The warm sun shines on the Tetons, signaling the arrival of summer and new opportunities for adventure. From hiking trails to scenic drives, locals and tourists enjoy various outdoor activities in this beautiful area. Trust our local expertise and don’t waste a day of the limited warm-weather months; plan your weekends around our ideal Jackson Hole summer bucket list.
Active in the Outdoors
With close access to three different mountain resorts, two national parks, and numerous hikes, river floats, and lakes, it can be hard to decide where to venture for a day in the outdoors.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, downhill mountain biking at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a great place to start. With trails for first timers or experts, hop on two wheels to explore the world-famous terrain of Teton Village from a new perspective.
With increased temperatures, spending a day on a lake or river can help beat the heat. Delta Lake is a can’t-miss hike in Grand Teton National Park. It places you below the Grand Teton at a stunning glacial lake where you can take a dip in turquoise waters. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to plan this for early morning and start the climb as the sun is rising. Following a hike, head to String Lake for an afternoon of paddleboarding, or set up on the rocky beaches of Jackson Lake for a picnic, cornhole, and watersports. Don’t forget to stay on designated pathways, pack bear spray, and keep a safe distance from all wildlife!
Looking for more action? The Snake River travels through Jackson, with multiple sections offering whitewater floats. For first-timers, booking a trip through a local rafting company like Dave Hanson Whitewater or Mad River Boat Trips is recommended. If whitewater isn’t up your alley, consider driving the pass to Driggs, ID, to float the Teton River. Perfect for stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, this float offers scenic views of the Tetons and wildlife at a slower pace.
Music and the Arts
Activities at Snow King, from the Cowboy Coaster to Treetop Adventures, could fill a whole day, but the Jackson Hole King Concerts are arguably the best. Starting on June 7th and running through September 3rd, an impressive lineup of bands will perform at the top of the King at an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Music on Main runs June 19th through August 14th in the heart of Victor, ID. Every Thursday from 6 to 10 pm, you can enjoy live music and local food and drinks with people from the surrounding communities. This is a family-friendly and affordable event, with a $5 donation entrance fee and open seating on the lawn.
The Art Association of Jackson Hole hosts the Art Fair each year. Taking place from July 25th to 27th and August 15th to 17th at the Center for the Arts, this is the association’s largest fundraising event of the year for art education. Featuring professional local and national artists, you can walk around booths scoping out ceramics, paintings, furniture, and more to find the next piece for your home.
Take Part in the Wild West
In honor of Jackson Hole’s western heritage, the events put on by the Teton County Fair and Jackson Hole Rodeo each year are not to be missed.
The Teton County Fair runs from July 19th through July 27th, with activities suitable for the whole family. In addition to the rides and games that run throughout the week, five separate events take place across the Fairgrounds. On July 23rd and 24th, Charley Crockett and Banda Retonos will be performing, and on the 25th, you can watch the 4H Livestock Sale, where local students auction off the livestock they have raised over the year. On Saturday and Sunday night, the Fair Rodeo and the Figure 8 Races close out the week with adrenaline-pumping events and excitement.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm. Established in 1890, the rodeo is the best place to immerse yourself in Jackson’s cowboy culture. With bronc and bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and more, experience the true meaning of the Wild West, rain or shine, at the rodeo grounds below Snow King.
Summer Eats
While Jackson has plenty of spots to stop for a bite to eat, navigating the plethora of choices can be challenging. If you’re looking for a place away from the hustle and bustle of the Town Square, head to Wilson to find some gems at any time of day.
Pearl Street Bagels are great for breakfast or lunch, and even better to take on the road for a day at the mountain or in the parks. A Jackson Hole favorite for 35 years, the bagels and coffee are a can’t-miss summer staple.
Streetfood at the Stagecoach is set at the base of Teton Pass, with a lawn and tables outside to enjoy a meal in the afternoon sun. A perfect quick option for commuters, Wilson locals, and mountain bikers alike, you’ll find some delicious food in the famous Statecoach Bar.
Just over the pass in Teton Valley sits the Victor Emporium. If you live nearby, are passing through on your drive, or are craving something sweet, this is the place to stop for the best milkshakes in the area.The summer market season is almost upon us, with the Jackson Hole Farmer’s Market opening on June 28th. Every Saturday morning until September 27th, head to the Town Square between 8 am and noon to find local vendors selling produce, flowers, baked goods, and more. Stock up on groceries for the week and grab some fresh-cut mangos and a coffee before taking on the rest of the weekend.
No matter the day of the week, time of day, or weather, Jackson Hole and its surrounding areas always have something to offer. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and try something new — when you do, you’re guaranteed to find yourself on an adventure you can only experience in the Tetons.
Keller Williams is a proud sponsor of Music on Main, Teton County Fair, and the Jackson Hole Rodeo. Keep an eye out for one of our many agents at these fun events this summer!
