Things to Do in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole activities divide by season into two distinct categories: summer (Grand Teton hiking, Snake River floating, wildlife watching, Yellowstone day trips) and winter (skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, sleigh rides in the elk refuge, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing). Spring and fall have lower crowds and lower prices, with wildlife activity particularly good in late September through October.

Grand Teton National Park: Hiking

Grand Teton National Park entry approximately $35 per vehicle, valid 7 days as of 2026. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass (approximately $80) covers entry to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone for a year.

Jenny Lake Loop (7.1 miles round trip, easy to moderate; or 2 miles with the boat shuttle): Jenny Lake is the most visited interior destination in Grand Teton. The full loop around the lake is flat and accessible; the boat shuttle across the lake (approximately $18 round trip as of 2026) removes the western shoreline walk and puts you directly at the Cascade Canyon trailhead. The Hidden Falls (0.5 miles from the west shore) and Inspiration Point (1.1 miles from the west shore) are the two most-visited destinations on this trail system.

Cascade Canyon Trail (extends from Inspiration Point): From Inspiration Point, Cascade Canyon continues 4 miles to the canyon floor and the junction with the North and South Fork trails. A full day’s hike reaching the canyon floor and returning is approximately 14 miles round trip from the east shore; 9 miles with the boat shuttle. The Teton views from the canyon floor looking back out are the defining Grand Teton hiking image.

Taggart and Bradley Lakes Loop (approximately 6 miles, easy to moderate): A less-crowded alternative to the Jenny Lake area, in the southern part of the park. Moraine lakes with Teton views; good wildflower display in June–July.

Death Canyon Trail (moderate to strenuous, 8–14 miles round trip): A less-traveled canyon with steep walls and a dramatic setting. Access from the Death Canyon Trailhead south of Moose.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Skiing and Summer Activities

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (3395 Cody Lane, Teton Village) is the central anchor of winter activity in the valley. Key facts:

• 4,139 vertical feet (greatest continuous US ski vertical)
• 2,500 acres of skiable terrain
• 13 lifts
• Average 459 inches annual snowfall at summit (Rendezvous Peak, 10,450 feet)
• Season: typically Thanksgiving weekend through early April

Day lift tickets approximately $200–$260 in peak season as of 2026. Multi-day tickets (3+ days) reduce the per-day cost to approximately $170–$195. Ski and board rentals available at Teton Village from multiple shops; full rental packages approximately $55–$80 per day.

Tram (Aerial Tramway): The Big Red Tram ascends to Rendezvous Peak summit in approximately 9 minutes. In winter, this opens the top-of-mountain terrain and the expert Corbet’s Couloir (a cliff-entry couloir that was the most famous “extreme” ski run in the US for decades). In summer (mid-June to early October), the tram operates for sightseeing; round-trip approximately $40–$50.

Summer hiking on the mountain: The ski trails and out-of-bounds terrain become hiking trails in summer. Several guided hiking programs operate from the resort.

Wildlife Watching

Grand Teton and the surrounding areas have one of the highest wildlife densities in the lower 48 states. Where to look:

Oxbow Bend (US-89, approximately 2 miles east of Jackson Lake Junction): The most reliable single wildlife viewing spot in the valley. Moose, osprey, bald eagles, and great blue herons at dawn and dusk year-round. Canada geese and river otters in spring.

Antelope Flats Road (east of Moose Junction): Open flat terrain where bison herds, pronghorn, and coyotes are regularly visible. The historic Mormon Row barns provide the classic “bison with Teton backdrop” photography location.

Willow Flats (west of Jackson Lake Dam): Grizzly bears frequently visible in late May–June feeding on emerging vegetation. The flats are visible from the road (US-287/89).

Gros Ventre River Road: Wolf packs from the Gros Ventre area are occasionally visible from the road at dawn and dusk. Check current wolf activity reports at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation website.

Dawn and dusk: Wildlife is most active in the 30 minutes around sunrise and sunset. Plan major wildlife drives for those windows.

Snake River Activities

Snake River Float Trips (scenic section through Grand Teton): Multiple outfitters operate half-day and full-day float trips on the calm Snake River section through the park. The standard 10-mile float takes approximately 4–5 hours with stops.

Established outfitters include Solitude Float Trips, Grand Teton Lodge Company Float Trips, and Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips. Rates approximately $60–$85 for adults, half-day trips as of 2026. All include life vests, paddles if applicable, and a naturalist guide commentary. Reserve in advance; summer slots fill weeks ahead.

Whitewater on the Snake: South of the park, the Snake River Canyon (approximately 25 miles south of Jackson toward Alpine) has Class III–IV whitewater. Multiple outfitters in Jackson operate half-day and full-day whitewater trips. Approximately $70–$95 per adult as of 2026. Mad River Boat Trips and Dave Hansen Whitewater are among the established operators.

National Elk Refuge

National Elk Refuge enters winter habitat for the Jackson elk herd (approximately 6,000–7,000 elk) from December through early April. The elk are visible from US-89 along Elk Refuge Road north of Jackson; the horse-drawn sleigh rides go directly into the herd.

Sleigh rides operate from late December through early April, weather dependent. Tickets from the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center (532 N Cache St, Jackson); approximately $25–$30 for adults as of 2026. The 30–45-minute ride moves through the herd at close range — elk are accustomed to the sleigh and do not retreat.

Yellowstone National Park Day Trip

Yellowstone is approximately 60 miles north of Jackson via the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway. Entry at the South Entrance; approximately $35 per vehicle, separate from Grand Teton entry (the America the Beautiful pass covers both).

The Old Faithful geyser basin, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are the three primary geothermal and geological highlights. From Jackson, a full day allows the southern Yellowstone loop (Old Faithful, Midway Geyser Basin, and either the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or the northeast Lamar Valley).

Wildlife in Yellowstone: The Lamar Valley (northeastern Yellowstone, approximately 2.5 hours from Jackson) is the most reliable location for wolf sightings in North America. Grizzly bears are commonly seen in Hayden Valley (central Yellowstone). These locations require a full-day commitment from Jackson; a two-night Yellowstone stay is more practical for seeing the northern areas.

National Museum of Wildlife Art

National Museum of Wildlife Art (2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, 2 miles north on US-89) is embedded in the hillside above the National Elk Refuge with views over the refuge and the elk herd in winter. The permanent collection of approximately 5,000 works focuses on American wildlife and landscape painting, with particular strength in 19th and early 20th century artists who worked in the West. The Carl Rungius collection is the largest holdings of his work anywhere. Admission approximately $15 for adults as of 2026. Open daily 9am–5pm.