Phoenix, AZ → Jackson Hole, WY

Your journey from Phoenix to Jackson Hole takes you on a sweeping northbound adventure that climbs nearly 7,000 feet in elevation and traverses some of the American West's most dramatic terrain. You'll primarily follow Interstate 17 north out of the Phoenix metropolitan area, then connect to US Highway 89 as you head toward Flagstaff, Arizona—a transition that marks your initial ascent into higher elevations. From Flagstaff, you'll continue on US 89 through some of the Southwest's most iconic landscapes before eventually merging onto US 191 and finally US 26/287 as you approach the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. This routing, totaling roughly 906 miles over approximately 15 hours of driving time, provides a logical progression through distinct geographic zones rather than forcing you to backtrack.

The landscape transformation along this route is nothing short of spectacular. You'll begin in the low-elevation Sonoran Desert surrounding Phoenix, gradually ascending through Arizona's ponderosa pine forests around Flagstaff before crossing into the Colorado Plateau's high-desert country. As you continue north through Utah and into Wyoming, you'll witness an increasingly dramatic mountain backdrop, with the Wasatch Range and eventually the Teton Mountains commanding your attention. The stretch through northern Utah and into Wyoming introduces you to some genuinely remote backcountry, where small communities like Panguitch, Utah, and Rock Springs, Wyoming, serve as helpful resupply points along otherwise isolated stretches.

This drive presents some important practical considerations worth noting before you depart. The elevation gain is substantial—you'll climb from roughly 1,100 feet in Phoenix to over 6,800 feet in Jackson Hole—which affects both vehicle performance and driving dynamics. While the route primarily follows well-maintained highways, several sections traverse rural terrain where services can be sparse, particularly through central Utah and the high desert of Wyoming. Spring and early fall offer the most pleasant driving conditions, with mild temperatures and clear visibility; however, winter travel to Jackson Hole requires caution due to mountain snow and potentially challenging passes. Summer sees the heaviest tourist traffic, especially as you near Jackson Hole, so consider traveling during shoulder seasons for a more relaxed journey.

The 906-mile drive from Phoenix, Arizona to Jackson Hole, Wyoming takes approximately 15h 11m 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
• Extreme heat and dust storms in desert regions
• Flash floods during monsoon season (July through September)

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 Phoenix to Jackson Hole

For long drives like this 906-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 906 miles from Phoenix 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