Not every Jackson Hole adventure needs to start at a trailhead.
Some days are better spent with a cup of coffee, a full tank of gas, and no real agenda beyond seeing where the road leads. Fortunately, Jackson Hole is full of drives that reward exactly that approach.
Whether you're hoping to spot wildlife, photograph the Tetons, or experience Jackson Hole's spectacular fall foliage, these scenic drives showcase some of the best of the valley. From golden cottonwood groves along the Snake River to aspens tucked into the mountains, autumn is one of our favorite times to explore Jackson Hole by car.
Scenic Drives in Jackson Hole at a Glance
Best for: Wildlife viewing, photography, fall colors, families, and visitors looking for a lower-impact way to experience the valley
Time needed: Anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day
Good to know: Many of the most scenic drives pass through Grand Teton National Park and require a park entrance pass.
Jump to: Best Fall Colors, Park Road, Jenny Lake, National Elk Refuge, Gros Ventre Road, Town to Teton Village, Moran Entrance, Where to Stay, FAQs
Where to See the Best Fall Colors in Jackson Hole
While nearly every drive on this list offers beautiful autumn scenery, a few areas stand out during peak foliage season.
For vibrant yellows and golds, we recommend:
- The main park road through Grand Teton National Park
- Gros Ventre Road near Kelly
- The National Elk Refuge Road
- Moose-Wilson Road
- The drive between the Town of Jackson and Teton Village
In most years, fall colors peak from late September through early October, though timing can vary depending on weather conditions. Cottonwoods throughout the valley floor often turn first, followed by aspens at higher elevations.
Scenic Drive #1: The Park Road Through Grand Teton National Park
Moose → Teton Point Turnout → Snake River Overlook → Oxbow Bend → Jackson Lake Dam
If this is your first visit to Jackson Hole, start here.
The main park road running north through Grand Teton National Park offers some of the most iconic scenery in the American West. Nearly every turn reveals another postcard-worthy view of the Tetons.
Some favorite stops along the route include:
- Moose-Wilson Road junction
- Teton Point Turnout
- Snake River Overlook
- Oxbow Bend
- Willow Flats Overlook
- Jackson Lake Dam
Plan to take your time. Wildlife jams are common, and you'll likely want to stop often for photos.
Fall Highlight
Late September and early October bring golden cottonwoods throughout the valley floor, making this one of the best fall drives in Wyoming.
Scenic Drive #2: Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
Teton Park Road → Jenny Lake → Lakeshore walk or picnic
Few places in the park rival Jenny Lake.
The drive to Jenny Lake is relatively short, but the scenery is spectacular from start to finish. Once you arrive, spend some time walking the shoreline, enjoying a picnic, or simply taking in the views.
If you're up for stretching your legs, the lakeshore trail provides an easy way to experience the area without committing to a long hike.
Fall Highlight
Fall brings an extra layer of beauty to the area as aspens and cottonwoods surrounding the lake begin to turn. Early mornings are especially stunning, with golden foliage reflected in the calm water.
Good to know: Parking at Jenny Lake fills quickly during peak summer months, so early mornings and evenings are often the best times to visit.
Scenic Drive #3: The National Elk Refuge Road
Town Square → National Elk Refuge Road → Gros Ventre views
Just minutes from Town Square, the National Elk Refuge feels worlds away.
The refuge road winds through open sagebrush habitat beneath the Gros Ventre Range and offers opportunities to spot wildlife year-round. Moose, bison, elk, pronghorn, coyotes, and bald eagles are all regularly seen here.
This is one of our favorite sunrise and sunset drives, particularly in the fall when migrating wildlife becomes more active.
Fall Highlight
During peak fall color season, the cottonwoods lining the refuge create a beautiful contrast against the sagebrush flats and surrounding mountains.
Scenic Drive #4: Gros Ventre Road
Kelly → Gros Ventre River → Cottonwood groves → Wildlife viewing
For visitors looking to escape the crowds, Gros Ventre Road is hard to beat.
Beginning just east of Kelly, this scenic road follows the Gros Ventre River through cottonwood groves, open meadows, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Along the way, you'll find:
- Historic Mormon Row
- Kelly Warm Spring
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Access to several trailheads and picnic areas
Fall colors along the Gros Ventre are especially beautiful, and wildlife sightings are common in the early morning and evening hours.
Fall Highlight
The stretch between Kelly and Kelly Warm Spring is one of our favorite places to see golden cottonwoods in the fall.
Scenic Drive #5: Town of Jackson to Teton Village
Downtown Jackson → WY-22 → Moose-Wilson corridor → Teton Village
Sometimes, even the everyday drives around Jackson feel scenic.
The drive from downtown Jackson to Teton Village takes about twenty minutes, but the route offers expansive views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
In late September, the cottonwoods and aspens along the route begin to glow shades of yellow and gold, making this short drive feel especially scenic.
If you're staying in Teton Village, consider making the drive around sunset. The changing light across the Tetons can be spectacular.
Once you arrive, spend some time exploring the village, grabbing dinner, or simply enjoying the mountain views before heading back.
Scenic Drive #6: Moran Entrance to Grand Teton National Park
Moran Entrance → Jackson Lake Junction → Oxbow Bend → Jackson Lake Lodge
Approaching Grand Teton National Park from Moran delivers one of the valley's most dramatic first impressions.
As you travel south from Moran toward Jackson Lake Junction, the Tetons slowly rise above the valley floor until the entire range comes into view.
This section of road is especially beautiful in the fall and offers easy access to Jackson Lake Lodge, Oxbow Bend, and numerous scenic overlooks.
During peak fall color season, this route offers a striking contrast between golden valley foliage and snow-dusted peaks.
If you have time, stop at Jackson Lake Lodge and walk out to the back patio for one of the most famous views in the park.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
Start early for wildlife
Sunrise and sunset are often the best times to see wildlife, especially in the fall. Keep binoculars in the car, give animals plenty of space, and never stop in the roadway for photos.
Cell service can be limited
Download maps before you leave town, especially if you're planning to drive through Grand Teton National Park or out toward Kelly and the Gros Ventre.
Pack layers, even for a drive
Fall mornings in Jackson Hole can feel chilly, afternoons can warm up quickly, and weather can shift fast near the mountains. A jacket, water, and a few snacks make the day easier.
Fill up before entering the park
Gas stations are limited once you're inside Grand Teton National Park, so it is worth filling up in town before setting out for a longer scenic drive.
Where to Stay
Scenic drives are one of the best reasons to stay in a vacation rental. Start your morning slowly with coffee on the deck, spend the day exploring the valley, then return home for dinner, a soak in the hot tub, and sunset views.
Outpost has homes across Jackson Hole, so you can choose the base that works best for your trip:
North of town homes offer easy access to Grand Teton National Park, Jenny Lake, Oxbow Bend, and the Moran side of the park.
Town of Jackson homes make it simple to pair a scenic drive with restaurants, shopping, coffee, and Town Square.
Teton Village homes put you close to the mountain and make the drive between town and the village part of the experience.
Browse the full collection and filter by area, bedroom count, and amenities.
FAQs
What is the most scenic drive in Jackson Hole?
The main park road through Grand Teton National Park is widely considered the most scenic drive in Jackson Hole.
What is the best scenic drive in Grand Teton National Park?
The route between Moose and Jackson Lake Junction offers many of the park's most iconic viewpoints, including Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend.
Where are the best places to see fall colors in Jackson Hole?
Some of our favorite places to see fall foliage in Jackson Hole include Grand Teton National Park, Gros Ventre Road, Moose-Wilson Road, the National Elk Refuge, and the drive between the Town of Jackson and Teton Village.
When is the best time to see fall colors in Jackson Hole?
Fall colors typically peak from late September through early October, though timing varies slightly from year to year.
Can you see wildlife from your car in Jackson Hole?
Yes. Wildlife sightings are common throughout Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and along Gros Ventre Road.
Do I need a park pass to drive through Grand Teton National Park?
Yes. A valid park entrance pass is required to enter Grand Teton National Park.
Plan Your Scenic Drive Through Jackson Hole
Whether you're chasing fall colors, hoping to spot wildlife, or simply looking for a slower way to experience the valley, a scenic drive belongs on every Jackson Hole itinerary.
Sometimes the best memories are made between destinations.
