Jackson Hole, WY → New Orleans, LA

This epic 1,913-mile drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to New Orleans, Louisiana spans nearly the entire width of America's interior, taking you through dramatically shifting landscapes over approximately 32 hours of driving time. You'll primarily follow Interstate 80 east from Jackson Hole, descending from the dramatic Teton Range and crossing the high plains of Wyoming and Nebraska before picking up Interstate 35 south through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. From there, you'll continue on I-35 through central Texas into the piney woods of East Texas, eventually transitioning to I-20 or other routes that carry you toward Louisiana and your final destination in the French Quarter. This route offers an authentic American cross-country experience, combining major highway stretches with glimpses of the varied terrain that defines the nation's midsection.

The terrain progression tells a compelling geographic story as you travel southeast. You'll leave behind the towering peaks and alpine meadows of the Rocky Mountains, descending through the rolling plains of the intermountain West before flattening out into the expansive Great Plains of Nebraska and Kansas. Once you merge onto I-35, the landscape gradually transitions from high prairie grassland through the red dirt regions of Oklahoma, then into the pineywoods and hill country of Texas. By the time you approach New Orleans, the terrain becomes distinctly Southern, with flat, cypress-studded bayou country characteristic of the Mississippi Delta region.

Notable cities and landmarks punctuate this journey, allowing natural stopping points for rest and exploration. You'll pass through Omaha, Nebraska, and the Kansas City area before crossing into Oklahoma City, then continuing through the heart of Texas toward Austin and San Antonio. As you approach Louisiana, you'll skirt the edges of historic areas like Baton Rouge before reaching New Orleans, one of America's most culturally distinctive cities. This drive is most pleasant during spring and fall, when temperatures remain moderate across all regions and visibility is excellent. Summer heat intensifies as you move south, particularly through Texas and Louisiana, while winter can bring hazardous conditions across Wyoming and the high plains, potentially adding hours to your journey.

The 1913-mile drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to New Orleans, Louisiana takes approximately 32h 4m 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
• Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
• Hurricane and tropical storm impacts (June through November)

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 New Orleans

For long drives like this 1913-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 1913 miles from Jackson Hole to New Orleans 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