Jackson Hole vs Sheridan
Jackson Hole — the south gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone — is about 5.5 to 6 hours from Sheridan via the stunning Wind River Canyon drive. It's world-class and priced like it. Most travelers never learn that Sheridan is the crowd-free, half-the-price side of the same Wyoming mountains.
Jackson HoleWY
~335 mi · ~5.5–6 hr (via Wind River Canyon & Dubois)
The south gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone — world-class, and priced like it. Most travelers don't realize Sheridan is the crowd-free, half-the-price side of the same mountains. Great as the far anchor of a grand Wyoming loop; the drive down through Wind River Canyon is a stunner. Position Sheridan as the smarter first or last stop.
Bookend a Teton trip with Sheridan — same Wyoming, none of the Jackson markup.
Thermopolis Hot Springs (Hot Springs State Park)WY
~150 mi · ~2.5 hr (via Ten Sleep & the Bighorn Basin)
The world's largest mineral hot spring, with a FREE state bathhouse — soak for nothing in the middle of Wyoming. Add the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and the drive down through Ten Sleep Canyon and it's a superb, underrated day trip. Deeply relaxing after a few days on the trails.
Soak in the world's largest hot spring for free, then home to the Bighorns.
Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls & Inspiration PointWY
~305 mi · ~6 hr one way
A glacial lake at the foot of the Tetons with an easy trail to Hidden Falls and a steeper climb to Inspiration Point for the view over the lake. Boat shuttle service is available in season, and parking fills early in summer. The Teton Park Road is closed to vehicles from November 1 to April 30 in the stretch from the Taggart Lake trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge.
Jackson is a long drive, so make it a weekend away and return to the Bighorns to unwind.
Oxbow BendWY
~290 mi · ~5.75 hr one way
A quiet bend in the Snake River with Mount Moran reflected in the water on calm mornings. It is a favorite for wildlife watchers and photographers at sunrise. Pull off in the turnout and keep a respectful distance from any animals.
Make it a sunrise stop on a weekend trip to Grand Teton.
Mormon Row (Moulton Barns)WY
~370 mi · ~6 hr one way
Historic homestead barns with the Teton range rising behind them, one of the most photographed scenes in the park. It is an easy pullout and walk, best near sunrise or sunset. Antelope Flats Road and other nearby roads can close seasonally based on conditions.
Fits a Teton weekend, then head home through Togwotee Pass and Cody.
Jackson Town Square & Elk Antler ArchesWY
~385 mi · ~6.25 hr one way
The small park in the heart of Jackson is ringed by the famous elk antler arches, with boardwalks, galleries and restaurants around it. Summer evenings are lively, so give yourself time to wander. Parking is easiest a block or two away.
Jackson is a full day each way, so make it a weekend destination.
National Elk RefugeWY
~385 mi · ~6.25 hr one way
A big stretch of valley land just north of Jackson that winters thousands of elk, with sleigh rides in the cold months and scenic driving the rest of the year. Check hours and seasonal access with the refuge before you go. Bring binoculars.
Add it to a Jackson weekend.
Togwotee PassWY
~325 mi · ~5.25 hr one way
US 287/26 crosses the Continental Divide here at about 9,650 feet, linking Dubois with the Jackson Hole side near Moran Junction. Winter snowfall is heavy and storms can close the road, so check WYDOT before you go. It's the most direct route to Grand Teton from central Wyoming.
The Bighorns-to-Teton route runs through here on a longer loop.
Good to know
How far is Jackson Hole from Sheridan, Wyoming?
Jackson Hole — the south gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone — is about 5.5 to 6 hours from Sheridan via the stunning Wind River Canyon drive. It's world-class and priced like it. Most travelers never learn that Sheridan is the crowd-free, half-the-price side of the same Wyoming mountains.
Where should I stay for a Jackson Hole trip?
Base in Sheridan or the Bighorn foothills with Wyo Stays — a licensed Wyoming brokerage with vacation rentals across Sheridan and Johnson County. Booking direct means no platform booking fee versus Airbnb and VRBO, and every stay includes the concierge map with drive-times from your door.
Make Sheridan the basecamp
Day-trip out, come home to the quiet side of the mountains. Plan the whole day on the concierge map with drive-times from your actual front door.