Jackson Hole, WY → Memphis, TN

Your 1,616-mile journey from Jackson Hole to Memphis will take you through some of the most dramatically varied landscapes in North America, following a combination of highways that will transform the scenery before your eyes. Starting from the Grand Teton Valley at over 6,000 feet elevation, you'll head southeast on US-26 and US-287 before connecting to I-80, descending gradually across Wyoming's high plains and into Nebraska's rolling prairie country. As you continue southeast through Iowa on US-35 and into Illinois via I-72, the landscape flattens considerably, giving way to vast agricultural zones and the gentle curves of the Mississippi River Valley. Your final approach into Tennessee follows I-24 east and then I-40 west into Memphis, a route that winds through the scenic Tennessee hills before depositing you in the blues capital nestled along the mighty Mississippi River.

The elevation changes on this route are significant and worth noting for your driving comfort and safety. You'll begin in the high country of Wyoming and spend the first several hours descending nearly 6,000 feet as you leave the Rockies behind, then settle into the relatively flat terrain of the Great Plains for the majority of your middle miles. This means the first day of driving involves more demanding terrain and steeper grades, particularly if you're towing anything or driving a vehicle sensitive to altitude changes. By contrast, once you're through Nebraska and into Iowa, the driving becomes more rhythmic and less taxing on your vehicle, though the monotony of endless cornfields may test your mental stamina during long stretches.

You'll pass through or near several compelling cities that offer natural stopping points for fuel, food, and rest. Laramie, Wyoming sits near the halfway point of your mountain descent, while the Iowa-Illinois border brings you close to charming river towns along the Mississippi. As you approach Memphis on I-40, you'll witness the landscape transform once more into the forested hills of Tennessee, a welcome visual shift after hours of prairie driving. Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant conditions for this drive, as winter storms can make the Wyoming and Nebraska portions treacherous, while summer heat in the lower Mississippi Valley can be intense and occasionally interrupt travel due to severe weather.

The 1616-mile drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Memphis, Tennessee takes approximately 27h 5m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.

Common Weather Hazards on This Route

• Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
• Black ice on mountain passes and bridges

Seasonal Driving Considerations

Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.

Best Time to Drive Jackson Hole to Memphis

For long drives like this 1616-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.

Driving Strategy

Covering 1616 miles from Jackson Hole to Memphis is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.

Frequently Asked Questions