Things to Do in Jackson Hole in Summer

Planning a summer vacation? Jackson Hole is the perfect place to visit.

Jackson Hole is often overlooked by people headed on summer vacation as it’s not your typical beach destination. However, there are still tons of things to do in Jackson Hole in the summer. Jackson Hole is a nature-lovers paradise with a range of leisure activities as well as opportunities for adventure seekers.

Things to Do in Jackson Hole in the Summer

With so much to choose from, it can be hard to decide how to spend your time. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best Jackson Hole summer activities for you.

We got together with Hotels.com to tell you why we think Jackson Hole is a wonderful vacation destination this summer. Let’s get into it!

Visit Jackson, Wyoming

This may seem like a no-brainer, but when people visit Jackson Hole they often forget to explore the town itself! The Jackson Hole valley was home to Native American tribes before it grew into a cattle ranching hotspot. The town of Jackson, Wyoming was officially established in 1894 by the settlers. Some of the original buildings are still standing in the historic town square.

This charming town is reminiscent of the Old West. Make some time to explore its history and immerse yourself in the culture during your visit. History buffs can take a free walking tour with the Jackson Historical Society. Afterward, stroll through the historic streets and then cool off at one of the saloons in town.

Where to Stay in Jackson Hole

You can find a wide variety of accommodations in Jackson Hole. From luxury to budget, there’s something for everyone. 

Please note – Sponsored by Hotels.com. Some of our selections contain affiliate links. These allow us to earn a small percentage every time you make a booking. Using our links enables us to provide all the information found on this site free of charge.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone was the first national park in the country and for good reason. It boasts a range of wildlife, the largest concentration of geysers on the planet, hot springs, mud pits, and more. It’s easy to see why Yellowstone is known for its many unique natural wonders. Yellowstone National Park covers 2.2 million acres of land, so it’s impossible to visit it all in one day. Give yourself at least a few days to explore this incredible expanse of nature.

Don’t have a lot of time? The highlights of Yellowstone include Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. You may also want to check out Yellowstone Lake and the Yellowstone Caldera.

There are also tons of hiking trails and beautiful landscapes to discover within the national park if you have time. Not sure where to start? Check out GetYourGuide’s Yellowstone National Park: 2-Day Guided Tour with Lunches.

Grand Teton National Park

While Grand Teton National Park covers a much smaller area than Yellowstone, it is still worth exploring. Whether you drive through or take a few days to hike or bike, you’ll be blown away by the scenery. The landscape of the Grand Tetons is a nature photographer’s dream and is especially known for its sunsets and sunrises. Even if you don’t have a camera, you’ll want to take in the views for as long as possible. You’ll also spot plenty of wildlife as you explore the national park.

Some of the highlights in Grand Teton National Park include Phelps Lake overlook, Death Canyon, and Bradley and Taggart Lake. You may also want to check out the Teton Glacier Turnout and the small village of Dornan. Whether you’re looking for a more challenging hike or a leisurely summer stroll and picnic, you’ll love this national park.

For those looking for an extra dose of adrenaline climbing the Tetons is possible, as well. There are various climbing outfitters in Jackson Hole that can help you whether you are an experienced climber, or a first timer. 

If you’re limited on time, check out GetYourGuide’s Jackson: Grand Teton National Park Half-Day Small Bus Tour. 

Wildlife Tour

If you’re interested in learning more about nature in the Jackson Hole Valley, consider taking a wildlife tour. Your naturalist guide will tell you all about the native species you’ll encounter in the national parks and surrounding areas. From bison to elk, moose to foxes and more, you’ll be amazed at the species this area is home to. If you don’t have binoculars, don’t worry! Your guide will most likely have a scope you can use to check out the animals from a safe distance. You’ll be in awe at the beauty, grace, and ferocity of the diverse range of animals you’ll encounter.

Please make sure to travel and visit responsibly. 

Whitewater rafting

Jackson Hole can get pretty hot in the summer, so cool off with some whitewater rafting down Snake River. Snake River is the country’s 4th-largest river and the rapids are class 3. This means it’s perfect for experts and beginners alike. You can rent a raft and go with your own group or you can go with an experienced guide. Most routes cover 7-8 miles, while some of the more intense trips can cover up to 16 miles. You may even spot some wildlife if you keep an eye out.

Check out GetYourGuide’s Jackson: Snake River Class 2-3 Whitewater Rafting Adventure. However, if you’re looking for a more leisurely experience, you can also opt for a scenic float down the river.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding

Not as much of an adrenaline junkie? You may be looking for a more serene water sport. If that’s the case, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding. Jackson Hole has plenty of lakes and rivers scattered about, such as Slide Lake and Jackson Lake. However, the most popular spot for stand-up paddle boarding is String Lake.

When you paddle-board on String Lake, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the Tetons. As a bonus, the water here is a little warmer than the other lakes in the area. So, you can cool off from the Jackson Hole heat without a cold shock.

This is the perfect opportunity to relax on the water and see the Tetons from a unique point of view. You can rent paddle boards and other gear in Teton Village.

Mountain Biking

One of the most popular Jackson Hole summer activities is mountain biking. There is an extensive network of paved trails that connect Jackson, Wyoming, to Teton Village and Grand Teton National Park. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or for a leisurely ride, there’s a trail to fit your level. All the trails are beautiful, and you may even encounter some wildlife along the way.

No matter where you’re staying in Jackson Hole, there are plenty of cycling shops where you can rent a bike. Some of the most popular trails include Cache Creek Road and Jenny Lake Pathway. You can also check out the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Bike Park where you’ll find trails for all levels.

For more on biking trails near Jackson Hole check out this site. 

Camping in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole has a bunch of great options for campers of all kinds.  You can pitch your tent at a maintained site or venture a bit further into the wild. Have a look at the official advanced camping grounds reservation site for a bunch of information and options. 

Work on Your Golf Game

Jackson Hole is home to some great golfing options. The Teton Pines offers 18 holes and unforgettable background views. It’s been voted as one of the top 100 gold resorts in the country. So if you’re a golf lover you just got yet another reason to visit Jackson Hole this summer. 

Meanwhile, the Snake River Sports Club offers golfing, and a whole lot more. You can try your hand at skeet shooting, tennis, archery, and other activities here. If you don’t find something to do at the Sports Club you’re probably not into sports at all. 

Enjoy the live music

If you’re tired after a day full of adventuring, kick back and relax with some live music in town. If you’re staying in Jackson, you’ll find plenty of patio music sessions at the restaurants and saloons. Jackson Hole also puts on a summer concert series called Jackson Hole Live in the town square. Music is a huge part of the culture of the Old West, so sit back with a drink and enjoy!

As you can see, there are tons of things to do in Jackson Hole in the summer. You’ve got plenty to keep you busy, so soak it up and enjoy your time in this beautiful area. Looking for even more Jackson Hole summer activities? Here are some other suggestions for you to check out:

• Fly fishing
• Horseback riding
• Jackson Hole Rodeo
• Covered wagon rides
• Golfing​

And there you have it folks. As you can see Jackson Hole is a great summer destination for families and nature lovers. Let us know if you think we missed anything that absolutely should be on this list. As always, happy travels and we’ll see you on the road!