Looking to take first time trip to Jackson Hole WY in the middle of May.

Reading mixed reviews online about how it's the "mud" season during this time and restaurants/shops etc may be closed still as well as hiking trails due to mud from snow melting.

Looking for any local knowledge or past travelers during this time frame that may be able to clear these issues up. I don't mind a little rain/snow. Just don't want to be stuck inside the whole time.

Thanks for any help!

I went in early June a few years ago. At that time, everything was just beginning to open. May is shoulder season, so there might be low crowds, but you risk not being able to do certain hikes because they are still closed due to snow.

Last week of May is the earliest you should go.

When we were there in October, I asked around about best times to visit and less crowded times to visit for my clients. The overwhelmingly majority said that you can come in May but it will be slushy and muddy. They all said that last week of May is when things start looking better and things start opening up but the crowds start rolling in then also.

That said, if you go in May there will be less crowds and the hikes are really pretty if you can get out there to enjoy.

I would highly recommend going in September if you have the opportunity, specifically last week of September. We enjoyed early October but things were already starting to close like the gondola tram and other hikes. Majority of Yellowstone closes in October also.

Thank y'all for the info!

The opening weekend is the weekend of May 17th. That is the antler auction festivities and other events that kick off the season. I have been there during this time and while there is still snow to deal with, some of the trails were open. This is a good time for bear activity also, While the weather is enjoyable, there will still be lots of trails still closed at this time. I would recommend waiting a few weeks for other areas to open up.

May is mud season in most Alpine areas