For all the outdoor enthusiasts out here, Jackson Hole, Wyoming should be the number one spot on your destination bucket list this summer, and here’s why. Jackson is the iconic Western-themed town sitting in the 60-mile-long Jackson Hole valley, nestled right up against the Teton Mountain Range. It is because of its magical location that makes Jackson Hole a popular vacation destination for thousands of people every year.
Jackson is well-loved for its horse carriage rides around the town square, the abundant wildlife viewing, and the insanely easy access to all outdoor activities. There is so much to do and see in Jackson, so I’ve compiled a list of the top five things to add to your itinerary when visiting.
1. Hiking
The first thing that I’ll tell you is to get out of Jackson (the town) and drive to Grand Teton National Park or the Gros Venture Wilderness. There are hundreds of miles of trails, ranging from rarely groomed backpacking trails to wheel-chair accessible paved paths. I highly recommend doing the Jenny Lake loop, stopping at Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point before heading for an out-and-back trek into Cascade Canyon and finishing back at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Want a bigger challenge? Grab plenty of water and head to Delta Lake; you won’t regret it!
If you have the time, don’t limit yourself to just the park. There are beautiful trails throughout the valley in the National Forest Land. The Gros Ventre Wilderness is host to numerous beginner-friendly to advanced hikes. Check the AllTrails app as many hikers out here update trail conditions often. Also note that the main road through the park is only accessible by walking, skiing, biking, or snowshoeing from November 1 to April 30. I would also recommend stopping by one of the Ranger Stations as they have maps and tips for any adventure you take!
**See the article titled Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park.
2. Skiing and Snowboarding
Jackson Hole is home to world-renowned ski resorts: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee Resort. Snow King is another resort that sits right off the streets of Jackson, making it a popular spot due to its walkability from town. With hundreds of acres of varying terrain to ski/board, visitors will have no trouble finding runs perfect for their skill level. There is truly something for everybody.
New to skiing/snowboarding and looking to learn? No problem! There are tons of amazing, highly-credited ski and snowboard instructors you can sign up with! From personal experience, you can find great instructors at The Village near Jackson Hole Ski Resort. Riding solo? Again, no problem! Through the bus rides to the resorts or meeting people on the lifts, you are almost guaranteed to strike up a conversation with someone or even gain a new friend.
3. Wildlife Viewing
If it’s a variety of wildlife you’re looking for, Jackson Hole is the right place for you. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to view bison, elk, moose, and bears. If you’re here in the winter, the National Elk Refuge is full of elk migrating for the season. The Refuge feeds the elk throughout the winter and provides horse-drawn sleigh rides throughout the area to view them.
Antelope Flats is a great area for viewing a variety of wildlife, as well as Cascade Canyon inside Grand Teton National Park. This is a wonderful trail that is typically not too populated, meaning a greater chance of wildlife sightings. If you get lucky, you might be able to catch deer or the occasional moose roaming in Jackson. Numerous wildlife tour guides can provide detailed information on the wildlife you may see in the area.
One thing to note: DO NOT get close to or approach the wildlife. There have been way too many accidents, injuries, and deaths of animals due to tourists disregarding safety precautions. These are wild animals in THEIR habitat. We are treading on their home, so we need to respect them to keep them safe as well as ourselves. Also, please be respectful of road laws and signage. There are safe areas to pull over on the road and pullouts designated for wildlife viewing. Please be aware and always know before you go!
4. Scenic Drives
If windows down, sunshine on your face, and good music playing is your jam, then Jackson Hole during the summer is the perfect drive for you! With stunning views of the Grand Tetons and surrounding mountains, there is truly no better lazy afternoon than one spent cruising along Teton Park Road or US Highway 26.
There is no shortage of views along these two iconic roads. Many people spend a whole day taking one or both roads, stopping at all the numerous roadside pullouts for Instagram-worthy photos (although all photos taken here are worthy!). The Snake River Overlook is one of the most popular stops and for good reason! Oxbow Bend and Mormon Row are also highly photographed areas along these drives.
I highly recommend doing these drives from mid-May to the end of September. If you’re looking for less crowds, try to get there before mid-June or after mid-September. The crowds significantly decrease during these times and the area is still full of life! Plus, Jackson Hole is absolutely stunning in the fall.
5. Water Activities
Jackson Hole isn’t only famous for its on-land activities. If you’re up for it or water activities are your favorite, jump on a whitewater raft trip down the Snake River! These trips are run by trusted companies with guides who know all the best spots to pop out for a swim. There are also scenic floats throughout the park and area that provide even more knowledge about local ecosystems and wildlife.
If you’re looking for something more slow-paced, then check out one of the many lakes Jackson Hole has to offer. Grand Teton National Park hosts String Lake, a popular beach, swimming, and paddle boarding spot. Go early because the parking lots fill up fast and remember to pack out what you pack in! Jenny Lake is also a popular destination due to the famous Jenny Lake Boats. If you’re hiking Jenny Lake, this low-cost boat ride will take you across the lake, cutting out a good portion of the hike and saving your feet those precious steps! You can even purchase a one-way ticket as a treat after hiking down from Inspiration Point. Don’t forget to check Jackson Lake as it is also a popular spot within the park and motorized boats are allowed here!
Looking for a nice catch? Enter one of the local fly fishing shops in Jackson to gain valuable insight into the season’s flow and best spots. The Snake River, Gros Ventre River, Flat Creek, and Hoback River all offer fantastic fly-fishing experiences. Make sure you have the proper licenses needed before you go!
Traveling to Jackson Hole? Know before you go!
Visiting Jackson Hole and the surrounding areas is often a bucket list adventure and it truly can be a magical experience! If there is one thing to take away from this, it is that you need to do your research before coming here. Figure out what things you want to do and see if they are open during your trip dates. Educate yourself on wildlife safety so you can be as prepared as possible in the case of an encounter (they do happen). Jackson Hole is one of my favorite places on Earth because of the breathtaking hikes, phenomenal snow scene, incredible wildlife viewing, memory-making drives, and refreshing water activities. If you’re thinking of adding Jackson Hole to your summer trip, don’t hesitate! You’ll want to keep coming back once you do.
