Is Alpine Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Welcome to Alpine, Wyoming!

This little town sits right at the western edge of the Cowboy State, where the Snake, Greys, and Salt Rivers come together to create a unique natural setting.

Alpine sits about 45 minutes south of Jackson Hole and roughly an hour from Idaho Falls, making it a quiet, scenic spot that’s still connected to bigger hubs.

Alpine has a cool history—it started as a small ranching community and has grown into a destination for outdoor lovers.

The town’s location is key at the junction of US-89 and US-26, so getting here is straightforward, whether you’re coming to explore Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, or just want a mountain getaway.

Public lands are everywhere around here.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest stretches out behind us, with miles of trails for hiking, snowmobiling, and camping.

The Snake River is famous for its whitewater rafting, and you’ll see rafts heading out all summer long.

The first vacation I took with my dad was a trip to Idaho and Wyoming, where we rode the river for 10 miles.

Since the snowpack was thick that year, the rapids were intense.

The heavy snowfall (100+ inches) is a big part of the town’s charm, especially for snowmobilers and winter sports enthusiasts between October and May.

Alpine is also at the entrance to Star Valley, a collection of small towns that ooze with adventure and history while offering more cultural options and indoor activities if you ever need a break from the great outdoors.

Plus, you’re just a short drive to Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park.

Warnings & Dangers in Alpine

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Alpine has a low risk, but it's also not a place for "indoor" people. The appeal of Alpine is the unlimited outdoor recreation options in one of the best regions of the U.S. Safety is largely dependent on how prepared you are.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Mountain State Express runs between Jackson and Salt Lake City, with a stop in Alpine. START bus service in Jackson covers connecting communities, including Alpine, but check the schedule to see if it meets your needs. While taxis and rideshares will be available, having a rental car is ideal.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, but use extra caution when you're in large crowds. Secure your stuff, especially using waterproof bags for wallets and mobile devices while rafting. Don't leave personal items in plain sight in vehicles. Bring only what you need and leave valuables at home.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Alpine's location in the Rocky Mountains means a low risk for tornadoes and hurricanes. However, it faces potential risks from wildfires in dry seasons and earthquakes due to nearby fault lines. Heavy snow can occasionally lead to avalanches in the surrounding mountainous terrain, particularly in remote areas. You definitely want to treat this as a medium risk and stay weather-aware throughout each day of your trip.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The risk of a robbery is low here, and you should be more worried about wildlife trying to go after what's in your bag (you did put that snack in a bear-proof container, right?).

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Alpine, a small mountain town, has an extremely low terrorism risk. Its remote location and limited infrastructure make it an unlikely target. Travelers generally find it a peaceful and secure destination, far removed from urban security concerns.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. Use vendors that are partnered with the Forest Service or National Park Service and look for a quality value, not the cheapest price.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Alpine is considered very safe for women travelers. The small, close-knit community and low crime rate contribute to a sense of security. While outdoor adventures are popular, it’s wise to take standard precautions, like notifying someone about solo hikes and being prepared for wilderness conditions.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report in Alpine punctuates the low risk with full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Alpine

Start with the city of Alpine website and look for the tourism section to find links with important and helpful information.

To learn more about Star Valley, you can use the Afton Wyoming website.

VisitJacksonHole.com will cover the Jackson, Wyoming, region nearby.

Then, consider the Forest Service or National Park Service individual websites for each specific attraction or option.

Alpine isn’t the town you visit to get a wealth of museums and culture; it’s where you go for epic outdoor adventures.

While there are restaurants and hotels in town, you can also explore RV resorts and ranches in the surrounding mountains and valleys.

To the east of Alpine, you can follow Highway 26 along the Snake River.

Choose a rafting trip or a scenic drive to make the most of the experience.

Another must-see is the Greys River Road, a gravel route that winds through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, offering stunning vistas and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Ask locally for directions to the elk feeding ground, where Wyoming Fish & Game feeds up to a thousand elk between December and April.

To the west is Palisades Reservoir, which covers 25 square miles and offers 70 miles of shoreline. This is a popular fishing spot.

Bridger-Teton National Forest surrounds Alpine, covering 3.4 million acres.

Look for the Greys River and Jackson districts for the closest recreation areas to Alpine.

On the other side of the Idaho reservoir, you’ll be in Caribou National Forest.

Pretty much any outdoor activity you can think of is available here, as it is seasonally available.

There are places for winter skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or hiking.

Warm weather means hiking, rafting, backpacking, camping, jet skiing and swimming.

The best time to visit Alpine is in late June during Alpine Mountain Days.

Places to Avoid in Alpine

You don’t need to worry about dangerous neighborhoods or bad parts of town in Alpine.

One of the most misunderstood parts about Wyoming, especially in the higher elevations, is when the seasons begin and end.

You can’t really follow the calendar.

Snow can fall starting in October in the town, but in September at higher elevations.

The snow risk runs through early May.

However, that also makes April through June the best time for rafting, since melting snowpack leads to incredible wildlife rafting.

This time of year is considered spring, while July and August are about as much “summer” as you’ll get in western Wyoming.

In the heart of winter, the roads around Alpine might be closed temporarily due to blizzards or ice storms.

Heavy snowpack will take time to clear as well.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Alpine

So... How Safe Is Alpine Really?

Law enforcement in Alpine comes from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, which goes south past Kemmerer and east to La Barge.

The county has 20,000 residents, 1,200 of whom are Alpine residents.

It’s also important to know that crime rates don’t take into account the millions of people who visit this region each year.

The crime rates in Lincoln County are low, even before a single visitor arrives.

In 2023, just 14 violent crimes were reported.

Over the past five years, just 8% of violent crime victims were known to their assailants, further lowering the risk for visitors.

Even theft rates are low, with less than one per week happening on average over the past five years.

Most thefts are in the “Other” category, which means it’s not issues like car break-ins or pickpockets.

Safety risks in Alpine largely depend on visitors’ activities and preparedness.

Visitors face hazards like avalanches, wildlife encounters, or hypothermia if unprepared for mountain conditions.

Urban visitors unaccustomed to remote areas might find limited emergency services challenging.

Awareness, experience, and proper equipment are key to minimizing these risks.

If you’re prepared for the wilderness, the weather, and wildlife, you’re going to love everything about Alpine and the Star Valley.

How Does Alpine Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app to help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Alpine experiences cold winters and mild summers. Snowfall averages around 106 inches annually. Summer highs typically reach the 70s°F, while winter lows can dip below zero. Spring and fall are cool, with occasional precipitation contributing to its lush mountain landscapes.

Airports

The nearest commercial airport to Alpine, Wyoming, is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), about 45 miles away. Located in Grand Teton National Park, it offers flights to major hubs like Denver and Salt Lake City. Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), about 85 miles away, is another option with more connections.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Alpine Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wyoming - Safety by City