The Getaway
Spend the Summer in Jackson Hole Valley

Jackson Hole is a valley that sits peacefully between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges in Wyoming. It’s near two national parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton, that equip it with endless mountain vistas and an array of wildlife.

Jackson Hole provides access to just about any type of outdoor activity you can think of. With daytime temperatures staying between 70 and 80 degrees, this beautiful and historical locale is the perfect place to spend your summer getaway.

Advertisement

01 Mountain climbing adventures

Summers in Jackson Hole provide endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. With hours of sunny daylight, you’ll have plenty of time to wander the mountainous surroundings. Climbers can book a guide and head out on a multi-day journey or overnight trip into the Grand Tetons.

For those seeking to learn new skills, professional mountaineers teach classes to less-experienced adventurers of all ages in a variety of scenic locations.

Advertisement

02 Camp out under a starlit sky

Few places on the planet provide spectacular, star-filled skies like those you’ll find in Jackson Hole, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than camping out. An abundance of campsite options in the Grand Tetons with lots of nearby places to rent equipment make it easy to experience Wyoming’s landscapes up close and personal.

Spruce and fir trees surround you, along with dazzling lakeside or river views, perfect for tents, RVs, campers, and travel trailers.

Advertisement

03 Enjoy all the hiking treks

No matter what kind of hiking you’re into, you’ll find it in Jackson Hole. From boulder scrambles to river walks to all-day walkabouts, there are miles and miles of hiking trails to discover here.

Choose a guided walk or head out on your own. Travelers who seek out eco-conscious experiences will love the atmosphere in Jackson Hole. The locals and their chamber of commerce place a strong focus on sustainable outdoor exploration and tourism. They urge visitors to stick to marked trails and leave no trace of their trek behind.

Advertisement

04 Water activities and fun galore

Whether you crave opportunities to get into the water or you prefer paddling on top of it, you’ll discover all the ways to enjoy the waterways in the Jackson Hole area. From tranquil lakes to gentle, winding streams and churning rivers, you’ll find just what you’re looking for.

Whitewater rafting, scenic float trips, canoeing, swimming, and fishing are just a few of the possibilities.

Advertisement

05 Wildlife beyond your imagination

Elk Herd in the Meadow, Jackson Hole, Wyoming Kirk Sewell / Getty Images

Animals lovers can spend their entire trip trying to spot all the critters that reside near Jackson Hole. All kinds of wildlife, including buffalo, bears, moose, elk, wolves, and pronghorn antelope, call this 20-million acre area home. Hire a guide to increase your chance of seeing the many different species thriving in their natural habitat.

Advertisement

06 Get your art on

For lovers of art, Jackson Hole has become a major destination, on par with Santa Fe, Scottsdale, and San Francisco. Around 30 galleries feature works by famed artists like Charles Russell and Frederic Remington, as well as creations by internationally known painters, national favorites, and local artisans. The area hosts an array of outdoor art festivals between mid-June and early August.

Advertisement

07 Explore the area on horseback

Viewing jaw-dropping vistas and wide-open landscapes on horseback is one of the best ways to experience Jackson Hole. You’ll connect with the Old West vibes here, seeing the area in the same way early travelers did. Immerse yourself in the valley’s culture and lore by booking a full day of riding or a multi-day pack trip. You can even experience a chuckwagon dinner or jump aboard a stagecoach ride.

Advertisement

08 Take in a Rodeo

If you’ve never witnessed true cowhands showing off their skills and competing against each other for money and glory, don’t miss out on the Jackson Hole Rodeo while you’re here. This 100-year tradition features everything you’d expect to see and more.

This isn’t the watered-down modernize version of a rodeo. These are working cowboys and cowgirls battling it out for top honors. You can even book a behind-the-scenes tour to meet the contestants as they get ready for their events.

Advertisement

09 Chill directly with nature

There comes a time when you’ve had enough of those day-to-day stresses and you need to get away from it all for some much-deserved downtime. This is the place to do it. It’s not hard to find a serene, secluded spot in Jackson Hole where you can chill out, meditate, or just be alone with your thoughts, surrounded by Mother Nature at her finest.

Advertisement

10 Take in spectacular sunrises and sunsets

Summer Sunset at Snake River Overlook Dean_Fikar / Getty Images

Early risers willing to get up by 5 a.m. will enjoy some of Jackson Hole's greatest views. The most beautiful summer sunrises you’ll ever see happen here, and popular spots like Snake River Overlook and Moulton Barn in Grand Teton National Park deliver the best bang for your buck.

Head for the Jenny Lake Overlook in the park for an awe-inspiring sunset. About 30 minutes before it disappears behind the Tetons, the fading light bathes the valley in a reddish glow.

Share

Scroll Down

for the Next Article

The Getaway Badge
Sign up to receive insider info and deals that will help you travel smarter.
Advertisement
Advertisement