The Untold Story of Jackson’s Off-Season: A Secret Season for True Adventurers
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. While summer and winter are undeniably magical, few know the secret: fall in the greater Jackson valley is a season unto itself. Nature begins whispering the change of seasons in subtle but spectacular ways, and those in the know come then — not only for the beauty, but also for the quieter pace and authentic local feel. Imagine the rustling of aspen trees with their vibrant yellow leaves, an up-close encounter with bugling elk, and evenings spent alongside internationally recognized artists during a seasonal fête.
These once-a-year experiences happen after summer winds down and before the snow draws winter enthusiasts. If your schedule allows, a trip to Jackson in the fall delivers a relaxed, authentic, and very different perspective 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 shifts. A new mood emerges — one with less urgency — as the energy of summer gently settles. Among cooling temperatures and open skies, 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, but the pace feels more neighborly as locals take a breath and welcome passersby with warm smiles.
This is the perfect time to explore Jackson’s vibrant cultural scene. If your visit lands around Labor Day, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce will be in the midst of hosting its Fall Arts Festival. With more than 50 events spread over 12 days, visitors can experience visual, performing, and culinary exhibits from both 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, this internationally recognized festival has earned Jackson the title of “Western Art Capital of the World.” During the event, you can join gallery walks to meet artists, enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres, listen to presentations, and connect with friends new and old. Or attend “Arts on the Green,” where jewelry, ceramics, photography, and sculptures are displayed alongside live music. The highlight is the Quickdraw Auction, where artists have just 90 minutes to create a masterpiece for live bidding.
“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
By October, Jackson takes on a “tucking in” of nature’s bounty. Potato cellars are full, and the valley glows with hues of yellow, orange, and pink. The Clear Creek Group’s villa rental consultant, Kathryn Covington, recommends Oatgrass Escape, 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 quiets beautifully 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 base for one of fall’s most remarkable natural spectacles, which 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.”
Hiring a guide enhances the experience, Thompson adds: “We’ve got world-class binoculars and spotting scopes that make it feel like you are right next to the animals. Our custom vehicles allow for safe and intimate viewing. A trained guide not only helps you see more but also ensures you experience this ecosystem with a deeper sense of connection.”
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 wildlife appears in ways distinct from both summer and winter. While the resorts haven’t yet opened and some businesses pause before ski season, there’s still plenty to enjoy in this uniquely transitional month.
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 less busy 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 Season of Discovery
A visit to Jackson in the fall unveils a side of the valley that many travelers never see, offering experiences that embody the soul of this remarkable region. Like glimpsing a nocturnal animal rarely seen by day, fall invites you to witness Jackson on its own quieter terms. It’s a season that rewards those who venture here when others do not — and leaves them with memories that last a lifetime.
Let Us Plan Your
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.
All In A Winter’s Week (A Five-Day Jackson Hole Winter Itinerary)