Though the off season has changed quite a bit in Jackson Hole, especially in the last decade, there is still one! This is something to be aware of when visiting near the beginning of October till the winter season starts at the beginning of December. Things start slowly shutting down, like the Jenny Lake Shuttle on September 30 and the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on October 4. It’s also important to note that Yellowstone National Park and the Inner Park Road at Grand Teton National Park close November 1.
There is no need to worry about finding activities around this area during shoulder season! This is a great time for wildlife viewing, low-elevation hiking, scenic drives and photography. Fall is a great time to view wildlife due to wildlife heading to the winter grounds, animals bulking up for the long winter, and mating season for other animals like moose, elk and pronghorn. Not all wildlife is viewable with the bare eye, so it’s definitely worth having binoculars and even a spotting scope for those further away.
Off season is one of my favorite times to go hiking in Wyoming. Cool weather and beautiful fall scenery are everywhere. It’s definitely important to hike in layers this time of year, and still very important to carry bear spray. Some great low-elevation hikes in Grand Teton National Park would be Taggart and Bradley Lake Loop or Hermitage Point. If you are not too keen on hiking, driving around the parks and taking in the breathtaking views is a great way to see and enjoy the area. If you are looking for some more relaxing activities, Astoria Hot Springs and the National Museum of Wildlife Art are open during the off season.
