Destination: Jackson Hole

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Grand Teton National Park by flying into Jackson – or other airports close by.

Pia Bergqvist

Tuesday, May 09, 2023 at 10:55 AM ET

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Runway 19 at Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC). [Credit: Glenn Watson]

Key Takeaways:

Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC) has undergone significant modernization, becoming primarily focused on commercial and business jet traffic, which has largely led to the displacement of general aviation (GA) aircraft.
Pilots flying into KJAC face unique operational challenges due to its high elevation, mountainous terrain within Grand Teton National Park, and variable weather conditions, necessitating thorough preflight planning and adherence to specific procedures.
The Jackson Hole area offers world-class outdoor recreation year-round, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and fly fishing, making it a premier destination despite airport access changes.
Several nearby airports, such as Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (KDIJ), provide more GA-friendly alternatives for pilots wishing to visit the Grand Teton National Park region.

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There have been times in my life when foreshadowing preceded notable events. A flight to Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC) in 2004 was one of those times. I’m a lover of the outdoors, whether I’m skiing, hiking, biking, or climbing, so Grand Teton National Park has long been on my bucket list. I decided to take a detour to visit the famous resort on my way back from EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh to Los Angeles in a Cessna 182.

A recent major airport renovation focused mostly on jet traffic and pushed many light GA aircraft out. [Credit: Glenn Watson]

I departed Fond du Lac, Wisconsin (KFLD), in the early morning, taking a quick break in Huron, South Dakota (KHON), for lunch. There were some scattered clouds over the Great Plains, so I chose to fly IFR and shoot the ILS to Runway 12. However, I was able to depart KHON VFR and stay clear of the localized thunderstorms to the west. The total flight time was nearly eight hours, so I was thankful for the extended daylight of summer.