Top Summer Activities in Jackson Hole for Outdoor Adventure

Jackson Hole is often associated with winter skiing, but summer reveals an entirely different side of the valley.

Temperatures are typically comfortable, hiking trails are fully accessible, rivers are ideal for paddling and rafting, and wildlife viewing opportunities are at their peak. Summer also brings local events, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and longer days that allow visitors to fit more into every itinerary.

The valley also serves as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, making it one of the best bases for exploring Wyoming’s most iconic landscapes.

Few places rival Grand Teton National Park during summer.

As snow retreats from lower elevations, hundreds of miles of trails become accessible, offering everything from easy lakeside walks to challenging alpine climbs.

Popular summer hikes include:

Taggart Lake Trail

One of the most accessible hikes in the park, Taggart Lake offers stunning Teton views with relatively little effort. The trail winds through forests, sagebrush meadows, and wildflower-filled landscapes before reaching the shores of Taggart Lake, where the Tetons rise dramatically above the water.

At just under four miles round trip, it’s often recommended as one of the best hikes in Jackson Hole for first-time visitors and families looking to experience Grand Teton National Park without committing to a full-day trek.

Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls

A Jackson Hole classic, Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls remain among the most popular Grand Teton hiking trails for good reason.

Take the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake or hike the shoreline before continuing to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The views over the valley make this one of the most popular summer hikes in Grand Teton.

String Lake Loop

Perfect for families and casual hikers, String Lake combines easy walking with swimming opportunities and some of the park’s most scenic shoreline views.

The relatively flat trail circles one of the most picturesque lakes in the park, offering continuous views of the surrounding peaks. During summer, it’s common to see visitors combining a morning hike with kayaking, paddleboarding, or a picnic beside the water.

For travelers looking for a slower-paced outdoor experience, String Lake is one of the most enjoyable hiking trails in Jackson Hole.

Cascade Canyon

For visitors seeking a longer adventure, Cascade Canyon delivers dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and a true backcountry feel without requiring technical climbing.

While many visitors choose to hike only a portion of the trail, those who venture deeper into the canyon are met with some of the most impressive views in Grand Teton National Park. It’s regularly considered one of the best hikes in Jackson Hole for experienced hikers.

Wildlife viewing is one of the most memorable things to do in Jackson Hole in summer.

Early mornings and evenings offer the best opportunities to spot animals throughout the valley and national parks.

Keep an eye out for:

• Moose
• Elk
• Bison
• Black bears
• Grizzly bears
• Pronghorn
• Bald eagles
• Ospreys
• Coyotes

Some of the best wildlife viewing areas include Moose-Wilson Road, Antelope Flats, Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, and the northern sections of Grand Teton National Park.

The key is patience. Wildlife encounters often happen when you’re least expecting them.

Kayaking in Jackson Hole offers a completely different perspective of the Tetons.

Calm mountain lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, creating some of the most photographed views in Wyoming.

Jackson Lake

Located inside Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake provides expansive views of the Teton Range and plenty of space for paddling adventures.

String Lake

Known for its calm waters and easy access, String Lake is one of the best kayaking locations for beginners and families.

Leigh Lake

A slightly more adventurous option, Leigh Lake rewards paddlers with fewer crowds and spectacular mountain scenery.

Early mornings often provide the calmest water conditions and the best reflections of the mountains.

No Jackson Hole summer vacation feels complete without time on the Snake River.

Depending on your comfort level, visitors can choose between scenic float trips and whitewater rafting adventures.

Scenic Snake River Floats

These guided trips focus on scenery and wildlife rather than rapids.

Expect views of the Tetons, river corridors filled with birdlife, and opportunities to spot moose, beavers, bald eagles, and elk along the shoreline.

Whitewater Rafting

For more adventure, head south of Jackson where sections of the Snake River offer exciting Class II and III rapids.

Whitewater trips are especially popular during peak summer when water levels remain strong and temperatures are warm.

Some of the best summer experiences require very little effort.

Grand Teton National Park’s scenic roads connect many of the region’s most famous viewpoints and make it easy to experience the landscape even on a shorter visit.

Must-see stops include:

• Mormon Row Historic District
• Snake River Overlook
• Oxbow Bend
• Jenny Lake
• Signal Mountain
• Jackson Lake Dam
• Schwabacher Landing

Early mornings typically provide the best photography conditions and lighter traffic.

Summer transforms the mountains above Jackson Hole into a playground for hikers, sightseers, and mountain bikers.

The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram carries visitors thousands of feet above the valley floor, providing panoramic views across the Tetons, Jackson Hole, and surrounding wilderness.

From the summit, visitors can:

• Hike alpine trails
• Enjoy mountaintop dining
• Watch paragliders launch
• Photograph the Tetons
• Access sections of the famed Grand Teton backcountry

Even if you’re not planning a hike, the views alone make the ride worthwhile.

Summer is one of the best times to experience Jackson Hole’s dining scene. Before heading into town, start with Trailborn’s own food and drink offerings, where guests can enjoy everything from casual breakfasts before a hike to relaxed dinners after a day exploring the Tetons. Explore Trailborn Jackson Hole’s dining options, including Old Timer Bar & Restaurant, for convenient on-site dining throughout your stay.

Beyond Trailborn, Jackson Hole offers plenty of memorable outdoor dining spots where mountain views, fresh air, and local ingredients take center stage.

Old Timer Bar & Restaurant

Located at Trailborn Jackson Hole, Old Timer Bar & Restaurant is an easy choice after a day of hiking or rafting. The relaxed atmosphere, mountain-inspired menu, and convenient location mean you can settle in for dinner without needing to drive anywhere after a full day outdoors.

Snake River Grill

A longtime Jackson favorite just off Town Square, Snake River Grill combines refined mountain dining with a welcoming atmosphere. During summer, visitors can enjoy outdoor seating while sampling dishes that showcase regional ingredients. It’s particularly popular for special occasions and evening dinners after a day in Grand Teton National Park.

Local Restaurant & Bar

Known for its focus on locally sourced ingredients and Wyoming-raised meats, Local Restaurant & Bar offers a true taste of the region. The patio is especially inviting during summer evenings, making it a popular spot for visitors looking to experience Jackson’s modern Western food scene.

Dornan’s Pizza & Pasta Company

Few dining locations in Wyoming can compete with the views from Dornan’s in Moose. Situated just outside Grand Teton National Park, the outdoor deck overlooks the Tetons and is one of the most photographed dining spots in the region. Dornan’s Pizza and Pasta Company is a great place to stop for pizza, sandwiches, or a casual drink while exploring the park.

Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch between hikes, a scenic patio overlooking the Tetons, or a memorable dinner after a day of adventure, outdoor dining is an essential part of summer in Jackson Hole. The combination of mountain scenery, long daylight hours, and locally inspired cuisine makes every meal feel like part of the experience.