In Jackson Hole, the fun certainly doesn't stop when the snow melts! Summer is the perfect season to experience the beauty, wonder, and activity of Jackson Hole. And with a never ending list of things to do and see, your whole family is sure to love summer in Jackson Hole.
Here are 10 of the best summer activities in Jackson Hole that should definitely be on your list!
Visit Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
Two of America's greatest National Parks are located just outside of Jackson Hole. Yellowstone is America’s first national park, established in 1872. If your family has never seen a geyser, Old Faithful is a must-see, as are the amazing hot springs and geothermal features throughout the park. Wildlife and hiking opportunities abound. Grand Teton is another amazing park with incredible mountain scenery and over two hundred miles of hiking trails.
Ride The Aerial Tram
You've never seen Jackson Hole like this! In just 12 minutes, the Aerial Tram will take you to the summit of the Tetons, where you'll experience dramatic 360-degree views of the Tetons and Jackson Hole valley. It's also a great starting point for hiking and running trails and mountain climbing sites. Oh, and definitely don't miss out on a world-famous gourmet waffle at Corbet's Cabin while you're 4,139 vertical feet above the ground.
Get Wet w/ Whitewater Rafting & Scenic Floats
In addition to the scenic beauty that abounds, Jackson Hole is home to some of the most thrilling whitewater rapids in the world! The Snake River boasts roughly 8 miles of class 2 & 3 rapids, along with beautiful scenery. Guided tours will have you laughing and bouncing about as you bravely (and safely!) take on the rapids. In addition to the rougher waters, the Snake River offers calm stretches for stunning scenic floats. These guided tours will brush you up on the history of the region and give you a chance to marvel at the mountains and the wildlife. Don't forget your camera! Learn More >
Get Some Air @ The Mountain Bike Park
Wanna get some air this summer? Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's bike park is the perfect place to do it. By using Gravity Logic mapping, they've expertly designed one of the best mountain-bike destinations in the Tetons. No matter what level you are, you and your family will find a trail worthy of a fabulous Jackson Hole Summer. From novice trails for beginners, to advanced trails and jump tracks, you'll fly over tabletops and around corners and do it all again after a 5-minute ride to the top on the Teewinot lift.
Fly High w/ Paragliding
Defy gravity this summer in Jackson Hole by paragliding amongst the Tetons. When you're soaring high above Teton Village and experiencing the beauty of Jackson Hole by air, you'll be giddy you chose this as one of your Jackson Hole vacation adventures, the Teton Range and the Snake River Range from the air. No experience is necessary, but be sure to make a reservation because this is certainly a popular activity!
Enjoy Family Fun w/ Adventure Passes
Your kids will have the time of their lives in Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's Grand Adventure Camp! Activities include the Aerial Ropes Course, Bungee Trampoline, Climbing Rock Wall, Scenic Tram and Gondola rides, Wild West Woods, pathway biking, art/science activities, hiking with a focus on safety in the outdoors, and the famous Giant Slip n’Slide. Activities are based on kid's age level, with several themed days throughout the summer!
At Snow King Mountain in Downtown Jackson, WY, the whole family can take advantage of several summer activities! The Big King Unlimited Pass offers a full day of all-mountain access to visitors’ favorite things to do at Snow King Mountain. Fly down the steepest zip-line in North America, swing in the trees at the Treetop Adventure, take unlimited rides on the Cowboy Coaster and Alpine Slide and then relax with a scenic gondola ride or a chance to beat your family at a round of mini golf!
Learn More About Grand Adventure Camp >
Learn More About Big King Pass >
Go Mountain Climbing
Pack your ropes and best climbing gear because vacations in Jackson Hole are tailor-made for rock climbing. There are multiple climbs of varying difficulty located in the area. Some of the more famous ones are Symmetry Spire, Teewinot, Guides Wall, Irene’s Arete and Ice Point. Guide services and climbing clinics are often available too. Just make sure that you reserve your spot well in advance.
The Via Ferrata at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers a series of routes composed of cables secured to the rock. Climbers wear a harness with specialty Via Ferrata lanyards and carbineers that are used to clip into the cables and move along the route. With 15 unique routes, the Jackson Hole Via Ferrata is an adventure unlike any other, offering some of the most incredible views of the valley as climbers make their way up iron rungs, ladders and suspended bridges, all while secured to cables along the rocks.
See The Sights w/ Hot Air Ballooning
Want to enjoy the mountains without donning your climbing packs? Consider going hot air ballooning instead. The guided excursions are frequently suitable for adventure seekers age 6 and older. Hour-long morning flights tend to be the most popular. They typically run from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thus, that leaves plenty of time to spend the rest of your vacation in Jackson Hole enjoying other high altitude pursuits.
Go Llamaneering
One way to get wild with the family in Jackson Hole is to go llamaneering. Just in case you are unfamiliar with llamaneering, it involves hiking with a llama in tow. The llamas carry your hiking gear for you and provide added interest to the excursion. There are different llama tour companies in the Jackson Hole area that offer such guided trips. However, most of the wild and wooly hikes tend to run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Experience A Wildlife Safari
Speaking of guided trips, Jackson Hole is also home to a variety of tour companies that offer wildlife safaris. The intensity of the wildlife safaris vary and may be tailored to meet your family’s unique needs. Some of the animals that your family is likely to encounter during the trips are birds, wolves, bears, moose, bison and elk. Oftentimes, lunch is included in the wildlife safari packages as well.
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safairs >
These are just a few of the incredible activities in our valley and surrounding area during the summer months! Be sure and read our other blogs for more things to do in Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks.