and you’ve already hit the big in-town highlights, you might be wondering, “What else is there to do nearby?”
The good news: Jackson is surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in the West. And with just a short drive, you can cross into neighboring counties in Wyoming, Idaho, and even Montana for completely different adventures.
Below are
from Jackson that give you fresh views, fewer crowds, and plenty of reasons to keep exploring.
1. Soak in Hot Springs & Hike Around Alpine – Lincoln County, WY
Head south on Highway 89 along the Snake River and in about an hour you’ll roll into the Alpine area in
Lincoln County, Wyoming. The drive alone is worth it, with steep canyon walls and river views the whole way.
Once you’re there, you can:
- Soak in nearby hot springs (several rustic options in the region).
- Hike around Palisades Reservoir with easy shoreline walks and picnic spots.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard when water levels are good.
- Watch for bald eagles and osprey along the river.
If Jackson feels busy, Alpine has a slower, small-town feel. Grab a burger at a local bar and watch the boats on the water. It’s a simple, laid-back day trip that feels like a mini lake vacation just down the road.
2. Experience Western Charm in Afton & the Star Valley – Lincoln County, WY
Keep heading further into
Lincoln County to reach Afton and the broader
Star Valley area, about 1.5–2 hours from Jackson depending on stops.
Here you’ll find:
- The famous World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch stretching across Main Street in Afton.
- Pretty country roads with dairy farms and wide-open valley views.
- Access to the Intermittent Spring (seasonal), where water flows on and off in a strange natural rhythm.
This is a great side trip if you’re curious about everyday Wyoming life beyond the tourist centers. It’s also a nice, mellow drive if you just want to roll down the windows and cruise.
3. Ride the Aerial Tram & Explore Teton Valley – Teton County, ID
Hop over Teton Pass into
Teton County, Idaho, and you’ll discover a whole different side of the Tetons. The towns of Victor and Driggs are about 45 minutes to an hour from Jackson, depending on traffic over the pass.
Once you’re there, you can:
- Ride the Grand Targhee Resort chairlift (near Driggs) in summer for big mountain views.
- Try mountain biking or simple nature walks on the resort trails.
- Enjoy local breweries, coffee shops, and small bakeries in Victor and Driggs.
Think of Teton Valley as the Tetons’ laid-back back porch. Same mountains, different angle, fewer people.
4. Fish, Float, and Relax Near Ashton – Fremont County, ID
Travel northwest from Jackson into
Fremont County, Idaho, and you’ll reach the peaceful area around
Ashton. This region is well-loved by anglers and folks who just want a slow day on the water.
Popular things to do:
- Fly-fishing on nearby stretches of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.
- Scenic floats or rafting on gentler sections of the river.
- Strolling around small-town Ashton and grabbing a milkshake or local ice cream.
If you enjoy quiet drives, wide fields, and riverbanks where you can hear only the water, this is your kind of road trip.
5. Chase Waterfalls Near Island Park – Fremont County, ID
Also in
Fremont County, ID, the
Island Park area feels like a long forested corridor, with cabins tucked into the trees and easy access to some amazing waterfalls.
Highlights include:
- Upper Mesa Falls and Lower Mesa Falls – powerful cascades with maintained viewpoints and short walks.
- Scenic forest drives where you might spot moose or deer.
- Stopping at lodges or cafes that feel like classic mountain outposts.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel tiny next to a roaring waterfall, this is the spot. The sound of the falls alone makes the trip worth it.
6. Spend a Day in Yellowstone from the South or East – Fremont & Park Counties, WY
You don’t have to stay in Teton County to enjoy
Yellowstone National Park. Parts of Yellowstone lie in both
Fremont County, Wyoming and
Park County, Wyoming.
From Jackson, you can:
- Head north toward the South Entrance and continue deeper into the park.
- Or loop around and come in from the Cody side in Park County for a different feel.
Once you’re inside the park (beyond Teton County), explore:
- Boardwalks through geyser basins with steaming pools and bubbling mud.
- Viewpoints over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its big, thundering falls.
- Wildlife-rich valleys where bison roam and you may (with luck) spot bears or wolves.
Just be sure to check road conditions and carry extra snacks and water. Distances in Yellowstone are longer than they look on the map.
7. Cowboy Culture & Scenic Drives Around Cody – Park County, WY
A longer but very rewarding day (or overnight) trip leads you to
Cody in
Park County, Wyoming. Depending on your route, expect roughly 3–4 hours each way, so this one’s best if you don’t mind some windshield time.
In and around Cody you can:
- Explore downtown with its Western storefronts and local shops.
- Check out rodeo culture in season and learn how deeply rodeo is woven into life here.
- Drive scenic byways that cut through layered rock canyons and wide sagebrush country.
The landscape here feels drier and more rugged than the Jackson area. It’s a nice contrast if you’ve mostly been in the forests and mountains.
8. Get Off the Grid in the Wyoming Range – Sublette County, WY
Drive southeast from Jackson and soon you’ll slip into
Sublette County, Wyoming, gateway to the
Wyoming Range. This area is all about big skies, dirt roads, and quiet.
What to do:
- Explore forest service roads (when open) that lead to trailheads and overlooks.
- Hike gentle trails through meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer.
- Post up at a campsite or picnic spot and just listen to the wind.
This is the kind of place where you’ll lose cell service and gain peace of mind. If Jackson feels fast-paced, this corner of Sublette County slows everything down.
9. Fish and Wander Around Pinedale – Sublette County, WY
Also in
Sublette County, the town of
Pinedale makes a relaxed base for lakes and mountain views. It’s usually about a 1.5–2 hour drive from Jackson, mostly on open highway.
Around Pinedale you’ll find:
- Access to lakes and reservoirs that are popular for fishing and boating.
- Views of the Wind River Range rising sharply in the distance.
- Trailheads leading into high country if you’re up for a hike.
Pinedale has a “frontier town” vibe and fewer crowds than more famous mountain spots. It’s a good choice if you want a low-key day with easy access to water and wide horizons.
10. Cross Into Montana: Big Sky & Backroads – Gallatin County, MT
If you’re up for crossing state lines,
Gallatin County, Montana offers a different mountain flavor. The
Big Sky area sits north of Yellowstone and makes for a dramatic day trip, especially in summer and early fall.
In Gallatin County you can:
- Explore the resort village at Big Sky with restaurants, shops, and summer lift rides.
- Take short hikes along mountain streams and pine forests.
- Drive along the Gallatin River, famous for fly-fishing and its appearance in classic films.
The scenery feels familiar—forested mountains and clear rivers—but the vibe is distinct from Jackson. It’s like visiting a cousin of the Tetons, with its own personality.
Tips for Planning Road Trips from Jackson
To make the most of these out-of-county adventures near Jackson, Wyoming, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check the season: Mountain passes, dirt roads, and some trails may be closed by snow, often from late fall through spring.
- Fuel up early: In many of these counties, gas stations can be far apart. Top off in Jackson or at major towns along the way.
- Pack layers: Weather changes fast. A sunny 70-degree afternoon can turn into a chilly evening in a hurry.
- Bring snacks and water: Don’t count on always finding a store or café right when you’re hungry.
- Respect wildlife: Keep safe distances, obey local rules, and never feed animals, even if they seem friendly.
Think of Jackson as your hub and these neighboring counties as spokes on a wheel. Each one offers a slightly different slice of the Rockies.
Ready to Hit the Road from Jackson?
From
Lincoln County’s quiet lakes to
Fremont County’s roaring waterfalls, from
Sublette County’s wide-open ranges to
Gallatin County’s Montana peaks, there’s a lot to explore just a short drive from Jackson, Wyoming.
Have you taken any of these road trips?
Do you have a favorite small town or hidden spot outside Teton County?
Share your stories and tips in the comments—I’d love to hear where you went and what you discovered.
And if you know someone planning a trip to Jackson,
send them this guide so they can find new things to do beyond the usual spots. Sharing is the best way to help fellow travelers make the most of their time in the Tetons and beyond.
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