Top Activities to Experience in Jackson Hole
Though best known as the gateway to legendary National Parks Yellowstone and Grand Teton, there’s an abundance of activities to explore in Jackson Hole.
Encircled by peaks over 13,000ft high and vast wilderness, the valley surrounding Jackson is a year-round playground for adventurers, loved by skiers in winter and hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts in summer.
Moreover, Jackson offers rich arts and culture experiences. With a full calendar of museum exhibits, art fairs, concerts, and various events, Jackson’s cultural scene is quite vibrant for its size. Here’s how to play by day and relax by night in beautiful Jackson Hole.
1. Go Snow Tubing
Take an exciting route down the mountain in Jackson Hole via Snow King’s King Tube, a family-friendly snow-tubing park with multiple runs suitable for all levels. These exhilarating rides will leave everyone breathless and eager for more.
Additionally, there’s no need to climb back up the hill, as King Tube offers a rope tow to pull you to the top. Tubing is also available at Grand Targhee Resort, where a chair lift ferries riders to the top of the runs when conditions allow. (Children must be 42″ or taller to use the tubing parks.) King Tube is open from early December to late March; be sure to check with Grand Targhee for tubing operations updates.
2. Hit the Slopes
Founded in 1939, Snow King embodies a low-key vibe characteristic of an old-school resort. However, don’t expect only bunny hills; Snow King primarily offers steep, expert-level runs that tend to be icy.
This resort is also home to the alpine slide and the Cowboy Coaster, a thrilling ride that skims down the equivalent of a 45-story building. Moreover, the resort has invested $20 million in upgrades, making it easier to access the runs and opening up the sunnier south side of the mountain.
Another fantastic option is Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, featuring over a 4,000ft vertical drop from Rendezvous Mountain and renowned runs like the narrow chute known as Corbet’s Couloir. Notably, more than half of JHMR’s runs cater to advanced skiers, including 24 double-black runs, while three long beginner runs and 31 intermediate runs ensure that learning skiers remain engaged.
3. Ride a Bike on the Snow
Fat biking is becoming increasingly popular in Jackson Hole as extra-wide tires glide over compacted snow. This innovative sport has grown significantly over the last two decades, allowing cyclists to enjoy riding throughout the year and on multiple terrains.
For a memorable experience, join Teton Mountain Bike Tours for guided winter biking in Grand Teton National Park, or rent a fat bike to explore at your leisure. Grand Targhee, the first ski resort in the US to adopt snow biking, offers over nine miles of groomed Nordic track and six miles of single-track trails for fat bikers. Additionally, Teton Valley Trails and Pathways grooms an expanding number of trails, providing regular updates on trail conditions.
4. Raft the Snake River
The Snake River in Jackson Hole is legendary, said to be the birthplace of whitewater rafting, with the first recorded trip occurring back in 1811. This claim remains debatable, however, rafting on the Snake River is unquestionably the valley’s most popular summer activity. Choose from a variety of local outfitters who lead half-day, full-day, and multi-day rafting adventures suitable for all ages and skill levels.
The excitement peaks as the river narrows between the sheer cliffs of the Snake River Canyon, where Class III rapids, such as Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter, provide thrilling yet manageable challenges. Outfitters like Barker Ewing and Jackson Hole Whitewater offer trips in eight-person small boats and classic rafts that seat 12 to 14.
5. Enjoy a Relaxing Float Trip
As the Snake River winds through Grand Teton National Park, the meandering course offers a fantastic vantage point for appreciating stunning scenery. Lean back and take in views of bald eagles, hawks, and osprey soaring above.
The leisurely pace of a float trip allows for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, where it’s common to see moose, deer, and elk along the riverbanks. It’s advisable to bring binoculars for closer looks at wildlife. You won’t get overly wet during a float trip, but the wind can be brisk, so consider wearing a jacket or sweater.
6. Celebrate Wildlife Art
Explore the world of wildlife photography and art at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, featuring a collection of over 5,000 pieces of “animal art” alongside ongoing photography and painting exhibits. The sculpture trail is also worth a visit.
Renowned for its collection of 19th and 20th-century American West art, the museum has broadened its collection to include modern pieces, including Alexander Calder’s sketches and sculptures from Africa and New Zealand.
7. Experience Live Music
The hills come alive with music nearly every night during the spring, summer, and early fall, as Jackson’s music festivals and concert series vary in style and quality. Concerts continue throughout the winter at venues such as Center for the Arts and Walk Festival Hall.
Internationally recognized chamber and orchestral performances anchor the Grand Teton Music Festival, while national touring artists perform as part of the Jackson Hole Live outdoor concert series at Snow King Ball Park. In Teton Village, the popular free concert series Music Under the Tram kicks off in April, and Music on Main features notable singer-songwriters and bands at Victor City Park from mid-June to mid-August.
8. Visit an Outdoor Art Fair
If you plan your trip accordingly, don’t miss the annual Outdoor Art Fair hosted by the Arts Association of Jackson Hole, which occurs over two weekends in June and August. Featuring a juried selection of nationally recognized artists, photographers, ceramicists, woodworkers, and jewelers, the event includes gallery exhibitions and a delightful array of food and drink. Musical performances and family-friendly activities enhance the festival atmosphere.
9. Hike Up a Mountain
With over 97 percent of Teton County consisting of national parks, forests, and federally-owned lands, there are countless opportunities for exploration. Bridger-Teton National Forest is the largest national forest in the continental US, covering 1.7 million acres, while Grand Teton National Park boasts eight peaks exceeding 13,000ft.
If impressive landscapes aren’t enough motivation, consider the rich wildlife you might encounter—bison, elk, moose, black bears, grizzlies, wolves, and trumpeter swans are commonly sighted.
