Summer in Jackson is wonderful. It just happens to come with lines of rental SUVs, packed restaurants, and enough selfie sticks to build a decent fence. But then something magical happens: the crowds leave. Jackson becomes the town locals fell in love with in the first place. You can stroll down Town Square without getting caught in a human traffic jam. Wildlife start acting like they own the place (which, to be fair, they sort of do). It’s a perfect time to visit. The elk certainly think so—they spend the whole darn month yelling about it.

In other words, if you’ve only visited during the summer, you’re missing half the story. 

Jackson Hole in the Fall

Below you’ll find an alphabetical list of activities to do in Jackson Hole during the fall, including seasonal events and classic autumn activities. Click the links for more information on each topic. 

Aerial Tram & Scenic Gondolas

The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram and scenic gondolas generally continue operating into early October before transitioning to winter schedules. Be sure to check operating dates before your visit.

Downtown Jackson

Fall is a wonderful time to explore downtown Jackson without the peak summer crowds. Spend time:

• Visiting Town Square
• Browsing local art galleries
• Shopping Western boutiques
• Enjoying restaurants with shorter wait times
• Exploring museums and cultural attractions

Elk Bugling (The Rut)

Dates: Approximately September 1–October 15

One of Jackson Hole’s most unforgettable fall experiences is hearing bull elk bugle during the annual rut. Prime viewing locations include Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge. Learn more here.

Fall Colors

Dates: Typically late September through early October

Aspens and cottonwoods turn brilliant shades of gold throughout the valley, making this one of the most photogenic times of year.

Fly Fishing

September is considered one of the best months for fly fishing in Jackson Hole. Popular waters include:

• Snake River
• Flat Creek
• Gros Ventre River

Hiking

Lower-elevation trails generally remain accessible through October, weather permitting. Favorite fall hikes include:

• Cascade Canyon (weather dependent)
• Hidden Falls
• Inspiration Point
• Jenny Lake Loop
• Phelps Lake
• String Lake
• Taggart Lake

Higher-elevation trails may begin accumulating snow by late September.

Horseback Riding

Many outfitters continue offering guided horseback rides through September and into October, depending on weather conditions.

Jackson Hole Chamber Music Fall Festival

Dates: September 15, 17 & 19, 2026

Enjoy performances from world-class musicians during this annual celebration of chamber music.

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival

Dates: September 9–20, 2026

One of the valley’s signature events, the Fall Arts Festival features gallery walks, artist demonstrations, exhibitions, auctions, and special events throughout downtown Jackson.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Opening Day

Date: November 27, 2026

Kick off ski season as Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opens for winter.

Mountain Biking

Popular trails around Cache Creek, Teton Pass, and Jackson remain rideable until snowfall arrives.

National Park Ranger Programs

Many ranger-led talks and programs continue through September before winding down in October. Visitor centers also remain open with reduced fall hours through much of the season.

Palates & Palettes Gallery Walk

Dates: September 9–20, 2026

During the Fall Arts Festival, visitors can enjoy gallery receptions, meet artists, and explore downtown’s vibrant art scene while sampling refreshments.

Peak Wildlife Watching

Fall is one of the best seasons (definitely in the top four) for spotting wildlife throughout Jackson Hole. Keep an eye out for:

• Bald eagles and migrating birds
• Bears preparing for winter
• Bison
• Bull elk
• Moose
• Pronghorn

Top viewing locations include:

• Antelope Flats Road
• Mormon Row
• National Elk Refuge
• Oxbow Bend
• Schwabacher Landing
• Willow Flats

Photography

Autumn provides incredible photo opportunities, including:

• Golden aspens
• Morning fog
• Snow-dusted Tetons
• Sunrise at Oxbow Bend
• Mormon Row barns
• Wildlife
• Leaves, obviously

QuickDraw Art Auction

Date: September 19, 2026

Watch artists create original paintings in real time before the finished works are auctioned, all during one of the Fall Arts Festival’s most popular events.
Learn more: [Link]

Scenic Drives

Autumn is the perfect season for exploring Jackson Hole by car. Popular routes include:

• Highway 191 through Grand Teton National Park
• Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
• Moose-Wilson Road
• Signal Mountain Road
• Teton Park Road

Peak fall color usually occurs during the last week of September and first week of October.

Scenic Float Trips

Snake River float trips generally operate through September and, depending on weather, into October.

Sleighing at the Elk Refuge

If you’re planning to visit us this coming winter, our ever-popular Sleigh & Stay Special returns once more this year. Book your room directly with us and receive 15% off National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides. Call us at 307-733-5276 to reserve your room, then reserve your sleigh ride by calling National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides at 307-733-0277. Be sure to tell them you’re using one of our vouchers. 

Stargazing

Cool, dry autumn nights make September and October excellent months for viewing the stars in and around Grand Teton National Park.

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As you can see, fall is a special time of year for us. And it’s not just for all the reasons we just named. In the fall, the elk start trickling back home to the National Elk Refuge across the road. Then, like millennials trying a hot new restaurant, they start showing up in droves. It’s one of the largest elk herds on Earth, and unlike most wildlife viewing opportunities, this one doesn’t require hiking uphill at 7:00 a.m. Flat Creek Inn provides the kind of access to nature that doesn’t usually come with a roof and a pillow. Start booking your fall travel here.