Summer is in full swing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Overwhelmed or just not sure what to do, don’t worry we’ve got you covered with Jackson’s very own “Top 10” things you and your family must do while visiting. Remember summer’s playing as a limited run engagement and you don’t want to miss out, so get after it while you can.
10) Jackson Hole Rodeo
Billed, as “Where the West is still wild!” the rodeo is a great place to watch exciting live events that include Bull Riding, Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, and Roping. Take the family and see what all the western excitement is about. Save $5 when you buy your tickets online. For dates and more info go to jhrodeo.com.
9) Alpine Slide
Who says you can’t slide down a mountain in the summer time? Forget freezing temps and a bunch of bulky ski gear; just cruise as fast as you want down the mountain on the Alpine Slide at Snow King. The kids will love it and want to do it again and again and again, luckily there is 5-ride pass for that. For more info go to snowkingmountain.com.
8) Jackson Hole Playhouse
Grab dinner and a show at the historic Jackson Hole Playhouse. Shows are western themed musicals. The comedy Paint Your Wagon is currently playing now through October. For ticket info go to jacksonplayhouse.com.
7) Go Hiking
The best place to see the beauty of Jackson Hole is up close and in the great outdoors, so take the family and your pack and hit the trail for some exercise. With endless options, ask a local or the front desk of where you’re staying because everyone has their favorite trail and usually they are excited to share it with you.
6) Art Walk
Jackson is a major art destination and what better way to check out the art scene than at the Jackson Hole Gallery Association’s Art Walk. It’s the third Thursday of every month from 5-8 pm. So, grab a glass of wine and make your way from gallery to gallery and see everything from western to contemporary art.
5) Town Square
Take the family and head to the town square to see what really makes this western town unique. With plenty of souvenir shopping and restaurants to choose from when you get hungry. Make sure you stop to snap a family picture at the world famous elk-antler arches that border the park to remember your trip, it’s pretty much mandatory.
4) Bar J Chuckwagon Dinner
A Jackson vacation isn’t complete without dinner at the Bar J Chuckwagon. It’s the perfect western barbecue with all the fixings. The Bar J Wranglers provide the music, stories, and comedy for this cowboy tradition. For pricing and info go to barjchuckwagon.com.
3) Scenic or Whitewater River Trip
Nothing beats the summer heat like getting out and floating the river. The town offers a ton of world-class river companies that will provide you and your family with the ideal float trip down the scenic Snake River. With plenty of packages and times of day available, pick the perfect trip for your family.
2) Ride the Tram
To get the best view of this amazing place you gotta go 4,139 vertical feet to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Taking the tram sure beats walking to the top for views you’ll never ever forget. Up top there is plenty of hiking as well as Corbet’s Cabin for food and drinks if you get hungry. Buy your tickets online and save $5. For times and prices go to jacksonhole.com.
1) Visit the National Parks
Yellowstone is America’s first National Park and for good reason. It houses the world’s largest collection of geysers, so be sure to see the most famous one, Old Faithful. The wonders of Yellowstone are too many to list, so check in at a visitor center and see what appeals to you and then go exploring.
Grand Teton National Park is the quieter park of the two and offers majestic views of the Teton mountain range from just about anywhere in the park. A great bet is to head to Jenny Lake for a boat ride and hike to Inspiration Point or take in the quiet beauty of the Chapel of Transfiguration. In both parks you’ll have a ton of opportunities to view wildlife, just make sure you watch them safely from a distance.