The 7 Best Things About Summer in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of those places that has completely captured my heart. Maybe it’s because I’m older now and have a different appreciation for nature. Or maybe it’s just because Jackson Hole, Wyoming is so visually stunning. Whatever the reason, I’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t think that Jackson Hole, with its majestic backdrop of the Grand Teton Mountains, is anything less than spectacular.

I first visited Jackson Hole when I was fifteen years old on a camping tour out west. While I’m sure the scenery made an impression on me back then, I was on a whirlwind tour where we visited almost all of the Western US National Parks within a 5 week period, so things started to blend together for me.

But that was definitely not the case this time around! After just spending a few days in Wyoming with a close friend who moved there during the pandemic, I was completely won over. So much so that I’m now scheming ways to get back there as much as possible.

But enough about my love for Jackson Hole!

In this post, I want to share with you why I think it’s worth visiting Jackson Hole during the summer, plus the top 7 things to do while you’re there. I’m also including a list of my favorite restaurants and shops in the area. Normally I would include hotel options too, but to be fair, I stayed with my friend at her apartment, so I don’t feel comfortable recommending accommodations since I haven’t stayed at any of them.

So are you ready to learn more about Jackson Hole Wyoming? If so, keep reading for all of my travel tips!

Looking for more inspiration for trips to the American West? Check out my travel guide and food guide for Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Is it Jackson or Jackson Hole, Wyoming?

The first thing I want to clear up is the difference between Jackson and Jackson Hole – because this is something I didn’t even know until my most recent visit to Wyoming.

Jackson Hole is the name of the entire valley or ‘hole’ in the region. It includes the towns of Jackson, Teton Village, Moose, Wilson, and others. Jackson is one of the oldest incorporated towns in the region and is what most people think about when they think of Jackson Hole.

The town and the region are both named after Davey Jackson, a nineteenth-century, European fur trapper. He was one of the first Europeans to spend a winter in the valley.

There are three main ski resorts in the area. Snow King Mountain is the smallest and sits right at the edge of town. The Jackson Hole Resort is a 20-minute drive from downtown Jackson. This is the most popular mountain in the area. (Pro-travel tip: If you want to ski here, buy your lift tickets in advance because the resort limits the number of lift tickets they sell per day.) Finally, a 75-minute drive from town is Grand Targhee Resort. Known for its deep powder, this resort sits on the western slope of the Grand Tetons.

Pro-Tip: Are you headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for some winter fun? Check out my Jackson Hole winter guide for everything to see and do, plus where to eat and stay. 

Of course, the mountains aren’t only great for skiing and snowboarding. The resorts offer a variety of summer activities as well, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, and more. And for those who are looking for something less adventurous, there are always gondola rides to the top of the mountains!

The Grand Tetons National Park is also in the region and it’s a must-see. The closest entrance is about a 30-minute drive from the town of Jackson. Yellow Stone National Park is 57 miles from Jackson. It will take you a little over an hour to get there by car.

Getting to Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Here’s a fun fact. Did you know that the Jackson Hole airport is the only airport in the United States that is within a National Park? That’s right. The airport is located within the Grand Tetons National Park. With views of the mountains from either side of the plane, landing at this airport is pretty spectacular.

Flying into Jackson is the easiest way to get here. While there are not many direct flights from NYC (where I was traveling from), and the flights are very expensive, there are many connecting flights through multiple airports including Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and Dallas. If you’re traveling on a budget, connecting flights are always cheaper than direct flights.

For those interested in a travel hack, I ended up booking two separate roundtrip tickets with two different airlines to get to Jackson Wyoming. I booked a roundtrip Delta ticket from LaGuardia to Denver, and then a roundtrip United flight from Denver to Jackson Hole. Why? Because it was cheaper, and I wanted to earn miles on Delta to keep my status. I had no issues transferring from one terminal in Denver to another, but I only recommend this travel hack if you’re traveling with carry-on luggage only.

Obviously, choose the flight(s) that work best for you! Next time, I hope to book more in advance so I can snag one of the direct roundtrip flights on Delta before it becomes too expensive.

Why Jackson Hole, Wyoming is Even Better in the Summer

It’s true that the skiing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is pretty epic. (It’s also challenging terrain, so it’s not the best place for beginner skiers.) But I would argue that Jackson Hole, Wyoming is more gorgeous, and there is actually more to do there in the summer than in winter. That’s why I think your first visit to Jackson Hole should actually be during the summertime.

I understand this might be an unpopular opinion, but the immense beauty you will see if you come during the summer is unparalleled. Plus you have a much better chance of seeing wildlife, including bears, bison, moose, and elk. And most importantly, the best part of visiting in the summertime is the myriad ways you can enjoy the Grand Teton National Parks.

Activities include everything from hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, trail running, rock climbing, white water rafting, and camping. And for the more adventurous, you can book a guide who will lead you on an expedition to the top of some of the highest peaks in the Grand Teton Range. Those mountains include Grand Teton, Middle Teton, South Teton, and Teewinot. You can also plan an expedition to nearby Mount Moran.

Honestly, with all of this variety of summer activities, plus the spectacular scenery and the temperate weather, it just doesn’t get much better than Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the summertime!

Now I want to share with you the best things to do if you plan a visit to Jackson Hole during the summer months.

The 7 Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming During Summer

1. Hiking in the Grand Tetons National Park

There are so many great hiking trails in the Grand Tetons National Park. Some of the most popular routes include the trails at Jenny Lake, Phelps Lake, and the Delta trail. When you go, make sure you dress in layers because the weather can change quickly, and bear spray. My friends who live in Jackson never hike without it.

2. Drinks and Dancing at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

We had the best time visiting the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, which is located in the heart of Jackson, right on the town’s main square. Is it 100%, completely touristy? Yes! But it is also so much fun. Be prepared to see hundreds of people wearing cowboy boots and hats, sitting on the famous horse saddle bar stools, slinging back beers before hitting the dance floor.

3. Float down the Snake River 

My friends took me on a paddle boarding expedition on the Snake River in the Grand Tetons National Park and it was one of my favorite activities of the entire trip. We started at the Jackson Dam and ended at the Pacific Creek Landing. The river is pretty calm with a gentle current. We spent the entire afternoon slowly making our way down the river, sunbathing on our boards, swimming, and just taking in the spectacular scenery all around us. If you don’t have a paddleboard, you can rent an inflatable one in town.

Pro-Travel Tip: Make sure the paddleboard has the Grand Teton National Park boat permit sticker because park rangers check for this.

4. Spend the Day at Snow King Mountain in Jackson

Snow King Mountain is right at the edge of town and offers so many fun activities in the summertime. Whether you’re feeling more adventurous or just want to enjoy the views, there’s something for everyone. Activities include hiking, zip lining, mini-golf, biking, bungee trampolining, and an alpine slide. You can access the top of the mountain via the gondola.

5. Astoria Hot Springs

Astoria Hot Springs and Park is located just south of Jackson near Hoback. The park has a total of 5 soaking pools, including one for children. All of Astoria’s pools are fed by 100% natural hot springs and the mineral water includes magnesium, free sulfur, calcium, potassium, sodium, chloride, and alkalinity. These minerals are said to have healing properties for a number of ailments. Personally, we just enjoyed soaking in the hot water with the beautiful mountains surrounding us!

6. Sunbathe and swim at String and Lee Lakes 

I am all about swimming in the summertime, and that’s exactly what we did, plus more paddleboarding, at String and Lee Lakes. Both lakes are located in the Grand Tetons National Park and have epic views of the Grand Teton peaks. The water is crystal clear, cold, and refreshing. There are small, beachfront areas along the lake not far from the parking lot where you can set up chairs or a picnic blanket.

7. Dinner at Piste Restaurant near the top of the Jackson Hole Ski Resort

For the last night of my visit, we took the gondola at the Jackson Hole Ski Resort up to Piste Restaurant. The views alone made this trip worth it, but if you are a foodie, Piste Restaurant is a must! We had a delicious meal as we watched the sunset over the valley. It was the perfect end to a magical trip to Jackson, Wyoming.

Now that I covered the 7 best things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming during summer, I want to share the rest of my travel tips with you, including where to eat and shop.

The best places to eat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming:

King Sushi – A great place for rolls and noodles in a rustic cabin setting.

Coelette – a beautiful, upscale restaurant serving local fare with an Asian and European twist.

Annie’s Thai Kitchen – Delicious and affordable Thai food.

Glorietta Trattoria – The restaurant serves rustic, Italian food in a very cool setting. Make your reservations in advance if you want to eat here!

Snake River Grill – New American dishes served in an elevated setting with a fireplace and cozy bar.

Persephone Bakery – Popular with the locals and tourists, a French bakery serving breakfast and lunch.

Inversion Cafe – A take-out cafe serving sustainable, healthy smoothies, snacks, and food. Vegan and gluten-free options are available too.

Calico Restaurant and Bar – One of Jackson Hole’s oldest restaurants, serving Italian food.

Casa – A delicious and affordable Mexican summer pop-up at the Caldera House, at the Jackson Hole Ski Resort.

Piste – As I mentioned above, take the góndola to the top of the resort for epic views and food.

Pro Travel Tip: For a much more detailed list of the best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Jackson Hole, check out my Jackson Hole Food Guide!

The Best places to shop in Jackson Wyoming:

Kemo Sabe – if you dream of becoming a cowboy or cowgirl, this is the store for you. They specialize in selling cowboy hats, boots, and belts

Mountain Dandy – A beautifully curated home goods and furniture store.

Made – Opened by the same owners of Mountain Dandy, they sell unique, handmade gifts with a western charm.

Jackson Mercantile – The shop to go to for all of your Wyoming souvenirs, including t-shirts and baseball caps.

Black diamond Equipment – For all of your outdoor sports and mountaineering needs.

Mountain Trails Gallery – If you’re into Western-inspired art, this is the place to go.

Roam – a luxury, lifestyle boutique selling jewelry, clothing, and home goods.

Overland Sheepskin Co. – A family-run store with shops throughout the Western U.S. and the best place to buy good quality sheepskin rugs.

Stio – A local shop selling outdoor apparel for all of your mountain adventures.

Are You Ready to Visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming?

What do you think? Has this post convinced you to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the summertime? I certainly hope so! I had such an amazing trip. I’m so grateful I got the chance to experience Jackson Hole again as an adult.

I have so much more appreciation now for nature and our national parks which is what made my trip so special. I can’t wait to plan my next visit to Jackson Hole. And who knows? Maybe I’ll see you out there on one of those hiking trails!

If you’re a foodie, don’t forget to check out my post about the best places to eat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming!

And thinking of other travel destinations out west? Check out my Santa Fe travel guide and my Santa Fe Restaurant Guide.

And if the beach is more your vibe, I recommend Todos Santos, Vieques, and Delray Beach, Florida.