This all inclusive summer itinerary offers only the best of Jackson Hole. Spend a day in Grand Teton National Park, a day on the river, horseback riding through nearby National Forest, a day over the hill in Teton Valley, and much much more.
Pricing Key: $ ($1 to $25) | $$ ($25-$50) | $$$ ($50-$100) | $$$$ (over $100)
Before you Arrive: Plan Ahead
Summer in Jackson, Wyoming is busy season. Make sure to book your lodging reservations early. Find hotels, resorts, cabins, B&B's, and campgrounds here: https://www.jacksonholenet.com/lodging/. While many activities can be scheduled once you arrive in Jackson, it is always a good idea to book ahead for outings like Rafting, Chuckwagon Dinners, Fishing Guides or other Guided Trips, and Wildlife Tours.
Day 1: Arrive in Jackson WY
Scenic Chairlift Ride at Snow King
Ride a double chairlift to the top of Snow King Mountain, right in downtown Jackson Wyoming, for great views overlooking the town, the National Elk Refuge, and the Tetons. You can ride the lift back down or walk back down along a trail.
Cost: $
Located at the base of Snow King Mountain on the corner of Snow King and Cache
No reservations necessary
(307)734-3194
Pop into the Jackson Hole History Museum
This small museum is a great place to spend 30 minutes to an hour exploring. Check out the giant stuffed bison, a handful of Western movies that were filmed in the area, and learn about unique characters that formed the community. There is a little store on site as well.
Cost: $
Located in downtown Jackson on the corner of Deloney and Glenwood
No reservations necessary
(307)733-9605
Stroll around Town Square
Discover a number of boutiques, T-Shirt shops, galleries, and restaurants. Stop under the antler arches and take your picture. Don't miss the Town Square Shoot-Out at 6pm every evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Free
Town Square is obvious, on the corner of Broadway and Cache
Dinner Idea
Saddle up to the bar at the famous Cowboy Bar. Enjoy a hefty burger at the bar at Local, right on town square.
Day 2: Grand Teton National Park
Get a Bird's Eye View
Start the day off with a Hot Air Balloon Ride above Jackson Hole, a peaceful and beautiful way to see the valley. Want something more exciting? Head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for a Tandem Paragliding Ride, truly a thrill of a lifetime. Want something a little less expensive? Take a Tram Ride up to the top of Rendezvous Peak (10,919 feet) in Teton Village.
Balloon Rides/Tandem Paragliding: $$$$, Local Balloon Ride and Tandem Flight Businesses
Tram Rides: Cost: $, located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village, no reservations necessary, 307-733-2292
Into the Park
Drive the Moose-Wilson Road up to the Park Entrance. This road connects Teton Village (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort) on the west side of the valley to Moose, Wyoming (the southern entrance of Grand Teton National Park). This road is partially graveled, but is a great road for spotting wildlife and accessing a number of hiking trailheads.
National Park Entrance Fee: $25/vehicle, pass is good for 7 days, (307)739-3300
Cross Jenny Lake by Boat
Drive up the inner park road and at the base of the Cathedral Group (which includes the Grand Teton), you'll find Jenny Lake. A trail circumnavigates the lake, but the best way to see the lake and to access the trail to the stunning Hidden Falls and Cascade Canyon on the other side is to take a Jenny Lake Boat across.
Cost: $
Located at the South Jenny Lake Park Area
No reservations necessary
(307) 734-9227
Hike up into Cascade Canyon
After you cross the lake (or walk around), continue up the trail to Hidden Falls, where you can stand at the base of an enormous cascade. Continue further up the trail to Inspiration Point, which overlooks Jenny Lake and the valley below, and into Cascade Canyon. It is in the canyon that you will truly get a feel for the enormity of this mountain range. Bring along plenty of water, snacks, and an extra layer. It's a steep but short climb to Inspiration Point, but the trail flattens out as it progresses into the canyon.
Head to Jackson Lake
Continue north along the inner park road until you reach Jackson Lake Lodge, sitting on a perch above the largest lake in the park. There are a couple short trails that leave right from the lodge. Make some time to just hang out on the deck of the lodge, which overlooks a marshy flat. Moose are often spotted in this area.
Check out an Old Barn
Okay, it's more than just an old barn. Mormon Row is the most photographed location within Grand Teton National Park. To access, drive back down the outer park road from Jackson Lake and turn left onto Antelope Flats Road. You'll see the barn on the left hand side of the road.
Relax on the Upstairs Deck at the Dornan's Restaurant
The upstairs deck in this place compares to none other. It has unbeatable views of the Tetons. Grab a local beer and an appetizer. The bar has binoculars that you can use as well. Bring some sun screen.
Dinner
Click Here for the never ending list of Restaurants in Jackson, Wyoming.
Day 3: Whitewater Rafting or Scenic Float Trip
Morning/Afternoon Whitewater or Scenic Rafting
Depending on your thrill level, you can enjoy White Water Rafting through the Snake River Canyon or a Scenic Float Trip along the Snake River, either through Grand Teton National Park or in wilderness areas south of the park. Scenic floats boast wildlife watching and great views, while white water trips are a exciting. Some companies offer combination whitewater and scenic float trips.
Whitewater: $$$, Reservations Required, Find Local Whitewater Rafting Companies Here
Scenic Floats: $$$, Reservations Required, Find Local Scenic Float Companies Here
Art Walk
If you appreciate art and need a little indoor time, start at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, just north of town, and then stroll through the galleries on the town square.
National Museum of Wildlife Art: Cost: $, no reservations necessary, (307) 733-5771
Dinner
Head into town to the Snake River Brewery for some locally crafted beers, pizzas, and more.
Day 4: Horseback Riding
Morning Horseback Ride
A number of outfitters offer horseback riding adventures throughout the valley. Rides last anywhere from an hour to a full day and offer a great way to experience the wilderness that surrounds Jackson Hole.
Cost: $$$
Reservations Required
Find Local Horseback Riding Outfitters Here
Find the Kid in You
Head back into town for some fun adventures to bring the kid out in you.
- Snow King Alpine Slide: Fun for all, this alpine slide runs 2,500 feet down Snow King Mountain. You actually get going REALLY fast … but don't worry, you have a brake to control your speed. ($, Located just outside the Snow King Resort Hotel, no reservations necessary, (307)734-3194)
- Snow King Mountain Coaster: The new roller coaster at Snow King packs quite the punch. Thrilling for any age. ($$, Located just outside the Snow King Resort Hotel, no reservations necessary, (307)734-3194)
At the Spa
Book an hour massage, facial, pedicure, or one of the many spa services offered in the area. Find Nearby Spas.
Dinner: Chuckwagon
This is a must for all families. Chuckwagons boast great food, musical performances, cowboy poetry, and wagon rides. If you are a couple or not really into the Wild West flair, try one of the many restaurants in town.
Cost: $$
Reservations Required
Find Local Chuckwagons Here
Day 5: Teton Valley
Head west, over Teton Pass, to the quiet side of the Tetons for a day and discover Teton Valley.
Huckleberry Shake
Start the day off with a mid morning snack at the Victor Valley Emporium. The Huckleberry Shake is a delicious treat for all, made with real huckleberries.
Cost: $
Located downtown Victor on the west side of Main Street
Grand Targhee Resort Activities
Take a right at the stoplight in Driggs and head up to Grand Targhee Resort. A ski resort in the winter, this resort offers a ton of fun summer activities as well. Call (307)353-2300 for details.
- Chairlift Accessible Mountain Biking: Rent a mountain bike and check out a ton of cross country and downhill trails, accessible by chairlift.
- Scenic Chairlift Rides: Ride the chairlift to the top of Fred's Mountain and drop your jaw at views of the Tetons from the west side.
- Other Activities: Include horseback riding, hiking, an outdoor climbing wall, and a disc golf course.
Go for a Hike up Teton Canyon
Head back down the hill from Grand Targhee and take a left towards Teton Canyon. This gravel road leads to a remote trailhead, where you can stroll among wildflowers, along a stream, and in a scenic wilderness setting. This is a flat easy trail and you can hike for as long or little as you want. For an epic hike, take the day and hike all the way up to the stunning Alaska Basin.
The Spud Drive-In
When's the last time you went to the movies at a drive in theater, if ever? The Spud Drive-In, located in between Driggs and Victor, shows relatively new releases every night during the summer months. It also puts on a number of concerts throughout the summer. Movies typically start at sundown. Don't miss the awesome grub … great burgers, tater tots, and caramel corn!!
Cost: $
Located along Highway 22 in between Victor and Driggs, Idaho
View Current Movies and Events
Music On Main
If you happen to be in Teton Valley on a summer Thursday night, head to the city park in Victor at 6pm for an evening of free music. Music On Main brings in a number of well known bands throughout the summer. This is a super fun outing for families and pulls in a huge local crowd from Jackson as well.
Free
Located in the Victor Idaho city park
View the Summer Music Schedule
Day 6: Choose your own Adventure
There is so much to do in Jackson, Wyoming that today is your free day to partake in your favorite summer activity or to try out something new.
Spend the day Hiking
There are tons of hiking trails in Jackson, Wyoming, but if you are only here for a week, I would suggest checking out one of the following:
- Paintbrush Canyon to Holly Lake: (Strenuous, 13 miles round trip) Following a canyon that is less frequented by the crowds, this hike is a quintessential Teton hike below huge rock canyon walls. This hike begins at the Leigh Lake Trailhead in Grand Teton National Park at gradually climbs up the canyon to the high alpine Holly Lake.
- Goodwin Lake: (Moderate, 5 miles round trip) This is a great hike close to the town of Jackson Hole. Frequented by locals, but not many out-of-towners, Goodwin Lake is located east of town at the base of Jackson Peak. To access the trail, drive northeast of Jackson along the Elk Refuge Road until you reach Curtis Canyon road. Follow this gravel and bumpy road to the trailhead.
- Amphitheater Lake: (Strenuous, 10 miles round trip) This is a classic Grand Teton hike, climbing over 3,000. Start at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead and follow many switchbacks to Amphitheater Lake, high up in an alpine canyon. This lake sits in the same valley that provides climbing access the Grand, Middle and South Teton.
- For other hiking ideas, stop by the Craig Thomas Visitor Center for the park in Moose, Wyoming.
Explore tons of local Mountain Biking Trails
More and more mountain biking trails are built every year in the valley. Some of the best ones can be found up Cache Creek, on Snow King Mountain, and on Teton Pass. Whether you have your own bike or you need to rent one, stop by a local bike shop and ask for suggestions. You can also pick up a local biking guide book. Guided tours are also available.
Find local bike shops and guides Here
Climbing/Mountaineering in the Tetons
It's hard to gaze up at the towering Teton Range and not think about what it could be like to be on top of one of the peaks, looking down. If climbing or mountaineering is in your blood, or you just want to give it a try, get a hold of one of the local guiding services.
Find local climbing guides Here
A Day of Fly Fishing
Anglers travel from all over the country to experience the fly fishing opportunities in Wyoming and Idaho. The Snake River runs right through the valley, starting at Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. The Hoback is found south of town, the Green is further southeast near Pinedale, the Greys River and Palisades Lake are southwest near Alpine, Teton River is in Teton Valley Idaho, and the South Fork of the Snake flows from Palisades Lake into Swan Valley, Idaho. There are also tons of streams and creeks that offer challenging fishing experiences. Unless you are an avid fisherman, your best bet for making the most out of a day fishing in the Tetons is to hire a guide.
Find local fishing guides Here
Golfing in Jackson Hole
There are over 5 golf courses in the greater Jackson Hole area, located within Jackson and in Teton Valley, Idaho. Some offer public access while others are membership based only.
Take a look at all nearby Golf Courses Here
Jackson Hole Rodeo
End the day at the Jackson Hole Rodeo, which starts at 8pm at the Teton County Fairgrounds every Wednesday and Saturday evening throughout the summer. Bring the whole family, grab a hot dog, popcorn, and a soda, and sit in the stands for an evening of entertainment.
Cost: $
Located on the corner Flat Creek and Snow King at the Fairgrounds
No reservations required
(307) 733-7927
Day 7: Wrapping it Up
Wildlife Tour
Spend your last day in Jackson Hole on a half day wildlife tour of the park or nearby wilderness. Jackson and the Grand Tetons provide a year-round home for wildlife like moose, elk, bison, bear, deer, and antelope. Tours usually leave early in the morning are offer a great way to complete your vacation in Jackson.
Cost: $$$$
Reservations Required
Find Wildlife Tour Guides Here
If you have extra time: Spend a day or two Yellowstone
If you have an extra day or two, or if you want to substitute one of the above suggested days, head up to Yellowstone. The Loop Road in Yellowstone provides easy access to all of the major park attractions like Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, and many other geysers, hot spots, and unique geothermal features. Your 7-day Grand Teton National Park pass also provides access to Yellowstone, so there is no additional cost. If you can, book a night at a lodge or campground in Yellowstone, so that you don't have to travel as far the following day.
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