Jackson Hole, Wyoming, transforms into a summer playground when the snow melts, revealing rugged peaks, wildflower-dotted meadows, and endless outdoor possibilities. Nestled between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, this mountain town offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping activities and serene escapes. Whether you’re a golfer, a hiker, or just here for the views, here’s your guide to the top 5 things to do in Jackson Hole during the summer months.
1. Wander the Wilds of Grand Teton National Park
Summer in Jackson Hole means unrivaled access to Grand Teton National Park, a mere 10-minute drive from town. The park’s jagged Teton Range towers over pristine lakes and trails begging to be explored. Start with the Jenny Lake Loop, a moderate 7.5-mile hike with postcard-worthy views of the peaks reflecting in the water. For a shorter trek, the 3-mile Taggart Lake Trail rewards you with wildflowers and a serene alpine lake. Keep your camera ready, moose, black bears, and elk often roam these parts. If you prefer a guided experience, book a wildlife tour with our favorite guides at Eco Tour Adventures.
2. Tee Off with Teton Views
Golfers, this one’s for you. Jackson Hole’s courses are as much about the scenery as the swing. The Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club, redesigned by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones II, is a local gem. It’s 18 holes weave through sagebrush and wetlands, with the Tetons looming large. Try not to get distracted on the par-3 8th hole, where the Grand Teton itself feels like a hazard.
Alternatively, Teton Pines Country Club, an Arnold Palmer design, offers a lush, challenging layout framed by pine forests and distant peaks. Both courses are open to the public with advance tee times, and summer’s mild weather—highs in the 70s—makes for perfect fairway days. Post-round, grab a drink at their clubhouses and soak in the mountain vibes.
3. Soar Above It All on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
For a bird’s-eye view of Jackson Hole, hop on the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This summer staple whisks you from Teton Village to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain—10,450 feet—in about 12 minutes. At the top, the valley sprawls below, and on clear days, you can see into Idaho. Savor a famous waffle at Corbet’s Cabin, a cozy mountaintop eatery, then lace up your hiking boots. The Top of the World trail is a moderate 2-mile loop with wildflowers and marmot sightings, while thrill-seekers can tackle the steeper Cirque Trail. The tram runs daily through summer (check their site for schedules), and tickets are worth every penny for this sky-high adventure.
4. Navigate the Snake River’s Summer Waters
The Snake River cuts through Jackson Hole, offering two flavors of summer fun: heart-pounding whitewater or laid-back floats. For rapids, book a trip with Dave Hansen Whitewater, a local favorite since 1967. Their 8-mile Snake River Canyon run features Class II-III rapids like Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna, perfect for first-timers or seasoned paddlers. If relaxation is more your speed, opt for a scenic float with Barker-Ewing. Their guides row you down calmer stretches near Grand Teton National Park, where bald eagles soar overhead and beavers paddle along the banks. Morning trips catch the golden light on the Tetons, while evening floats promise stunning sunsets. Either way, you’ll leave with stories and a new appreciation for this wild river.
5. Day Trip to Yellowstone’s Summer Spectacle
No Jackson Hole summer is complete without a pilgrimage to Yellowstone National Park, about an hour’s drive north via the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Summer unlocks the park’s full splendor, roads are clear, wildlife is active, and geysers like Old Faithful erupt against a backdrop of blue skies.
Start at the Old Faithful Visitor Center, then wander the Upper Geyser Basin’s boardwalks to see bubbling hot springs and the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring. For a deeper dive, join a guided tour with Yellowstone Day Tours, departing from Jackson. Their full-day itineraries hit highlights like Lamar Valley, prime for spotting bison and wolves, and include lunch, so you can focus on the wonders. With long daylight hours (sunsets after 9 PM in June), you’ll have time to make the 60-mile return trip and still catch dinner in town.
Why Summer in Jackson Hole?
Summer temperatures hover between 70-80°F by day, cooling to crisp nights, ideal for outdoor pursuits. The season also brings festivals like the Jackson Hole Rodeo and fewer crowds than winter’s ski rush, letting you savor the town’s laid-back charm. Whether you’re sinking a putt, rafting rapids, or chasing Yellowstone’s geothermal thrills, Jackson Hole delivers a summer escape that’s equal parts wild and refined. Plan your trip now, the Tetons are calling!
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