The Untold Story of Jackson’s Off-Season: A Secret Season for True Explorers
Many visitors come to Jackson to experience world-class skiing that rivals European destinations, or to tour our beloved national parks when the weather is warm. But those in the know prefer to avoid the crowds altogether and take advantage of the subtle nuances of Jackson in the fall. Enjoy the beauty of rustling aspen trees, with their vibrant yellow leaves; embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that includes an up-close encounter with bugling elk, and rub shoulders with internationally recognized artists during a seasonal fête.
These bucket list experiences only happen once the kids are back in school and the RV caravans relocate to warmer pastures. If you can swing it, a trip to Jackson in the fall delivers a more relaxed and personalized experience than a prime-time visit ever could.
September: The Summer Wind-Down and Fall Arts
As August gives way to September, the vibe in Jackson feels distinctly different. A new mood emerges — one with much less urgency — as the hustle and bustle of summer gently trickles. Among cooling temperatures and waning crowds, you’ll see ranchers making their final hay cut, while kids of all ages ride their e‑bikes to and from school (on paved bike paths that traverse 56 miles of the valley floor). Coffee shops, like Persephone Bakery, may still have morning lines out the door, but the traffic has slowed as the locals breathe a huge sigh of relief and welcome passersby with warm smiles.
This is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the vibrant culture the town of Jackson has to offer (when you can actually find a parking spot). And if your visit lands somewhere around Labor Day, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce will be smack dab in the middle of hosting its Fall Arts Fest. With more than 50 events spread over 12 days, visitors can experience visual, performing, and culinary exhibits from local and international artists.
“For five straight years, Jackson Hole has been recognized by the National Center for Arts Research as the number one small community in the organization’s ‘Top 40 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities,’” says John Morgan, Vice President of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.
Started in 1983 as a way to extend the tourist season past Labor Day, this internationally recognized event anchors Jackson Hole as the “Western Art Capital of the World.” During the festival, you can participate in gallery walks, attend “Arts on the Green,” where you can browse and purchase jewelry, ceramics, photography, and sculptures, while enjoying live music, and attend the Quickdraw Auction, where artists have 90 minutes to complete a masterpiece for auction.
“There is no question that the highlight of the Fall Arts Festival is the Quickdraw Auction,” says Morgan. “On the final Saturday morning of the festival, 30 artists are hand-selected to participate in this dynamic event that entertains visitors and provides an opportunity for collectors to bid on one-of-a-kind artwork.”
He explains the artists have 90 minutes to create their work in front of a live audience, and then, with paint still wet, the pieces are auctioned off to a crowd of over 300 collectors.
“It’s a sight to behold, and an event with all the vibrant energy of the Fall Arts Festival on display,” says Morgan.
October: Ungulate Breeding and Peak Foliage
Once October comes, Jackson’s attitude shifts to a “tucking in” of nature’s excess. Potato cellars are now full, and the leaves are on full display, exhibiting hues of yellow, orange, and pink. The Clear Creek Group’s villa rental consultant, Kathryn Covington, recommends nesting in Oatgrass Escape, a property located near the southern boundary of Grand Teton National Park.
This home offers sweeping views of the Tetons and the area’s fall foliage,” says Covington. “The outdoor fire pit makes for cozy days in a neighborhood that falls quiet during the autumn months. It also offers easy access to nearby bike and walking paths, and is only a short drive to Grand Teton National Park.”
Oatgrass Escape makes the perfect launch pad for a remarkable presentation by nature, one that Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures can arrange.
“During early October, the elk run is at its highest, and we have a huge resident population — people come from all over the world to hear them bugling,” explains Tenley Thompson, wildlife biologist and general manager for Eco Tour Adventures.
This is also the time ungulates, including elk, pronghorn antelope, and moose, participate in their hormone-driven rut, an annual ritual where males shed their velvet, gather up groups of females, and fight other males for breeding rights.
Thompson explains that visitors can book a half-day (dawn or dusk) trip to observe this time-honored elk ritual in Grand Teton National Park.
“I love to take my group off the beaten path,” says Thompson, “I like it when it’s just us and the animals. It’s a surreal experience — with the mist coming off the creek, and the elk giving this crazy call all around you as you’re just watching them move through the sagebrush.”
Thompson explains the importance of hiring a guide for maximum wildlife viewing.
“A guide is most familiar with what’s going on on the ground, so that you’re not just driving around [by yourself]; you’re moving with intention,” says Thompson. “We’ve got the world’s best binoculars and spotting scopes that make it feel like you are next to [the animals]. Plus, our custom vehicles allow you to have intimate experiences when it’s not safe to get out of the van. Going with a trained guide will keep you safe and help you explore this ecosystem in a new way.”
November: Fall Dining and the Excitement of Winter
Jackson in November is truly a treat. It’s the one month out of the year when the pure fabric of this community shows itself. The leaves have fallen, a dusting of snow blankets the towering peaks, and the traffic is mostly locals moving to and from their daily to-dos. The resorts have yet to open for the winter, and a few businesses remain closed, but there’s a buzz in the air, as an adventurous season is just on the horizon.
In November, Covington suggests a stay at the Mountain View, complete with sleeping accommodations for 12 guests. This unique log home features hand-selected logs containing lightning strikes, knots, scars, and burls. A cozy and expansive retreat with cathedral ceilings, this property has balconies that lend themselves to a sunny afternoon of panoramic Snake River and Teton views.
“This home is also ideal for fall wildlife viewing, with its large yard and hot tub,” says Covington. “It is one of my favorites for the season due to the large windows that take over the house. It is secluded, yet convenient enough to access any activities you wish to experience.”
Even though the streets are somewhat vacant in November, the insiders-only dining scene is robust. Take advantage of the Jackson Hole Fine Dining Group’s 2‑for‑2 deals, which allow customers to purchase one entrée at full price, and then get another for only $2. This offer spans the shoulder season from late October to early November and includes the following restaurants: The Bistro, The Kitchen, Bin22, Roadhouse Pub & Eatery, Osteria, Code Red Café, and Melvin Taproom & Brewery (in Alpine, Wyoming). The profits from the discounted entrée are donated to a featured local non-profit each week. So, by treating yourself to a chef-curated meal, you’ll also be giving back to our community.
A visit to Jackson in the fall unveils many of the local secrets unavailable to summertime travelers, lending an experience that embodies the soul of this region. It’s a little like viewing nocturnal animals as they emerge from their dens. You’ll never quite have the same experience during the daytime (on-season) as you will at night (off-season), and it takes venturing there when others don’t to share in this specialness.
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Perfect Trip
There is so much to do in Jackson Hole. Rush downriver in a kayak. Ride horseback through a sea of golden grass. Cast a line into water clear as the sky, while the fish flash by like stars. There’s hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and of course, skiing. The Clear Creek Group affiliates with the best service providers in the area, people as passionate as we are about providing great experiences. We can arrange anything imaginable, from backcountry pack trips and heli-skiing to the selection of a personal chef.