If you’re searching for an enchanting and stunning destination, look no further as there are many things to do in Jackson Hole. If you need to find a unique place to go for summer vacation this year, you should consider a visit to this western town filled with natural beauty. With dozens of things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, this part of the United States is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers during the summer.
During your visit, you can explore the surrounding area and partake in activities like climbing, kayaking, hiking, and more. With such a bevy of exciting pastimes at your fingertips, it can be difficult to decide which activities to try during your visit. To help you with your planning, we’ve compiled a guide to some of our favorite things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in the summer.
Hike the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone
Jackson Hole showcases nature’s true beauty through the many different and unusual landscapes that visitors find there. Therefore, hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Jackson Hole. The two places we recommend to visit are each of the national parks: Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Either of these parks will allow you to explore the many trails by walking, hiking, or even biking through them. Try to visit both parks if you have time – glorious mountain views, lush forests, and astonishing geysers await!
Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art
Visitors flock to the National Museum of Wildlife Art for good reason. It is home to an enormous collection of paintings and sculptures that depict a variety of wildlife, the museum offers rotating exhibits, programs, and an outdoor sculpture trail. You can spend an entire day exploring the artwork and perusing the extensive library and archives.
Covered Wagon Outings
If you want to experience the area like the first pioneers, then try going on a covered wagon outing with Bar T 5 Covered Wagon Cookout! Traverse over miles of Wyoming wilderness on a horse-drawn wagon until you arrive at a private campsite. Spend the ending enjoying a homemade dinner cooked in a dutch oven before participating in a show and singing along to traditional western songs.
Horseback Riding
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Jackson Hole, book a horseback riding excursion through the mountains! Experienced tour guides will lead you through the magnificent countryside, pointing out unique wildlife and landmarks along the way. Embark on a tour with Spring Creek Ranch to journey to the top of East Gros Ventre Butte where you’ll experience sweeping 360-degree views of the Grand Tetons Mountains.
White Water Rafting
Adventurous travelers should certainly try white water rafting with it being one of the most popular things to do in Jackson Hole. When you embark on a journey with Mad River Boat Trips, you’ll be accompanied by experienced guides to help you paddle and navigate through choppy waters. Most rafting excursions last about three to three-and-a-half hours and travel a distance of eight miles. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you can also choose to take a scenic float where you’ll explore the calm areas of Snake River and learn more about the area’s wildlife. For a unique experience, you can book one of the company’s Cast Iron Riverside Dinner Cruises and enjoy a delectable meal while taking in breathtaking views of the river’s two largest rapids.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Another excellent way to explore the waterways of Jackson Hole is via kayak or canoe. Snake River is the main destination for water activities, though travelers can also try exploring String Lake in Grand Teton National Park or Jackson Lake. When taking a scenic tour through the area on the water, you can choose to rent kayaks or canoes to take out on your own, or you can opt to take a guided tour to learn more about the area. There are many different options that will be able to accommodate adventurers of all kinds.
See the Jackson Town Square
Full of unique shops and restaurants, this charming western town center regularly hosts events and live music. While visiting this popular attraction, don’t forget to snap a picture in front of the impressive and alluring arch made entirely of elk antlers.
Rock Climbing
Avid climbers flock to Jackson Hole for its many amazing climbing locations. If you’re looking to try a new activity, you certainly should embark on a guided climb to learn the basic techniques. Even if you have some experience with climbing but do not consider yourself an expert, it’s best to work with an instructor to ensure that you are practicing safe procedures and have someone on hand to help you if things get difficult. Skilled climbers can explore the many climbing areas throughout Jackson Hole. Within Grand Teton National Park, you’ll discover several bolted wall areas intended for climbing that lead to other trails for hikers and mountaineers to explore.
Go on a Wildlife Tour
Jackson Hole is home to a very unique and wide array of the animal population for a great viewing of wildlife. To be able to see this wildlife up close, we recommend checking out tours given by Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone, or the National Elk Refuge. For each one of these tours, there are experienced guides that are very knowledgeable about Jackson Hole itself along with different aspects of geology, nature, and history. This is one of the best things to do in Jackson Hole that the whole family will love!
Treetop Adventure & Scenic Chairlift Ride
If you’re up for a new experience and the ultimate outdoor thrill ride, head on over to Snow King Mountain to start your adventure. Here, you will find a rope course that is positioned 12-80 feet above the forest floor where you will go through many different obstacles. If you want to experience the incredible view of Jackson Hole and the Tetons, hop on the chairlift ride at Snow King Mountain. This ride brings you up to 1,571 feet to the summit of Snow King Mountain for some of the most breathtaking views you will ever see. This is a fun and relaxing way to experience the natural beauty that Jackson Hole has to offer.
Golfing
Whether you regularly like to golf or you are just starting out and need some pointers, there is a golf course for everyone in Jackson Hole. One thing you won’t have to compromise is the incredible scenery. Regardless of what golf course you decide to visit, the backdrop of the Teton Mountain Range will be visible to you. There are a total of 10 golf courses that you can find either in or around Jackson Hole. Take your best swing to try out one of these golf courses!
Swimming Spots
Temperatures can get pretty toasty during the summer in Jackson Hole, so what better way to cool down than swimming in a beautiful spot? A few of the local favorites that we recommend to check out include Phelps Lake Jumping Rock and Granite Hot Springs. Each of these hidden gems is unique in their own way. Phelps Lake Jumping Rock has a huge rock that visitors love jumping off of to get their adrenaline pumping. If this doesn’t sound thrilling, you can opt to just cool off in the glacial waters below. Granite Hot Springs is the perfect spot to visit after a long day of exploring. There is a naturally occurring hot spring here that people come from all over to check out!
Get Your Drink on
Nothing says summer better than sitting out on a patio while the sun is shining bright with a refreshing drink in your hand. To experience the best outdoor seating in Jackson Hole, stop by Hatch Taqueria & Tequila to find mouth-watering food options with some of the best margaritas. Not to mention they have an incredible happy hour to check out!
Fly Fishing, Anyone?
Jackson Hole presents a great opportunity to experience many different species of wildlife including fish. Are you new to fly fishing? No need to worry as there are many experienced guides in the area that will teach you their ways and make sure you have an experience of a lifetime. We recommend visiting Grand Fishing Adventures as they offer many different scenic trips that will exceed the desires of any adventurous person.
Drive the Scenic Route
It’s hard to not see an incredible view regardless of where you’re driving in Jackson Hole, but there are a few scenic routes that will present some of the best views. The Moose-Wilson Road is a small stretch of 8 miles but offers a prime chance to spot wildlife along the ride. Another route that is worth checking out is the Inner Park Loop Road that is much longer at 20 miles in distance that will take you through the Grand Teton National Park at the base of the Tetons. These are great ways to sit back, relax, and take in the view.
Channel Your Inner Western
If you really want to dive into being a western for a day, you must check out the famous Jackson Hole Rodeo. This will be an experience that the whole family will love and get to enjoy. It’s a fast-paced experience that mixes the best of modern-day West with the old West cowboy traditions. The cowboys and cowgirls here ride bucking broncs, bulls, barrel race, rope calves, and do many other fun competitions to keep the crowd engaged. After watching this, if you’re feeling up to the test try out the mechanical buffalo that is out front!
Live Music
There really is something for every music lover to enjoy in Jackson Hole. From live music on patios at night to summer concert series such as Jackson Hole Live and Jackson Hole Rendezvous, you will definitely find something to keep you entertained. These are fun ways to experience music and have a great time while staying in Jackson Hole.
Retail Therapy
It could be the case that you’re not much of an outdoors person or you have been exploring the outdoors all day and just need a break, so indulge in some retail therapy. Jackson Hole has a wide variety of very unique shops that offer one of a kind memorabilia and gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. Take a trip to Jackson Country Square Shopping Center to treat yourself!
Jackson Hole Playhouse
If you’re looking for a perfect date night or an activity for the whole family to enjoy, you should head on over to the Jackson Hole Playhouse to see a show. This theater is known for its wide variety of shows that you can go see. They even offer dinner before the show starts as an added bonus!
Camping
With being surrounded by the incredible beauty of nature, how could you not want to spend at least one night under the stars in Jackson Hole? It is one of the best things to do in the summer. The perfect place to check out for this would be Jackson Lake. You will be able to experience stunning views while also taking a dip in the refreshing water nearby.
Check out our properties that offer Natural Wonders experiences for even more ideas on outdoor adventures!
