Whether you’re a scenery seeker at heart, a traveler with a taste for adventure, or someone who can’t wait to shop and dine their way through a relaxing stay, heading to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the summertime in the name of a well-deserved vacation is a choice that’s sure to inspire. Here, there’s something for everyone to enjoy right in the heart of the Teton Range. As beautiful as it is fun, Jackson Hole is just as suitable for a family getaway in this direction in the warm-weather months of the year as it is for solo travelers looking to escape the daily grind, couples excited to plan a romantic retreat for two, or groups of friends too. When you’re excited to turn your travel plans into a reality, the following guide is the ultimate place to start when you want to enjoy a Jackson Hole summer vacation this year.
Summer Weather Expectations to Keep in Mind When Traveling This Way
The beauty of booking a summer vacation in Jackson Hole for many travelers is that they can typically count on inviting temperatures to work in their favor. This is ideal if you know you’re going to be looking forward to ample time spent exploring the great outdoors. Daytime highs in Jackson Hole in the summertime typically range from the 70s to the 80s, with some mid-July afternoons reaching the mid-90s. By the evening hours, things cool off significantly, with lows dipping into the 40s and 50s. This combination means there’s no reason not to spend as much time as possible in nature when you’re here to enjoy a summer getaway, and your evenings can be filled with time on restaurant patios, savoring the mild and refreshing temperatures too. Most summer days in Jackson Hole, travelers can expect to enjoy plenty of sunshine in the skies overhead with the occasional summer storm expected every once in a while.
What to Pack for Your Summer Adventure
Those warm daytime temperatures across Jackson Hole in the summertime mean visitors heading this way for a short or long period of time will want to make sure their suitcase is filled with lightweight apparel that can easily transition between outdoor adventures and in-town fun. Breathable clothing is recommended for time on the local hiking or biking trails while having a light jacket in hand is always advisable when you’re looking to be out and about from morning until night. A raincoat or umbrella is a good idea to have accessible during a summer stay in the event you find yourself in the middle of pop-up showers, but no matter where you go, you’ll be glad you packed plenty of sunscreen. Sticking with an SPF 30 and above variety is the right choice, and when paired with a sun hat and sunglasses, your summer days are sure to be safe, comfortable, and memorable in Jackson Hole this year.
Hit the Trails on Two Wheels This Jackson Hole Summer Vacation
There are many ways to get around Jackson Hole in the summertime, but if you’re someone who loves exploring on two wheels, you’ll be delighted to find that a top activity here this time of year among locals and visitors alike is mountain biking. While Jackson Hole has certainly earned a reputation for excellence among visitors for its world-class ski slopes that open up in the wintertime, as the snow melts away, it reveals a maze of top-notch biking trails just waiting to be explored in the summer. You can access many of the most popular routes in the area right from Snow King Mountain with challenging pathways taking you through aspen groves, near gorgeous waterways, and winding backcountry showcasing stunning views at every turn.
Hike Your Way to Summertime Adventure
For summertime visitors to Jackson Hole who simply can’t wait to lace up their boots and hit the trails on foot, the collection of hiking trails here is equally impressive and well worth exploring while you’re in town. Don’t miss out on time on the Goodwin Lake Route while you’re here, but for a more extensive journey, the Phelps Lake Trail through Grand Teton National Park is a must. Setting your sights on routes that run around Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake infuse pristine waterfront views into your trek, but you can find just as much to explore from a starting point at Snow King Mountain this time of year.
Saddle Up in Old West Style
While Jackson Hole is a modern marvel in terms of appealing vacation destinations on the map, a big draw for many visitors heading here in the summertime is the way Jackson Hole has held onto its Old West-inspired style. A great way to lean into that vibe is to plan to enjoy a horseback trail ride at least once while you’re in town. Places like Spring Creek Ranch, Dry Ridge Outfitters, and Teton Horseback Adventures, to name a few of many local options, are happy to help summertime guests set up multi-hour excursions on backcountry trails enjoyed alongside a knowledgeable and friendly guide. There’s no need to be an experienced equestrian before you head out because the team at these locales will set you up with the instruction, guidance, and gear you’ll need for a safe and successful experience out on the Jackson Hole horse trails.
Take Time to Explore Grand Teton National Park Alongside Family and Friends
It’s nearly impossible to talk about a summer getaway to Jackson Hole without recognizing the fact that a trip this way puts you within easy reach of stunning Grand Teton National Park. If you have time to dedicate a full day or two to exploring this one-of-a-kind destination, it’s most certainly worth your while. This is often pointed to as one of the most memorable and inspiring attractions in Jackson Hole with good reason. From the incredible wildlife that call the park home to the stunning landscapes it boasts, you could spend weeks seeing it all for yourself and still come back for more. That said, if you do have to narrow down your sightseeing options this summer due to time constraints, there are a few must-see attractions at the park to add to the top of your list. Make sure to make your way to Hidden Falls and enjoy getting up close to a stunning cascade before trekking over to Jenny Lake which is close by and booking your place on a scenic boat ride across the water. No matter where you roam in the park, it’s a good idea to have binoculars on hand because there’s always a chance you’ll spot bison, moose, elk, or bears along the way. If you’re an enthusiastic nature photographer, make sure your camera is ready to go at a moment’s notice for these experiences too.
Include Thrill-Seeking Experiences on Your Summer Itinerary
While some travelers will find themselves in Jackson Hole this summer with every intention of putting a firm emphasis on rest and relaxation, others will inevitably come this way intent on infusing thrill-seeking experiences into the mix. If you find yourself as part of the latter category, options to make the most of adrenaline-pumping fun here truly abound. For example, Jackson Hole attracts climbing enthusiasts of all skill levels each summer who are looking to put their skills to work on national park rock faces. Here, there are also opportunities to sign up with an alpine guided tour to access areas you might not otherwise be able to reach. If you find your thrills more readily in the water, don’t overlook the fun of participating in a heart-racing white water rafting experience right on the Snake River when you’re in town in the name of a fun vacation.
In-Town Options for Entertainment
It’s fair to say that Jackson Hole is a place beloved among outdoor enthusiasts, but when you decide to stick around in town, you’ll quickly discover there’s just as much to enjoy in the summer! In fact, Jackson Hole is a vacation destination with a rich local heritage, history, and culture to offer travelers access to who are hoping to learn more about the place they’ve come to explore. When you’re here in the summertime, you’ll find you’re right on time to enjoy local annual festivals that are just as entertaining as they are delicious. Events like the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Festival are summertime staples you won’t want to miss, while the Grand Teton Music Festival is a summertime fan-favorite event as well. The Jackson Hole Art Fair comes to town each summer, and the Jackson Hole Rodeo is in full swing as well. Jackson Hole is also a wonderful place to museum hop your way through a summer stay with places like the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Miller House, the local Discovery and Visitor Center, as well as the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum right at your fingertips upon arrival.
Savor the Summer Jackson Hole Experience in Good Company
No matter how you decide to spend your summer getaway in Jackson Hole this year, there’s going to come a time when you’re going to need to fuel up for the fun ahead. When cravings come calling during your stay, you’ll find that Jackson Hole hosts a wide variety of amazing restaurants, eateries, bars, and cafes to enjoy that are sure to satisfy any hunger or thirst. If you have a sweet tooth to satisfy and a homemade French pastry would hit the spot, make sure to make your way to Persephone Bakery at least once during your stay. The Snake River Grill is a great place to settle in with family and friends and enjoy a delicious modern American dish complete with great views while The Blue Lion is a fan-favorite stop in town among locals and visitors alike. For a more casual restaurant-hopping experience, you can always linger around Town Square. This is a great place to enjoy grabbing a drink at the many charming locales that call this area home, and make people watching an integral part of the relaxing experience as well.
Count on an Easy Trip into Jackson Hole This Summer
Your summer vacation in Jackson Hole should be refreshing, fun, and stress-free from start to finish. Those who make this beautiful place their vacation destination of choice will be treated to an easy road or skyway in, no matter where their point of origin might happen to be. The easiest airport to fly into when Jackson Hole is your final summer vacation destination is usually the Jackson Hole Airport. Situated just 9 miles from bustling Town Square, the Jackson Hole Airport services many nonstop flights daily and works with most of the major airlines, giving travelers options to easily customize their itineraries with their preferred carriers. While the Jackson Hole Airport is just 20 minutes from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort by car, those who are hoping to enjoy a summer road trip into town will want to make Salt Lake City’s International Airport their preferred destination instead. From here, you can hop in your rental car and enjoy a scenic 4.5-hour drive into town, complete with opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way.
Book Summer Accommodations in Exceptional Comfort and Style
When you make plans to enjoy a one-of-a-kind trip to Jackson Hole this summer, make sure you pair your adventures with exceptional standards of luxury, comfort, style, and convenience from the very start by partnering with Abode Jackson Hole when it’s time to secure your accommodations in town. Here, we’re proud to provide summertime travelers with a portfolio of rental options that are luxurious, spacious, and keep visitors close to the places they’re excited to explore while infusing an array of world-class amenities, features, and furnishings into the experience as well! Whether you’re looking to enjoy time in a pet-friendly property this summer in Jackson Hole, can’t wait to make the most of access to a refreshing private pool on-site, or you’re excited to spend time serving up home-style meals in a gourmet kitchen, our team is here to help make it happen. Reach out today to learn more about our luxury summer retreats for small and large groups alike, and how our concierge services can be included to further tailor the details of your stay that matter most.