If you’ve been craving some time in the great outdoors and you’re ready for a mountain getaway, Jackson Hole, WY, is your answer– here are some of the best things to do during your visit.
There are so many activities and dining options to choose from, so be sure to plan your trip in advance. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Jackson Hole to kick start your imagination!
Jackson Hole’s proximity to several iconic American national parks makes it an ideal destination for anyone who loves breaking a sweat outdoors.
It’s not hard to find the perfect hiking trail, climbing route, or whitewater rafting tour when you visit Wyoming– there are so many options for adventurers at every experience level. From horseback riding to mountain biking, you can enjoy pretty much any outdoor activity you can think of in Jackson Hole.
Don’t miss out on these following National Parks when you are exploring the area:
Visit Grand Teton National Park | Get Directions
Grand Teton is drop-dead gorgeous. The mountains rise sharply from the valley, making them ideal for photos. The lakes are crystal clear and great for kayaking or paddleboarding. Wildflowers cover the meadows in summer, making every trail feel like a postcard.
The park offers endless ways to explore its stunning landscape. Start with the 5-mile round-trip hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, where cascading waterfalls reward your effort with incredible Teton views. For a more relaxed morning, paddle across the mirror-like surface of Jackson Lake or String Lake when the water is glassy calm and perfectly reflects the mountains above. The 42-mile scenic loop drive takes you through the heart of the park, offering pullout after pullout of stunning vistas—perfect for those who want to experience the grandeur without breaking a sweat.
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Wildlife enthusiasts should make Oxbow Bend a priority, especially during dawn and dusk when moose wade through the water and bald eagles perch in the cottonwoods. Photographers won't want to miss the iconic Moulton Barn at Mormon Row, where weathered wood frames the majestic Tetons in the background. If you're looking to cut down on hiking distance, the Jenny Lake boat shuttle carries you across the water, letting you access trails on the far shore in minutes instead of hours.
For experienced hikers ready for an all-day adventure, Cascade Canyon delivers some of the park's most dramatic terrain. Anglers can try their luck on the Snake River, known for its healthy cutthroat trout population. Families might enjoy joining a ranger-led program to learn about the park's geology and wildlife, while mountain bikers can explore the multi-use pathways connecting different areas of the park.
Visit Yellowstone National Park | Get Directions
Yellowstone is only about an hour's drive from Jackson Hole. It's America's first national park, and it's loaded with geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. Watch Old Faithful shoot water high into the air, see the bright rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, and spot bison, wolves, and bears. Every turn brings something amazing.
The park's five distinct regions each offer something unique. The Lower Loop takes you to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The Upper Loop showcases Mammoth Hot Springs' travertine terraces and the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley.
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No visit to Yellowstone is complete without watching Old Faithful erupt on its roughly 90-minute schedule. Arrive early to snag a good bench seat on the boardwalk, and you'll witness one of nature's most reliable shows as superheated water shoots high into the air. From there, the boardwalks around Grand Prismatic Spring showcase incredible rainbow colors, it's like walking on another planet.
For breathtaking views, hike to the brink of the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where the roar of the water and the dramatic yellow walls will leave you speechless. Wildlife watchers should plan a dawn or dusk drive through Lamar Valley for the best chance at spotting wolves, grizzlies, and massive bison herds grazing across the wide-open landscape. The Norris Geyser Basin offers boardwalk access to the park's hottest and most dynamic thermal area, where the ground literally steams and bubbles around you.
Visit National Elk Refuge | Get Directions
Thousands of elk come here in winter, and you can ride a horse-drawn sleigh right through the herds. It's wild getting that close to so many animals. In summer, you'll see eagles, hawks, and other birds. The refuge protects wildlife and helps you understand why conservation matters.
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Our favorite thing to do in National Elks in a winter sleigh ride through massive elk herds, which is an unforgettable experience. You'll sit bundled up in blankets as thousands of elk surround your sleigh, close enough to see individual animals and hear their distinctive calls. During the summer months, when the elk have returned to higher elevations, the refuge transforms into a haven for nesting birds, making it perfect for biking or walking the pathways while watching for diverse wildlife.
Photographers will find incredible opportunities on Miller Butte, especially during the November rut when bighorn sheep rams clash horns in dramatic displays. Timing your visit for late fall or early spring lets you witness the elk migration as they move between the high country and the valley floor, a spectacular natural event. Throughout the year, bring your spotting scope or binoculars to watch for bald eagles, hawks, and other raptors hunting across the open landscape. The visitor center offers excellent educational displays about conservation efforts and current conditions, helping you plan the best route for wildlife viewing.
Hot springs are a great option for the members of your group who still want to enjoy Jackson Hole’s natural beauty, but have no interest in hiking, fishing, or scaling rocks with their bare hands. (And of course, for those of you who do choose to participate in rugged outdoor acts of strength, there’s nothing better than a hot soak afterwards to soothe sore muscles).
This hot spring sits deep in the national forest. You soak in a large pool surrounded by tall pine trees. Sometimes you'll even spot deer or other animals nearby. The drive there is beautiful as well. It's only open in summer; it closes when winter begins.
The mineral-rich water stays around 93°F in summer and gets cranked up to about 112°F in winter, when they add extra-hot water from the source. Wildlife sightings are common here don't be surprised if you spot deer, moose, or even black bears in the surrounding forest.
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Visit Astoria Hot Springs | Get Directions
Six pools with varying temperatures let you choose what feels best. The mountain views are incredible while you soak. It's great for families and way more relaxing than you'd think. The view of the Snake River and surrounding mountains makes this spot incredibly scenic, especially at sunset when the light turns everything golden. The facilities are family-friendly and well-maintained, with modern changing rooms and a small cafe serving snacks and drinks.
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Make the most of the variety by working your way through all six pools to find your favorite temperature. Start in the hottest pool and gradually work your way to the cool plunge the contrast does wonders for sore muscles. Sunset visits are particularly special when the mountains glow and the steam rises dramatically in the cooling air.
These spas offer mountain-inspired treatments using local ingredients, expert therapists who know how to work out adventure-related knots, and settings that bring the beauty of the Tetons indoors. Treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment. You're on vacation and you deserve it.
Top Spas You shouldn't miss in Jackson Hole:
Jackson Hole also has some great indoor activities, including art galleries, museums, and live music. Carve out some down time to explore town at a leisurely pace, or keep an indoor activity plan in your back pocket in case you need a break from exploring the great outdoors.
Fortunately for all art lovers, there are many fine art galleries in the area, including Altamira Fine Art Gallery, Gallery Wild, and Horizon Fine Art Gallery. Perfect for a quiet afternoon with older kids or for some alone time perusing some beautiful, diverse art. If you're looking for outdoor art, the Sculpture Trail offers unique exhibits in the great outdoors.
An afternoon of gallery hopping around the town square gives you a real sense of Jackson's artistic community. Most galleries offer free admission and welcome visitors to browse at their own pace. The Jackson Hole Public Art Sculpture Trail provides a different experience—grab a map at the visitor center and spend a few hours discovering unexpected art installations scattered throughout town. These rotating outdoor sculptures range from whimsical to profound.
July brings Art Fair Jackson Hole when galleries host special exhibitions and evening receptions, creating a festival atmosphere downtown. The Center for the Arts maintains a rotating schedule of both visual art exhibitions and performing arts, so check what's showing during your visit. Mountain Trails Gallery offers authentic Western and wildlife art in more traditional styles. Tayloe Piggott Gallery brings museum-quality contemporary art to Jackson in a beautifully designed space.
Jackson Hole's live music scene delivers consistently year-round. Most of the popular music venues to visit: The Silver Dollar Showroom, The Mangy Moose, The Virginian Saloon, Center for the Arts.
The Silver Dollar Showroom at the historic Wort Hotel brings both local favorites and touring musicians to their intimate stage. The room has authentic Western character with excellent acoustics that make every performance sound great. You'll find a mix of genres here, from rock and country to blues and folk. The bar serves up craft cocktails and local beers, making it a perfect spot for date night or a night out with friends. Cover charges vary by performer, typically running $10-$30 depending on who's playing.
After a day on the slopes, The Mangy Moose in Teton Village transforms from a popular apres-ski hangout into a legitimate concert venue. This legendary spot has been a Jackson Hole institution for decades. You might catch jam bands, rock acts, DJ nights, or local favorites keeping the energy high. The atmosphere is casual and fun, with a full menu of pub food and an extensive drink selection. Cover charges range from free on quieter nights to $25 for bigger touring acts.
The Virginian Saloon delivers that authentic Western saloon experience with live bands performing most nights of the week. This is where locals go to kick back after work, shoot some pool, and enjoy live music without pretension. The bands lean toward country, rock, and Americana, and there's usually no cover charge—just grab a stool at the bar, order a drink, and enjoy the show. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it easy to strike up conversations with friendly locals.
For higher-end performances, The Center for the Arts brings classical music, theater, dance, and other cultural programming to Jackson. This professional venue hosts everything from symphony orchestras to modern dance companies to theatrical productions. The facility includes multiple performance spaces, allowing them to present both large-scale productions and intimate shows. It's a beautiful venue with comfortable seating and excellent sightlines. Tickets typically run $25-$75 depending on the performance, with discounts often available for students and seniors.
There are plenty of opportunities to catch live music in Jackson Hole at both large and small venues. When you're planning your trip, check out local events pages and venue schedules to make sure you can snag tickets. But Jackson Hole hosts two major music festivals that draw crowds from across the country which includes Rendezvous Music Festival and Grand Teton Music Festival.
Visit Grand Teton Music Festival
The Grand Teton Music Festival transforms Jackson into a classical music destination every summer. Running for eight weeks from early July through late August, this prestigious festival brings world-class orchestral musicians to perform in the acoustically impressive Walk Festival Hall. The festival orchestra performs multiple concerts weekly, moving seamlessly from traditional symphonic works to intimate chamber music to bold contemporary compositions.
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The main stage orchestra performances in Walk Festival Hall showcase the festival at its finest. Free Music in the Park concerts offer a more casual outdoor experience, perfect for families with picnic blankets. Young artist concerts feature emerging classical musicians, often playing with remarkable passion. Pre-concert talks provide context about the evening's program. The festival's innovative programming blends beloved traditional repertoire with contemporary works.
Visit Rendezvous Music Festival
The Rendezvous Music Festival celebrates the end of ski season with a high-energy spring music festival. This two-day event takes place in late March or early April each year at two iconic locations: Jackson's historic Town Square and the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. The festival brings major touring artists across multiple genres, including rock, country, folk, Americana, and soul.
Concerts take place at various venues around town, creating a festival atmosphere that takes over downtown for a long weekend. The timing couldn't be better—September brings smaller crowds than peak summer, beautiful weather with crisp mornings and warm afternoons, and the start of fall colors that make the whole valley glow.
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Multi-day passes give you the freedom to catch multiple headliners and discover new artists performing between sets. The intimate venue settings mean you're never far from the stage, creating up-close experiences you won't get at massive outdoor festivals. Between shows, explore downtown Jackson as restaurants and bars get into the festival spirit with special menus and extended hours. The festival timing makes it easy to combine concerts with fall activities like hiking through golden aspen groves. Since this popular event fills up hotels quickly, book your accommodations as soon as the lineup is announced.
If you're in the mood for some serious Western adventure, then you are in for a real treat. Jackson Hole is full of western-themed things to do, making the perfect addition for any trip.
If you’re in the area any time from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, you can’t miss the Jackson Hole Rodeo. A true celebration of Wyoming’s Western heritage, prepare to witness wild feats of skill and athleticism at the Teton County Fairgrounds. Every Wednesday and Saturday night from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the Jackson Hole Rodeo brings authentic Western excitement to the Teton County Fairgrounds.
Arriving early gives you the best general admission seating and lets you watch the pre-rodeo preparations. The national anthem sung under the big Wyoming sky before the action starts creates a genuine goosebump moment. After the main events, stick around for a chance to meet some of the competitors.
You can hop on a guided walking tour of Jackson Hole to explore the city's history and landmarks. The Jackson Hole History Museum offers both public or private tours of the area! Join a tour and hear stories from the local community.
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Guided tours bring history to life through stories about notorious characters like the first female justice of the peace in the United States, who served right here in Jackson. You'll hear about the town's wild early days and learn how Jackson developed its unique character. Walking through the iconic antler arches on the town square takes on new meaning when you understand their history.
You can’t leave Jackson Hole without upping your wardrobe with some Western couture. Stop into a local boutique such as Belle Shops, Womenfolk, or Kemo Sabe Jackson . Jackson's Western boutiques offer authentic, high-quality Western wear that goes beyond costume gear. These are functional, stylish pieces that locals actually wear every day. You'll spend time choosing between felt and straw, selecting the perfect color, then customizing the band until you walk out with genuine Western craftsmanship. Their boots, jewelry, and leather goods maintain the same commitment to quality. Expect to invest $300-$1,500+ for a custom hat.
Between athletic feats and outdoor adventures, you’ll want a place to rest and recharge that feels like home. We encourage you to check out our 100 Collection partner, Outpost. Perfect for parties of 8 – 24 people, these cozy mountain houses can serve as your ski lodge in the winter and your “base camp” for hiking in the summer.
All of Outpost’s properties are equipped for extreme comfort, even in harsh conditions. Amenities vary by location, but might include hot tubs, ski-in / ski-out access in partnership with local resorts, and gym or pool access. This means you'll not only get the best of activities in Jackson Hole, but you'll also get the best of vacation rentals as well.
