For many of us, the image we have in our heads when we think of Wyoming – and Jackson Hole in particular – is an image of winter. It is an image of powdery snow, glistening white mountain tops and hundreds of skiers and snowboarders racing down the sides of mountains.
But if you’re currently planning a summer vacation, you shouldn’t rule out Jackson Hole: the region is in fact the ideal summer retreat, and with so many beautiful Jackson Hole vacation rentals available, you can rest assured that a Jackson Hole summer vacation is the perfect way to relax and spend time with the people who are important to you in a truly luxurious setting.
With easy access to some of the most famous national parks in the world, and with an abundance of spectacular natural beauty and biodiversity on your doorstep, your summer break in Jackson Hole will give you a true taste of the great outdoors – and with it, a true sense of freedom.
Below are just a few of the best things to do in Jackson Hole during the summer months. When planning your upcoming vacation, be sure to consider making the time to do at least some of the things listed below – they’re the very activities which make summer such a fantastic time to visit this incredible part of the world, and they’re all too often overlooked by those who think of this as an exclusively wintery destination!
Hiking
Jackson Hole and the surrounding areas provide visitors with some of the best hiking trails in North America. If you decide to stay in the town of Jackson, the Goodwin Lake and Jackson Peak hikes – two of the most popular in the region – are very close by, and they’re great for casual hikers who aren’t looking for anything too demanding.
If you venture further into the park, you’ll find more challenging hiking trails that offer exceptional views over beautiful landscapes. The Death Canyon trail and the walk up to the Phelps Lake overlook are particularly impressive and are highly recommended by other hikers. All of these trails allow visitors to experience the unique landscapes of the region, and the comfort and convenience that comes with exploring in the summer months mean that it’s safe and easy to beat the crowds and enjoy the true wilderness experience.
Scenic Flights
The scenery in Jackson Hole is amazing enough from the ground, but from the air it takes on a majesty and splendour that is truly breath taking. A range of flight options exist, from family tours that focus on the most dramatic and spectacular scenery in order to ensure that everyone remains thrilled and entertained, to peaceful and romantic sunset tours that are perfect for couples.
Whichever tour you decide is right for you and your group, you can be confident in the knowledge that you’ll be in the capable hands of a highly experienced pilot and tour guide to make sure that everything runs smoothly and safely – and everyone enjoys an experience they’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Paragliding
For those who like the idea of a scenic flight and are keen to see the spectacular landscape of Jackson Hole from the air, but who are looking for a more intense experience that will get the adrenaline pumping, paragliding is the perfect option.
There are no words that can describe the feeling of running off of the edge of a mountain and taking flight. The sense of weightlessness and freedom is ecstatic even without the incredible backdrop – but the added novelty of the Jackson Hole landscape makes the act of soaring like a bird even more special. A real once in a lifetime experience, paragliding in this stunning landscape is an absolute must for lovers of action and adventure.
Mountain Biking
If you enjoy fast paced and physical outdoor activities but are looking for something not quite as intense as paragliding, you should be sure not to miss out on the opportunity to hire a mountain bike and explore the many world-class biking trails that exist in the area.
There’s still plenty to keep adrenaline junkies happy: the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort provides biking trails that can only be accessed by lift, and which are full of huge jumps and other challenges. For those who prefer a more relaxed biking experience, there are plenty of paved pathways running between Jackson and nearby towns and villages – and even into the heart of Grand Teton National Park, where you’ll be able to take in stunning views as you casually glide along with summer breeze on your cheeks.
Horseback Riding
Jackson Hole claims to be ‘the last of the Old West’ – a place where visitors can gain a real insight into the Western cowboy lifestyle that still captivates people around the world. There’s surely no better way to connect with your inner cowboy or cowgirl than to explore the region on horseback, experiencing all its landscapes and textures just as the Western pioneers of old would have done.
There are plenty of stables throughout Jackson Hole and there are horseback guided tours and treks suitable for people of all skill levels. Whether you just want a taste of the experience and so opt for a one hour ride, or you’re keen to spend the whole day enjoying the cowboy life, you’ll find plenty of different opportunities to suit you and your group.