Destinations / Wyoming
Wyoming Travel Guide
Most people come to Wyoming for two parks, and I plan it as one trip: Jackson Hole as the comfortable base for the Tetons, Yellowstone for the geysers and wildlife. Give it at least six nights, split your hotels between the two, and book in-park lodging the moment it opens.
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Where I'm sending people now
Fly into Jackson for 3 to 4 nights, drive north through Grand Teton into Yellowstone for 2 to 3 nights, and fly home from Bozeman.
Mid-June to September, when every park road is open; September is my favorite for thinner crowds and the elk rut. Late December to March is for skiing in Jackson Hole and snowcoach trips into Yellowstone.
Luxury hotels in Jackson Hole run about $450 to $2,000+ a night in summer and ski season, and Yellowstone's in-park lodges about $250 to $650, plus about 11% sales and lodging tax in Jackson. Park entry is $35 per vehicle at each park, and non-US residents 16 and older now pay an extra $100 per person at each one.
As of November 1, 2026, most Yellowstone roads and the West, South and East entrances are closed to cars; only the Gardiner to Cooke City road through Lamar Valley stays open. Guided snowmobile and snowcoach travel starts December 15, and Grand Teton's Teton Park Road is closed to cars until April 30, 2027.
Places in Wyoming
Which one is right for you?
Jackson Hole
Great for
Skiers, wildlife lovers, couples, families, hikers
Skip it if
You want a bargain, or early starts and outdoor days aren't your thing
Yellowstone
Great for
Wildlife, families, geology fans, photographers, road trips
Skip it if
You need luxury hotel polish and in-room Wi-Fi, or you can't handle July crowds
Know before you go
Getting there
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) sits inside Grand Teton National Park, 15 minutes from town, while Bozeman (BZN) has the most flights and is about 90 minutes from Yellowstone's North and West entrances; Cody (COD) only works for the East Entrance from late spring to fall, since that entrance closes in winter. International visitors usually connect through Denver, Salt Lake City or Chicago, and a one-way rental car from JAC to BZN is the easiest plan.
Getting around
From late spring to fall you need a car: there is no public transit inside Yellowstone, and Jackson to Old Faithful alone is about 2.5 hours. For a winter ski trip I skip the rental and use shuttles in Jackson, then let a snowcoach operator handle Yellowstone.
Money and tipping
Expect about 11% sales and lodging tax on Jackson hotel bills, and tip guides 15 to 20%. If you're seeing three or more national parks this year, the $80 America the Beautiful pass (US residents) pays off quickly, and for non-residents the $250 pass waives the $100 surcharge at both parks.
How I'd spend 7 days
Days 1-3 Jackson and Grand Teton: sunrise wildlife safari, Jenny Lake and a Snake River float
Day 4 Drive north through Grand Teton to Old Faithful, about 2.5 hours plus stops
Days 5-6 Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Hayden Valley and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Day 7 Lamar Valley at dawn for wolves, then out the North Entrance to fly home from Bozeman
Tip Book in-park lodging as soon as reservations open, often more than a year ahead, and buy both park passes online before you go.
Hotels I'd book in Wyoming
Things to do in Wyoming
Where to eat in Wyoming
Snake River Grill
Gather
Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Old Faithful Inn Dining Room
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Wyoming FAQ
Can you visit Jackson Hole and Yellowstone on the same trip?
Yes, and I plan most Wyoming trips that way. Jackson to Yellowstone's South Entrance is about 1 hour 15 minutes through Grand Teton and Old Faithful is about 2.5 hours, so plan 3 to 4 nights in Jackson and at least 2 in or near Yellowstone. Flying into Jackson and out of Bozeman avoids backtracking.
How much does it cost to enter Yellowstone and Grand Teton in 2026?
Each park charges its own fee: $35 per private vehicle, valid for seven days. Since January 1, 2026, non-US residents 16 and older also pay a $100 per person surcharge at both parks, waived with an annual or America the Beautiful pass, which costs $80 for US residents and $250 for non-residents.
When do Yellowstone roads close for winter?
Most park roads and the West, South and East entrances closed to cars on November 1, 2026. The road from the North Entrance at Gardiner through Mammoth and Lamar Valley to Cooke City stays open all winter, and guided snowmobile and snowcoach travel starts December 15. Other roads reopen in stages from mid-April to late May, weather permitting.
What is the best airport for Yellowstone and Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole (JAC) is best for Jackson and Grand Teton and has United nonstops from Newark. Bozeman (BZN) has the most flights and is closest to Yellowstone's North and West entrances, while Cody (COD) only makes sense for the East Entrance from late spring to fall.
Is Wyoming worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you plan for it: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opens November 27, 2026, the Elk Refuge sleigh rides start December 19, and Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the world to see wolves. Just know Yellowstone's interior is reachable only by guided snowcoach or snowmobile from December 15 to early March.
How far in advance should I book Yellowstone lodging?
For in-park lodges like Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel, book as soon as reservations open, often more than a year ahead for July and August. Jackson hotels for summer and Christmas week are best booked 6 to 9 months out.