Trip Planning- Driving routes to Jackson Hole, Wyoming

 Five years ago, I was really lucky to be able to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

I spent a week in the state of Wyoming and visited some pretty amazing places.  I ordered a drink in a western saddle at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.  I snowmobiled around Yellowstone National Park.  I spent four days skiing at Jackson Hole.  I took a sleigh ride around the National Elk Refuge. I saw my first real wild moose, up close and personal.

Just to name a few of my favorite things!  

I fell in love with this town, this ski resort, and this area in general. 
Like head over heels.
 By the end of the trip (and after a few drinks) the cowboy/taxi driver (he even wore chaps) and I were discussing future employment and stabling arrangements for my horse. 
 Cowboys and ski bums.
 It was a wonderful place for a longing 22 year old. 

Well, I never moved and five years later, I have been dying to go back. But between the expense of airfare and skiing, and budgeting ski trips and dive trips, I hav not been back. 
BUT--now that I live in Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole is an easy weekend trip. 

I did some research and apparently there are five routes from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole, I found a blog that discusses three routes and different individuals commented on which route was best. 

Salt Lake City, Utah to Jackson Hole

just over 300 miles or between 4 and 5 hours

Taken from TetonGravity.com

Route #1: 

North from SLC through Utah and Idaho and then over Teton Pass

Note: This route is not recommended for those with RV's or trailers or during winter weather. Teton Pass is a steep, long pass.

Take the I-15 North out of Salt Lake City towards Pocatello, ID.

Take the US-20 Business/ Broadway St. (exit 118)

Turn right onto Broadway

Turn left onto N Yellowstone Ave./ ID-43/US-26.

Stay on US 26 to Swan Valley

In Swan Valley, turn left onto ID 31

Follow ID-31 to Victor, ID.

In Victor, turn right (East) on ID-33.

Follow ID-33 over Teton Pass where it Becomes WY-22

Follow WY-22 to US 89/Broadway.

--> If you're going to Teton Village, turn left at WY-390/ Moose-Wilson Rd.

--> before reaching US-89/Broadway. Teton Village is on the left @ 7 miles.

Route #2: 

Through Soda Springs, ID and Freedom, WY. 

Many locals think this is the quickest route.

Take the I-15 North out of Salt Lake City towards Pocatello, ID.

Turn Right at US-30 to Lava Hot Springs, Lund, and Soda Springs, ID

In Soda Springs, turn left at 3rd E. Street, which is ID-34.

You will be on a bridge crossing the Railroad tracks.

In about a block turn right on E. Hooper Ave. (part of ID-34)

ID-34 bends to the right at Greys Lake

As you enter Freedom,turn right on County Line Rd.

Continue less than a mile, and then turn Left at WY-239

Continue for about a mile and a half, then Turn Left on US 89 just after passing Freedom Arms.

Bear right at the US-26/ US-89 junction continuing North to Jackson on US-89

Bear left at Hoback Junction continuing North on US-89/ US-191

--> Note: if you're going to Teton Village, take a left at WY-22 just as you enter Jackson; then, turn right at the Moose-Wilson Rd./ WY 390.

Route #3:

 Through Evanston, WY.

 Although a bit longer than the other routes,

 this drive keeps you in big, wonderful Wyoming 

and on the East side of Idaho for most of the drive.

Take I-80 East out of Salt Lake

Take WY-89/ WY-16 North at Evanston

Bear right (East) continuing on WY-89/ WY-16 at sage Creek Junction

The road will end at US-30 where you will turn left

Continue north through Cokeville to Border Junction.

At Border Junction, Turn right onto WY-89/ WY-61

This road joins with US-89 in about 10 miles

Continue North on US-89 through Thane, near Freedom.

Bear right at the US-26/ US-89 junction continuing North to Jackson on US-89

Bear left at Hoback Junction continuing North on US-89/ US-191

--> Note: if you're going to Teton Village, take a left at WY-22 just as you enter Jackson

--> then, turn right at the Moose-Wilson Rd./ WY 390 .

So which way should I take?

After sifting through comments, it seems 

"if it's snowing the canyon may be the best (191 from Rock Springs), but I've been in some hairy conditions down there too. I would def take I-15 through Idaho Falls and over the pass if you can. If you rent a FWD American car, check the weather. If teton pass is closed or super snowy (http://www.wyoroad.info/highway/webc...TetonPass.html) 

then take the canyon (191 from RS).

I've been in total whiteout conditions somewhere near Pinedale too. So if weather's bad, both routes are gonna be fun.

Cliff's Notes: take I-15 unless Teton Pass is closed."


Heading to Jackson and want to do some reading/be prepared for when you get there?
Check out these books on Amazon (affiliate links)!
Jackson Hole Winter Guide
Jackson Hole Summer Guide
Explorer's Guide- Yellowstone and Grand Teton
Jackson Hole: A Comprehensive Guide to Jackson and the Grand Tetons (Tourist Town Guides)