If you’re wondering why Jackson Hole in spring is the best time to visit, the answer is simple: fewer crowds, active wildlife, and a quieter, more relaxed iteration of one of the West’s most iconic destinations. (And if you weren't wondering, well, you should have been.) Spring squeezes itself right on the edge of peak season. It's not quite summer and not quite winter, but it brings with it the best of both.
Wildlife
Wildlife is one of Jackson's biggest draws any time of the year, but it's a particular selling point in the spring. As any nature documentary will tell you, when the valley wakes up, animals are on the move. Elk migrate through open areas, moose wander near waterways, and bison make their presence known in the most unbothered way possible. Bears emerge from hibernation and, you know, do bear things. Just make sure to keep your distance from all of them. Animals like their personal space, no matter the season.
Pace
The pace is different in spring, too. But in a good way. Jackson Hole in spring brings a calmer, more relaxed rhythm. You can explore without feeling like you’re on a schedule or competing for space. Scenic drives become the main event, with snow still clinging to the mountains while the valley starts to turn green. It’s the kind of contrast that makes you stop the car, take a few pictures, and enjoy not having to be anywhere in particular. And if it's truly relaxation that brings you to Jackson, you're in luck: spring's a great time to find that, too. Make sure to check out last week's blog post.
Attractions
Spring also happens to be when many of Jackson's finest events occur and its best attractions reopen after a long winter hiatus. Here's a partial list:
- Aerial Tram: Wanna ride to the top of the world and maybe have some waffles too? The Aerial Tram opens for the season in mid-May.
- Elk Fest and Old West Days: Celebrate the history and heritage of Jackson Hole in Jackson Town Square with chili cookoffs, the antler auction, and country music. This year, Old West Days is held May 15-25, with Elkfest on May 16.
- Jackson Hole Rodeo: The rodeo runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays at 8. Yee-haw.
- Yellowstone's South Entrance (the one closest to Jackson) is projected to open May 8. For a full list of Yellowstone opening dates, check here.
Clothing
In the spring, you can deck yourself out in all your favorite outdoor gear—but it's for looks, not necessarily to keep you from turning into a human-shaped popsicle. You can dress in layers, each more fashionable than the last. Or each layer can be as stunningly ugly as the last. (Totally up to you. Not everyone needs to dress like a Patagonia catalog. Spring says that's okay, too. Yes, really. It told us.)
At Flat Creek Inn, Jackson Hole in spring feels even more intentional. We're close to the parks, further away from the noise, and perfectly positioned for a slower kind of stay if that's what you're into. If you want something a bit more fast-paced, we're close enough to the action to accommodate that, too. All in all, we're an easy home base for an easy season. Just bring a jacket.
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Ryan Kunz is a copywriter and freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics, including media, the outdoors, and whatever else strikes his fancy. He's adding this part because the SEO said he had to do 600 words. How is it so far?
