Jackson Hole: 10 Fun Things to Do

You’ll discover Jackson Hole offers an incredible mix of outdoor adventures, from soaring 10,450 feet above the valley on an aerial tram to floating the Snake River while spotting wildlife against the backdrop of the towering Teton Range. Experience authentic cowboy culture at the century-old rodeo, explore Jenny Lake’s scenic trails, mountain bike Cache Creek’s accessible system, and soak in natural hot springs. You can even take day trips to Yellowstone’s geysers or photograph the famous elk-antler arches downtown for a complete Western adventure.

Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram to Rendezvous Mountain’s 10,450-Foot Summit

When you’re looking for Jackson Hole’s most spectacular views without breaking the bank, the aerial tram delivers unmatched value for your sightseeing dollar. You’ll ride 9-12 minutes to Rendezvous Mountain’s 10,450-foot summit, gaining over 4,000 feet of elevation in one shot.

The 360-degree panoramic views stretch across the Teton Range, Jackson Hole valley, and into Idaho’s wilderness.

At the top, you can grab world-famous gourmet waffles at Corbet’s Cabin—Wyoming’s highest restaurant—or explore hiking trails connecting to Bridger-Teton National Forest. The current tram can carry up to 100 passengers during winter operations, making it efficient for groups and families.

Even summer snowfields offer unexpected snow play opportunities.

Save money by purchasing advance tickets online. The tram’s located in Teton Village, just 12 miles from Jackson town, making it easily accessible for budget-conscious travelers seeking maximum visual impact.

Explore Grand Teton National Park’s Jenny Lake Scenic Loop and Boat Shuttle

After taking in those sweeping mountain vistas from above, you’ll want to experience the Tetons up close at Jenny Lake—Grand Teton National Park’s crown jewel that delivers stunning scenery without the hefty price tag of guided tours.

The 3-mile scenic drive hugs the east shore, offering million-dollar views of Teewinot Mountain and Mount St. John for just your park entry fee.

You’ll find prime photo opportunities at Jenny Lake Overlook, especially during early morning or late afternoon when lighting’s softer and crowds thin out.

Consider the boat shuttle across the lake—it’s worth the extra cost since it cuts your hiking time to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point considerably. For those seeking a more active adventure, the 6.5-mile flat trail around Jenny Lake provides an excellent workout suitable for all ages.

The wheelchair-accessible Discovery Trail provides easy shoreline access if you’re traveling with varying mobility levels.

Take a Snake River Scenic Float Trip for Wildlife and Mountain Views

Drifting down the Snake River on a scenic float trip gives you front-row seats to some of Jackson Hole’s best wildlife viewing without breaking the bank—these 10 to 13-mile journeys cost considerably less than helicopter tours while delivering equally impressive Teton views.

You’ll spend 2.5 to 3 hours spotting bald eagles, moose, elk, and osprey while floating through Grand Teton National Park in cushioned comfort.

Expert guides handle navigation and share insights about local wildlife behavior and geology, so you can focus on photography and soaking up panoramic mountain vistas.

The trips welcome kids as young as three, making this an ideal family activity. For private experiences, you can reserve all 10 spots on a raft for exclusive use by your group.

Most operators include transportation to launch points, eliminating parking hassles at popular river access areas.

Experience the Jackson Hole Rodeo’s Century-Old Western Heritage

For over 110 years, the Jackson Hole Rodeo has delivered authentic cowboy action at prices that won’t empty your wallet—tickets typically cost less than a fancy dinner while giving you front-row access to bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing that showcases real ranch skills.

You’ll watch genuine cowboys compete in events that originated from daily cattle work, not theatrical performances. The Wilson family has operated this rodeo since 1890, with multiple generations competing while maintaining working-ranch credibility.

Shows run Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. during summer, making it one of Wyoming’s earliest seasonal rodeos. The family’s competitive legacy includes world-ranked riders like Chancy Wilson, who placed among the top fifteen saddle bronc riders in 1976.

The 25-acre grounds offer grandstand seating with the Teton Range as your backdrop. You’re experiencing authentic western heritage where informal cowboy contests evolved into organized entertainment that’s ranked alongside Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Drive the Kelly Loop and Inner Park Roads for Prime Bison and Elk Spotting

While most visitors crowd the main park entrances, you’ll discover Jackson Hole’s best wildlife viewing by driving the Kelly Loop and Inner Park Roads—two scenic routes that put you directly in the path of migrating bison herds and elk without the entrance fees or traffic jams.

Start your morning at dawn by heading north from Jackson on US-191 to Gros Ventre Junction, then turning toward Kelly. You’ll spot bison grazing in roadside sagebrush flats and pronghorn antelope crossing between open meadows. The Kelly Loop also provides access to Antelope Flats, where stunning views of the Grand Tetons serve as a dramatic backdrop for wildlife encounters.

The Inner Park Road along the Teton Range offers equally impressive elk and moose sightings near riparian corridors.

Drive slowly—animals frequently cross these roads, especially during summer and fall migrations. Pack binoculars and use designated pullouts for safe photography without approaching wildlife.

Join a Guided Wildlife Safari in Grand Teton National Park

Step beyond solo wildlife watching and book a guided safari in Grand Teton National Park—you’ll dramatically increase your chances of spotting elusive animals while learning from expert naturalists who know exactly where and when to find them.

Choose from half-day tours (4-5 hours) or full-day adventures (8-10 hours) that target elk, moose, bison, bears, and wolves across diverse ecosystems. Dawn and dusk departures capitalize on peak animal activity while avoiding crowds.

Most operators include hotel pickup, park fees, binoculars, and snacks—making costs predictable. Public group tours offer budget-friendly options, while private safaris cater to photographers or families with kids.

Professional guides adjust routes daily based on wildlife reports and weather, ensuring you’re always positioned for the best sightings. The park’s over 300,000 acres are dedicated to wildlife and habitat preservation, providing vast wilderness areas where animals roam freely in their natural environment.

Soak in Natural Hot Springs at Granite Hot Springs or Astoria

Two exceptional hot springs near Jackson offer completely different soaking experiences—Granite Hot Springs delivers a rugged backcountry adventure, while Astoria Hot Springs provides convenient roadside relaxation with modern amenities.

Granite Hot Springs sits 25 miles southeast via an 11-mile gravel road in summer. You’ll find a historic 1930s cement pool fed by natural springs, with temperatures reaching 104-112°F in winter. Expect mid-teens pricing for adults.

Winter access requires snowmobiles or cross-country skis for a truly memorable backcountry experience.

Astoria Hot Springs Park offers multiple pools at varying temperatures, just 20 minutes south on paved Highway 26/89. You’ll need advance reservations for two-hour sessions at around $25 for adults. The waters contain mineral compounds that make them ideal for therapeutic soaking sessions.

The facility features modern amenities including changing rooms and family-friendly pools.

Mountain Bike the Cache Creek Trail System and Lift-Accessed Routes

Just 1.6 miles from Town Square, the Cache Creek trail system delivers Jackson Hole’s most accessible mountain biking experience without the expense of lift tickets or resort fees. You’ll find the densest concentration of trails in Jackson Hole, with cross-country singletrack and doubletrack routes shared by hikers, runners, and cyclists.

Start with the popular Putt Putt Trail’s 4.2-mile loop through meadows and forest, or tackle Hagen’s connectors for higher-elevation adventures. The Cache Creek Trail itself offers beginner-friendly riding with gentle grades at 6,800-7,200 feet elevation. Riders can access trails from either the Cache Creek Trail Head or Nelson Drive Trail Head, with the Cache Creek option providing the easiest entry point.

If you’re craving lift-served thrills, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort features 21 machine-built trails with berms and jumps, while Grand Targhee offers 40+ trails emphasizing both climbing and descending for full mountain experiences.

Stroll Jackson’s Famous Town Square With Its Four Elk-Antler Arches

Four towering elk-antler arches frame Jackson’s Town Square, creating the most photographed landmark in Wyoming and your gateway to exploring downtown’s Western charm.

Each 14,000-pound structure contains thousands of naturally shed elk antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge—no animals are harmed for these iconic arches.

You’ll find yourself at the heart of Jackson’s social scene, where boardwalks connect all four corners and create perfect photo opportunities. These arches serve as popular backdrops for wedding photos and celebrations throughout the year.

The arches, rebuilt between 2007-2013, should last until the 2040s.

Visit during May’s ElkFest to experience the annual Elk Antler Auction, where Boy Scouts sell additional shed antlers to support local programs and refuge conservation.

It’s completely free to explore and photograph this Western landmark.

Take a Day Trip to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring

While most Jackson Hole visitors stick to local attractions, you can easily reach Yellowstone’s most famous geothermal wonders in a single day trip. The drive to Yellowstone’s South Entrance takes 1.5-2 hours, then another hour to Old Faithful. Plan for a full 10-12 hour commitment covering 250+ miles.

Old Faithful erupts every 60-110 minutes, reaching up to 184 feet high. Check the visitor center’s prediction board to time your visit. Arrive early since parking fills by late morning during peak season.

Grand Prismatic Spring sits just 15 minutes away in Midway Geyser Basin. This football-field-sized hot spring displays stunning rainbow colors from heat-loving bacteria. Walk the boardwalk for close-up views, or hike the easy 1.2-mile Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail for Instagram-worthy aerial shots. The surrounding Firehole River supports the thermal features and offers excellent fishing opportunities for those wanting to extend their visit.

The Sum Up

You’ll discover Jackson Hole offers something for every budget and adventure level. Don’t feel pressured to do everything—pick a few activities that match your interests and wallet. Mix free options like the town square and scenic drives with splurge experiences like the aerial tram. Pack layers, bring snacks, and book accommodations early to save money. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline or relaxation, Jackson Hole won’t disappoint your Wyoming adventure.