Nobody wants to read this page, but every parent and grandparent should, and it only takes five minutes.
I. Emergency and Urgent Care
The hospital is St. John's Health, at 625 East Broadway in Jackson. The emergency department is open around the clock, and Wyoming designates it an Area Trauma Hospital, the second-highest of the state's four levels. For anything life-threatening, call 911.
For sprains, stitches, ear infections, and strep, go to St. John's Urgent Care in Smith's Plaza (1415 South Highway 89). It's open year-round for walk-ins, and the number is (307) 739-8999.
The clinic at Teton Village (Cody House, 3345 Cody Lane) has changed hands. St. John's no longer runs it, and the resort chose an independent operator who plans to offer urgent and emergency care, including outside ski season. Call ahead to confirm the hours before you count on it.
II. When Care Leaves the Valley
If a patient needs more than St. John's can handle, they're usually transferred to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, a Level II trauma center with the region's burn unit and pediatric ICU, or to University of Utah Health (Level I) in Salt Lake City. The weather and which aircraft are free decide whether that's a helicopter, a plane, or an ambulance.
Air ambulances are private companies and bill on their own. Check your health plan and any air-medical membership before the trip, not after.
III. Altitude, Honestly
Town sits at 6,237 feet, and the top of the tram is at 10,450. Most healthy visitors feel normal on the valley floor within a day or two. The people who struggle usually have sleep apnea, a heart or lung condition, or high blood pressure, or they flew in that morning and rode straight to the summit. Jackson Hole Traveler and Visit Jackson Hole both have good primers.
Keep day one low and easy, especially for grandparents. Drink water steadily, and go light on alcohol the first night. Altitude sickness feels a lot like a hangover: headache, nausea, tiredness, and getting winded on the stairs. Resting and heading lower usually fixes it. If it gets worse or doesn't improve, get seen.
Little kids may never say "headache." Watch for crankiness, pale skin, and not wanting to eat. And because most of the Yellowstone plateau sits higher than Jackson, if someone is struggling here, skip the Yellowstone day.
IV. Wildlife and Bear Spray
You can't fly with bear spray, in a checked bag or a carry-on. Bear Aware rents it at a kiosk near carousel 3 in JAC baggage claim from mid-May to mid-October, plus in town and at Teton Village. Rentals start around $16, and you can drop the can off at return boxes around the region, including inside Yellowstone. Each adult should carry their own.
In the parks, stay 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from everything else. That includes the moose standing by the side of the road, no matter how calm he looks.
Planning the Yellowstone day? Read the altitude note in our Yellowstone day trip guide first.
Care questions
Where is the hospital in Jackson Hole?
St. John's Health, 625 East Broadway, Jackson. The emergency department is open 24/7.
Is there urgent care in Jackson?
Yes. St. John's Urgent Care at Smith's Plaza, 1415 South Highway 89, takes walk-ins year-round. The number is (307) 739-8999.
Where are serious injuries sent from Jackson Hole?
Usually to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls or University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, by air or ground depending on the weather.
Can you fly with bear spray to Jackson Hole?
No. Bear spray is not allowed in checked or carry-on bags. Rent it at the JAC baggage claim kiosk from mid-May to mid-October, in town, or at Teton Village.
Happy Travels!
This article is part of the Jackson Hole family travel guide. Start there for villas, planning, and every related guide in this destination.