackson Hole on a last-minute vacation means you’ll find yourself within easy reach of some truly amazing national parks upon arrival. Both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park can be accessed from Jackson Hole and are top destinations when you would like to include some landscape photography, wildlife viewing, and exceptional hiking opportunities into your stay.
Catch a Show
Indoor entertainment options abound in Jackson Hole, too and when you arrive in town on a last-minute vacation, taking a moment to check ticket availability for performances at the Jackson Hole Playground is worth your while. You’ll find the Jackson Hole Playhouse on Deloney Avenue, and booking last-minute tickets is always a thrill at this dinner theater that’s long been a fan-favorite entertainment venue among locals and visitors alike.
Reserve Your Place in Amazing Accommodations on Your Last-Minute Adventure
There’s no reason to stress about where you’ll stay when you make your way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming on a last-minute vacation this year. At Abode Jackson Hole, we maintain an impressive and vast collection of beautiful rental options throughout Jackson Hole that are not only designed to meet traveler needs but also exceed their expectations. Whether you’re traveling this way with a small or large group on a last-minute adventure, our property options are sure to inspire. Many of our last-minute vacation rentals showcase spacious layouts across multiple living levels, so our guests will have room to move, relax, and kick back with ease every day of their stay. It’s typical to find your last-minute rental designed with tall ceilings throughout that further enhance the overall sense of living space alongside floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a great view, promote natural light flow, and create a bright and welcoming ambiance too. Each and every one of our last-minute vacation rentals enjoys a full collection of stylish and tasteful furnishings, and many are set up with fully equipped kitchens in place so guests can pick and choose between dining in or out during their last-minute getaway. Reach out today to learn more about our luxurious retreat options in Jackson Hole that are sure to take your last-minute trip to the next level of excellence this year.
