Memphis, TN → Jackson Hole, WY

The 1,616-mile drive from Memphis to Jackson Hole takes you on a compelling westward journey that showcases the dramatic transformation of America's landscape. You'll primarily follow Interstate 40 northwest out of Memphis through Tennessee and Arkansas, then transition to I-44 through Missouri and briefly into Oklahoma before picking up US-412 and eventually joining I-25 north through Colorado. From Denver, you'll continue north on I-25 before heading northwest on US-287 into Wyoming, finally arriving at Jackson Hole via US-26 and WY-390. This route, consuming roughly 27 hours of driving time, is best broken into two or three comfortable days to fully appreciate the changing terrain and avoid fatigue-related driving hazards.

As you travel westward, you'll witness a remarkable geographic progression that defines this route's appeal. Leaving Memphis's Mississippi River plains, you'll climb gradually through the Ozark Plateau region of Missouri and Arkansas, where rolling hills and forests dominate the landscape. Once you push into Colorado via I-25, the terrain becomes notably more dramatic as you approach the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, with Denver serving as your gateway to higher elevations. The final push northwest toward Jackson Hole takes you through increasingly mountainous terrain, with elevation gains becoming more pronounced as you near your destination at roughly 6,300 feet in Jackson itself.

Your route passes through several notable cities that offer convenient rest stops and cultural interest, including little Rock, Arkansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Denver, Colorado; and Fort Collins, Colorado. Between these urban stretches, you'll experience long rural sections, particularly across the Oklahoma panhandle and eastern Colorado, where straight highways cut through sparse, high-desert landscapes. The elevation gain is gradual initially but becomes significant once you're in Colorado and Wyoming, so watch your vehicle's performance and account for the thinner air.

This drive is most enjoyable from late spring through early fall, when mountain passes remain clear and weather is predictable. Winter driving from November through March can present serious challenges, particularly on the Wyoming and Colorado mountain sections, where snow accumulation and icy conditions frequently occur. Fall offers particularly stunning scenery, with aspens turning gold throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

The 1616-mile drive from Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson Hole, Wyoming 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 Memphis to Jackson Hole

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 Memphis to Jackson Hole 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