Jackson Hole is a world class destination at the southern entrance to two of our nation’s stunning National Parks, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, but it is equally captivating during the summertime. Whether you are an adventure seeker or someone who loves to take it easy, there are plenty of things to do in Jackson Hole in the summertime. Here are the top twelve things to do when you visit Jackson Hole in the summertime.
1. Take a wildlife safari: Jackson Hole is home to an abundance of wildlife, and a wildlife safari is one of the best ways to see them up close. You can take a guided tour through the Grand Teton National Park or the Yellowstone National Park, both of which are home to a wide variety of animals.
Whether you have a whole day or just a few hours, we have something that can fit into your itinerary. Book a 4 hour Grand Teton Wildlife tour either in the morning or in the afternoon, or an 8 hour Grand Teton tour if you have more time in a day to dedicate to the park. Yellowstone is an impressively vast 2.2 million acres, but you can see so many incredible highlights on our full day Yellowstone tour that will get you back in town in time for dinner. If you want to spend several days in Yellowstone in the hands of a knowledgeable guide, we offer 2 day and 3 day Yellowstone trips that will organize your overnights around the park to optimize your experience.
2. Go hiking: The Grand Teton National Park has over 200 miles of hiking trails, and there is something for everyone, from easy strolls to challenging hikes. The park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, so you won’t be disappointed. Escape the crowds into the lesser advertised Bridger-Teton National Forest which is known the four W’s – Wildlife, Winter opportunities, Wilderness, and Wild and Scenic Rivers. Fantastic water recreation, camping, and hiking can be found right near town. Download the AllTrails app for specific info on the local trails that can be found, such as Cache Creek, Crystal Butte, Snow King Nature Trail, and Josie’s Ridge.
3. Visit the raptor center: The Teton Raptor Center is a non-profit organization that aims to advance raptor conservation through education, research, and rehabilitation. From June through September, you can visit the Raptor Center through reservations on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 2pm for a 45-minute avian experience. 50-minute private avian experiences are also available through 48 hour advanced bookings, and several free community programs regularly take place around various hotels in town Monday-Thursday. Visit https://tetonraptorcenter.org/community-programs/ for the complete schedule of where to catch up-close raptor programs throughout the summer. Visit https://tetonraptorcenter.org/programs/ to book your visit to the Teton Raptor Center.
4. Go mountain biking: Jackson Hole has some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider, there are plenty of trails to choose from. Looking for a guided mountain bike tour? Teton Mountain Bike Tours offers half day and full day tours in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks to experience some of the country’s most iconic wilderness views on two wheels. Visit https://www.tetonmtbike.com to book your biking adventure.
5. Go whitewater rafting: The Snake River runs through Jackson Hole, and there are plenty of opportunities for whitewater rafting. Take a guided tour if you haven’t rafted this stretch before. Floating down the river gives you a unique perspective that you don’t get from the road, and it is a fantastic opportunity to see plenty of bald eagles, ospreys, and maybe even a moose! Visit https://nationalparkfloattrips.com for a relaxing scenic float, and https://www.jhww.com/jackson-hole-rafting-trips/ or https://lewisandclarkrafting.com/whitewater-trips/ for a more adventurous whitewater experience!
6. Go fishing: Jackson Hole is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world. You can fish in the Snake River or any number of tributaries or other rivers in the area. Guided tours offer the best opportunities for catch and release. To take a fishing tour with a talented and knowledgeable guide, visit https://grandfishing.com and https://westbankanglers.com/jackson-hole-fly-fishing-guides/guided-fly-fishing-in-wyoming/ for reservations.
7. Take in a show: Experience a taste of the arts in the Old West by visiting the Jackson Hole Playhouse. This summer season you can catch the classic Western musical Annie Get Your Gun with local talent. Dinner starts at 6pm offering a delicious menu, followed by an 8pm show time. Visit https://www.jhplayhouse.com to book your tickets!
8. Attend a rodeo: If you’re looking for a taste of the Wild West, attend a rodeo. Jackson Hole has several rodeos throughout the summer, and they are a fun and exciting way to spend an evening. It runs from Memorial Day through to Labor day with events every Wednesday and Saturday in June, and every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday through July and August. Visit https://jhrodeo.com for tickets.
9. Go horseback riding: Horseback riding is a great way to explore the beauty of Jackson Hole. You can take a guided trail ride for a half day or a full day or even for just an hour. Whether you are a seasoned rider or never been on horseback before, A-OK Corral will give you a memorable experience in one of the most scenic places just south of Jackson. Open May through September, visit https://www.a-okcorral.com to reserve your booking.
10. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located in Teton Village about 18 miles from the town of Jackson. It is the main ski resort for the winter season, but it also boasts a variety of exciting summer activities.
Take a scenic tram ride: The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram takes you 4,139 feet in just 12 minutes up to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The tram operates from May 20 – October 8 from 9am-5pm. Keep an eye out on your way up and down as you may spot some wildlife in the trees as you pass over, and enjoy world-famous gourmet waffles when you reach the top at Corbet’s Cabin!
Try your hand at climbing: Visit the JHMR climbing wall, or book a private guided climb along the Via Ferrata route.
Paragliding: Soar the skies above the valley and the mountain ranges on a tandem flight with an experienced pilot starting from Rendezvous Mountain.
Schedule all this and more at https://www.jacksonhole.com/summer-activities.
11. Attend a music festival: Jackson Hole has several music festivals throughout the summer, including the Grand Teton Music Festival from June 30 to August 19. These festivals offer a great opportunity to enjoy music in a beautiful setting in a variety of venues. Visit https://gtmf.org/events/ for the full list of summer events.
12. Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art: If you’re looking for a break from outdoor activities, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The museum is home to over 5,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, all with a focus on wildlife. Or, take a walk through the art galleries of downtown Jackson, such as Gallery Wild, for inspiration or a possible souvenir!
This destination offers something for everyone in the summertime. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family or friends, this is the place. Plan to spend a minimum of 5-7 days in the area to truly experience all that Jackson Hole has to offer.
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