It’s the beginning of fall in Jackson Hole and there’s so much to see and do! Here are some of the best reasons why the months between the summer rafting season and winter ski season are the best time to visit Jackson Hole.
Ride The Trails
Jackson Hole has over 56 miles of paved pathways that link the town of Jackson to Teton Village and Grand Teton National Park, and over 115 miles of mountain bike trails. These trails let you enjoy the beautiful fall scenery whether you want a short or long bike ride. Jackson’s Pathways map shows the area trails, including the mostly-paved Grand Loop (35 miles), and mountain bike trails Cache/Game Loop (21 miles), and the Phillip Ridge Loop (19 miles). You can rent bikes in Jackson from Hoback Sports or in Teton Village from Teton Village Sports.
Float The River
There are still opportunities to enjoy rafting on the Snake River. Through September, the river allows for rafting the rapids or gliding along through many miles of calmer water (the changing colors along the river make for a memorable trip!). There are fewer daily launch times in the off-season so check the rafting company's schedules for available dates.
Enjoy The Colors
Highway 191 north from Jackson takes you through the Jackson Hole valley along the Snake River. This area is a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of one of Jackson’s best seasonal features! As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, September is the perfect time to see the fall colors. Different shades of gold, orange, and even a hint of red glimmer in the trees, and the bushes along the river are fading from green to other colors. Even the wildflowers along the highway display bursts of yellow.
Go Horseback Riding
The crisp fall air is the perfect time to grab your warm coat and head out for a horseback ride. Many of the local ranches offer rides on scenic mountain trails lasting an hour, ½ day, or longer. If riding on the back of a horse isn’t for you, we think you’ll enjoy riding along on the chuck wagon pulled by horses to a campfire dinner and show. Bar T 5 has dates through the end of September.
Go Hiking
While Jackson does have some great snowshoeing trails, going on a hike and enjoying nature before the snow returns is always a good way to experience the changing colors and vibrant scenery. With nearby access to Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest, you can head out in any direction and find a trailhead. To find the best trail that fits your time schedule or challenge level, visit alltrails.com and search by difficulty, length, or elevation gain.
Visit Jackson
It’s a slower time of year for travelers and that means it’s a great time to shop and dine in Jackson. Bring a light jacket and stroll around downtown. The shops are open, so come in and browse for that perfect gift for you or your family and friends. There are plenty of great places around Jackson to dine any time of day. Check out this Dining Guide for options. Then grab your favorite coffee drink or ice cream and find a bench in the Town Square. It’s a pleasant place to sit and relax.
Enjoy the off-season in Jackson Hole. Come for the weekend or spend several days exploring the area!
Check out our available properties and book your perfect Jackson Hole vacation rental this fall season.