Surrounded by Grand Teton National Park and the Elk Refuge to the north, the Gros Ventre mountains to the east, the Snake River Canyon to the south, and the Teton Mountain Range to the west, Jackson Hole is a haven for summer activity and adventure. Here are a number of suggested activities. Mix and match them depending on how many days you have in the area.
Reservations
Two words: Book Now! Hotels and activity providers fill up fast in the summer months. Find Jackson Hole Lodging Options Here and begin planning your summer vacation right away.
Full Day
Grand Teton National Park
Start at the Craig Thomas Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming and gather maps, as well as information on hiking trails, ranger led hikes, wildlife, and more. Hike around Jenny or String Lakes if you are with kids, up Cascade Canyon for a moderate outing, or up Paintbrush or Death Canyons for quieter but more strenuous trails. You can easily spend an entire day within the park.
$30 entrance fee – pass is good for 7 days.
Yellowstone National Park
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 springs, and unique geothermal features. Try to book a night at a lodge or campground in Yellowstone so that you can maximize your time in the park. Call Xanterra for Yellowstone lodging reservations: 866-439-7375.
A $50 pass will get you access to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone Parks..
Teton Valley
45 minutes west of Jackson. Head over Teton Pass to the quiet side of the Tetons for a day and discover Teton Valley. Grand Targhee Resort hosts summer activities like chairlift accessible mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, and hiking trails. Or go for a mellow hike up Teton Canyon; make it strenuous by going all the way to Alaska Basin. In the evening, either find a spot at the Spud Drive-In (Current Movies and Events) or take in an evening of free music at Victor, Idaho's Music on Main (Summer Music Schedule).
Climbing/Mountaineering in the Tetons
Learn rope skills and climbing basics at the base of the Teton Range. Or hire a guide to lead you to the top of the range. The Grand Teton sits at 13,770 feet and takes roughly two days to summit.
Climbing Guides
Fly Fishing
Hire a guide and spend your day on the water. The Snake, Hoback, Green, Greys, Teton, and the South Fork of the Snake Rivers are all easily accessible from Jackson and offer world renowned fishing opportunities for anglers.
Fishing Guides
Golfing
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.
Golf Courses
Half Day
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Start the day off with a Hot Air Balloon Ride above Jackson Hole, a peaceful and beautiful way to see the valley.
Balloon Rides
Tandem Paragliding
Want something more exciting? Head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for a Tandem Paragliding Ride, truly a thrill of a lifetime.
Tandem Paragliding Rides
Tram Ride
Want something a little less expensive? Take a Tram Ride up to the top of Rendezvous Peak (10,919 feet) in Teton Village.
No reservations necessary.
Located at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
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.
Whitewater Rafting
Scenic Float Trips
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.
Horseback Riding
Horseback rides last anywhere from an hour to a full day and offer a great way to experience the wilderness that surrounds Jackson Hole.
Horseback Riding Outfitters
R Park
On a hot summer day, head to the western banks of the Snake River and enjoy a small variety of pathways and access to slow moving water at R (short for Rendezvous) Park.
At the Spa
Book an hour massage, facial, pedicure, or one of the many spa services offered in the area.
Nearby Spas
Hiking
There are tons of hiking trails in Jackson, Wyoming, ranging from easy to strenuous. A couple of nearby trails are highlighted here or grab a hiking brochure in Grand Teton National Park.
Mountain Biking
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.
Bike Shops and Guides
Wildlife Tour
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.
Wildlife Tour Guides
Under 1 Hour
Snow King Alpine Slide or Mountain Coaster
Fun for all, the alpine slide runs 2,500 feet down Snow King Mountain while the Cowboy Coaster runs just as far and a little faster.
No reservations needed.
Located outside Snow King Resort Hotel.
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.
No reservations needed.
Located at the base of Snow King Mountain.
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.
No reservations needed.
Located on the corner of Deloney and Glenwood in downtown Jackson.
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.
Evening Entertainment
Jackson Restaurants
Menus and Restaurants
Chuckwagon Dinners
Chuckwagons boast great food, musical performances, cowboy poetry, and wagon rides.
Local Chuckwagons
Jackson Hole Rodeo
The Jackson Hole Rodeo 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.
No reservations required.
Located on the corner of Flat Creek and Snow King at the Fairgrounds.
Related Packages
We offer a variety of summer vacation packages. View ALL Packages.