There is something about the majestic Teton Mountains that draws people back to Jackson Hole time and time again. Both summer and winter in Jackson offer spectacular scenery and an array of activities.
There are many accommodations to choose from to fit your lifestyle and budget. For a those of you looking for a high end luxury resort, the Four Seasons is a fantastic choice conveniently located in Teton Village. There resort is within walking distance to several restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. For more of a budget friendly hotel consider staying at Snow King Resort. This is located on the outskirts of Jackson and the resort offers several family friendly activities. If you are looking for a cozy log cabin experience with luxury amenities, a delicious home cooked breakfast, and wine and cheese served in the evening, the Bentwood Inn is a phenomenal place to stay. The Bentwood Inn is part of the Select Registry which must be a premier bed and breakfast with guaranteed quality. It is also one of five chosen National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World located in the United States.
There are many accommodations to choose from to fit your lifestyle and budget. For a those of you looking for a high end luxury resort, the Four Seasons is a fantastic choice conveniently located in Teton Village. There resort is within walking distance to several restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. For more of a budget friendly hotel consider staying at Snow King Resort. This is located on the outskirts of Jackson and the resort offers several family friendly activities. If you are looking for a cozy log cabin experience with luxury amenities, a delicious home cooked breakfast, and wine and cheese served in the evening, the Bentwood Inn is a phenomenal place to stay. The Bentwood Inn is part of the Select Registry which must be a premier bed and breakfast with guaranteed quality. It is also one of five chosen National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World located in the United States.
Bentwood Inn
The low season in Jackson usually runs the entire month of April and into early May. This is the quite time for the town and you can find great deals at restaurants (sometimes two for one) and discounted rates at hotels. Most of the snow has melted during this time so your winter activities are not an option, but it is not quite warm enough to enjoy the summer activities. Also, the south entrance to Yellowstone is closed and the only way to get in is to drive into Idaho and enter through West Yellowstone.
The summer climate can be unpredictable, but for the most part summer temps can range from the 70’s and 80’s during the day and drop into the 50’s and 40’s at night. It is always a good idea to check the weather before you go as Jackson has been known to receive snow in the summer and sometimes temps can feel like it’s winter.
In the winter, temps stay mostly below freezing and can dip into the negative digits. The air is also very dry in the winter (more so than summer).
The summer climate can be unpredictable, but for the most part summer temps can range from the 70’s and 80’s during the day and drop into the 50’s and 40’s at night. It is always a good idea to check the weather before you go as Jackson has been known to receive snow in the summer and sometimes temps can feel like it’s winter.
In the winter, temps stay mostly below freezing and can dip into the negative digits. The air is also very dry in the winter (more so than summer).
Summer Activities
Summer is a wonderful time to visit to visit Jackson Hole. You can enjoy kayaking on Jenny Lake, horseback riding, biking through Teton National Park, hiking to Hidden Falls, taking a scenic float trip down Snake River, or if you are a little more adventurous, you can give white water rafting a try. There are several great places to shop in Jackson and Teton Village. If you are looking for something a little less touristy, you can visit Granite Hot Springs, and if you want to feel like a kid again, try the slide at Snow King (one of my must do things in Jackson).
Kayaking on Jenny Lake
The Kayak rental is located at the Ferry Boat Launch on Jenny Lake. You can rent by the hour or by the day.
Horseback Riding
A-OK Corral offers a 1 hour ride which is great for beginners, or if you have ridden a horse before you can choose anything from a two hour ride to a full day. If you enjoy horseback riding and fishing, they even have an option that combines both of these.
Biking in Teton National Park
Bicycles are available for rent at Dornan’s in Moose, WY. You can choose from an hour, half day, or full day option. If you are a bike enthusiast, you can even choose a multi-day, week, or month option. There are bicycle trails in the park that you can take all the way to Jenny Lake, but these trails are not flat so be prepared to climb a few decent sized hills.
Hiking to Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is one of the more popular hikes in Jackson Hole. You have two options to see the falls. One you can pay to take the ferry across Jenny Lake and then hike the 1 mile to the falls, or you can hike the southern perimeter of Jenny Lake which will add approximately 2.4 miles to your hike one way. If you are not exhausted by the time you reached the falls, you can continue on the trail to Inspiration Point which does involve a bit of a climb, but it’s not too bad. Most tourists typically end their hike at Inspiration Point which provides amazing views of the valley. If you are still looking for more adventure and have the time, you can continue your hike through Cascade Canyon. Once you reach the canyon, it is a relatively flat and scenic hike.
Scenic Float Trip
Scenic float trips is a great way to relax and witness the amazing wildlife. There are several companies that offer scenic float trips, but not every float trip is the same. Some float trips start near Wilson and end near Hoback Junction. Some start in Moose and end near Wilson, but my personal favorite is the trip that starts north of Moose and runs through Teton National Park. Companies such as National Park Float Trips & Barker-Ewing offer the North end trips.
White Water Rafting
South of Jackson the Snake River picks up it pace and creates a great rapids experience. The rapids class ranges from II-III which is a moderate to moderate/difficult level. Children are allowed to participate in the rapids but you will need to check with the company you book with to determine if your child meets the minimum age/weight requirements. Companies such as Barker-Ewing, Mad River Boat Trips, & Lewis and Clark River Expeditions are top rated companies that offer white water rafting trips.
Granite Hot Springs
Off the beaten path and South East of Jackson is one of Jackson’s best kept secrets, Granite Hot Springs. This place is literally out in the middle of nowhere but is a gorgeous scenic drive. You follow the main road south out of Jackson for about 13 miles. When you arrive at Hoback Junction, you will go east on Hwy 191. You will drive for approximately 11-12 miles before turning left onto Granite Creek Road. There will be a brown sign on the left side of the road for the hot springs. This road is dirt and you will travel down it for another 10 miles before you arrive at the hot springs. Make sure to wear your swim suit and bring a towel so you can enjoy a swim in the hot springs swimming pool.
Snow King Mountain
This is always a must stop on my list when I visit Jackson. My absolute favorite thing is the Alpine Slide. You take the ski lift to the top of a mountain and race down on these roller boards. It is so much fun and makes you feel like a kid again. Snow King also has the new Cowboy Coaster, Tree Top Adventure, Bungee trampoline, and so much more. Snow King is located on the edge of town and is a great family oriented place.
IMPORTANT TIP: Always be bear aware and carry bear spray for any outdoor activity.
Kayaking on Jenny Lake
The Kayak rental is located at the Ferry Boat Launch on Jenny Lake. You can rent by the hour or by the day.
Horseback Riding
A-OK Corral offers a 1 hour ride which is great for beginners, or if you have ridden a horse before you can choose anything from a two hour ride to a full day. If you enjoy horseback riding and fishing, they even have an option that combines both of these.
Biking in Teton National Park
Bicycles are available for rent at Dornan’s in Moose, WY. You can choose from an hour, half day, or full day option. If you are a bike enthusiast, you can even choose a multi-day, week, or month option. There are bicycle trails in the park that you can take all the way to Jenny Lake, but these trails are not flat so be prepared to climb a few decent sized hills.
Hiking to Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is one of the more popular hikes in Jackson Hole. You have two options to see the falls. One you can pay to take the ferry across Jenny Lake and then hike the 1 mile to the falls, or you can hike the southern perimeter of Jenny Lake which will add approximately 2.4 miles to your hike one way. If you are not exhausted by the time you reached the falls, you can continue on the trail to Inspiration Point which does involve a bit of a climb, but it’s not too bad. Most tourists typically end their hike at Inspiration Point which provides amazing views of the valley. If you are still looking for more adventure and have the time, you can continue your hike through Cascade Canyon. Once you reach the canyon, it is a relatively flat and scenic hike.
Scenic Float Trip
Scenic float trips is a great way to relax and witness the amazing wildlife. There are several companies that offer scenic float trips, but not every float trip is the same. Some float trips start near Wilson and end near Hoback Junction. Some start in Moose and end near Wilson, but my personal favorite is the trip that starts north of Moose and runs through Teton National Park. Companies such as National Park Float Trips & Barker-Ewing offer the North end trips.
White Water Rafting
South of Jackson the Snake River picks up it pace and creates a great rapids experience. The rapids class ranges from II-III which is a moderate to moderate/difficult level. Children are allowed to participate in the rapids but you will need to check with the company you book with to determine if your child meets the minimum age/weight requirements. Companies such as Barker-Ewing, Mad River Boat Trips, & Lewis and Clark River Expeditions are top rated companies that offer white water rafting trips.
Granite Hot Springs
Off the beaten path and South East of Jackson is one of Jackson’s best kept secrets, Granite Hot Springs. This place is literally out in the middle of nowhere but is a gorgeous scenic drive. You follow the main road south out of Jackson for about 13 miles. When you arrive at Hoback Junction, you will go east on Hwy 191. You will drive for approximately 11-12 miles before turning left onto Granite Creek Road. There will be a brown sign on the left side of the road for the hot springs. This road is dirt and you will travel down it for another 10 miles before you arrive at the hot springs. Make sure to wear your swim suit and bring a towel so you can enjoy a swim in the hot springs swimming pool.
Snow King Mountain
This is always a must stop on my list when I visit Jackson. My absolute favorite thing is the Alpine Slide. You take the ski lift to the top of a mountain and race down on these roller boards. It is so much fun and makes you feel like a kid again. Snow King also has the new Cowboy Coaster, Tree Top Adventure, Bungee trampoline, and so much more. Snow King is located on the edge of town and is a great family oriented place.
IMPORTANT TIP: Always be bear aware and carry bear spray for any outdoor activity.
Winter Activities
With an average snow fall of 450 inches a year (that’s 37.5 feet!), Jackson Hole is a perfect place for activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, snow tubing, dog sledding, and ice skating. You can also enjoy a snow coach tour of Yellowstone that not many people experience since most of the park is closed off to the public. On top of all the outdoor activities you of course get to enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery and also have a better chance of seeing wildlife since most animals come down from the mountains during the winter. However, don’t plan on seeing a bear during the winter since they are hibernating.
Skiing
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) and Snow King Mountain are the two big ski resorts in the area. The area is known for having numerous black diamond and double black diamond slopes, and for the novice this can be intimidating. Don’t worry though, there are other slopes for those of you that are intermediate skier’s and for skiing newbies both resorts offer lessons.
Novice lessons at the JHMR is a easy introduction terrain. You start out learning the basics on a mostly flat area. Once you have mastered the basics, you take the pull rope to the top of a hill (not far up) and begin to learn a few more techniques. To keep lesson costs to a minimum you can join a group class, or to get a more one on one experience you can pay for a private lesson. A tip to someone that has never skied before is to start working out your legs and glutes a couple months prior to your trip. It will make your ski experience a much better one.
Snowmobiling
There is a variety of snow mobile tours you can choose from. You can enjoy a half day tour of the Bridger-Teton National Forest or Granite Hot Springs, or you can take a full day tour to Brooks Lake Lodge, Gros Ventre, Granite Hot Springs, or Yellowstone National Park.
Snow Coach Tour
During the winter most of Yellowstone is not accessible. There are two companies, Teton Science & Scenic Safaris, that have permits to enter Yellowstone from the south entrance via snow coach. Scenic Safaris offers a tour to Old Faithful and Teton Science offers Old Faithful and the Yellowstone Grand Canyon. Teton Science does cost a little more but you get to ride in the comfort of a Mercedes coach with large viewing windows and openable roof top for better viewing. Plus you are supporting the local school of science.
Regardless of which company you choose and if you choose to visit Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon, you can be assured this experience is worth every penny. There is an abundance of wildlife and it is an absolutely peaceful environment that is not bombarded with cars and people. You truly feel like you are one with nature.
Sleigh Rides
Just north of Jackson is the Elk National Refuge. During the winter months’ thousands of elk migrate to this refuge. You can arrange a horse drawn sleigh ride through the refuge with Bar T 5. If you are looking for something different check out the options available at Mill Iron Ranch and Spring Creek Ranch. If you have a group of 6 or more then take a look at Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures that offers a choice of a sleigh ride with dinner, appetizers, hot chocolate, or lunch.
Snow Tubing
Who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again and snow tube down a mountain? You can do just that at Snow King Resort. Tube rental is by the hour and kids must be at least 42” to ride in a tube (only one person per tube).
Dog Sledding
Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours offers half day and full day tours to Granite Hot Springs or Bridger Teton National Forest. The half day tour to the hot springs turns around before you reach the springs but you still get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area.
Ice Skating
During the winter months you can find an ice skating rink located in Jackson town square. The town of Wilson also has a skate rink with lighting at night. For another skate rink option you can try the Snow King Sports and Event Center.
Skiing
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) and Snow King Mountain are the two big ski resorts in the area. The area is known for having numerous black diamond and double black diamond slopes, and for the novice this can be intimidating. Don’t worry though, there are other slopes for those of you that are intermediate skier’s and for skiing newbies both resorts offer lessons.
Novice lessons at the JHMR is a easy introduction terrain. You start out learning the basics on a mostly flat area. Once you have mastered the basics, you take the pull rope to the top of a hill (not far up) and begin to learn a few more techniques. To keep lesson costs to a minimum you can join a group class, or to get a more one on one experience you can pay for a private lesson. A tip to someone that has never skied before is to start working out your legs and glutes a couple months prior to your trip. It will make your ski experience a much better one.
Snowmobiling
There is a variety of snow mobile tours you can choose from. You can enjoy a half day tour of the Bridger-Teton National Forest or Granite Hot Springs, or you can take a full day tour to Brooks Lake Lodge, Gros Ventre, Granite Hot Springs, or Yellowstone National Park.
Snow Coach Tour
During the winter most of Yellowstone is not accessible. There are two companies, Teton Science & Scenic Safaris, that have permits to enter Yellowstone from the south entrance via snow coach. Scenic Safaris offers a tour to Old Faithful and Teton Science offers Old Faithful and the Yellowstone Grand Canyon. Teton Science does cost a little more but you get to ride in the comfort of a Mercedes coach with large viewing windows and openable roof top for better viewing. Plus you are supporting the local school of science.
Regardless of which company you choose and if you choose to visit Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon, you can be assured this experience is worth every penny. There is an abundance of wildlife and it is an absolutely peaceful environment that is not bombarded with cars and people. You truly feel like you are one with nature.
Sleigh Rides
Just north of Jackson is the Elk National Refuge. During the winter months’ thousands of elk migrate to this refuge. You can arrange a horse drawn sleigh ride through the refuge with Bar T 5. If you are looking for something different check out the options available at Mill Iron Ranch and Spring Creek Ranch. If you have a group of 6 or more then take a look at Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures that offers a choice of a sleigh ride with dinner, appetizers, hot chocolate, or lunch.
Snow Tubing
Who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again and snow tube down a mountain? You can do just that at Snow King Resort. Tube rental is by the hour and kids must be at least 42” to ride in a tube (only one person per tube).
Dog Sledding
Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours offers half day and full day tours to Granite Hot Springs or Bridger Teton National Forest. The half day tour to the hot springs turns around before you reach the springs but you still get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area.
Ice Skating
During the winter months you can find an ice skating rink located in Jackson town square. The town of Wilson also has a skate rink with lighting at night. For another skate rink option you can try the Snow King Sports and Event Center.
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