The Ultimate Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole Day Trip Guide (2025)
Let’s be honest: a day trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole is not for the faint of heart. It’s an epic, sunrise-to-sunset adventure packed with nearly ten hours of driving. But for the traveler who craves dramatic mountain scenery, iconic wildlife, and the thrill of seeing one of America’s most beautiful national parks in a single, action-packed day, this trip is absolutely unforgettable. If you’re ready to embrace the challenge, our Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole Day Trip 2025 guide will show you exactly how to conquer this incredible journey.
Quick Facts: SLC to Jackson Day Trip at a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~280 miles one-way |
| Driving Time | 4.5 – 5 hours one-way (9-10 hours round trip) |
| Estimated Cost | $80 – $185 per person (gas, food, park entry) |
| Best Time for a Day Trip | September (fewer crowds, stunning fall colors) |
Is a Day Trip from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole Worth It?
This is the million-dollar question. With 9-10 hours of round-trip driving, is it really worth it? Our answer: absolutely, if you are an ambitious traveler who wants to maximize every moment. While the ideal trip to fully soak in the Tetons is 3-4 days, we believe a well-planned day trip can be an incredible sampler of this world-class destination. This guide is designed for those who don’t mind a 4 AM wake-up call in exchange for watching the sunrise hit the peaks of the Teton Range. It’s a long day, but the rewards—jaw-dropping vistas, wildlife sightings, and memories to last a lifetime—are more than worth the effort.
How to Get There: SLC to Jackson Hole
When it comes to a single-day adventure, your mode of transport is critical. For this trip, there’s really only one choice that gives you the freedom and flexibility you need.
Driving: The Best (and Only) Day Trip Option
A personal vehicle is non-negotiable for a successful day trip. It allows you to leave at the crack of dawn, stop at scenic overlooks on a whim, and navigate Grand Teton National Park at your own pace. You have two main routes to choose from.
The Scenic Route: US-89 (The Prettiest Drive)
If you’re asking, “Is the drive from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole pretty?” then this route is your answer. A resounding YES! Taking US-89 adds about 30-45 minutes to your drive, but the payoff is immense. You’ll wind through the stunning limestone cliffs of Logan Canyon, catch breathtaking views of the impossibly turquoise Bear Lake, and cruise through the charming, rolling hills of Star Valley, Wyoming. We highly recommend taking this route on your way to Jackson to enjoy the views in the daylight.
The Fastest Route: I-15 & US-26
This is your workhorse route. Heading north on I-15 to Idaho Falls before cutting east on US-26 is the most direct path. It’s a straightforward highway drive, perfect for making good time and ideal for the return journey when you’ll likely be driving after dark and focused on getting home.
Other Transportation Options (Not Recommended for a Day Trip)
While other options exist for multi-day trips, they simply don’t work for a single-day timeline. Here’s a quick breakdown of why driving is your only real choice.
| Method | One-Way Time | One-Way Cost | Day Trip Feasible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | 4.5 – 5 Hours | ~$50 (Gas) | Yes |
| Bus (Salt Lake Express) | ~6 Hours | ~$90 | No |
| Train (Amtrak) | Not Available | N/A | No |
| Flight (SLC to JAC) | ~1 Hour + Airport Time | $150+ | No |
Top 5 Things to Do on a Jackson Hole Day Trip
With limited time, you need to focus on the highest-impact activities. This priority list ensures you see the absolute best of Grand Teton National Park and Jackson.
- Drive the Grand Teton Scenic Loop (42 miles): This is your #1 priority. This loop takes you through the heart of the park and past the most famous viewpoints. Don’t miss the key photo stops: Mormon Row for the iconic barn photos, Schwabacher Landing for reflections of the Tetons in the Snake River, and the Snake River Overlook, made famous by Ansel Adams.
- Explore Jenny Lake: To save precious time, take the shuttle boat across the lake. From the drop-off point, it’s a quick, 1-mile round-trip hike on a well-maintained trail to see the beautiful Hidden Falls. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs and experience the park’s beauty up close without a major time commitment.
- Visit Jackson’s Town Square: No trip is complete without a photo under the famous elk antler arches. Spend 30-45 minutes wandering around the historic square, popping into the western-wear shops and art galleries that line the wooden boardwalks.
- Spot for Wildlife on Antelope Flats Road: This road, located near Mormon Row, is a prime corridor for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for massive herds of bison and graceful pronghorn, often with the stunning Teton Range serving as the ultimate backdrop. Dawn and dusk are best, but midday sightings are common.
- Ride the Bridger Gondola (Summer Only): For a quick trip up the mountain, the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers breathtaking views over the valley in about 12 minutes. It’s a fantastic alternative to the longer (and more expensive) Aerial Tram ride. Always check for seasonal operation before you go!
Sample Itinerary: The “Sunrise to Sunset” Challenge
Here’s a look at what a jam-packed, highly rewarding day trip can look like. Punctuality is key!
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00 AM | Depart Salt Lake City | Pack coffee & snacks. Take the fastest route (I-15 N) to maximize daylight in the park. |
| 9:00 AM | Arrive at Mormon Row, GTNP | Catch the beautiful morning light on the historic barns and the Teton peaks. |
| 10:00 AM | Drive to Jenny Lake | Parking fills up fast! Park and take the shuttle boat across the lake to save time. |
| 11:30 AM | Hike to Hidden Falls | Enjoy the quick, rewarding waterfall hike. |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch in the Town of Jackson | Grab a quick and delicious bite at Liberty Burger or Pinky G’s Pizzeria. |
| 2:00 PM | Explore Town Square | Get your iconic photos with the antler arches and browse a few shops. |
| 3:00 PM | Scenic Drive North | Drive the park loop to Schwabacher Landing & the Snake River Overlook for classic photos. |
| 4:30 PM | Begin Drive Back to SLC | Take the scenic US-89 if daylight and weather permit for a beautiful farewell view. |
| 9:30 PM | Arrive in Salt Lake City | Congratulations! You’ve completed a long but incredible day trip. |
Where to Eat (Quick Bites for a Day Trip)
On a tight schedule, you need food that is both fast and delicious. Here are our top picks in Jackson for a quick refuel.
Coffee & Breakfast ($)
- Cowboy Coffee Co.: A local favorite for a great cup of coffee and a quick pastry to start your park adventure.
- Pearl Street Bagels: Grab a fresh-made bagel sandwich for a portable and satisfying meal.
Lunch & Dinner ($$)
- Liberty Burger: Fantastic burgers, salads, and shakes with quick service. A perfect lunch spot.
- Snake River Brewing: Wyoming’s oldest brewery offers great pub fare and award-winning beers in a lively setting.
- Pinky G’s Pizzeria: Featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” this spot serves up killer pizza by the slice or whole pie.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Details for 2025
A little planning goes a long way. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
- Park Entry Fee: The entrance fee for Grand Teton National Park is $35 per private vehicle and is valid for 7 days. The annual “America the Beautiful” National Parks Pass ($80) is also accepted.
- Opening Hours: While the park is technically open 24/7, facilities are not. The inner Teton Park Road is closed to vehicles from November 1 to April 30. Visitor centers generally operate from 9 AM to 5 PM in the summer, with reduced hours in the shoulder seasons.
- Safety First: Wildlife is abundant and wild. Never approach or feed animals. Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife like bison and moose. Carry bear spray if you plan on hiking.
- Check Conditions: The weather in the mountains can change in an instant. Always check the WYDOT website for road conditions and the official GTNP website for any park alerts or closures before leaving home.
Insider Tips for a Flawless Day Trip
- Start Before Sunrise: We can’t stress this enough. Leaving Salt Lake City by 4 or 5 AM is non-negotiable to make the most of your day.
- Buy Your Park Pass Online: Save precious time at the entrance gate by purchasing your Grand Teton pass in advance on Recreation.gov.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is spotty to non-existent in large areas of the park. Download Google Maps of the Jackson area and any trail maps from AllTrails before you leave.
- Pack a Cooler: Bringing your own water, drinks, snacks, and even a picnic lunch is the best way to save time and money. Stop at a scenic pullout for a lunch with a multi-million-dollar view.
- Dress in Layers: Even in summer, mornings can be frigid and afternoons warm. A fleece and a rain jacket are essential, no matter the forecast.
What to Pack Checklist
- Layers of clothing (fleece, rain jacket, t-shirt)
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- A full refillable water bottle and plenty of snacks
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (the sun is intense at elevation!)
- Bear spray (especially if hiking, even on short trails)
- A portable phone charger or power bank
*Camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing
Estimated Day Trip Budget Breakdown
Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to spend per person for this adventure.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (Per Person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | $40 – $60 | Based on one car; cost is lower if split between 2-4 passengers. |
| Park Entry | $10 – $35 | $35 per car; cost is much lower when split. |
| Food | $30 – $60 | The lower end reflects packing your own lunch and snacks. |
| Activities | $0 – $30 | Covers optional costs like the Jenny Lake boat shuttle. |
| TOTAL | $80 – $185 | A very affordable day for an unforgettable experience! |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the drive from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole pretty?
Yes, extremely! The drive along US-89 is one of the most scenic in the region, taking you through the beautiful Logan Canyon, offering views of the vibrant blue Bear Lake, and winding through the picturesque Star Valley. The faster I-15 route is less scenic but still has pleasant mountain views for much of the drive.
When’s the best time of year to go to Jackson Hole?
For a day trip from Salt Lake City, the absolute best time to go is September. You’ll be rewarded with stunning golden fall colors, active wildlife during the elk rut, and significantly fewer crowds than in the peak summer months. For a longer trip, any time from June through September is ideal for weather and access.
Is there a train from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole?
No, there is no direct passenger train service from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole. Driving a personal vehicle is the only practical and recommended way to do this trip in a single day.
How many days do you need at Jackson Hole?
Ideally, you need 3 to 4 days to fully explore the town of Jackson, drive all the scenic roads in Grand Teton National Park, and enjoy a few longer hikes without feeling rushed. However, if you only have one day to spare, this guide proves you can still have an ambitious and incredibly rewarding adventure.
TLDR? The 60-Second Day Trip Summary
Pressed for time? Here’s the bottom line for your SLC to Jackson Hole day trip:
- It’s a LONG day: Be prepared for 9-10 hours of driving. Leave SLC by 4 AM.
- Take the Scenic Route (US-89): At least on the way there. The views are worth the extra 30 minutes.
- Hit the “Big 3”: Prioritize 1) The Teton Park Scenic Loop, 2) Jenny Lake (take the boat!), and 3) Jackson’s Town Square.
- Go in September: It’s the “golden season” with fewer people, fall colors, and active wildlife.
- Pack Smart: Bring a cooler with food/drinks, download offline maps, and dress in layers.
