Families looking to spend quality time together won’t run out of things to do with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park just down the road. Bring your loved ones out for a guided horseback tour or go whitewater rafting on the Snake River. The possibilities are truly endless when you visit Jackson Hole, so we narrowed down the top five ways to get your summer vacation started.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is home to more than 2.2 million acres, so it’s safe to say there is plenty to do when you visit this monumental site. If you are only in town for a few days and don’t know where to start, experienced guides are available to lead you through the must-sees of the park. Set aside some time to visit and learn about the most famous park landmarks including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Springs, The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs.
The park is also at the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest intact temperate-zone ecosystems remaining on the planet. This means wildlife of many kinds reside in the area. Visitors may spot grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, moose, goats, eagles, lions, and more as they drive through Yellowstone.
2. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a quintessential spot for summertime activities near Jackson Hole, WY. Whether you are looking to get active and go for a challenging hike, or you prefer to take a leisurely stroll and do some fishing, this scenic park has just what you need. With the impressive mountains rising majestically out of the valley floor, the stunning views throughout the park will leave you awestruck. Grand Teton National Park is also a great place to get out your camera and practice your photography skills. This destination has no shortage of photo-worthy subjects, including the historic Moulton barn, which is a part of the Mormon Row Historic District.
3. Rafting Trips
What’s better than a peaceful day spent floating through Grand Teton National Park or historic Jackson Hole Valley? You will surely want to go on a scenic river trip or even try whitewater rafting down the rapids on the Snake River while visiting Jackson Hole this summer. Enjoy a memorable day of outdoor adventure for the whole family while immersing yourself in Wyoming’s natural beauty and experiencing native wildlife all around you. Rafting and float trip operators are taking extra precautions and working with smaller group sizes to provide a safe experience.
4. Horseback Riding
Horseback rides offer our visitors a unique opportunity to slow down and see the stunning scenery of Jackson Hole. If you're looking for a relaxing way to spend time with your family or want to have a backcountry adventure, guided horseback tours are the way to go. There are many types of horseback riding experiences you can choose from in Jackson Hole, so local outfitters provide safe and professional half-day, full-day, and overnight trips through private ranches or national forest land.
5. Covered Wagon Cookouts & Live Music
Get a feel for the Old West when you grab dinner and see a show with Bar T 5. These horse-drawn covered wagons will show you what hospitality really means as they carry you into the breathtaking Cache Creek Canyon for an evening of endless, savory home-cooked food and magnificent entertainment. Once you have gone through the chow line, the Bar T 5 Band will take the stage and fill the night with music that will make you want to get up and dance. We suggest bringing your camera. You’ll want to capture this night.
6. Fishing
A trip to the mountains could never be complete without a fishing expedition. Grab your poles and tackle box and head on over to Snake River or Jenny Lake for a day on the water that would delight even the most seasoned anglers. A variety of quality outfitters and guides are available to help you make your fishing experience memorable by providing rods, reels and swap fishing stories with you. Even if you don’t need the gear, our experts can tell you the best places to fish and local fishing tips.
7. Mountain Adventures
For all the adrenaline seekers out there– try your hand at one of Jackson’s many heart pumping, nail-biting outdoor mountain adventures. Test your fear of heights (and hand-eye coordination) at Snow King Mountain Resort’s Treetop Adventure Course. Feel the excitement as the wind blows through your hair on the Cowboy Coaster or Alpine Slide. Travel the rough Wyoming terrain on a guided ATV tour or take the family whitewater rafting on Snake River. Experience the thrill of Jackson Hole one adrenaline rush at a time.
Watch: Summer in Jackson Hole
Get pumped for summer with this awesome video from our friends at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort!
Click here to experience the best of summer in Jackson Hole, WY! This summer package includes 3 nights lodging, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and getting up close and personal with Wyoming’s natural beauty on guided hikes.
If you have any questions about planning your trip, you can contact Jackson Hole Central Reservations by calling (888) 838-6606. Our team is always eager to help you find flights, book accommodations, plan activities, and build a vacation you won’t forget.
