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Are you looking for things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming this Summer? Summer is a great time to visit the the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Surrounded by the beautiful, majestic Grand Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Whether you’re looking to relax or looking for a big adventure, put Jackson Hole at the top of your list for Summer fun!

There’s plenty of things to do this Summer in Jackson Hole, read on for our list!

Climb the Tetons

Have you always wanted to try mountain climbing? Here’s your chance! Exum Mountain Guides offers climbing classes and introductory, easy climbs for around $200-$250 per person. This seems a little pricey at first glance, but really it’s a once in a lifetime bucket list kind of thing.  So I say go for it! 

Then choose less expensive things to do in Jackson to round our your trip. There’s plenty of inexpensive things to do in Jackson – especially in Summer – so it’s OK to spend a little cash on this one.

Camp

When you’re visiting such beautiful country as Jackson Hole, why not really get a big dose of nature and camp.  Camping is so chill you’ll feel super relaxed and recharged after spending a couple of nights here or here.  Plus it’s totally inexpensive so if you splurged on the climbing expedition, not to worry – camping will help get your vacation budget back in the black. 

Make sure you bring your own tent and other essential road trip gear.  Great places to camp in Jackson Hole include Bridger Teton National Forest and of course there may be no better place to experience camping than the beautiful Yellowstone National Park.  

If, on the other hand, you feel like being pampered, I feel you!   Check out our cozy places to stay in Jackson for more comfort.

Go West! 

That is embrace the Old West feel of Jackson Hole.  Known as the last of the Old West, Jackson definitely delivers on fun, western themed things to do. 

For instance, you can book a Chuck wagon dinner or in May you can explore “Old West Days” festival and partake in the chili cookoff and sip & see to name a few items.

Mountain Biking

Another fun, inexpensive thing to do in Jackson Hole in Summer is to go mountain biking.  There’s a ton of trails to be explored in the Tetons.  If you’re road tripping, you may have brought your own bike.  If not, you can rent bikes.

Hike

Explore nature on foot!  I love to get up early and hear the birds sing as I hike around the mountains.  You can hike nearby Grand Teton National Park  or Yellowstone National Park; or since you’re so close to both, you could check out both parks while staying in Jackson Hole. 

If hiking in Grand Teton National Park try String Lake, Jenny Lake or Colter Bay for great hikes.  I’d really recommend exploring both parks as it’s not often that you’ll find yourself so close to two fantastic national parks. 

While hiking on your own is ok, an even better idea is to hire a guide for a morning or afternoon hike.  You’ll get an insider’s guide to the park and see things that you wouldn’t see on your own.

Paddleboard

Stand Up Paddle boarding is one of my favorite activities.  It’s so fun to get out on the water and put your balance to the test.  What could be better than paddle boarding in Jackson Hole in Summer – surrounded by the magnificent Grand Tetons?!  Check out Jenny Lake for paddleboarding.

 Drives

There are quite a few beautiful drives around Jackson Hole.  A favorite is the Moose-Wilson road where you can see – you guessed it- moose from your car and often times bears meandering about. 

Start at the entrance to Grand Teton National Park and go eight miles to the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center.  Don’t be in a rush – the road is winding and sometimes unpaved.  Enjoy the scenery and keep your eyes peeled for different wildlife!

Tip:  The road is closed to motor vehicles closures due to grizzly bear activity and weather (approximately Nov – May 1), so be sure to check its status before planning your trip.  

Other Scenic Drives

Or, you could take a short trip out of Jackson & head over to Wilson, WY.  Go Seven miles west of of Jackson on Hwy 22, across the base of Teton Pass to the town of Wilson.   

Head West up and over Teton Pass towards Victor, Idaho.  Here you’ll get quite the view of the valley below along with acres of natural forest.  Half way up the pass you’ll see a sign for Phillips Cannon.  This trail leads to the beautiful alpine lake Ski Lake-the easiest Alpine Lake to hike near Jackson.   

Art

Did you know that Jackson is a super artsy town?  With over two dozen art galleries, you’ll find everything from fine art to fabulous nature photography. 

Jackson is actually known as a mecca for artists and hosts the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival every September.  The festival is held over a ten day period and is known as one of the premier cultural events in the Rocky Mountain West region.  If you are an art enthusiast, it’s not to be missed! 

Window Shop

I’m not much for “shopping” because I don’t like to spend money!  But, on vacation, it’s fun to “window shop” where you just look around and get a feel for the town. 

In Jackson, there’s two main areas to shop:  Jackson Town Square where there’s a lot of local boutiques; and Teton Village where’s there more upscale shopping.  If you want to check out both spots, there’s a SMART bus that frequently runs between Jackson & Teton Village for around $5.00.

Eat

If you know me, then you know one of my MOST favorite things to do on vacate  on is eat!  I love, love, love to explore funky, local diners & cafes.  Jackson is home to plenty of good, local food – although much of it is pricier than what I like to spend. 

That said, you’ll find good food and good value at quite a few local spots.  Try Pinky G’s for pizza that Guy Fieri raved about.  Pizza is a favorite way to cheaply feed a lot of people.  Order a pizza and a couple of salads and you have dinner for 4 for less than $40.00…That’s not bad in my book!

Drink

Ok you know we have to hit the bars because who doesn’t want to belly up to an old western bar, hear some great country music and dance?!  The place to go in Jackson Hole is The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.  You’re welcome!  

Sunsets

If you’re into spectacular sunsets, you’re in the right place!  Since it’s surrounded by mountains on all sides, Jackson best mountain sunsets in the West.  Hardcore locals hike the 3,000-some feet and four miles up to The Deck at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Saner people just catch a free ride on the 8-passenger Bridger Gondola.  However you get there, The Deck serves one of the best margaritas in town, tempura portobello fries, and some of the best views of the valley and Sleeping Indian around.  

Rodeo

If you’re in a town that has a motto of  “where the west is still wild” and they have a rodeo, I think it’s a good bet to check it out! Jackson is one such town.  They’ve had a rodeo in Jackson for over 100 years.  Currently, the Jackson Rodeo is held almost every Wed & Saturday from Memorial Day – Labor Day.  Tickets start at only around $16 per person.   

Whitewater Rafting

I bet you only think of Colorado when you think about white water rafting.  Colorado is surely known as one of the top spots to ride the rapids, but Jackson also has it’s share of great spots to discover. 

A popular place for whitewater rafting in Jackson is wild and scenic Snake River.  On the Snake you’ll get to experience Class II and Class III Rapids!

See the Wildlife

You’re probably into nature and wildlife is you’re thinking of heading to Jackson Hole in the Summer.  And, you are in for quite a treat!  Wildlife abounds in the area near Jackson. 

There are so many options to take in the area wildlife.  Head to Grand Teton National Park or go to Yellowstone.  Or take a scenic drive like the Moose-Wilson Road, Cache Creek or National Elk Refuge.  Keep your eyes peeled for moose, black bears, grizzly bears,  big horn sheep, bald eagles, bison and wolf.

Photo Ops

When you’re in a place as beautiful as Jackson, almost anywhere you’ll find fantastic photo opportunities.  That said, you can take your photo ops to a whole other level if you shoot at some prime locations.  We like the Town Square Antler Arch, National Elk Refuge, Rondezvous Mountain, and Snake River Outlook for perfect picture taking.

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