Late summer is one of the best times to experience Jackson Hole. As the leaves begin to turn a vibrant yellow and the weather becomes refreshingly cooler, you can enjoy the full spectrum of summer activities without the crowds. The scenery is breathtaking, and the wildlife is particularly active during this time of year. Later summer and early fall also present a unique chance to witness elk bugling, in which the male elk fight with their antlers and make resonant bugle calls to attract females.
For an idyllic stay, consider Teton Village, situated only 20 minutes from downtown Jackson and 5 minutes from Grand Teton National Park. This charming town serves as the ideal home base for your Jackson Hole adventures, offering a selection of great restaurants, boutique shops, and events. Teton Village also has plenty of space to explore and observe the diverse wildlife of the area.
Day 1: Grand Teton National Park
Only one mile away from Teton Village, Grand Teton National Park is a gem that you cannot miss when visiting Jackson. Devote an entire day to marveling at the majestic Teton Range and experiencing the abundant wildlife up-close. Indulge in a scenic drive, embark on a hike, glide through the pristine waters by kayak, or cast a line for an unforgettable fishing experience.
Make sure to pack a lunch and snacks for your day before heading to the southern entrance of Grand Teton National Park. There, you can purchase an entrance pass that covers both GTNP and Yellowstone for seven days.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you drive through the park. Bison, pronghorn, grizzly bears and moose— often descending from the mountain to graze in the wetlands— are frequently spotted throughout the GTNP.
With the weather cooling down and the crowds dispersing, it is the perfect time of year to hike to Hidden Falls at the south end of Jenny Lake. The falls can be reached via the Jenny Lake Trail, a 4.9 mile-loop. During your journey to the 100ft waterfall, you will also see beautiful views of Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole. This area is popular with hikers and campers, but with school back in session and family travel slowing down, it will be less crowded.
Set out on the clear water of Jackson Lake to experience unique views of the park. Colter Bay Boat Rentals offers canoes, kayaks, and motorboats through mid-August, allowing you to explore the nearby bays and islands at your leisure. The grandeur of the Tetons are even more picturesque from the tranquility of the lake.
Fishing in the park’s lakes, rivers, and streams is a popular activity through late summer and early fall. Fishers must have a valid Wyoming fishing license, which can be purchased online. The iconic Snake River is a popular place to catch trout and take in the breathtaking wildlife views.
The elk rut, or the elk’s mating season, can begin as soon as late August and carry through mid-October. Elk bugling can be heard during dusk and dawn, so you may be able to witness the males fighting with their antlers as your day winds down. Bradley-Taggart trailhead, White Grass Meadow, and Granite Canyon are some of the best places to catch a glimpse of elk bugling in the park. It is suggested to stay at least 25 yards away from the wildlife, as elk can become extremely aggressive during the rut.
Take a scenic drive down Moose-Wilson Road when heading south out of the park. This road winds through the golden aspen trees and there may be sightings of wildlife along the way. Moose-Wilson Road will also take you to the aforementioned Granite Canyon where you can look for elk-bugling at sunset.
Day 2: Yellowstone National Park (lower loop)
Yellowstone National Park, the nation's oldest national park, boasts an extraordinary array of hydrothermal and geological wonders. Situated approximately 1.5 hours from Teton Village, it offers a captivating journey into some of the most unique natural phenomena on the planet.
It’s best to leave for the park early in the morning, since you will be doing a lot of driving during your journey. Head out at 6 a.m. to catch the sun rise amongst the Tetons and you may spot wildlife enjoying the serenity of the morning. If you purchased the two-park entrance pass at Grand Teton National Park, you will be set to enter Yellowstone.
Start your day in the park at the northernmost point of the journey and work your way back. The Fountain Paint Pots, just a short drive from Old Faithful, features mudpots, geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles: all four of the thermal features in the park. They are famous for their colorful hues and are a fascinating glimpse into the geothermal processes at work.
The vibrant Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is another famous feature in Yellowstone. It is known for its striking rainbow colors and is the largest hot spring in the United States. This unique natural formation is one of the most beautiful and most photographed spots in Yellowstone.
Old Faithful, situated in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, is a 1.5 hour drive from the entrance. It is one of the most famous geysers in Yellowstone. Known for its regular and predictable eruptions, Old Faithful shoots boiling water and steam into the air approximately every 90 minutes. Its reliability and dramatic displays have made it a symbol of the park's geothermal activity and a major attraction for visitors.
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is a geothermal area located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake. It is easily accessible via a boardwalk trail, which provides safe and scenic views of the geothermal features and the lake. It is known for its turquoise Abyss Pool, Black Pool, and Fishing Cone.
Yellowstone Lake is another popular place to stop in the park. It lies within the Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world. It serves as a pretty lookout point and also offers recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Day 3: Teton Village and Downtown Jackson
Begin your day with an exploration of Teton Village. Enjoy the convenience of activities near your rental home, such as a scenic ride on the Aerial Tram to the summit of Rendezvous Peak. Here, you will see unparalleled views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole valley, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, nestled in Teton Village, offers a diverse array of activities through late summer, including horseback riding, mountain biking, a ropes course, a climbing wall, and Frisbee golf.
The Village also features excellent shopping and dining options for lunch. With most attractions within walking distance of each other, it is perfectly suited for a leisurely morning.
Head to downtown Jackson for the second half of your day. The Jackson Hole Rodeo is an exciting way to experience cowboy culture. Learn about the history of Jackson while watching bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, and barrel racing. The rodeo has events through September 7th. Make sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time, so you don’t miss out!
Downtown Jackson is full of life, offering tons of opportunities for boutique shopping, delicious dining options, and live music. From September 4 -15th, the Fall Arts Festival is put on in town square. Local galleries and venues host over 50 art events in these 12 days. And don’t miss a photo opportunity under the grand elk antler arches featured in each corner of the town square!
Take advantage of our “Endless Summer” sale going on now through August 1st: Save 20% on your stay of 4+ nights through September 30th!
Promo Code: SUMMERINJH
Must book by August 1, 2024, for stays that start between July 25th and September 30th. Exclusions apply. Not available for all properties. Does not apply to existing reservations, cannot be combined with other discounts, new reservations only.