5 Must Do Summer Activities in Jackson Hole

Summer is in full swing in the Hole and I can’t help but think of my all-time summer favorites.

Paddleboarding on the Snake River, mountain biking in the bike park, hiking to the top of the gondola for happy hour… the list goes on.

Here are my top five favorite spots in Jackson Hole. What are yours?

1. Happy Hour at The Deck

Take the Bridger Gondola to the top or hike up the Wildflower trail to reach the ultimate destination with views for miles. Take a seat at a comfy couch or one of the tables and receive table service including spicy margs and fresh apps all while overlooking the Jackson Hole valley, Snake River, and surrounding mountain ranges. Don’t forget to grab the bartender’s special drink of the night for the 12 minute gondola ride down! Due to COVID-19, we are spacing tables 6′ apart, running private gondolas, and asking all guests to wear masks in the gondola line and while inside. 

 

2. Mountain Biking in the Bike Park

Rent a mountain bike or bring your own and head to the bike park. Hop on Teewinot Chairlift at the base area to access all the trails our bike park has to offer. From easy flow trails with big turns to more challenging lines with jumps, the bike park is perfect for riders just getting into the sport or hard-core bike enthusiast. Lucky Charm is my favorite trail and is a great beginner ride for any first-time mountain bikers. Don’t forget that masks are required in the lift lines and while unloading the lift. Grab a margarita or taco at the Tin Can Cantina when you’re done with your laps!

3. Driving through Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone might have the big name but the Grand Tetons have the big views.  Ask any Jackson Hole local and they’ll say these mountains stole their heart and forced them to take residence here. Jump in the car and take a drive around the park – there’s plenty of marked Scenic Drives loops to guide you through.  Make sure to stop at a few pivotal lookouts to stretch your legs – Snake River overlook, made famous by Ansel Adams; Jenny Lake for a mellow walk or boat ride around the lake; Oxbow Bend where the Snake River makes a turn right under the majestic Mount Moran.  If you are looking for a relatively quick hike, Phelps Lake is where you want to go. Make sure to stop in the Rockefeller Preserve before starting your hike to check out some cool history on the area.

4. Via Ferrata

Have you ever climbed a ladder 3,000’ in the air suspended with only a carabiner holding your weight?  Now is your chance to do that. The Via Ferrata, pioneered in Jackson Hole by our owner, Connie Kemmerer, is one of the coolest things you can do in the area.  The degrees of climbing difficulty vary so there’s a route for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned rock climber or just a beginner who’s never climbed at all, the Via Ferrata has something for you. Check out the route map, videos and more here.

5. Lakes and Rivers

After you’re done biking, hiking and climbing the Via Ferrata, it’s time to cool down. Rent a paddleboard (or a tube or kayak) and head down the Snake River. Make sure you are properly outfitted with a PFD and safety equipment – the river is on-brand with rest of the valley, and can be not-so mellow at times. There are a plethora of river stretches you can float, but make sure you speak to a Forrest or Park Ranger first to get the lay of the land.  If you are more comfortable jumping into a still body of water, check out any of the dozen lakes in the area. Remember that hike to Phelps? Jump right in the lake from “jump rock” if you are looking for a cool down. Other notable mentions include Jackson Lake, String Lake and Slide Lake.